Opaskwayak Education Services (OES) has been committed to learning more about other cultures on an educational level as well as sharing Indigenous culture around the world. One way this has been happening is through a world conference that brings together several Aboriginal and Indigenous cultures all over the world to share in a learning atmosphere. Cindy Swampy from Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) has been attending this conference for many years.
“A group of 12 of us educators, including myself and my husband, went to World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) held in Auckland, New Zealand,” said Swampy. “I’ve been working with Opaskwayak Education for 22 years, working as a teacher and have been going to WIPCE for several years. WIPCE is held every two or three years and the next one will be held in 2028.
“WIPCE offers a variety of educational and learning classes on all topics. It is based on Indigenous learning.”

There is a new friendly face working at the Sam Waller Museum as the Education and Programming Coordinator. David Makepeace has been working at the museum for a few weeks now and is also a new addition to the community.
“I started in this role and arrived here in The Pas just over two weeks ago,” Makepeace.
Makepeace has vast experience working in museums on the East Coast and has always had a keen interest in history.
“I’m from New Brunswick, from a small community, nestled among the hills and valleys of the St. John River Valley,” said Makepeace. “I studied history at St. Thomas University in the province's capital of Fredericton.

The Pas Tri-Community Foundation (TPTCF) is proud to announce a generous $100,000 contribution from Murray and Karen Haukaas, the Haukaas Family, and the team at Twin Motors, directed to TPTCF’s Community Unrestricted Fund. This remarkable gift will provide flexible support for local programs and initiatives across The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), and the RM of Kelsey.
For years, the Haukaas Family has been a steadfast supporter of the region, consistently championing projects that strengthen community life, support families, and encourage local development. From sponsoring local events to supporting community programs, their commitment to giving back has made a lasting impact on residents throughout the region.

Christmas came early for the Roblin Fire & Rescue department with the arrival on Wednesday of the Municipality of Roblin’s new pumper from Seahawk Services of Carman and Acres Emergency Vehicles in Wawanesa.
Based on a 2025 Freightliner Cabin chassis, the new unit replaces the department’s old #3 pumper which was sold earlier in the year to the Municipality of Ethelbert.
Check out the pics and details in this week’s Review.

Thunderhill Courts in Benito celebrated 50 years with a Christmas gathering last Tuesday night (Dec. 9). Residents, family members, invited guests and volunteers came together to celebrate the milestone anniversary. The common room was overfilled as everyone enjoyed welcoming addresses from Municipality of Swan Valley West Reeve Bill Gade, Swan River MLA Rick Wowchuk and Terry Papp, representing the Benito Knights of Columbus, an organization that was instrumental in the building of the facilty a half century ago. After a welcome from host, Lorraine Goodman, everyone was treated to the sounds of the Swan River Mennonite Choir, and, of course, a visit from Santa himself. Atlee Papp  helps Santa fill out her wish list with some helpful hints.

The North-West Regional Library in Swan River once again hosted their Festival of Trees from Dec. 2-13, inviting individuals, businesses and community groups to put their own flair on a Christmas tree inside the library. Pictured here, one of many custom ornate decorations on the tree representing Valley Dental Studio...

A post-secondary student and now author has published a children’s book on Indigenous culture and teachings that is now available for purchase. Phoenix R. Thomas recently wrote, illustrated and published the book, The Adventures of Lily and Mini: Did You Know? Animal Edition!. Thomas resides in The Pas and attends UCN. The idea for the book came from Thomas’ desire to want to write one, which also then turned into a class project.
“My parents are Jack and Cynthia Thomas,” said Thomas. “We didn’t originate here in The Pas; we moved here when I was nine years old and have lived here ever since. I’m 28 years old, a mother of two children with my partner.
“This was my first time writing a book. I’m currently enrolled at UCN as a second-year business student. This was a project for one of the courses I’m taking called Entrepreneurial Development.”

The Manitoba First Nations Police Services Opaskwayak Cree Nation Detachment is looking to brighten up Christmas for some children in Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN). They are hosting a toy drive to collect as many new toys or gifts for children this holiday season.
“MFNP wants to make sure all the kids in OCN have a Merry Christmas, and so, we are collecting toys to give to families who need help this holiday season,” said MFNP Constable Randi Curry. “Once we have collected the toys, we will team up with local organizations and groups for distribution.
“If you are part of an OCN group, agency, or board, and would like to assist with providing a list of children or families to receive toys, please reach out to Irene Hucaluk at Manitoba First Nations Police – OCN.”
People can drop off new toys or gifts for children from now until just before Christmas. There are two locations to drop these items off at.
“The Toy Drive is on now until December 20,” said Constable Curry. “New toys can be dropped off for donation from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, 235 Waller Road or at the Otineka Mall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We will be collecting toys for all ages up to 18 years old. We are collecting new and unopened or unused items such as toys, books, games, blankets, activity sets, etc.”

The annual Mistletoe Magic kick-off event was in full effect this past weekend (Dec. 6) with hotdogs and hot chocolate available, a meeting with Santa, and checking out the beautiful lights at the Swan Valley Historical Museum...

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra presented “Good Grief” A Charlie Brown Christmas performance at the SVRSS this last Friday (Dec. 5). The group was up at 3 a.m. on Friday morning to make their way to Swan River to perform for the many in the Christmas spirit.