Give a little song

Jason Kerr
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Give a little song

Roughly one year ago, a trio of Prince Albert choir directors began looking into ways their singers could give back to the community.

On Friday, Dec. 1, that plan came to fruition.

More than 135 singers from three different local children’s choirs came together for “Give a Little Song, Give a Little Life,” an evening of Christmas music that raised $1,520 for the Victoria Hospital Foundation.

“We always have an annual December performance and then we were looking for an opportunity to perform, to feature the children’s choir,” said Perry Acorn, who directs the Ecole Vickers Public School Choir.

“We like the idea of children using their talents to give back to the community,” added his wife Shelly, who directs the Arthur Pechey Public School Choir.

Vickers and Arthur Pechey were joined by members of the Prince Albert Children’s Choir, directed by Megan Fournier-Mewis and Combined Children’s Choir director Margaret Zulkoskey.

The selection of songs included mix of classical compositions of hope, such as “A prayer for Tomorrow,” as well as traditional Christmas carols like “Silent Night” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Visitors nearly filled Sacred Heart Cathedral to capacity to hear the annual December importance.

The directors said they were overjoyed with the performance, and thankful for the response from the community.

They were also grateful for the opportunity to teach their singers about serving and giving back to their fellow residents, which the Acorns say is just as vital.

“(It’s important because) they’re going to grow up to be contributing members of our community,” Shelly explained.

@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca

Raiders foiled by familiar face

Jason Kerr
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Raiders foiled by familiar face

The Prince Albert Raiders were 21 seconds away from overtime, but a familiar face made sure they never got there.

Former Raider Matteo Gennaro’s goal with less than a minute left broke open a tie hockey game, and allowed the Swift Current Broncos to escape the Credit Union I-plex with a 2-1 victory.

Coach Marc Habscheid credited his team for outshooting and outplaying the Broncos, who currently sit second in the WHL’s East Division. However, Prince Albert’s special teams proved to be the club’s undoing.

“We just killed too many penalties and then when we did have chances on the power play we didn’t cash in,” Habscheid said afterwards.

Despite taking the first five penalties of the game, the Raiders managed to escape the first period without any major damage. It took a sixth power play early in the second before the dam broke.

Colby Sissons scored his seventh of the season, with assists to Max Patterson and Glenn Gawdin, to make it a 1-0 game.

Prince Albert had three straight power plays following Sissons’ goal, but weren’t able to tie things up until the first minute of the third period. Cole Fonstad corralled a rebound after a shot from Jordy Stallard and tucked it into the Bronco net to make it 1-1 a mere 26 seconds in.

With goals being hard to come by, the two teams seemed destined for a repeat of their last matchup, which also went to overtime. However, Gennaro fought his way to the front of the net and tipped in a pass to give Swift Current a last-second win.

“We still outplayed them and outshot them, but they got that late goal,” Habscheid said. “We turned it over in their end and they got it on the rush and put it in, so it’s kind of a disappointing ending.”

Tuesday’s loss drops the Raiders’ record to 12-13-7 on the year, while the Broncos improve to 23-7-2.

Ian Scott made 27 saves for the Raiders, while Swift Current’s Logan Flodell stopped 34 shots to earn the victory.

The Raiders are back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 13, when they take on the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the Art Hauser Centre. Puck drop is 7 p.m.

@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca

Canada 150 Medal puts spotlight on unsung heroes

Jason Kerr
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Canada 150 Medal puts spotlight on unsung heroes

It’s a group that contains coaches, educators and volunteers, and on Saturday they were on stage receiving recognition for their efforts.

More than 50 people were honoured for their community service on Saturday, as residents from across the federal riding of Prince Albert gathered at Plaza 88 for the Canada 150 Medal ceremony.

Prince Albert MP Randy Hoback was on hand to present the awards, which recognized non-partisan residents for their contributions. Hoback said the medal winners were the unsung heroes of the community, and added that he was surprised some had never been honoured before.

“I had a couple of them come to me and say, ‘this is the first time I’ve been acknowledged for the work that I’ve done,’ and they weren’t looking for it,” he explained. “They weren’t expecting it, and that’s what makes it so sweet, because here are people that genuinely care about our community.”

Preparations for Saturday’s medal ceremony began in 2015, but were thrown into jeopardy earlier this year. In September, the Ministry of Canadian Heritage announced they would not issue medals commemorating Canada’s sesquicentennial, despite strong

Hoback hesitated to criticize the federal government for that decision, but did say he respectfully disagreed.

“It just wasn’t what we thought was appropriate, so we said we’d step in and do it ourselves, and I’m sure glad we did,” he explained.

Prince Albert area residents weren’t the only people recognized with Canada 150 Medals. On Friday, Hoback presented another 30 medals during an awards ceremony in Tisdale.

More to come.

Write a letter, change a life

Jason Kerr
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Write a letter, change a life

For the second year in a row, activists from across Prince Albert are putting pen to paper as part of a worldwide movement to end human rights abuses.

Dubbed “Write for Rights,” the annual Amnesty International campaign encourages residents to write letters to in support of 11 different causes, including one here in Canada.

Council of Canadians spokesperson Nancy Carswell said every bit of support is encouraging, and that’s particularly true in the age of email and social media.

“Anybody can send an email,” she explained. “It’s short and quick, but to physically sit down and write out a letter … and then mail it off, that has more weight than the email.”

Carswell said activists are seeing more success through written letters because politicians and governments seem to take them more seriously. Emails and phone calls have their place, but letters carry have more weight to them.

“(Politicians) know that if the person took the time to send the letter, it’s a much bigger issue,” she said.

For the rest of this story, please see the Dec. 9 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.

Tragedy casts a long shadow

Jason Kerr
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Tragedy casts a long shadow

Patricia Leson still remembers where she was on Dec. 6, 1989.

The retired teacher and former vice-principal was in school, dealing with the fallout that erupted in a different classroom on the other side of the country.

On that day, a man entered École Polytechnique in Montreal, armed with a hunting knife and semi-automatic rifle, and proceeded to shoot and kill 14 women. The news was both stunning and frightening.

“It made us feel more vulnerable, no matter where we were,” said Leson, who remembers discussing the issue with other female teachers at school. “We always thought of schools as safe places to send our children (and) to be ourselves.”

For Leson, who currently serves as the president of the Prince Albert Council of Women and vice-president with the National Council of Women Canada, the biggest question following the shooting was, “what can we do?” Today, she has a few answers.

As she gathered with roughly 30 other Prince Albert residents on Thursday to commemorate the victims of the École Polytechnique shooting, the talk turned to the future, and how both men and women can ensure a similar tragedy never happens again.

“It is a family issue,” Leson said. “It’s not just women who are affected and it’s not just men who are affected…. The children are the ones who, if they witness this, perpetuate it, and it’s something that we really must put an end to.”

Progress has been slow, but steady. In Prince Albert, the West Central Native Women’s Association opened the city’s first women’s shelter in 1980. It was subsidized on a per diem rate, meaning available funding depended on how many women were using it. At that time, the goal was simply to provide a safe place for abused women to hide from their tormentors. Changing hearts and minds was a long ways away.

Today, the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women houses 173 individual women a month, along with their children, and operates a Second Stage Housing program.

Although things are starting to improve, executive director Carol Soles said the Montreal shooting still casts a long shadow.

“You heard about it and it was tragic, but I didn’t realize the impact that it was going to have,” Soles remembered. “We need to look at history and we need to learn from it. We need to use history as a map for us to make changes in the future.”

When it comes to eliminating abuse against women, the Second Stage Housing program has arguably been Prince Albert’s biggest success. Although the safe shelter does receive some government support, Second Stage operates entirely independent of federal and provincial funding.

The program boasts a success rate of more than 80 per cent, meaning at least four out of every five women who go through leave their abusive relationship and don’t get involved in another one.

“That’s the key, because the pattern (of violence) repeats,” Soles explained. “(It’s) just not always with the same person.”

Like Leson, Soles believes educating the next generation is key to stopping violence against women. If today’s youth can understand that violence is unacceptable in all circumstances, then tragedies like the one on Dec. 6, 1989 might become a thing of the past.

“We can’t change what happened, but we can change going forward,” Soles said. “If we can teach them that violence is not okay in any way, shape or form going forward, then that pattern will repeat.”

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was first held in 1991. In addition to remembering the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique, it also commemorates Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women.

@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca

Setting up shop

Jason Kerr
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Setting up shop

Kathy Deaton is happy to be back in familiar territory.

For the next two weeks, the former Prince Albert resident has set up shop on Central Avenue, selling an assortment of quilting material and supplies, just like she regularly does at her store in Prince George.

It might be unusual for someone to go to work during a vacation—Deaton is back in town to visit her 93-year-old mother—but for the great-granddaughter of Samuel McLeod, business is never far away.

“Every time I come (to Prince Albert) I wander up and down the street thinking, ‘wouldn’t this be a great place to open a little (shop),” Deaton says. “When I visit my mom for two weeks, it’s a long two weeks for her to sit with me day in and day out. I thought I could do this and visit her in the evenings.”

Like her great-grandfather, who enjoyed success in the real estate and financial business and served a term as mayor, Deaton has strong feelings about her hometown of Prince Albert.

She says she misses the city, and worries residents don’t realize what a gem they have in the downtown district.

Opening a quilt shop, even just temporarily, is her way of helping show that businesses can be successful in the area.

“If somebody comes for a short time, then it gives them some hope,” Deaton explains. “Maybe somebody else might think, ‘well, if it works out for this person, maybe I could open one.’”

Of course, times have changed. Deaton remembers when Prince Albert’s downtown thrived, and stores like Eaton’s and The Bay were community landmarks.

Although that era is gone, she remains convinced the downtown is an important part of Prince Albert, provided it’s kept clean and accessible.

“There are some really neat shops, but I think people maybe don’t realize that they should come down and support these nice coffee shops, nice clothing shops or the good flower shop next door,” she says.

Deaton has worked in the quilting business since 1995, when she left her office job to open her dream shop, a fabric store. She’s happy to be back in the place that’s had such a large impact on her life.

“I miss Prince Albert,” she says. “You always miss your home town.”

@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca

Mayor unconvinced ride sharing on the way

Jason Kerr
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Mayor unconvinced ride sharing on the way

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne says the city is looking for clarification around the new provincial ride sharing legislation introduced on Nov. 30.

The new legislation, which provides a framework for licensing and insurance agreements, also leaves the door wide open for cities to create their own bylaws governing ride sharing companies.

Dionne said he wants more details on the province’s plans before the city starts debating new laws.

“We’ve asked them exactly what they’ve done and how they’ve ordered it and what they’re covering,” he explained. “They have to be licensed the same, insured the same, but I also want to know what else they do.”

Although he wants more information, Dionne doesn’t expect ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft will be big players in Prince Albert. With a population of less than 40,000 people, he’s not sure the demand will be that high. Regardless, he said the city is already making plans.

“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel,” he said. “We would look at other cities that have (ride sharing) and have put rules into effect that have worked successfully.”

Prince Albert’s taxi drivers aren’t overly concerned about the arrival of rideshare competitors either.

For the rest of this story, please see the Dec. 6 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.

The road less travelled

Jason Kerr
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The road less travelled

Whether figuratively or literally, Kim Salo is always gave for traveling down a new road.

Whether it was studying as an architecture or environmental design student, or leading church services as an Anglican priest, the Prince Albert painter has always loved learning new things and discovering new places. Now, that love is the basis of a new exhibit at the John V. Hicks Gallery called “Roads and Rivers,” which showcases roughly 20 paintings from Salo’s extensive portfolio.

“I want to go down every road to see what’s down there, and when I had a nice half-tonne truck I would do exactly that, and occasionally get stuck,” Salo joked. “There’s something I find attractive about just following a track.”

That sense of discovery begins with Salo’s own artistic training. He jokes about having enough for a four-year degree, if he would have only taken all his classes in one stretch. That experience gave him an appreciation for acrylic painting, drawing and oil painting, all of which he makes good use of.

He began experimenting with the latter roughly 15 years ago and hasn’t looked back.

“Water colour is often taken up by artists who don’t have a ton of space,” Salo explained. “Once I had a studio … then I decided, alright, it’s really time to tackle oil, and that’s been good for me ever since.”

For the rest of this story, please see the Dec. 5 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.

Hot meals for hurting souls

Jason Kerr
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Hot meals for hurting souls

Justin Fendelet’s class is always filled with food.

From sausage and perogies, to Japanese dumpling dishes, to traditional breakfast items and baked goods, the students in Fendelet’s commercial cooking class at Carlton Comprehensive High School and never short on scrumptious meals.

This year, the class decided to do something with that bounty by giving it back to the community. Since September, the class has sent hot meals for 15-30 people to the Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Victoria Hospital every Wednesday.

Fendelet said with so much food sitting on the counter, it just made sense to share it.

“We feel that it’s good to have the students giving back and helping out where they can,” he explained. “A big part of that was their own inspiration, so I really thought that was good on the kids’ part.”

The Ronald McDonald Room came to the class’ attention through Creedin Highway, one of seven students in Fendelet’s class and a volunteer at the family room on Sundays. When Fendelet brought up the prospect of cooking outside of Carlton, the family room immediately came to mind and the rest of the class eagerly jumped on board.

Highway said he sees a lot of tired and exhausted families while volunteering, so it’s good to know they have at least one thing to look forward to.

“Some of the people who come in, they’re always waiting at the hospital,” he explained. “It’s nice to know that while I’m at school, we cook, (and) they can have a hot meal.”

This is the first year the Carlton commercial cooking class has provided food for local community groups or charities, but there’s no guarantee it will happen again next year.

Ideally, Fendelet would like to continue what’s been started. However, the entire class is graduating in the spring, and he’s leaving it up to next year’s group to decide whether or not to keep going.

Regardless of what happens in the future, the present has been a success. Ronald McDonald Family Room coordinator Nadia Balytska said they’ve been searching for groups with licensed kitchens to help cook for families, so when the Carlton students stepped forward, it was like an answer to prayer.

“What I’ve found is that one of the best gifts we can offer to families is food,” she said. “During a long day, and usually a stressful day, at the hospital dealing with different medical issues, to come into the family room to have lunch is such a welcome treat (that) families really appreciate.”

Balytska added that they are still looking for groups willing to provide the occasional free hot meal for families using the room. Anyone interested in doing so can call 306-765-2309.

Stalemate in Montreal Lake

Jason Kerr
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Stalemate in Montreal Lake

Long-time Montreal Lake Chief Ed Henderson is calling for voters to head back to the polls after a controversial by-election in November.

Henderson was re-elected in March, but a successful appeal by former band council member Frank Roberts, who was originally disqualified from running, left the door open for a second election, which was to be held on Nov. 27.

Chief Electoral Officer Clifford Bird later declared Roberts chief by acclamation since he was the only candidate to file a declaration of intent to run.

On Friday, Henderson released a statement questioning that decision, and announcing another general election in January. He said Bird erred in calling for a by-election without a mandate or a clear decision by the appeals tribunal.

“This run-away process, resulting in Frank Roberts having the audacity to declare himself ‘Chief by Acclamation’ without a single ballot being cast, is a slap in the face of every band member of Montreal Lake Cree Nation,” read Henderson’s statement.

Henderson maintained that he had not resigned from his role, but was willing to take part in a third and final election for all chief and council positions. He said a new election would clear any misgivings and help avoid a lengthy legal battle.

It would also allow for the community to function. On November 22, a message on the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Facebook page said that payroll would be delayed “due to the recent election issue, which is now before the courts.” The post has not been updated since then.

“(A court case) my end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and lasting months that would leave the band without effective governance. As a First Nation, we need to affirm our right to self-determination and promote good governance by seeking resolution of our own internal issues, rather than have them decided by the Federal Court.”

Henderson was not available for an interview by press time, however a statement released by the First Nation said Henderson was still recognized as chief by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). The statement also accused three other councillors of supporting Roberts to “serve their own interests.”

When contacted by the Daily Herald for comment, Roberts said he did not support a second election, and vowed to fight against it.

“That’s just an attempt from people who are not happy with the by-election process,” he said. “They’re just attempting to create chaos out there with our band members. We’ll be straightening that out shortly.”

Roberts declined to comment further, but added that he was meeting with a lawyer and would have more to say in the coming days.

According to a press release issued by Montreal Lake Cree Nation band manager Mark D’Amato, Henderson hoped to get council members to sign a Band Council Resolution (BCR) that would have seen a Quorum of Council represent the community in all matters until the controversy is solved.

The BCR would also prohibit Henderson and Roberts from holding public meetings on Reserve to promote their political issues. Neither would receive pay until the issue was resolved.

The release said three councillors voted in favour of the resolution, while three opposed and one abstained. The press release also adds that two other unsuccessful attempts were made.

If the vote actually occurs, voters will head back to the polls on Jan. 30, with advanced polls closing on Jan. 26. Declarations of Intent are due on Jan. 4 by 4 p.m.

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