A recent fire broke out on May 3, which led to The Pas Fire Department, Opaskwayak Fire Department and Manitoba Wildfire Services to be called in to suppress and extinguish the fire. It moved closer to the tri-community, which led to an evacuation of Big Eddy, Carrot River and Bracken Dam. At the time, residents were to go to the Veterans Hall in Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Later, on Sunday, residents of Big Eddy could return to their homes. Residents in Bracken Dam were still under an evacuation order and were not permitted to return to the area. Any residents in these communities who felt uneasy about returning home due to the uncertainty of the situation, could continue to access temporary shelter at either the Veterans Hall or the Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre.

The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their sixth annual Spring Granting Night on Wednesday (April 30) at the Swan Valley Historical Museum, presenting several grants to various community organizations around the Swan Valley.
“We’re here not only to celebrate some amazing projects happening across the Swan Valley, but also recognizing the 20th anniversary of the CFSV,” said CFSV President Patti Henkelman, in her opening remarks.
“Over the past 20 years, including the grants presented tonight, the Foundation will have granted more than $1.5 million back into our community, supporting youth, education, recreation, culture and so much more. The Foundation has grown to reach $4.4 million in actual donations as of April 30 this year. Now we are working towards our next big milestone of $5 million with our Drive for Five campaign.
“The Drive for Five isn’t just about hitting a financial target,” Henkelman continued. “It’s about building long-term sustainability. It’s about ensuring that our communities will continue to thrive over generations to come.”
The evening kicked off with some musical entertainment from the talented Terri Boyd and Harper Dahl, singing and playing music for a few numbers, before the CFSV handed out 17 grants to community organizations.
• Benito Splash Park Committee – $50,000 in two parts for the Benito Splash Park build
• Benito and Area Drop-in Centre – $2,400 for building exterior renovation and repair
• Durban Commuity Cemetery – $5,000 for a cemetery information centre
• Swan Valley Snowmobile Association – $8,000 for Phase 3 of a shop heating system
• Swan River and District Community Resource Council – $4,000 for a commercial dishwasher in Heritage Manor
• Steeprock Bay Bible Camp – $1,250 for archery program equipment upgrade
• Swan River Nursery School Inc. – $5,000 for bathroom renovations
• Tread the Thunder Bike Club – $2,000 for a trail groomer
• Minitonas and Bowsman COPP – $2,000 for COPP operating equipment purchase
• Minitonas and District Arena – $3,500 for a water fountain and bottle filling station
• Wellman Lake United Church Camp – $8,000 for Phase 2 of a water system upgrade
• Swan Valley Girls Softball Association – $2,000 for jerseys purchase
• SVRSS – $3,000 for first aid equipment purchase
• Minitonas School – $4,300 for basketball equipment upgrades
• Minitonas School PAC – $3,500 for school outdoor space
• Swan River Trap Club – $4,500 for a storage building
• Bowsman Community Skating Arena – $4,500 for an overhead door replacement
Three grants were also given out by the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program, which is headed up by SVRSS teacher Carol Larson.
• Steeprock Bay Bible Camp – $500 for archery program equipment upgrade
• Tread the Thunder Bike Club – $1,000 for trail groomer
• Swan Valley Girls Softball Association – $1,000 for jerseys purchase
The students of the YIP program also fundraised $1,000 to be invested with the CFSV.
“From our founders 20 years ago, to the volunteers and donors who support us today, this foundation is a reflection of the Swan Valley’s strength and spirit,” Henkelman concluded.

Greg and Charlotte Sauder, along with Community Wrap Around Services, invited everyone to the Swan River Legion Park for a walk in honour of loved ones who are missing or murdered. The event took place yesterday (May 5), on National Red Dress Day, a symbol that was coined by Metis artist Jaime Black as an aesthetic response to the critical national issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Residents of the area got a look at three options for the valley bridge on PTH #5 at a come and go public information session Wednesday at the Community Centre.
The session was hosted by consulting firm Stantec with two reps from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) on hand to answer questions.
Find out what’s they’re planning in this week’s issue.

Give another reason to smile. The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign has kicked off and the local Tim Hortons franchise has appointed two worthy organizations as recipients.
“This year, the proceeds from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign are going to the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Youth Centre and the Big Eddy Youth Centre,” said Tim Hortons Owner/Operator Kathryn Sanderson. “Every year, there are organizations or groups that apply to be the recipient of the Smile Cookie Campaign funds.

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 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.

Municipality of Roblin (MOR) council killed three birds with one stone at a public meeting April 16 at the Community Centre.
Roughly two dozen residents were on hand to hear council’s 2025 Financial Plan as well as participate in public hearings for two by-laws that will see the municipality borrow up to $2.45 million this year.
Details in this week’s issue.

An Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) member received the golden opportunity to be crowned the first-ever Miss Indigenous Canada last year. Jessica McKenzie has been acting as the first Miss Indigenous Canada and this opportunity has provided her with many enriching experiences.
“It’s been an incredibly beautiful experience overall,” said McKenzie. “I’ve had the opportunity of deeply connecting with OCN and its members, along with meeting so many new faces across Turtle Island. This opportunity has given our community a platform to amplify our voices. We get to share our stories, traditions, and values.

There are many outstanding works done by Manitobans that have been recognized and recently presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal for these efforts. Cameron Ritzer recently received this award for his work and advocacy in the paramedic profession.
“I have a long history of being a paramedic advocate,” said Ritzer. “Being a paramedic myself and growing up around paramedics. I’ve always been involved in enhancing the profession, especially the education standards. This year, the Paramedic Association of Canada nominated me for the award for my dedicated service to enhancing the paramedic profession in Canada.”