Opasquia Times
UCN reaffirms commitment to Indigenous Education
The University College of the North (UCN) is proud to announce its reaffirmed commitment to Indigenous education. UCN joins Manitoba's six universities, threecolleges, and the Manitoba School Boards Association in re‐signing the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint (the Blueprint) on Friday, April 14.
In 2015, the partners signed the Blueprint, a partnership to advance ten commitments informed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action. The Blueprint's primary goal is to prioritize Indigenous education in Manitoba and address barriers Indigenous students face to achieve equitable education.
"UCN's participation in the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint exemplifies our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that respects and celebrates Indigenous knowledge, culture, and values," said Doug Lauvstad, UCN President and Vice‐Chancellor.
MMF citizenship cards now recognized
The Manitoba government is recognizing Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) citizenship cards as a primary form of identification to purchase liquor, cannabis and gaming products in Manitoba, Premier Heather Stefanson announced.
“The Manitoba government is continuing to advance reconciliation and honour the vital contributions of the Red River Métis in shaping Manitoba’s history and culture,” said Stefanson. “These changes will remove barriers for Indigenous Peoples to access products and services such as those regulated by the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA).”
Free provincial park access
The Manitoba government will once again offer free park entry for the entire month of February so Manitobans and visitors can take advantage of the many winter activities available in provincial parks, Environment, Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton announced.
“In Manitoba’s provincial parks, winter is a season worth celebrating,” said Wharton. “Our government is pleased to make it easier for Manitobans to participate in invigorating, enjoyable winter experiences surrounded by our province’s natural beauty.”
Trappers’ Chair spills the tea
The 76th Annual Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival is quickly approaching with opening ceremonies taking place two weeks from today.
This year’s board of directors has been working diligently to ensure that the 2023 Festival is as exciting as last years event, and with no COVID restrictions in place, organizers are excited to be able to hold the events just like before the pandemic.
“Our board has been spending hundreds of hours preparing for all the usual Trappers’ Festival events,” 2023 Festival Chairperson Desarae Lambert commented. Lambert explained this year’s Festival will be full steam ahead and she hopes the community is as excited as the board is
Fire department deals with late night structure fire
The Pas Fire Department responded to a late night structure fire over the weekend.
On Saturday at approximately 12:49 am the department received the report of the fire on Bignell Ave.
According to Duty Officer Matt Pecar, the structure was fully involved with the adjacent structure starting to catch fire.
“Crews brought the fire under control,” Pecar noted. He added the first structure was a wooden shed was a loss while the second structure had extensive damage to the side and roof.
Times editor excited to continue to work with tri-community
By now I’m sure we at the Opasquia Times have thrown some of our readers and people we interview for a real loop. Not since Bill Bannock’s column have we had so much confusion as to who is who in the newsroom. Many of you may have picked up on the difference in last names that appear at the end of the columns; rest assured, we haven’t made another Jennifer up.
There are two Jennifers now at the Opasquia Times. Jenn Cook remains the General Manager and Jennifer Laviolette is the new Editor. We just felt that two Jennifers are better than one.
Jennifer Laviolette will be working as our new editor remotely from her home in Grandview, Manitoba. She also writes for our sister papers, the Swan Valley Star and Times and the Roblin Review. Laviolette has 15 years experience working in the media in both the newspaper and radio industry.
Enjoy the sunshine without the sniffles
Spring is in full swing – which means that allergy season has arrived in full force for many in Manitoba. Just like many other facets of our lives, the pandemic has had a long-term impact on allergies. Over-the-counter allergy medicine demand in Canada has grown by 14 per cent in the last two years, indicating that the pandemic's ongoing stress may be affecting allergies. While I can't take your stress away, as a pharmacist, I can help you get through allergy season by helping you manage your specific allergy symptoms.
The last two years have been difficult — one-quarter of Canadians report high levels of stress on most days, and almost half report that their stress levels are worse than before the pandemic. According to research, stress hormones can amplify the already excessive immune system response to allergens, resulting in more frequent and severe allergy flare-ups.
New group works to upgrade Highway 283
The Gateway Keewatin Corridor Group has formed a special committee to advocate the Manitoba Government for capital upgrades to Highway 283 west of The Pas.
Gateway Keewatin Corridor Inc. has spent the past number of years working on a inter provincial trade corridor between The Pas Manitoba and Nipawin Saskatchewan. This corridor will benefit both provinces through increased economic activity, greater access to customers and economic savings for businesses as well as public safety.
Successful spay and neuter clinic held in April
COVID has had a major impact on the operations and activities of a number of things within the community and efforts to host a spay and neuter clinic were no exception. Now after much planning and organizing, Bonnie Meadows of Precious Pet Kennels was happy to report a successful clinic held last month.
“I’ve been trying to do a clinic for two years but because of COVID we haven’t been able to,” Meadows said. After about three months of planning however, Meadows was able to gather enough interest and funds to host a team in the community and offer the spay and neuter service.
MBCI grad class hosts bud spud and steak
The Lower Banquet Room of the Wescana Inn was packed the evening of Saturday, April 23rd with graduates, family, and friends coming out for this year’s Bud Spud & Steak night and entertainment evening.
The audience was treated to a wonderful meal and a diverse range of entertainment. The evening began with the MBCI Jazz Band, led by Heather Gibson, along with graduating students Jordan Bottcher, Jack Werstroh, Xander Wadelius and Joey Seymour,