MBiz

12 MBiz | november 2016 A TRIP TO NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN The tour stopped in five northern Saskatchewan communities, including Black Lake First Nation, where an inspiring message was spray- painted on the hockey rink. Chambers Combine Efforts to Learn from Northern Regions By Cory Kolt A s the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) continue to look at ways to grow and develop Manitoba's northern region, an invitation to see northern Saskatchewan provided an unexpected opportunity. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce brought business leaders, government representation, the Chamber network and media together for this unique trip during the last week of September. The whirlwind two-day itinerary included tours in the communities of Buffalo Narrows, Stony Rapids, Black Lake First Nation, Wollaston Lake and La Ronge. One of the more impactful stops was in Buffalo Narrows, a community of 1,153 people located at the Narrows between Little and Big Buffalo Lake and Churchill Lake. Resource extraction remains Buffalo Narrows' main economic activity. A proud community, residents are eager to show off the beautiful surroundings and stunning beachfront, and tout the recent opening of a Tim Hortons restaurant. The tour led to the K-12 school and a visit with the school's principal, and Buffalo Narrows deputy mayor, Jackie Durocher. A life-long resident, Durocher spoke passionately about the future of the area and what is needed to prepare students for what comes after school — and in some cases, how to keep the significant First Nations population interested in staying in school. "It will include a better and deeper connection to community elders who can instill a sense of pride in youth. It will also include growing options to learn valuable skills in the community, instead of having to leave and travel to southern communities, where the culture shock can sometimes be detrimental to kids." Culture shock was a constant theme among educators who met with the tour group. A big fear for many families in remote areas is having their kids travel south. The majority are unaccustomed to larger centres, where more choices and little familiarity with urban environments can contribute to many of the social ills faced by Aboriginal people. Whether in Saskatchewan or Manitoba, the remote nature of many northern communities makes it difficult to bring in materials that we take for granted in the south. The problem of access became front and centre when we were told a horrifying story about a near-disaster at the school. Portions of the school were built in three different decades and with an aging school come repairs. During replacement of the HVAC system, critical for a school of 400 plus students, it was discovered the roof in the older sections was not built properly, and many areas lacked 33 Crescent Avenue Souris, MB Phone: 204.483.2155 Fax: 204.483.2107 Email:whitfielddrugs@mymts.net Monday - Friday • 9-6 Your Healthcare Centre in the of Crescent Avenue Your Independent Prescription Centre HEART "Take a walk through our woods" 1840 - 18TH STREET NORTH - BRANDON, MB R7C 1A5 JASON KUSNICK - MANAGER CANADA'S Original FINISHING STORE Windsor Plywood Fax (204) 727-2619 Toll Free 1-800-224-7506 Telephone (204) 728-4243 Email: jason@windsorplywood.net • Website: www.windsorplywood.com

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