Frontiers Foundation programs teach northern residents how to harvest local wood,produce timber locally and use it to build homes in their communities.Participants are exposed to a variety of trades and skills they might not have

opportunities to learn about otherwise. New knowledge and experience canhelp create sustainable employment in northern communities.

May/June 2008For and About LocalGovernmentDevelopmentFrontiers Foundation

2Manitoba E-wasteCollection Program

4Scrap Tire RecyclingProgram

5 Sustainable CommunityDevelopment Projects

6Aboriginal ConsultationUnit Established

8Golden Carrot Awards

8A Community Building for a Better Tomorrow

92008 Constable TrainingUpdate

9Congratulations Graduates /Municipal Calendar

10WSH Bulletin Board

11Profile

11, 12

Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs

Standing Trees to Standing Homes

Northern Links

Recreation

Edition

INSIDENorthern Links

Recreation

Edition

INSIDE

This IssueWelcome to the May/June 2008Community Contact Newsletter.

The theme for this issue of CommunityContact is environment and we feature avariety of articles on this topic along withseveral other interesting articles with anorthern focus. Information is provided onhow communities can apply for fundingsupport from the Sustainable DevelopmentInnovations Fund. This grant fundingprogram is sponsored by ManitobaConservation and provides support forthree different kinds of sustainablecommunity development projects. We alsoprovide information on the new Manitobascrap tire program and the return of theManitoba E-waste Collection Program.

Our feature article looks at the return ofFrontiers Foundation to Manitoba. Thisorganization began in Manitoba over 40years ago and has returned to help provideaffordable housing to northern Manitobacommunities. While helping to buildhomes, Frontiers Foundation providesvaluable training for homebuilders anddemonstrates the use of locally harvestedwood for building new homes or renovatingexisting ones.

Along with these articles, we provideinformation on the creation of theAboriginal Consultation Unit withinManitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs(ANA). We look back on the constabletraining that took place this past March andwe also say goodbye to a recent retiree andsay hello to three new staff members atANA.

Enclosed with this Community Contactissue is the Northern Links recreationnewsletter. Enjoy both of these publicationsand please feel free to contact us with yourcomments, pictures and article suggestionsor to request additional copies.

2

This past winter, an organization called Frontiers Foundationvisited O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation (South Indian Lake), and

showed people there how to make standing trees into standinghouses. They provided training in chainsaw operation, harvesting,sawmilling, log building and timber frame construction. Thisincluded helping residents complete a log cabin, now occupied,and roughing in a timber-frame home. Frontiers Foundation isplanning two more timber-frame homes there in the near future.

Some will find it surprising to learn that Frontiers Foundationactually began in Manitoba over 40 years ago. In fact, they built theSplit Lake Church in 1964. Since they began, they have built orrenovated more than 2,350 houses and public buildings. Most ofthose projects have been in Canada’s northern territories and in offreserve communities of northern Ontario, using an annual grantfrom that province’s northern housing program. Because FrontiersFoundation is a non-profit charity, they also make use of volunteerlabour, free or reduced cost materials and corporate support thatwould not normally be available to housing projects.

Last year, a group of Manitobans interested in bringing theFrontiers Foundation back to the province contacted Charles Catto,the 80 year old, hard working dynamo who started the foundation.The connection paid off. Last year Manitoba Aboriginal andNorthern Affairs, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation(CMHC) and Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation eachcontributed start-up funding to bring Frontiers Foundation back toManitoba.

The new Frontiers Foundation goal for northern Manitoba is tobuild capacity and improve housing by mobilizing volunteers,donors and communities. Their vision is for every family to have anopportunity to own a home that is healthy, well constructed, wellmaintained and energy efficient. They promote a communityhousing development strategy that co-operates in developing localcapacity to build homes at the lowest possible cost by usingsustainable local materials.

The Manitoba group includes part-time co-ordinator LaurelGardiner and full time project manager Brian Monkman. AManitoba advisory committee with a mix of government, industry,

Returns FRONTIER

3

to ManitobaRS FOUNDATION

First Nations and Northern Affairs Community Councilrepresentatives guides and advises their progress.

Cross Lake invited the foundation to offer training in chainsawoperation, harvesting and sawmill operation last winter. This May,Frontiers Foundation offered a log-building course for people fromfive northern communities. The course generated plenty of interestand plenty of lumber. Lumber cut locally on portable bandsaw millscan be graded and stamped by qualified inspectors for use inCMHC housing. Plans include building one log house and onetimber frame house in Cross Lake this summer. Projects with threeother communities are also planned.

In a first year of renewed operation in northern Manitoba, FrontiersFoundation has seen real progress. Best of all, they are showingthat local people can rely less on waiting for delivery of expensivebuilding materials by winter road each year. They can learn toharvest and mill local standing trees to use in building sustainable,sturdy, standing houses. They can even create local jobs in theprocess. For many communities, it’s a better way.

(Community Contact thanks Laurel Gardiner, Frontiers Foundation’sManitoba Co-ordinator for information used in preparing this article.)

Looking for Volunteers and DonorsThe Frontiers Foundation Incorporated needsyour help and support to bring qualityhousing to northern Manitoba communities.Frontiers Foundation volunteers (known asBeavers) have come from over 85 countriesand Canadian First Nations. They have onething in common, they want to work withcommunities to help build new or renovateexisting housing stock. If you have time onyour hands and skills to offer and would liketo spend time working with people innorthern communities, Frontiers Foundationis looking for you. They are especially lookingfor retirees with electrical, plumbing andcarpentry trade qualifications.

Frontiers Foundation supports volunteers bycovering travel costs, meals andaccommodations and occasionally a smallstipend, depending on community andvolunteer preferences. The foundation alsooffers a log-building course that volunteerswho offer at least 10 weeks of service canattend at no cost. It’s something few peoplelearn about any more.

Besides volunteers, Frontiers Foundationalso welcomes both financial and materialcontributions. The financial contributionshelp to support office overhead, wages,volunteer stipends, travel, freight costs andmaterials and supplies purchases. FrontiersFoundation Incorporated is a registered

Canadian charity and provides receipts forfinancial donations. The foundation offerscharitable receipts for donated materials andvarious combinations of purchases anddonations from suppliers.

If you are interested in volunteering orproviding financial or material support,please contact the following FrontiersFoundation representatives:

Brian Monkman, projects manager: 204-367-9591Laurel Gardiner, co-ordinator: 204-778-7126Nora Ross, provincial chairperson: 204-223-9136Martin Strauss, finance: 204-489-4537

Frontiers Foundation encourages harvesting local trees and makingtimber for housing construction using a portable sawmill that can betowed where it is needed.

4

Manitoba E-wasteCollection Program

Manitoba has announced the return of electronic waste collection sites for 2008.As part of the province’s e-waste recycling program, temporary collection

points have been established throughout the province to accept a variety ofresidential electronic items free of charge. This program builds on last year’s successwith collecting more than 305,000 kilograms (30 semi-trailer loads) of e-waste attemporary depots set up in partnership with local communities, businesses andnon-profit recycling centres.

E-waste depots for 2008 will accept the following materials from residential sourcesonly:

• TVs, VCRs and stereos

• telephones, fax machines and cell phones

• computer equipment, laptops, printers and scanners

• microwaves, copiers and rechargeable batteries

Some of the more than 20 locations set up for 2008 include:

• Thompson Recycling Council, 16 Severn Crescent, Thompson

• Dauphin Parkland Regional Recycling Centre, 871 Whitmore Avenue East,Dauphin

• Swan River Landfill, southeast of Swan River Hydro station

• Selkirk Responsible Electronic Recycling, 511 Robinson Avenue, Selkirk

• The Pas and Area Recycling Centre, Highway 10 north on Meadows Road

Collection began May 1 at confirmed locations. The latest information about theseand other centres in Manitoba is available at greenmanitoba.ca or you can call 1-866-460-3118. All e-waste collected will be sent for proper end-of-life recycling to SimsRecycling in Brampton, Ontario.

Many electronic appliances containmaterials that would be toxic in a landfill.

The Manitoba E-waste CollectionsProgram ships them where they can be

recycled safely.

5

Begins in ManitobaScrap Tire Recycling Program

Effective April 1, 2008, Tire Stewardship Manitoba (TSM) a not-for-profit agency created by the tire industry, replaced

Manitoba’s scrap tire program with a new program required byregulation under The Waste Reduction and Prevention Act.Developed with input from industry, environmental groups,municipalities and other stakeholders, the TSM business plan toaddress concerns for proper scrap tire management in a fiscallyresponsible manner is government approved.

“The program changing hands from government to industry is anecessary and welcomedevelopment for Manitoba’s scraptire recycling industry to remaincompetitive with other provinces,”said Brett Eckstein, executivedirector of TSM.

The new program has membersfrom four industry organizationsselling tires in Manitoba, includingThe Rubber Association of Canada,the Retail Council of Canada, theWestern Canada Tire DealersAssociation and the ManitobaMotor Dealers Association. TheTSM goal is to offer Manitobans asustainable, effective, efficient andcomprehensive scrap tiremanagement program.

The program provides a financialincentive to collect and recycleManitoba generated scrap tires.The program is financed throughan eco-fee collected by retailers andsent to Tire Stewardship Manitoba,replacing the current governmentlevy.

“A significant change under this program is the ability of TSM toraise the money necessary to support tire recycling through eco-fees charged on a broader range of new tires that more accuratelyreflect province wide collection and processing costs,” saidEckstein.

Scrap tires can be a health and environmental hazard. Withoutproper management, they can be a fire hazard and a breedinghabitat for mosquitoes. For every new tire sold, there is a scrap tire

generated. Rather than taking up space in our landfills and posinga risk to human health and the environment, scrap tires can beprocessed and used in environmentally responsible ways.Manitoba scrap tire products are sold locally and internationally.Properly managed scrap tires reduce environmental risk and createjobs and economic development in Manitoba. Since 1992, over $23 million has been paid to Manitoba processors resulting in theequivalent of 11.3 million tires recycled. Scrap tires can be used tomake various products for agricultural, recreational and industrialuse. Alternatively, much of the energy they contain can berecovered.

An immediate effect of the new program will be a June launch ofthe permanent collection of off-road tires from landfills and dealeryards. The management of these larger tires was conductedpreviously by the government program on a pilot basis only.

To learn more about scrap tire recycling in Manitoba visit the TSMwebsite at tirestewardshipmb.ca, e-mail info@tsmb.ca, call toll freein Manitoba 1-866-724-5002 or write Tire Stewardship Manitoba,202-1100 Concordia Avenue, Winnipeg MB R2K 4B8.

Collecting and processing old tires can create jobs while reducingthe risks they pose to human health and the environment.

6

Information in this article was originally featured in the May 2006Community Contact newsletter. We repeat it here to encourage

communities in north central and northern Manitoba to look atusing these programs to help support projects that protect,enhance, conserve and rehabilitate the local environment andimprove the quality of life.

The Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF) supportsprojects ranging from research studies and demonstration of newtechnology to community enhancement and environmentalawareness. SDIF helps communities meet their needs by providinggrant funding to projects that demonstrate:

• partnerships between groups and individuals

• pride in the community

• concern for the environment

• long-term sustainability

Three grant funding programs sponsored by ManitobaConservation through the SDIF are:

• SDIF Open Category

• Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Fund (WRAPP)

• Environmental Youth Corps (EYC)

The SDIF Open CategoryThe SDIF Open Category provides support to projects such asresearch studies, demonstration of new technology, communityenhancement and educational projects that help protectManitoba’s environment and add sustainability to Manitoba’seconomy, human health and social well-being.

Who can apply?

Municipal corporations, Northern Affairs and First Nationcommunities, private and non-profit organizations and businesses,educational institutions, youth and community groups are eligibleto submit project proposals.

The fund’s priority areas include:

• environmental technology innovation and demonstration

Sustainable Community DeveloGetting Support for

Russell’s Memorial Commission used recycled arches fromthe old Dauphin arena to add character to their main street.

An interpretive project at Hollow Water First Nation used a sweat lodgeceremony to teach people about Aboriginal cultural history.

7

• northern community development andenvironmental issues

• sustainable community development

• sustainable agricultural practices

• ecosystem conservation

• understanding our environment

• eco-tourism

What projects can be supported?

Grant funds are available to projects thatare ecologically sound, promote asustainable approach, demonstrate clearenvironmental benefits and benefit thecommunity and the economy. Projectsmust address one or more of the fund’spriority areas and should incorporate youthinvolvement, community partnerships,education and knowledge sharing.

The maximum funding available is$50,000. Applications deadlines are fivetimes each year on the 15th of April, June,August, October and December.

The Waste Reduction andPollution Prevention Fund(WRAPP)WRAPP supports projects that involvewaste reduction, pollution prevention andinnovative integrated waste managementpractices. The fund’s purpose is to helporganizations, businesses and localgovernments move toward moresustainable waste management andprevention.

Who can apply?

Municipal corporations, Northern Affairsand First Nation communities, private and

non-profit organizations,businesses, educationalinstitutions and communitygroups are eligible tosubmit project proposals.

What projects can besupported?

Grant funds are availablefor Manitoba basedprojects that will:

• demonstrate andpromote theenvironmental andeconomic benefits ofreducing and preventing waste

• showcase community efforts tominimize waste

• provide measurable sustainable wastediversion or reduction

• demonstrate innovative approaches toreducing waste, preventing pollution andconserving resources.

Priority areas include:

• organic waste management andcomposting

• construction and demolitionwaste management

• pollution prevention

• model integrated wastemanagement systemdevelopment and planning

The maximum funding available is$50,000. Application deadlines arefive times per year on the 15th ofApril, June, August, October andDecember.

For complete details, contact ManitobaConservation, Pollution Prevention Branchat 204-945-8443, or toll free at 1-800-282-8069 extension 8443. You may also visitsusdev.gov.mb.ca or e-mail sdif@gov.mb.cawith your questions.

pment Projects

Grant funds are

available to projects

that are ecologically sound,

promote a sustainable

approach, demonstrate clear

environmental benefits and

benefit the community

and the economy.

An interpretive trail sponsored through the SustainableDevelopment Innovations Fund encourages people to learnmore about the environment where they live.

8

Aboriginal Consultation Unit EstablishedOn April 15, 2008, Minister of Manitoba

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, OscarLathlin, announced the creation of theAboriginal Consultation Unit.

“As part of the government of Manitoba’sconstitutional duty to consult with Aboriginalpeoples in Manitoba, I am honoured toofficially announce the creation andestablishment of our new Crown-AboriginalConsultation Unit,” said Minister Lathlin.“The unit is a critical component inManitoba’s relationship with First Nationsand Metis communities. We believe this unitwill further the process of reconciliation andunderstanding between the Crown, asrepresented by Manitoba, and Aboriginalcommunities.”

The unit is contained within ManitobaAboriginal and Northern Affairs and workswith other departments on Crownconsultation matters with Aboriginalcommunities.

Manitoba created and established the unit tohelp meet its constitutional duty to consultwith First Nations, Metis and otherAboriginal communities when proposed

provincial laws, regulations, decisions oractions might affect the Aboriginal and treatyrights of the communities.

The mandate and role of the unit is to:

• help in Crown-Aboriginal consultationsfor the Manitoba government onproposed large-scale projects

• develop an overall government strategyon Crown-Aboriginal consultations,including an internal process foraddressing daily activities that requireCrown-Aboriginal consultations

• educate government departments aboutManitoba’s constitutional duty to consult

• educate Aboriginal communities aboutManitoba’s Crown-Aboriginalconsultation process

The unit is currently working withOrganization and Staff Development (OSD)of the Manitoba Civil Service Commission todevelop a two-day workshop on Crown-Aboriginal consultations for all governmentdepartments. The objective of this workshopis to provide provincial employees, whose

work may involve treaty or Aboriginal rights,with a working knowledge of the following:

• Manitoba’s Draft Policy and Guidelines forCrown Consultations with AboriginalPeoples

• treaty and Aboriginal rights

• the Crown consultation process

The two-day OSD workshop is expected tobe available in the fall of 2008.

In addition, an engagement strategy on theDraft Policy and Guidelines for CrownConsultations with Aboriginal Peoples isunderway that includes presentations togovernment departments, First Nations andother Aboriginal organizations.

For more information on the AboriginalConsultation Unit and its activities, pleasecontact:

Ms. Loretta BayerDirector – Aboriginal Consultation UnitAboriginal Affairs SecretariatManitoba Aboriginal and Northern AffairsPhone 204-945-7331 or toll free 1-800-282-8069 (ext. 7331) in Manitoba.

In 2007, Manitoba Food Charter GoldenCarrot Awards recognized three northern

community food champions for theiroutstanding contributions towards foodproduction in Manitoba. The Golden CarrotAwards were created to honour communityfood champions in urban, rural, northern,business, education and media categories.Community members nominated 30individuals and groups from acrossManitoba last year for their role incontributing to a just and sustainable foodsystem.

On World Food Day, October 16, 2007, over100 nominees, ministers, deputy ministers,MLAs, community members and supportersattended an awards breakfast at theManitoba Legislature. On the same day, anawards dinner honouring the three northernfood champions took place in Thompson aspart of the Northern Harvest Forum,sponsored by Manitoba Aboriginal andNorthern Affairs.

The northern Golden Carrot Award winnersincluded:

• Gerald Kemp, a gardener in Berens Riverwho has spent the past five growingseasons working on his 108 square metre(1,200 square feet) garden, not an easyjob in heavy clay soil. Gerald has grownnorthern grapes and corn. He preserveshis garden surplus.

• Michele Trudeau was nominated as a co-ordinator of a public community gardenin Leaf Rapids where she provides hergardening knowledge to school agedchildren and fresh vegetables to eldersand families in the community.

• The Sherridon community council wasnominated for engaging communityfamilies and schoolchildren in northerngardening and preservation. For the pasttwo years, council has been participatingin the Northern Healthy Food Initiative(NHFI) and, as a result, most Sherridon

families now have their own householdgardens.

The Manitoba Food Charter would like tolearn about more northern community foodchampions. Nominations are being acceptedfor all six categories: Urban, Rural, Northern,Business, Education and Media.

If someone you know deserves recognitionfor their food production abilities, nominatethem. Tell the Manitoba Food Charter aboutthem, how to get in touch with them andsend a picture of their gardening activities.All nominees will be invited to attend anawards ceremony on World Food Day andreceive a certificate for their participation.Nominees will also receive recognitionthrough the Manitoba Food Charternewsletter and website. Nomination formscan be found on the Internet atmanitobafoodsecurity.ca or call 1-800-731-2638 for more information. Thedeadline for nominations is June 30, 2008.

Golden Carrot Awards

9

for a Better TomorrowA Community Building

On April 17, 2008, Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern AffairsMinister Oscar Lathlin presented a $1-million cheque to Cross

Lake community council for construction of a new administrationbuilding in the community. A $20,000 cheque was also presentedto support the Cross Lake Army Cadet Corps program and helpwith their mandatory winter and summer training exercises. Themayor of Cross Lake, council members and several communityresidents attended the presentation at Manitoba’s LegislativeBuilding.

The new administration building will serve the community formany years to come. The community will continue to provide thecurrent services to its residents and they are looking at otheropportunities for educational workshops, skills training andrecreational programs.

Plans for the building include housing council chambers, creating14 offices for full and part time operational staff and leasing officespace to other service providers such as Driver and Motor VehicleLicensing, and Family Services and Housing.

This much needed new building will help enhance continuedpositive accomplishments by Cross Lake community council onbehalf of all residents.

ANA Minister Oscar Lathlin presents Cross Lake Mayor Clarence Smithwith a $1 million cheque to support construction of a newadministration building in the community.

2008 Constable Training UpdateAsecond round of band/community constable training for the

2007-2008 fiscal year took place from March 3 to 20, 2008 inPortage La Prairie. The training, offered through a partnershipbetween ANA, the RCMP and the Aboriginal Policing Directorate ofPublic Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, was conductedat the Portage la Prairie Day’s Inn.

To help finish the training before the Good Friday holiday on March21, many evenings and at least one day of each weekend was usedfor additional sessions. Having all training take place where theconstables stayed encouraged a high level of interactive supportamong the constables. Of the 29 band and community constableswho started the program, 27 graduated and three were from ANAcommunities.

The ANA community constable graduates are:

• Tina Munroe of Barrows and area

• Regis St. Laurent of Pelican Rapids

• Greg Sanderson of Waterhen

Instructors recognized the ANA constables for providing strongleadership and helping their fellow constables during the threeweeks. For Constable St. Laurent, this was a second trainingexperience and for Constable Sanderson, it was a third. The ANA2005 Constable Program Review recommended communityconstables should attend training every three years to helpmaintain skills.

Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs congratulates allconstables for their hard work and determination. They are an assetto their communities and the residents they serve.

10

Municipal Calendar Monthly Reminder for: June/July

Congratulations to all 2008 Graduates!

Now is a time to reflect on your achievements and celebrate them with your families and friends. Itis also a time to set new goals and plan your route for the future.

For some, this will mean finding employment that will teach you new skills and support youthroughout life. For others, it will mean deciding to begin a post-secondary education that will take youcloser to careers and lifestyles you dream about. I encourage you to aim high and set the best exampleyou can. The trails you break will become paths to take for more graduates in future years.

I am pleased to join with all my government colleagues in wishing you success in times to come. Youmake us all proud.

Oscar Lathlin, MinisterManitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs

1

• Deadline for receipt of any property tax payments to deptto avoid penalties

• Install Simply Accounting payroll tax updates• Forward requests for MCA revisions

2

• Capital project applications sent back to councilrequesting missing information

• Council start to act on capital project applications formissing information

3

MMS• Wet wells cleaned

4

MMS• Dumping of lagoons

15

• Deadline for receipt of payment to Receiver General toavoid penalty

• Capital project application adjustments - council should continue to act on recommendations for final project submission to the dept• Submit MEBP form and payment no later than seven working days after the last pay period of this month• If applicable, submit to regional office the bi-weekly payrolls for the Building Independence InitiativeWWPPSSHH RReemmiinnddeerrss::• Council to ensure fire extinguishers inspected monthly and action items highlighted as corrective action from inspections• Does your bulletin board include: Workplace Safety & Health policy, Harassment policy, Working Alone Plan, names of first aiders and

WPSH representatives (employee and management)?• Are first aid kits available in every building? Is your Community Prevention Plan updated

June

20

08

1

Canada Day• Deadline for receipt of any property tax payments to dept

to avoid penalties

2

MMS• Water treatment plant storage tanks cleaned

14

• Submit quarterly GST refund

15

• Deadline for receipt of payment to Receiver General toavoid penalty

30

• Follow-up with auditor re: audit to meet Aug. 31 deadline

31

• Deadline for applications for grant-in-aid streets that arenot yet approved for the program

• Complete revisions for WCB estimatesSubmit:• Revised capital project applications• 1st quarter financial statements (April to June)

• Submit MEBP form and payment no later than seven working days after the last pay period of this month• If applicable, submit to regional office the bi-weekly payrolls for the Building Independence Initiative WWPPSSHH RReemmiinnddeerrss::• Council to ensure fire extinguishers inspected monthly and action items highlighted as corrective action from inspectionsDDeeppaarrttmmeennttaall::• Regional office to forward request for MCA revisions to Program Planning & Development by July 1

July

20

08

11

As part of their workplace safety andhealth (WSH) program, Manitoba

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs (ANA)communities are required to have a WSHbulletin board posted in a common area forall staff and visitors to view. The bulletinboard should be at least three by four feetin size, allowing room to place necessarypostings.

Items required on the WSH bulletin boardinclude:

• policy PW5 in your WSH manual (page 1directly after the introduction)

• WSH representative’s name and contactnumber

• names and contact numbers foremployees with first aid training

• community’s harassment policy

• community’s violence prevention policy

• community’s working alone policy

• workplace safety rules

• relevant work safe bulletins from ANAand other sources

• emergency contact numbers

All items placed on the bulletin board mustbe dated and replaced when newerinformation is available. Communityharassment, violence prevention or workingalone policies may be created using guidesand templates in the community WSHmanual. It is a good idea to include thecommunity emergency response plan onthe bulletin board so all employees knowabout it.

Other information that communitiesshould consider posting includes:

Emergency Contact Numbersfire departmentRCMP/constablehydro/telephoneconservation (forest fires)local hospital/health unitambulance

General Informationworkers compensationmayor and council memberscommunity employeesANA stafflocal media (radio, news)local trades people (plumber, electrician)

Workplace Safety and Health Bulletin Board

Profile

Linda Lowe

Linda Lowe RetiresAfter 22 years and 11 months ofservice Linda Lowe retired fromher job at the Thompson officesof Manitoba Aboriginal andNorthern Affairs (ANA) in April,2008.Born and raised in Birch River,Manitoba Linda moved toThompson with her husbandGordon in 1969. She raised twochildren, Sean and Shannon,and she is now the proudgrandmother of four grand-children, three girls and a boy.

Linda began her career workingwith the Royal Bank inThompson before moving toANA in the position ofadministrative assistant in thefinancial and administrativeservices branch. After sevenyears, Linda moved to the ANALocal GovernmentDevelopment Division whereshe served as administrativeassistant to a succession ofthree executive directors from1992 to 2008.

During her years of service,Linda was the person you wentto if you wanted to knowanything about everything in thedepartment. Known in the officefor her knitting and puzzlesolving abilities, Linda alsoenjoyed exercising andtraveling. Linda’s plans includemoving to Brandon andspending plenty of time withher family and hergrandchildren. Best wishes toLinda from everyone at ANA.

Profile continued on page 12…

Paul Doolan, Editor1680 Ellice Avenue, Bay 8Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Z2Ph: 204-945-2161Toll free: 1-800-282-8069Fax: 204-948-2389E-mail: paul.doolan@gov.mb.caWeb: gov.mb.ca/ana

Community council members, community residents and departmental staff are stronglyencouraged to submit feedback, comments, questions, suggestions and ideas to the editor.

12

Charlene Waterman

Based in the Thompson ANAoffice, Charlene Waterman isthe new recreation and wellnessconsultant for the LocalGovernment DevelopmentNorthern Region.

New to Thompson but not newto the north, Charlene isoriginally from Grand Rapids.She attended the University ofManitoba and earned abachelor’s degree in recreationstudies with a minor in nativestudies. While living inWinnipeg, she taught for theUniversity of Manitoba as a co-instructor for Aboriginal andCultural Games, a seasonalcourse offered through theFaculty of Kinesiology andRecreation Management.Charlene worked as a HeritageInterpreter at Fort Whyte Alivein Winnipeg and, more recently,worked for the City ofThompson as CulturalRecreation Co-ordinator.

Charlene brings with herconsiderable experience andversatility in recreation andwellness and understands thevalue of good spiritual andphysical health. Charlenepromotes holistic recreationwith a something-for-everybodyapproach and emphasizes theimportance of arts and culture.

Cynthia McLeod

Cynthia McLeod replaces therecently retired Linda Lowe asthe new administrativeassistant to the LocalGovernment DevelopmentExecutive Director.

Originally from Norway House,Cynthia brings several years ofexperience in the administrativefield. Her expertise in workingwith both government and FirstNation organizations will be avaluable asset to thedepartment. Cynthia earned hercertificate in ComputerizedBusiness Applications at

Keewatin Community College.Some of her past administrativeexperience has been withManitoba Lotteries Corporation,University of Manitoba,University of Winnipeg and theManitoba First NationsEducation Resource Centre.

Cynthia looks forward to thenew challenges the position hasto offer.

Clarence Bayer

Based in the Thompson office,new technical and public worksconsultant Clarence Bayer takesover for Brian Lundmark whohas moved on to work asenvironmental servicesconsultant in the NorthernRegion.

Clarence grew up in thecommunity of Wabowden wherehe served as the public worksforeman and fire chief fromJune 1996 to March 2008. Healso served as a First Aid/CPRinstructor and an emergencyresponder in Wabowden.

Clarence is married with sevenchildren and he looks forwardto the challenges his newposition will bring.

Charlene Waterman

Clarence Bayer

Cynthia McLeod

Profile continued