First Nations Voice

PAGE 14 • SEPTEMBER 2013 What Happened to Irma? Irma Murdock was 33 years old when she was last seen. Her son, Jerrie Murdock, was very young when his mom went missing. "I wish I had a chance to know her better," says Jerrie. "It makes a difference in your life not to have your mom." Thirteen years have passed since Jerrie's mom, Irma Murdock, was last seen in June 2000. It is believed she may have travelled to Vancouver, BC. Project Devote, the Manitoba task force of the Winnipeg Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police focusing on missing and murdered exploited persons investigations, is hoping that a member of the public can provide some relevant information that will help bring some answers to Irma's family. At times, Irma was also known as Lisa Ann Flett and Sharon Valerie Petersen, and sometimes used an alternative spelling of her last name: Murdoch with an 'h' rather than a 'k'. She also associated her birthdate of August 12, 1967 with the names she sometimes used. Irma is 5'2" and when she went missing in 2000, she was approximately 130 lbs and had short brown hair and brown eyes. Irma Murdock also has the following distinguishing features: Tattoos Left hand – Heart Upper back – Rose Chest - "CT" Right calf - "sexy" Left calf - "he" and "Rus" Scars Right forearm – 1" square scar Left forearm – 3" scar Irma Murdock's whereabouts are still unknown. If you have information that can help with this investigation, Project Devote is eager to hear from you. Call investigators on the Project Devote tipline at 1-888-673-3316. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Project Devote LONG PLAIN FIRST NATION Treaty One 287 (35) LONG PLAIN FIRST NATION OPENING A TEMPORARY BUSINESS AT 480 MADISON STREET, WINNIPEG Long Plain First Nation received reserve status on the 2.8 acres of land and property purchased in 2006. The new reserve is called "Long Plain Madison Indian Reserve". We are proud to share the benefits of the land with the Aboriginal Community and we look forward to your support. Long Plain First Nation is establishing a temporary business on the property to begin selling tobacco products. Madison location is now open for business. Please contact Long Plain First Nation for more information. Prime Minister Stephen Harper Announces support for Northern innovation in mining Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced support for the creation of a new Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining (CNIM) at Yukon College, which will create jobs and stimulate economic growth throughout the region.  The Centre will help Northerners acquire the skills they need to fill local jobs in the rapidly growing mining and exploration sectors, while conducting applied research and enhancing Yukon's attractiveness for mining investment. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister for the Arctic Council, Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Senator Daniel Lang and Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon. "Our Government is taking action to create the right conditions for continued growth in the Northern mining sector, and to ensure that Northerners derive maximum benefit from the abundant natural resources in their territories," said Prime Minister Harper. "Our Government's investment in this new Centre will address critical skills shortages facing the region, while providing the citizens of Yukon and the North with better access to the education and training that can lead to high quality jobs." The CNIM will be a one stop state-of-theart education, training and research facility for people looking to begin a career in the mining industry as well as for those who want to improve their skills. Through the Centre, thousands of Yukoners will have access to accredited career training opportunities, helping provide a solution to current and future skilled labour shortages in the territory. The CNIM will also conduct applied research and development to address northern specific challenges in order to grow and improve the competitiveness of Yukon's mining sector. In addition to creating an estimated 40 construction jobs and six full-time and part-time jobs, within its first five years the CNIM is also expected to generate up to 520 trades, mining and apprenticeship graduates, plus 710 students completing shorter non-credit courses, who will provide much needed skilled labour for the North's rapidly expanding mining and exploration industries. As committed to in Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government of Canada will contribute to the construction of the CNIM at Yukon College's Ayamdigut Campus in Whitehorse. The investment will also provide the means for a mobile trades school that will make training more accessible by delivering courses in smaller communities and at mine sites in Yukon. Construction of the new Centre is planned to begin in 2014, and is expected to be completed and operational by 2017. Government of Canada Your Trusted Community Store Lacing up for healthy communities! sports & recreation The North West Run for Diabetes is continuing to be a great success with community members lacing up across the country. Thanks to all of the friends and family who volunteer and cheer on the participants along the route. Northern/NorthMart along with the Canadian Diabetes Association are proud to bring this annual event to our communitues and to help raise awareness for diabetes and prevention. Check out marathon photos at: www.facebook/northernstores culture & arts A&W La Ronge was Cruzin' for a Cause in August. Seven classic cars came out and helped raise over $1,600 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada! Our Community Promise We strive to help make a positive, progressive difference within each community we serve. See what we do every day! Like us at www.facebook.com/northernstores northernstores.ca | northmart.ca

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