The Swan Valley Student-led Genders and Sexuality Alliance Group held their second Swan Valley Pride Event on Saturday, (June. 10) with a great show of supporters attending the event.

The Dauphin Mavericks opened the Rugby Manitoba season with a pair of wins in Winnipeg, Saturday.

In the first game of a doubleheader, the Mavericks scored a 15-5 win over the Winnipeg Wasps, followed by a dominating 60-0 victory over the Winnipeg Assassins.

Mavericks player-coach Codi Harrigan said the team played well.

“They’ve been showing up for practice. We’re running our systems and we tries some guys in new spots this year and it went over really well,” he said.

The team began practicing in early May, getting 15 to 18 players out.

But the team had been running indoors throughout the winter, which has helped with their conditioning.

Harrigan said they went to Winnipeg with 17 players, giving them two substitutes to utilize, which worked out really well.

Opening with a pair of wins is big for the program, which is now in its second season of playing in the Rugby Manitoba’s M League.

“You always want to start off with a bang and I think that’s a really good start to the season. The guys are fired up, for sure,” Harrigan said.

The team, Harrigan said, came out strong and deserved the two wins.

“The Assassins came out in the second half with their Div. 1 team and we still shut them out and we still scored on them,” he said. “We still kept them at bay. We didn’t even let them into our zone to score. That just goes to show how well we’re working together as a team and everybody has taken to the system well.”

Working on their conditioning early was a key factor to the team’s strong start.

“The referee in our games was just surprised at how well that we’ve developed since last year. And he said that we could definitely be taking on some Div. 1 teams,” Harrigan said.

Rugby Manitoba moved to three divisions this year, with two premier divisions, as well as the M League in which the Mavericks play.

But in speaking with Patrick Ryan, executive director of Rugby Manitoba, Harrigan learned one team has potentially folded.

“So really, the schedule is still up in the air and he hopes to have that nailed down by the end of this week for us. We’ve had some dates changing and we’re really flying by the seat of our pants right now,” he said.

Mountain View School Division is celebrating the updating of its Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) and Intervention protocol.

“It’s a long title, but in short, it is looking at having the school division partner with community agencies to help make our community a safe place. So that when we have incidents of violence that occur anywhere in our community, we can activate this protocol. We can follow what is written within it and we can share information expeditiously,” MVSD superintendent and CEO Stephen Jaddock said at a signing ceremony last week.

“Oftentimes the faster that we can share information and not have to worry about cutting through some red tape, it’s going to be helpful and that’s what essentially this is all about.”

Originally developed in 2013, Jaddock said it was time to update the protocol to reflect the current environment and to welcome new signatories to the document.

Signatories of the original document included Child and Family Services, General Authority, Community and Youth Corrections, Cree Nation Child and Family Caring Agency, Dauphin at Risk Teens (DART), Michif Child and Family Services, Prairie Mountain Health, RCMP West District D Division and West Region Child and Family Services.

The City of Dauphin has been welcomed as a new signatory to the revised protocol and Jaddock said more partners will be welcomed as they present themselves.

“Our goal is to invite new community groups to level one violence threat risk assessment training with MVSD trainers to build a better understanding of the VTRA process and the necessity of a multi-disciplinary approach. As new community organizations train to a level one VTRA, they will be invited to sign the community protocol, because then they’ve been made aware of what it’s all about and then they can sign on knowing what they’re getting into,” he said.

“In terms of Mountain View School Division, we need to remember that we have seven communities, so we’re looking at partner agencies in each of those seven communities that we can bring on, as well as all those municipalities themselves signed on to this. The City of Dauphin is really the only municipality at this point, but we will continue to work to bring others.”

Jaddock said through the updated document, MVSD is recommitting its efforts to collaborate with community partners to make schools and communities safe.

The protocol supports collaborative planning among youth, families, schools and community agencies to reduce violence and to reflect safe, caring and restorative approaches. It fosters timely sharing of information about individuals who pose a risk for violence towards themselves or others while respecting an individual’s right to privacy to the fullest extent possible.

“In Mountain View School Division, where we would have youth at risk, (a threat) might originate in the schools and where a threat has occurred, then we need to proceed accordingly. And we have a protocol that says that every threat will be investigated and followed up on it, so there’s no fooling around, there’s no playing or (saying) it’s just a joke. We do need to investigate,” Jaddock said. “And if we do investigate and our preliminary steps do indicate that it is just a joke, then we don’t need to take it further, we don’t need to activate the full protocol. But when we find that, yes, there is a reasonable threat and it is not the normal activity of particular students, then we would raise it to a violence threat risk assessment and that our protocols would jump into place.”

Jaddock added there was recently a situation where the VTRA protocol was activated.

“We were able to share with our community partners in a very quick fashion. So there’s benefits to it and we are seeing that already,” he said.

Assiniboine Community College Parkland Campus celebrated the graduation of 67 students at a convocation ceremony, Friday afternoon in Credit Union Place.

Following opening remarks from Parkland Campus director Carol Stewart and greetings from ACC president Mark Frison, Assiniboine Alumni Association president Kayla Gillis of the Class of 2008, welcomed the graduates to the association.

Then Carla Prokopchuk and Praise Manoj Joseph, both graduates of the practical nursing program, gave the valedictory address.

Prokopchuk opened by congratulating all of the graduates.

“All that money spent, sleep lost, tears shed, emotional drainage and, maybe even some short tempers with family and friends . . . it was all worth it. We stand here together as a testament to the ambition and drive that each and every one of you has shown to reach this remarkable milestone,” she said. “Take a moment to bask in your achievements. You have worked tirelessly to get to this point and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

While the graduates should take pride in their individual achievements, Prokopchuk reminded them that it was not a solo journey as there were many individuals who contributed to their success.

“And it’s important to acknowledge their contributions,” she added.

Joseph began his remarks by offering thanks to the nursing instructors - Gloria Campbell, Melanie Hawranik-Sobering and Cheryl Sorenson-Voight.

“Their wealth of knowledge, experience and patience has been a guiding light for all of us on this challenging journey,” he said. “From the very beginning, when we didn’t know where to insert a catheter, to successfully inserting our first IV in a real person with real blood, and experiencing that glorious flashback, they were there with us every step of the way. Their unwavering dedication and constant encouragement kept us motivated even when we felt discouraged.”

Prokopchuk then spoke about the debt of gratitude owed to “family, friends, support systems, therapists, life coaches and everyone who has stood by our side throughout this demanding educational experience.”

“You stuck with us even when we may have been a bit unbalanced and unbearable, living on limited sleep, fueled by copious amounts of caffeine, surrounded by mountains of books and papers, dealing with crashing laptops, anxiously waiting for loan money to come through,” she added. “And let’s not forget all those times we practiced our skills on you, take deep breaths as we assessed lung sounds, until you want to pass out, or nervously questioned whether we were hearing a heart murmur. You have been our pillars of strength and support and for that, we are forever grateful.” Joseph then took the time to recognize the achievements of their fellow graduates from the other programs offered at ACC Parkland Campus, stating they came together as a diverse group of individuals who have completed programs in Mature Student High School, STRIVE Succeeding in the Work World, Anishinaabe Financial Management, Human Resources, Medical Administration, Applied Counselling Skills, Comprehensive Health Care Aide and Applied Electrical Installation.

Prokopchuk pointed out each program has its own unique value and has made a significant impact on the college community, which they all worked hard to achieve.

“You will all make your mark in your chosen profession and paths, and I hope you do so with confidence and strength,” she added.

Joseph told the graduates to draw inspiration from those who came before them, quoting Florence Nightingale and Steven Jobs.

“Today, we join the ranks of those who have embraced their passions and committed themselves to making a difference,” he added.

The possibilities for their future careers are vast, Prokopchuk said. For some, graduation marks the first step towards establishing a career, while for others, it may be a continuation of a path long dreamed of.

“Whatever it may be, I have no doubt that you will all shine brilliantly in your respective fields. The countless hours we’ve dedicated to our studies have equipped us with the knowledge and skills to excel,” she said, adding the journey is not over as nursing, like many other disciplines, is always evolving, requiring lifelong learning and adapting to new challenges.

Noting the graduates have shown determination, a strong work ethic and the relentless pursuit of their goals, Joseph told the graduates they stand on the precipice of a new chapter in their lives.

“Let us carry forward the passion we hold to care for others. May our practical work reflect the compassion, skill and empathy that we have honed during our nursing education,” he said.

“Let us never forget the profound impact we can make through our actions.”

Prokopchuk encouraged all graduates to embark on their respective journeys with integrity, compassion and unwavering committment.

“By doing so, we will earn the respect of our peers and colleagues, making a positive impact in the industry of our choosing and beyond. Remember that success is not solely defined by the title we hold or the degrees we earn, but by the impact we make in the lives of others,” she said.

In closing, Joseph extended his heartfelt congratulations.

“This ia a significant achievement, one that will forever hold a special place in our lives. As we venture into the world beyond these college walls, let us cherish the bonds we’ve formed and the lessons we’ve learned,” he said.

“Remember that you have the power to make a difference, not just in your chosen profession, but in the lives of others.”

The Class of 2023 are:

Adult Learning and Upgrading Programs
Mature Student High School, Secondary Diploma - Caleb Diack, Ethan Dumas, Tyson Flesher, Kelsey Genaille, Cole Griffin, Catherine Lavallee, Andrew Little, Emily Ponask, Brayden Tomchuk-O’Neill and Keanu Woodhouse.

STRIVE Succeeding in the Work World, Document of Achievement - Logan Beasse, Holly Gugyelka and Lisa Young.

School of Business

Anishinaabe Financial Management, Advanced Diploma - Taylor Blackbird Thomas, Cayleen Mathews, Dianna Murphy, Rhonda Parenteau.

Human Resources Certificate - Brittany Anderson, Stephen Anderson, Adam Baptiste, Patricia Desjarlais, Adrienne Flatfoot, Chantel Flett, Lisa Hunter, Angela Spence, Barbara Sutherland and Gwendolen Traverse.

Medical Adminstration, Diploma - Jessalyn Baker, Rachelle Brass, Jamie Stanley and Chrissy Sutherland.

School of Health and Human Services

Applied Counselling Skills, Certificate - Amanda Beaulieu, Jolene Blackbird, Deidre Catcheway, Sarah Catcheway, Cynthia Dunn, Marla Malcolm, Myrna Malcolm, Stacy Maytwayashing.

School of Nursing

Comprehensive Health Care Aide, Certificate - Isabella Abraham, Dawson Dyck, Kylie Paterson and Candace Toderian.

Practical Nursing, Diploma - Abimbola Akinlotan, Taylor Bernat, Jasleen Brar, Grace Dadia, Sadie Erlendson, Brittany Hannah, Rachel King, Meghan Langevin, Erica Lavallee, Jenna Mahara, Kanwalnain Marahar, Beverly Palmer, Praise Manoj Joseph, Carla Prokopchuk, Cortney Quennelle, Megan Romanyshyn, Cheryl Serwa, Kali Thompson and Rhea Vandepoele.

School of Trades

Applied Electrical Installation, Certificate - Macy Buchannon, Tristan Lamirande, Leslie Sutherland and Brysen Thompson.

Dauphin property owners should be watching their mailboxes as the City has sent out its 2023 property tax notices.

Taxes are due by July 31, Dauphin’s director of finance Scott Carr said, adding people are normally very good at providing the money the City uses to fund its operations on time.

“Generally speaking we have over a 90 per cent collection by July 31. When the bills first go out usually we’re really busy and then there’s a bit of a pause. And then late July it starts to get really busy again. But by the end of July, in a typical year, we will have collected 90 per cent or more,” Carr said. “It depends on the year. If you have a few large tax bills still outstanding it could impact that quite a bit, but generally speaking we see it around 90 per cent collected.”

About five years ago the City began offering an automated withdrawal program which allows property owners to pay their taxes through monthly withdrawals right from their bank accounts, Carr said the program is starting to catch on.

“Right now about 10 of people are on it. It started off slow, but as time goes on it’s picking up, Carr said, adding banks are starting to refer customers to the process rather than collecting taxes as part of a mortgage payment. “It just facilitates the collection both from the customer paying point of view and then our collection point of view. It really streamlines the process.

“It’s good for us, it’s good for the customer and it really helps with the collection side of things.”

Those wanting to take part in the program have a couple of options to get started.

“Simply call city hall,” Carr said. “Or we have forms online. Go to dauphin.ca to sign up and we’ll get you set up.”

The Pas Arts Council will be teaming up with KB Coffee to offer a concert and coffeehouse in The Pas called Songs For Trees. Jacob Harvie will open up for the main act, which consists of Norine Braun and Alice Fraser.
Braun was born in Ottawa, raised in Alberta, and is now a Vancouver-based Metis singer, songwriter and recording artist. Norine Braun is on a Prairie Circle Tour this June, alongside partner Alice Fraser, who plays keys and does the harmony vocals.

It’s been an exciting and eventful NHL season for local hometown boy and Minnesota Wild’s Connor Dewar. Dewar has had quite the introduction to his first full season in the NHL and it’s experience that he hopes will take him further along in his career.
“Personally, it was my first full season in the NHL,” said Dewar. “I went in and tried to be humble knowing that I was going to find a lot of things that I would need to improve on and really learn what my strengths and weaknesses are. That’s what this year was about for me; was to find a role on the team, try to fit in and contribute as much as I could.
“It was really exciting to head off the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I wouldn’t say I felt pressured going into the playoffs. I feel like all of us NHL players thrive on pressure, and made it through the ranks by performing well and rising up to the moment. Although the team didn’t feel a lot of pressure going in, the Stanley Cup Playoffs is one of those things where everything has to go right. Obviously, it didn’t go our way and we were disappointed, because we were definitely hungry for more. The team wasn’t satisfied the way it ended, by any means.

With the demand and need for more nurses in Manitoba, it’s nice to see some are eagerly choosing the profession. Lyz Tritthart knew all along they wanted to be a nurse, so it was no surprise that they entered into that field of studies at UCN.
“I grew up wanting to be a nurse but moved to The Pas with my husband at the end of 2017,” said Tritthart. “Due to a misunderstanding on my part, I opted towards a Bachelor of Arts degree. When I realized it would be possible to transfer to the Bachelor of Nursing program instead, I jumped at the opportunity.
“I have been learning at UCN since 2018, and was able to use courses from BA as my year 1 BA, with nursing intent. I have studied for since 2018, but the past three years have been solely BN classes.”

The old Gateway lot next to Giant Tiger was the backdrop for a 39 million dollar announcement Monday. Premier Heather Stefanson stopped in town to announce funding for new medical clinic to be built on that site.
“It was a great day with an exciting announcement for our Tri-Community,” Town of The Pas Mayor Andre Murphy said following the announcement. Murphy thanked the government for their commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities. Work on the clinic from a local level has been on-going for years and despite a 2015 announcement for a medical clinic which did not happen, locally persistence continued.
There are many stakeholders such as the RM of Kelsey, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, NRHA, The Pas Community Development Corporation and others who have worked tirelessly over for many years to see an announcement such as this happen in our communities,” Murphy said, adding a special thanks to Kent Cook and Rod Berezowicki for many years of lobbying, meeting, and “no quit” effort to ensure we achieve this well needed service for our Tri Community.

The Valley can take in some really diverse and authentic barbecue cuisine this summer at a new food truck that has set up shop. Maggie’s BBQ not only makes food for the soul but is also about giving back to the community. The creation of Maggie’s BBQ - and its arrival in the Valley was all because of one very special woman.
“The whole intention of doing this was to bring something to Swan River that the community had never seen or experienced before,” said Maggie’s BQQ Owner and Operator Grant Bruce. “I lost my mom, Margaret Foster, late last fall and she was a pretty well-known figure in the community. I didn’t really know that until later in life.”
Grant and Margaret’s story of coming to the Valley is one of triumph, as they overcame some very personal struggles, only to find a community and place to call home with people who were there to accept and support them.
“I grew up in Bowsman and Birch River areas, but was born and lived my early years in Snow Lake,” said Bruce. “When my parents divorced, we moved to the Valley in 1992. From 1992 to 1997, life for my mom and I was difficult, as we were using the assistance of women’s shelters and food banks just to survive.
“When we moved here, the people in the Valley helped us immensely and it always overwhelmed my mom to the point where she felt she needed to do something to pay it back. Through that, she used her sewing skills and volunteering in the community to give back.
She volunteered a lot at the Legion and other community events. She would also sew for people and didn’t charge a lot for it, as it was her way of paying back. Her life was cut short as she died at only 68 years old.
“To bring this full circle I decided to come out here with the food truck that I owned and operated out British Columbia,” said Bruce.
The pandemic changed a lot of things; from the way people live to how businesses operate. These changes also led Bruce back to the Valley.
“The last few years of operating a food truck in B.C. have been very different,” said Bruce. “Pre-COVID-19, we were doing very well. Post-COVID-19, the demographics of the Okanagan Valley changed immensely to the point where there are fewer young families. We were also short-staffed and it was harder to access foods, which made it hard to operate a food truck there.
“Last fall I cut my season short to spend more time with my mom before her passing. During that time, we had a lot of back-and-forth chats about what I should do. Through one of those conversations, I asked her what she thought about me bringing the food truck to the Swan Valley and renaming it. In my mom’s typical fashion, she laughed and said ‘Oh Grant’.
“After she passed away, I felt there was a big hole left behind in the community from all the messages I was receiving from people here,” continued Bruce. “I received hundreds of personal messages about my mother’s passing and the impact she had on others and the community. I could feel the amount of emptiness left behind from her passing. I felt the need to do something in her memory.”
Bruce felt that creating Maggie’s BBQ out of respect and love for his mom and all that she did was something he just had to do.
“So I had a good friend from Minitonas design a logo for me,” said Bruce. “He took a picture of my mom’s likeness and designed a logo that I never in a million years could have dreamt up. It’s 100 percent to her likeness and when you look at it, it looks exactly like my mom did.
“A little comic relief was when I used to call her Maggie. She would hate when I would call her that and it would drive her to distraction. The only reason I would call her Maggie was because her dad did. As I got older, we would joke about it, but there’s not a more fitting name for my food truck than Maggie’s BBQ.
“I brought my food truck to Manitoba this spring, to just give my mom’s name a little more time on earth,” said Bruce. “This move has turned beyond my expectations and the response from the community is more than I could have asked for. At the end of the day, I’m trying to give my mom’s memory a little more time here and I’m also trying to rewrite my history in the Valley.
“As a youth, I was a pretty bad kid and had a lot of ups and downs in my life as a young adult. I was hoping that this would be my opportunity and the chance to give back to this community as well.
“It’s been nice to connect with people who knew my mom, but had never personally met me before too,” he continued. “I get to hear so many stories of how my mom made an impact in their lives.”
Bruce found his love of cooking from a few different sources and his biggest critic and fan, wound up being his mom.
“When my mom was a single parent, I took on the role of cooking for us and that started when I was eight,” said Bruce. “Mrs. Canada, from the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, taught us food and I delved into watching the Urban Peasant show on TV. I was intrigued by it and wanted to try making what was made on the show.
“Watching this cooking show gave me the flair to cook. At first, my mom would choke down whatever I made and say it was good. I used to make taco salad all the time and it was my favourite thing to make. Just a few months ago, before she passed, I found out she hated it. She never admitted that until just before she passed away. She told me for years that she loved it and it was so good, meanwhile, the entire time she didn’t like it.
“Through the years of me cooking for us, I got a pretty good hand at cooking. I did other work as a logger and running equipment in different provinces, but what led me to do the food truck thing, was a result of the forest fires.
“In 2015, the forest fire issues started to have an impact on my summer jobs, so I had to transition to another line of work,” said Bruce. “So I had to figure out what other skillset I had, so I could look at making a career change, and that was cooking. I started looking into food trucks and it went from there. I would work in the winters and then operate the food truck in the summer, so I wasn’t stranded unemployed or left to claim Employment Insurance; now it’s my full-time gig.”
Maggie’s BBQ has a unique and flavorful menu, unlike anything you will find in the Valley and even around Manitoba. Through Bruce’s travels and life experience, he was able to learn how to make some very authentic ethnic dishes, which rotate through the menu at Maggie’s BBQ.
“In the beginning, I went down to Mexico and travelled around,” said Bruce. “I stopped in a town where this little old lady had a street cart where she made and sold tacos. I ate 30 of those tacos; they were so good. I offered to pay her to show me how to make them and she flat out brushed me off.
“I kept going back to her street cart to eat and three days later, I offered her $100 USD to show me how to make them, because they were so good. She put me to work at her street cart for the next three nights, and I learned how to make authentic Mexican tacos, guacamole and more.
She showed me how to make everything.
“The bacon cheeseburger is really my staple and it comes from being a farm kid,” he continued. “I love beef and steaks, so I never use a frozen patty when it comes to making burgers. I don’t make your regular hamburger; I just use ground beef and spice and it translates into something really flavourful.
“When it comes to the A5 Kobe Waygu, I worked with a Japanese Teppanyaki Chef and he now supplies restaurants with A5 Kobe from Japan. A5 Kobe Waygu can only come from one place in the world and that’s Kobe, Japan. They create a zen when raising the animal and feed it accordingly to create a marble within the meat that is unparalleled to anything in the world. The first time you eat that meat, it changes your life.”
He’s got a few other selections that are sure to make your mouth water as well.
“A Po’ Boy is an amazingly flavorful double-smoked garlic sausage grilled on a toasted bun, garnished with sauerkraut, onions, mustard and banana peppers,” said Bruce, describing more of his offerings. “Banh Mi is a Vietnamese-style sandwich that has a lightly toasted bun with garlic aioli, shaved smoked ham, a layer of sliced cucumber, a layer of pickled carrots and a layer of cilantro. Pollo Al Carbon, which is charcoal chicken tacos made authentically Mexican style.
“A donair is a Turkish food consisting of seasoned meat, which I use beef, on a pita with tomatoes, onion and sauce. We also have pork tacos, pulled pork, the McRib sandwich, Wagyu Bites, and wings.”
Maggie’s BBQ is definitely in demand, as the food truck is being booked for events and festivals all over.
“We are booked in for Countryfest this year and a few other events as well in the coming weeks,” said Bruce. “We’re going to run Monday to Friday in the Swan River and the weekends will be events.”
Bruce will be splitting his time between here and B.C. The response he has received since opening up Maggie’s BBQ will bring him back every summer to keep it going and to give back to the community that gave so much to him and his mother.
“I have two children, family and a life out in B.C., but I also have a life here and own property in Durban and Birch River,” said Bruce. “My intentions going forward are to spend the summers in the Valley and winters in the Okanagan.
“I thank my mom for my sense of adventure, exploring and community. The reviews from town about the food are amazing and I’m overwhelmed by it. I thank everyone for sharing their stories about my mom, expressing their condolences in her passing and for the tremendous support with this venture.”