Opasquia Times
One of the Blizzard’s most cherished fans
On March 4, 2025, the residents of the St. Claude Health Center started a Playoff Support project. The residents picked their favourite team and coloured their logo. Lyla Thevenot, a Red River Métis citizen, cheered for the Northern Manitoba Blizzard. She loved the north and had an extensive knowledge of the history of the land and people. She was an ambassador for Métis culture to all she knew, teaching beading, making moccasins, and playing the fiddle. Her musical talent was known by many in the Métis community through singing, playing guitar, banjo, and piano. She was well known for her hospitality.
Blizzard’s Alex Andre is chosen as a Community Ambassador
Each year, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League announces a Community Ambassador Team that includes one player from each team in the league.
Players are chosen for their outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship on the ice as well as off the ice, with a dedication to volunteering within their home team community.
With the support of RBC, each player can donate to an organization of their choice.
Alex Andre, from Northern Manitoba Blizzard, chose to donate to Opasquia School. Alex has played a major role in many of our after-school clubs, including Science, Lego, Pow Wow and Sports with the Blizzard. He has also volunteered for school-wide events when his busy schedule allowed him.
Alex, you are a true role model for our students, showing them how hard work, dedication and helping others go a long way for our community.
Family library night takes flight with a cultural journey to India
Opasquia School’s Family Library Night committee launched its exciting Around the World theme this month with a breathtaking trip to India—no official passport required, just imagination and community spirit.
This month, families picked up their passports from Service Opasquia and boarded Flight #1024 on Opasquia Airlines. After a smooth flight, participants were welcomed to India with a stunning peacock-themed rangoli and warm smiles from dedicated volunteers.
OCN breaks ground on new commercial strip
OCN is proud to announce the groundbreaking of a new commercial strip development, a project that has been 20 years in the making. The groundbreaking ceremony takes place on April 25, 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in OCN history and development. The commercial strip is located on Highway 10 North in OCN.
OCN is employing the services of their newly acquired company. Sohkatan Contracting is a partnership developed with two Indigenous owned entities, Lonona Contracting and Paskwayak Business Development Corporation. Sohkatan Contracting is committed to utilizing local resources for equipment and labour.
Jimmy Jackfish Ice Fishing Derby reels in success
The annual Jimmy Jackfish Ice Fishing Derby was a resounding success drawing more than 400 participants from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and even as far as Ontario and Alberta.
“We were excited to host such a great turnout,” said Johanna McLauchlan, chairperson of the derby. “It’s amazing to see so many people come together for this event.”
The Pas 4-H Helping Hands brush up on communication skills
The Pas Helping Hands hosted its annual Communications Extravaganza on March 5, 2025, at The Pas Golden Agers Centre. Communications is a year-round activity. We include communication training throughout the year. Having members make motions, stand to answer a creative roll call, or participate in group discussions will give members more confidence to speak in front of a group. These small steps will all add up to a more successful final activity, whatever each member chooses to do during the extravaganza.
Speaking in front of a group is the number one fear of Canadian adults, but not for those who have been in the 4-H program. 4-H Alumni often list communication skills as one of the biggest assets they have gained from the 4-H program. Practicing communication activities in a club setting not only builds member’s confidence but also helps them to effectively convey their thoughts and opinions to others.
RCMP search for male wanted on weapons charges and assault
Michael Mason Campbell, 27, is wanted by Moose Lake RCMP for Assault x2, along with a number of weapons charges.
Campbell is 5’6” tall, 145lbs and travels frequently between Moose Lake and The Pas. He is considered armed and dangerous, and if seen, do not approach.
Please call Moose Lake RCMP at 204-678-2399 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Natural skin care that is made just for you
“In my early teens, I stopped using skin care and body products that were tested on animals or used animal ingredients,” said Skin Care by Corinna Brand Creator Corinna Medwid. “Then, in my late 20s, I added synthetic ingredients to my list of banned ingredients when it came to products.
“It wasn’t until a decade later I began to research and learn how to formulate and create my own skin care products using high quality, sustainable, ethical, cruelty-free and environmentally friendly sourced natural plant and mineral based ingredients. Once I had all the information I needed, I created and began selling all-natural skin care products that use high-quality ingredients, are simple to use and affordable for the average person to achieve healthy skin. I then completed by diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation.
Pre-Law offered coming to the north this fall
Beginning in September 2024, University College of the North (UCN) and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law will deliver selected courses designed to help prepare Indigenous and northern students for entry into law school. Pre-Law at UCN will provide a solid academic background for entry into a career in the legal profession.
This programming has been designed in partnership with representatives of the Faculty of Law at Robson Hall (U of M), Northern Bar Association, the Law Society of Manitoba, Legal Aid Manitoba and Provincial Court Judge Todd Rambow.
“UCN is responding to the pressing need for lawyers in northern Manitoba who live in the north and understand the life circumstances of northern and Indigenous Manitobans,” said Doug Lauvstad, President and Vice-Chancellor of UCN. “Providing students with opportunities to complete Pre-Law in northern Manitoba will help address shortages in the legal profession in the north.” Pre-Law course opportunities under development will include courses that provide students with skills and competencies needed for successful entry into law school. Pre Law at UCN will see enhanced advising, student counselling, mentorships, and coaching supports that will help ensure that students are better prepared for the rigours of law school, as well as preparation for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). “The legal community in Manitoba has come together to extend legal education training in northern Manitoba,” said Provincial Court Judge, Todd Ram bow. “We are delighted that Pre-Law coursework will be available to help ensure that the north is served by competent, capable and qualified lawyers who are from the north.” Pre-Law course opportunities are expected to be offered at UCN’s main campuses in Thompson and The Pas beginning in September 2024. Pre-Law course opportunities will be offered in communities in the near future. Interested students can contact student-recruitment@ucn. ca for further information on this exciting opportunity. University College of the North provides learning opportunities to north ern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values
The Pas RCMP respond to serious stabbing incident
On January 19, 2024, at approximately 3:50 pm, The Pas RCMP responded to a serious stabbing incident in the 300 block of Edwards Avenue. Two people were severely injured.
No further reports of violence have been received. However, one or more suspects remain at large. The RCMP is asking residents of The Pas and area to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
The investigation is in its very early stages and police remain on scene at this time. People are asked to avoid the area if possible and motorists are asked to be aware of emergency personnel working on scene.
When this incident occurred, there were many people in the vicinity, and police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and saw something.