“Challenging students through Christ-centred education to pursue a life of Godly character and academic excellence.”
This is the motto of CBF Christian School, which has been educating students with a Christian focus for 45 years now in Swan River.
The journey of establishing a private Christian education in Swan River began in the late 1970s when a group of families felt that they were being called by God to start a Christian school. This group consisted of Jake and Doris Reimer, George and Elsie Braun (the pastor of Community Bible Fellowship at the time), Ben and Alma Dyck, along with Doug and Gena Reader (the pastor of Little Woody Baptist Church) and the Earl and Shirley Reader (members of Little Woody Baptist Church).
“For my parents – Jake and Doris – this desire was not a reaction to anything bad that was going on in the public schools,” said Melanie Bird, who was one of the first students in the school when it was established in 1980, joining when she was 11 years old. “They were quite happy with the schools in the Valley and were not entirely convinced that starting a Christian school was what God wanted them to do. But, God nudged them to continue on with the pursuit of investigating what would all be involved.
“This was a very busy time in my parents’ life. They had just finished building the church (which was in a building on Ross Street at that time), they had three school-aged children and my father had a growing construction business. Neither of my parents had completed Grade 12, so starting a school was definitely outside of their comfort zone.
“In the process of investigating what would be involved to start a school, my parents would take our family on road trips to the USA to visit other Christian schools,” Bird continued. “Christian schools were a relatively new idea here in Canada at that time. It was during this time that both Mom and Dad grew in their conviction that this was what God wanted them to do. They saw the opportunity to include God’s truth in the daily education of children. This was not a way to protect children from worldly influence so much as it was to equip them with God’s Word and to teach them from a Christian perspective.”
Once the idea of developing a Christian school gained traction, several Swan Valley churches showed their support, with members from many different churches joining the initial board.
In the first six years, the school was merely a series of cubicals mounted to the walls along the perimeter of the church sanctuary, designed to be folded down during the week and folded up for Sunday morning service. Each student worked at their own pace and teachers and educational assistants were there to offer guidance as needed.
A more suitable church and school building was eventually erected in 1986, which is the building where Community Bible Fellowship (CBF) and CBF Christian School stands now on Hwy. No. 83. The current building incorporates a full classroom setup with school on one side of the building and church on the other.
High school classes were also eventually brought in the mid-1990s, starting with Grade 9 and eventually growing to include 10, 11 and 12. More classrooms were built as well to accommodate. At it’s peak during these high school years, the school had 92 students in the student body.
In 2005, the high school classes ended up closing as too many students desired to pursue the greater opportunities at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School and was difficult for a much smaller and resource-poor school to compete.
“We were one of the first schools in the Valley to have Junior Kindergarten,” said CBF Christian School Board Chair Tracy Burick, who has been involved in the school since the 1990s.
The Swan Valley School Division eventually incorporated Junior Kindergarten soon after, but by the time the COVID-19 pandemic rolled around, Junior Kindergarten was no longer sustainable for anyone.
To date, the school now has 37 students enrolled between Kindergarten to Grade 8.
“Everything we teach is Manitoba curriculum, and we just bring it from a biblical lens,” said Burick. “Like, if we’re teaching science or math, we say God created these concepts and this is how we’re teaching it.
“We do have a Bible class on top of it where we’re teaching bible in place of where another school might have French class or band.”
Burick noted that some of those electives that other schools might offer might not be available at CBF Christian School, but they do still have sports programs and music programs that round out the school experience.
Burick highlighted the importance of teaching the same materials as a public school would – especially because their students would most likely move on to the only secondary school in the Swan Valley – but still adding the Christian Biblical perspective on those same materials, and not leaving students isolated away from secular viewpoints.
“Our heartbeat has always been that we want to include Jesus in the students’ school day,” said Burick. “We want the children to be grounded, we want them to understand, we want them to know, we want them to serve God and that’s what we want for them educationally, adding life skills and moral character.”
Burick emphasized the addition of note only praising students for academic achievements, but also character achievements, in a way that encourages personal development as educational development.
Some of the biggest challenges in running a private Christian school is finances, as a portion of funding comes from a provincial grant and the rest comes from tuition, which the school does their best to keep as affordable as possible. When there is fundraising, it’s often a parent-led initiative raising money for a specific project like a playground structure.
“It’s a balance, and people who can or can’t afford the tuition in a small community is always taken into consideration,” said Burick. “At the same time, we can’t pay our teachers what the (Swan Valley School Division) can pay, so that doesn’t make us as attractive to everyone because of that. To our teachers, it’s a ministry, and they come knowing full well that they’re not going to be able to be paid as much, and they do it because they believe in why they’re doing it.”
The school has also received support from many people from many different Swan Valley congregations over the years. While the school doesn’t regularly receive significant donations from other churches, many of the staff, board members and parents come from outside of the CBF congregation.
Students like Bird grew up to raise her own family and send them to CBF Christian School, and see them receive the benefit that she received when she was a young girl. Bird has essentially remained involved in the school in one way or another since she attended.
“I had the privilege of being the school secretary for 11 years, teach art, and now I sit on the school board,” she said. “I’ve gained a greater appreciation for all the passion, dedication and hard work the staff, teachers and board have for CBF Christian School.
“But, most importantly, I am truly in awe of what God has done here. From prompting those young parents in the late ‘70s to pursue starting the school, to providing financially through many different challenging times, also providing so many excellent teachers, staff and principal, and finally providing families that continue to see the value of what CBF Christian School is doing and desire to be a part of it. With confidence, I believe He will continue to provide as long as He desires to do so, and none of this would have been possible without Him.”

The bison of Bison Conservation Ranch in the RM of Mountain approach close to the roadway as they wander among the hundreds of acres they have access to in the southern part of the municipality.

The Rural Municipality of Dauphin will soon have a new Chief Administrative Officer.

Grady Stephenson will take over the position effective, July 28. He is currently the CAO for the Town of Carberry.

“It was a different challenge,” he said of accepting the position with the RM of Dauphin.

“I come from a small town and a rural municipality is going to be a different challenge for me. That would be a good opportunity for some growth and to help out the RM and the community out there,” he said.

Stephenson has been CAO in Carberry for about 5-1/2 years and worked in the public works and parks and recreation departments before that, giving him   11 years of experience in municipal work.

Among the challenges Stephenson expects is going from an urban setting to rural.

“It’s a little bit different for me and coming from basically the desert to somewhere with challenges with water in the springtime and flooding will be new to me,” he said.

“But I know there is some great staff there that are going to be able to guide me through that and help me out to get my feet wet, no pun intended. I think there’s going to be other challenges, too, but we’ll cross those bridges when we get there. I think it’s going to be good.”

Stephenson is looking forward to the opportunity and getting to know the area.

“I’m an outdoors guy, so I look forward  to some of the fishing and hunting opportunities up there, as well,” he said.

RM of Dauphin reeve Ernie Sirski said Stephenson conducted himself well in his interview with council.

“He brings a lot of municipal experience to the table, which is something that we rated very highly. He handled himself very well and we liked what he offered for us,” he said.

There will be an adjustment period for both parties as they get to know each other.

“The first thing is to get to know us. He’s got to get to know the council. He’s got to get to know the staff,” he said.

“When you come into this kind of position from outside, it’s going to take a little bit of time. So I think that’s the first thing we’re going to try and do, is get hm to know us, so that he can start doing his job in the best possible way.”

Council, Sirski added, is looking forward to Stephenson’s contribution to the RM in helping lead the municipality in a direction that is positive for the RM.

“We’ve done a new strategic plan and we’re looking at rolling that out, but we want to make sure that we roll it out properly and that he knows what the strategic plan is and what it contains, as well as the council has a good understanding of it,” he said.

“And, of course, a whole bunch of other files that we’re dealing with at the same time. So we’re looking forward to his help in those regards.”

Local Canadian Ranger Sergeant Terry Fullerton, Swan River Patrol Commander has spent six years on the Swan River patrol, and his involvement with the Canadian Rangers has taken him through tasks and locations that he never would have expected.
His continued involvement and volunteering for bigger and better adventures has led him to be recognized by his superiors, who awarded him with a King Charles III Coronation Medal and a Ranger of the Year award, showing that Fullerton has indeed done some outstanding work with the organization.
Fullerton received both honours during an exercise held at the Edmonton Garrison from April 7-11, where he was surprised from being presented both.
“When I went up to get Ranger of the Year, the Lieutenant Colonel told me to take my time because this was really important,” said Fullerton.
He was subsequently honoured at the regimental banquet by sitting at the head table and meeting the division commander.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is intended to recognize those that have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, region or community, highlighting outstanding volunteer efforts.
“(Fullerton) was selected for his community involvement as well as his involvement in the Canadian Rangers,” said Warrant Officer Wade Jones, Canadian Ranger Instructor of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. “He’s always volunteering to take on additional tasks and courses.”
Likewise, Fullerton was also recognized as the Ranger of the Year for similar outstanding efforts as a Canadian Ranger.
“He stands out a bit more because of his involvement and his willingness to volunteer for different activities and different events we have going on,” said Jones. “Because he’s willing to do that, we see him quite a bit more than a lot of other Rangers. Terry is what we hope all the Rangers can get to at some point. He communicates very well and he’s active in Canadian Rangers both in the unit and in the community.”
Fullerton’s recognition also has earned him the privilege of participating in an exchange trip to Australia, where he will train with Australia’s NorForce, an infantry regiment of the Australian Army Reserve similar to the Canadian Rangers. The exchange program will see select Canadian Rangers spend a few weeks in the northern territory of Australia and learn local survival strategies and other exercises. Likewise, NorForce will then visit Canada at some point to experience the wild lands in our country, led by Canadian Rangers. Canadian Ranger Paul Hrabarchuk from the Swan River patrol went on a similar trip in 2023.
Fullerton’s experiences with the Canadian Rangers has taken him from the wild lands of Manitoba’s north, to the extreme northern climes of the Canadian Arctic, to the sacred steps of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa.
Fullerton joined in the Swan River patrol six years ago, soon after the patrol first formed, and he didn’t expect that his involvement would take him where it has.
“After being involved in management so long (with my job at Merv’s), my idea was to be the kid at the back,” said Fullerton. “Then, due to good opportunity and good support from my guys here, the opportunities became available, and once I retired, I was extremely fortunate to have the time and to take advantage of these opportunities and participate. Every time I did, it seemed to open up more doors for me.”
Fullerton is now a patrol commander and wilderness first aid instructor who gets to travel all around the country, and eventually beyond to the opposite side of the globe.
“I was quite apprehensive my first six months (with the Canadian Rangers),” said Fullerton. “I didn’t know if I was going to stay in it, but we have a good team in Winnipeg and that’s part of what made the difference. My Ranger instructors are all half my age, but the attitude they have towards everything is so cool and they’re good people that are easy to work with.
“I can’t imagine being retired and merely sitting around and reading a book. I’m all over the place, and the stuff we do is sometimes physically very challenging. I’m doing things I never thought I’d be capable of doing. It’s very rewarding and I’m having so much fun. And, it’s benefiting a lot of other people, directly and indirectly, and having a good team makes a huge difference.”
Jones echoes the sentiment that Fullerton is a great colleague.
“Although I’m his instructor, I don’t see myself as his boss,” he said. “I haven’t been in this role long, but I can tell that he’s going to be a joy to work with and the rest of the Swan River patrol.”

Benito held some activities to celebrate Canada, including hosting a classic car show at Buffalo Junction on July 1. Brad Kushniryk checks out some classic cars on display. Benito also held a pancake breakfast and supper to celebrate the 158th birthday of Canada...

A public meeting held last week to help determine the future of the Dauphin and District Community Food Bank has the organization’s directors re-energized to continue their search for a new home.

About 50 people attended the meeting to learn about the history of the food bank, the important role it plays in the community and the current difficulties it is having in finding a new home after being told it will have to vacate its current location at Parkland Crossing.

The meeting was also a chance to gauge public support for the food bank and brainstorm ideas to secure its future.

“I thought it was a pretty good turnout. I thought it was a lot of positives. We do have hopes for the future now,” DDCFB board chair Robin Gambler said.

“People that were there seemed to care about if there’s a food bank in Dauphin.”

The food bank has been searching for a new location, either to rent or to buy with no resolution to this point.

The Dauphin Church of Christ, which formerly owned Parkland Crossing and leases space to the food bank, has set aside some money to help out and has sent an appeal to other churches in the community.

As of the meeting, approximately $255,000 has been raised to help DDCFB purchase a facility, should one be identified, but directors feel at least $100,000 more needs to be secured before they are in a position to make an offer on any building.

Gambler said the meeting resulted in volunteers stepping forward to organize a public fund-raising plan and visit businesses to help raise awareness and support.

She added pledges from community organizations and contributions were received during and immediately after the meeting.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the board to raise awareness about the need for the food bank.

In 2024, Gambler said, the food bank served 3,720 people - including 1,308 children and 2,412 adults. Numbers grow at every intake, she said, and some days there are as many as 12 to 15 new applicants. 2024 saw the food bank take in 149,293 pounds of food donations and after purchasing the extras needed, distributed 216,485 pounds of food.

That work required 2,081.5 volunteer hours.

“We are a volunteer board of 12 with a lot of duties. It takes 15 volunteers to run a successful intake,” Gambler said.

“We are always looking for new volunteers to help out with pickups.”

Once details of the fund-raising campaign are finalized, Gambler said, people can expect numerous opportunities to get involved.

As the food bank is a charitable organization, all those contributing will receive a tax receipt, Gambler said, adding the building funds will be kept separate from DDCFB’s operational money.

“We’re going to have a building fund. Our treasurer will keep track of every dime that’s going into the building fund and she will mail a tax receipt,” Gambler said.

“There’s going to be fund-raisers coming up, lots of opportunities to get involved.”

With National Indigenous Day falling on a Saturday, the Swan Valley School Division held their celebration on Tuesday (June 17) for all students and staff in the division. A series of teachers and cultural displays were set up throughout Swan River Legion Park, allowing students to learn more about and celebrate Indigenous Canadians.

Construction of the soon to be opened Benito Splash Park kicked off last week. Pictured here are employees from PlayQuest Recreation, who are building the splash park, along with committee chairperson Holly Kushniryk, Municipality of Swan Valley West (MSVW) Lead Hand Derek Chez and MSVW CAO, Kristi Ronnquist (second, third and fourth from the left). The significant project for the community is hoped to be ready for use by the end of summer.

The Town of Swan River has honoured two Swan River iconic leaders by naming two upcoming streets after them.
Dick Walker Trail and Glen McKenzie Bay will be the official designations of two new streets as part of a future residential subdivision north of the Rotary Soccer Fields and Orville Minish Field.
“These names are more than just markers on a map, they are lasting tributes to two men whose dedication, leadership and service have left a mark on our town,” said Town of Swan River Deputy Mayor David Moriaux, during an unveiling ceremony held on Thursday (June 19).
Moriaux recognized Glen McKenzie’s achievements during his time as part of the Town of Swan River council, which he was part of from 1988 to 2018, 23 years of which were as Mayor.
McKenzie was instrumental in building bridges between communities, notably through his role in the first Treaty Land Entitlement agreement between Swan River and the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (SCN) in 2012, laying the groundwork for reconciliation and mutual respect. Since that time, SCN has also established two more Urban Reserves, and Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation has also developed an Urban Reserve.
McKenzie also helped form the G7, a coalition of Swan Valley municipalities that contributed to strengthening shared goals.
“One of his biggest accomplishments was the establishment of the 2014 Wellness Centre – a project that, despite its challenges, has become a key component of health and well-being in our community,” said Moriaux. “He also championed the Medical Services Recruitment and Retention Committee, ensuring that Swan River remained a place where families could access quality healthcare.
“Today, Glen McKenzie Bay stands as a symbol of leadership, vision and community spirit.”
McKenzie also was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, as a recognition of his service and commitment.
“I’m honoured to have a street or a bay named after me,” said McKenzie. “When you join municipal government, you never think about those kinds of things. In the 30 years I was in municipal government, I was very fortunate to have very good people to work with.
Dick Walker – who passed away in 2014 – was also recognized for his life dedicated to volunteerism and community service. He was a long-time member and president of the Swan River Rotary Club for more than 20 years, and served in the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society for 50 years. His passion for conservation was also evident in his 30 years of volunteer work with Ducks Unlimited.
From 1972 to 1980, Walker served as a town councillor, and even after his term ended, he remained involved through the Parks and Recreation Committee. He was also a driving force behind the Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre, and the visionary behind the Duck Mountain Forest Centre, a project that continues to benefit our Valley’s environment and education.
Walker was also recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, as a testament to his lifelong commitment to making Swan River a better place.
“Dick Walker Trail will now serve as a lasting reminder of his generosity, his passion, and his enduring impact on our community,” said Moriaux.
Walker’s son, Bob Walker, accepted the honour on behalf of his late father.
“(Dick Walker) would be extremely proud of this,” he said.
Both the McKenzies and the Walkers received a replica street sign for themselves, and the official markers will be installed at some point in the future when the streets for the subdivision are further developed.

Presenting Swan Valley Regional Secondary School’s Class of 2025!  Graduates celebrated their final year of high school on Friday (June 20) with ceremonies, a banquet and dance.