Flin Flon Mine Strike of 1934 Les Misérables Northern Education Centaloppet Celebrates 40 Years the Fox KNOWLEDGE IS MINE

free cottagenorth a magazine about life in north central canada marchapril2015

Flin Flon Mine Strike of 1934 Les Misérables Northern Education Centaloppet Celebrates 40 Years The Fox KNOWLEDGE IS MINE WWW.UCN.CA

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OWN YOUR FUTURE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH In this issue marchapril 2015 • Volume 13, Issue 2

Favourites 6 Calendar of Events 7 Facing North 42 Wildlife: The Fox 45 A Good Taste 46 Profile: Jean Merasty

28 features 31 10 Flin Flon Mine Strike of 1934 28 The Annual Val & Ivor A heated labour dispute shook up Hedman Centaloppet ON THE COVER a young northern mining community Forty years later, skiers carry on a Mel Reich of Bakers Narrows, By Morley G. Naylor community tradition MB captured this photo of a By Dave Price local fox. Read more about 18 Quirky Northern Writers this wily creature on page 42. Seek Same 31 Canadian Adventurers: How the Thompson Writers Guild The Moodie Family came to be A family of intrepid explorers By Amanda M. Holt By Jim Parres 22 The Making of Les Misérables 35 Northern Education: Bringing a Dream to Life A Hands-on Approach A behind-the-scenes look at an An innovative class in La Ronge ambitious production in Flin Flon By Valerie G. Barnes-Connell By Libby Stoker-Lavelle 41 Near Death Inspires New Life Musician Robb Nash opens up to Snow Lake students By Marc Jackson

cottagenorth marchapril 3 From the Editor's Desk cottagenorth

Publisher All over northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, communities are Valerie Durnin coming together to do great things, Editor thanks to the vision, and action, of lo- Libby Stoker-Lavelle cal leaders. In La Ronge, teacher Christine Advertising Ravenis is creating an engaging, real- sales consultant world learning environment for stu- Krista Lemcke dents by bringing community elders

Production manager and local experts into the classroom. Libby (Elizabeth) Stoker-Lavelle Through her Northern Lifestyles class, John Bettger students are gaining a deeper appre- For some, living in the north, far Graphic design ciation for their heritage and the nat- away from major urban centres, can Valerie Durnin ural world around them. be an isolating experience, especial- Danita Stallard In Thompson, a collective of ly during the harsh winter months. writers celebrated the publication In each person, however, there is a Office administrator of their first anthology last October. seed of potential for connection, for & copy editor Three years ago, this group was just personal growth, and for community Shannon Thompson a seed of an idea in founder Amanda contribution. As many of the stories Receptionist Holt’s mind. in this issue show, when we have Rose Daneliuk In Flin Flon, community choir the courage to pursue our passions, volunteers are building barricades, to build on our desires for self-im- Cottage North Magazine crafting 19th century costumes, and provement, and seek out others with 14 North Avenue working with vocal coaches to cre- common interests, we can enrich our Flin Flon, Manitoba ate a world-class production of Les own lives, while building stronger R8A 0T2 Misérables. It will be a work of art 15 communities—and inspiring others phone: 204-687-4303 years in the making, a collective effort to do the same. fax: 204-687-4473 led by Crystal and Mark Kolt, artistic www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca and musical directors of the choir. facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine @cottagenorth email: [email protected] Subscribe to Cottage North Cottage North is published Support your local magazine & have Cottage North delivered to your door six times a year by The Flin Flon six times a year! Makes a great gift. Reminder in Flin Flon and is One year subscription (6 issues): $36.00 GST incl. distributed free of charge to businesses and services throughout northern Manitoba Advertise With Us and Saskatchewan. Contact Krista Lemcke, [email protected] We welcome submissions of photos, art and articles at all times. Vol 13, Issue 2 Please contact us if you have something to share! Printed in Canada, 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction of photos, illustrations, or text in any Letters to the Editor form without written permission Do you have an opinion, a photo or a brief story to share with Cottage North from the publisher is prohibited. readers? Send in a contribution to our Letters to the Editor section!

4 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth the contributors

Amanda M. Holt Morley G. Naylor Amanda Holt Morley G. Naylor was born in Sherridon is president of and has lived in Flin Flon since. For 32 the Thompson years, he has travelled all over northern Writers’ Guild. She writes novels, Manitoba and Saskatchewan with CBC novellas, short TV and CBC Radio. “I’ve really come to stories and poetry, primarily for adults appreciate the beauty and diversity of our in the paranormal, horror and romance area,” Morley says. “There are so many genres. Her paranormal cautionary tale stories to tell.” “Beware the Silence” appears in the An Unkindness of Ravens anthology. “Flin Flon Mine Strike” p. 10 “Quirky Northern Writers Seek Same” p. 18

Valerie G. Dave Price Jim Parres Barnes- Jim Parres is Originally from Cornell a prospector/ Wales, Dave geologist born in Price arrived in Valerie G. Barnes- Timmins, Ontario, Flin Flon—after Connell has been but raised in Flin a brief stint in the reporter/ Flon, Manitoba. He New York City—in photographer has co-authored August, 1970. A for the La Ronge two Manitoba mining books, The Nor retired geologist, Dave is vice-president Northerner for the past eight years. She Acme Gold Mine Story and Headframes, of Flin Flon Ski Club and also one lives in La Ronge. Happiness and Heartaches, along with of the founders of the Green Project, a “Northern Education” p. 35 Marc Jackson. Jim also writes a column collaboration aimed at forest restoration in the Snow Lake newspaper. in Flin Flon and Creighton. “Canadian adventurers” p. 31 “Centaloppet” p. 28

Sheila Ian Graham Kelly Oswald Marchant A graduate of Kelly Oswald is a A longtime resident the University of reporter for the of northern Victoria’s writing Flin Flon Reminder. Manitoba, Sheila department, Ian She moved to Flin enjoys capturing Graham has been Flon seven years the natural beauty with the Thompson ago, following her of this region in poetry. She gathers Citizen and Nickel graduation from inspiration everywhere, but particularly Belt News since 2007, joining the NBCC’s Journalism program. Oswald from her scenic views on her monthly newspaper as a sports reporter and enjoys the people, culture, and spirit of bus rides from Flin Flon to Prince Albert. photographer. He was named editor in the community. August 2014. “A Walk With My Dog” p. 44 “Finding Om in Bakers Narrows” p. 9 “Ron Maclean is coming to Thompson” p. 9

Marc Jackson Penny Byer Gerry Clark Marc Jackson has Penny Byer moved Gerry Clark is a lived in Snow Lake to Thompson in the retired teacher for 42 years. Marc late ’70s to open whose whole writes, edits, and up the CBC North career, starting publishes Snow Country studio. An in 1969, was at Lake’s Underground editor of employee Hapnot Collegiate Press, as well as a syndicated column publications with in Flin Flon. His that runs Fridays in the Flin Flon a mining company and freelancer, interests include drawing; photography, Reminder, Opasquia Times, and Nickel she also teaches courses on mostly wildlife but also sports, involving Belt News. He has co-written two books. communications and leadership. his four grandsons; and writing, mostly about local history. “Near death inspires new life” p. 41 “Jean Merasty” p. 46 “The Fox” p. 42 cottagenorth marchapril 5 Calendar of Events March | April 2015 Here’s what’s happening in your community!

Bust the Winter Blues Trivia Night, horse-drawn sleigh rides and a family dance have all become favourites at the Bust the Winter Blues festival. Held each March for more than a decade, the event is a joint Flin Flon-Creighton celebration. This year’s festival is set for March 6 to 8 with activities for all ages including a snowmobile poker derby, a sugar shack, an ice fishing tournament, public skating, cards and crib tournaments, swimming and a craft sale. Photo by Kelly Oswald

Thompson The Pas Flin Flon, Creighton & March 2-31: Anne Snihor March 1-29: Traces Exhibit Denare Beach Art Exhibit, Heritage North by Janet Shaw Russell, March 6-8: Bust the Winter Blues Festival Museum Sam Waller Museum. March 8: 40th Annual Centaloppet, March 6-8: Winterfest 2015 March 6: Home Routes Flin Flon Ski Club. For details call and Rogers Hometown Concert: Ben Sures, Sam Dave Price, 204-687-8653. See story p.28 Hockey, TRCC Waller Museum, 7 pm April 11: Home Routes March 8-9: Home Routes Concert: March 7: Home Routes Concert: Jason Freeman-Fox, Ben Sures, 7 pm (Cranberry Portage, Concert: Ben Sures Sam Waller Museum, 7 pm March 11) April 1-30: Jasyn Lucas April 12: Aurora concert, March 19: Films Up North series: Show & Sale, Heritage North Sacred Heart Cathedral All is Lost, Hapnot Theatre, 7 pm Museum April 13-29: The Pas Music March 19: Blues musician Big Dave and Fine Arts Festival McLean with Jimmy and the Sleepers, Prince Albert Johnny’s Social Club, 7:30 pm. For tickets March 5: Comedian Ron contact Greg East, 204-687-0754 Snow Lake James, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, April 4: SPCA Fur Ball: benefit social 8 pm March 20-21: Big Dave featuring Guns ’N’ Roses tribute band McLean with Jimmy and March 30: Women of Ireland: The Nighttrain, Flin Flon Community Hall, the Sleepers, Snow Lake Irish and Celtic song and 8 pm Motor Inn dance E.A. Rawlinson Centre, April 10-11: Saskatchewan Dart Zones, 7:30 pm Need more info? Creighton Sportex Creighton Recreation: 306-688-3538 April 11: Denzel Sinclaire and Denare Beach Recreation: 306-362-2050 Flin Flon Arts Council: www.flinflonartscouncil.com, 204-687-5974 April 23-25: CFAR Leisure Show, the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra, Home Routes: www.homeroutes.com Thompson Recreation: www.thompson.ca, 204-677-7952 Creighton Sportex E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm Heritage North Museum: 204-677-2216 E.A. Rawlinson Centre: www.earawlinsoncentre.ca, 866-700-ARTS The Pas Arts Council: www.sites.google.com/site/ artscouncilthepas, 204-623-7035 For more, visit www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca/calendar-of-events Sam Waller Museum: www.samwallermuseum.ca 204-623-3802

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6 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth facingNORTH

Rocking it in La Ronge By Valerie G. Barnes-Connell It’s Saskatchewan’s official sport, and curlers from the La Ronge Curling Club celebrated with an open house January 21, a day the Saskatchewan government has proclaimed Curling New and seasoned curlers turned out to celebrate Day in the province. Curling Day in Saskatchewan People of all ages and abilities par- in La Ronge on January 21. ticipated in the event. Club president Photo by Valerie G. Barnes-Connell Glen Watchel taught the rudiments of the game to a group of potential young curlers. Trappers’ Festival captivates The Pas “We didn’t know what to expect and the place was full. We were very, very, very happy,” Watchel said. Seasoned curlers either assisted people trying out the game for the first time or participated in the weekly Super League game, rescheduled from its regular Thursday night berth for the festivities. Others tried out various pieces of equipment including something they call the stick, which allows curlers to stand while delivering the rock, rather Photo courtesy Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Festival than hankering down. Trappers’ Festival organizer Jen Cook sawing a log with Manitoba The club keeps the curling rink Premier Greg Selinger at the official opening of Trappers Festival on Thursday, February 19. busy three nights a week with regular curling on Monday and Tuesday nights The 2015 Trappers’ Festival captured The Pas from February 19 to 22, and Super League activity competition merging traditional events like the World Championship Dog Races, jig- on Thursday nights. ging performances, and King and Queen Trapper competitions with newer In support of youth curling, the club highlights like a street hockey tournament and a snowboard and snowskate purchased curling practice sets called competition. This year Trappers’ Festival organizers reached out to audi- Rocks and Rings for the three elemen- ences in new ways, launching a new website and interacting throughout tary schools in La Ronge in fall 2014. the weekend with festival-goers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. cottagenorth marchapril 7 ALL KINDS of rANgeS. oNe KIND of DepeNDAbLe.

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8 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth facingNORTH

Ron MacLean is coming to Thompson By Ian Graham He may be less colourful than his frequent Hockey Night in Canada companion, but a visit to Thompson by Ron MacLean in March, as part of the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour, will still be Thompson’s biggest hockey party of 2015. MacLean, who played straight Photo by Cindy Smadella man to the entertaining — or offen- sive, depending on your perspec- tive — Don Cherry on CBC’s Coach’s By Kelly Oswald Corner, will be in the Nickel City for a Finding Om in Bakers Narrows weekend of hockey festivities and to Peace and tranquility abounded at a yoga retreat held at Bakers host a pre-game show followed by a Narrows Lodge on January 31. Shannon Smadella led the retreat along viewing party for a March 8 Calgary with guest instructors Kristen Imrie and Jelisa Wiegers. The all-day Flames-Ottawa Senators game that retreat drew 23 men and women interested in learning more, or will be broadcast nationwide on expanding their practice, of this ancient, relaxing form of exercise. CityTV. “The passion for hockey in this country is unrivalled,” said MacLean in a news release announcing the An icy plunge for Flin Flon swimmers 25 cities that will host the weekly Sunday night broadcasts. “Every By Libby Stoker-Lavelle der, rubber matting, warm-up shacks Canadian has a connection to the Daredevils in the Flin Flon area and first-aid assistance will all make game – it is part of our DNA, it is part will soon have a chance to prove the experience more comfortable for of our communities.” their mettle at the first annual Polar swimmers. MacLean will host a half-hour pre- Bear Dare. Event organizer Annette Last game show live from Thompson prior On Saturday, March 21, at the plans to be one of the first to hop into to the broadcast, and will also make main beach in Denare, locals will the icy lake. She experienced simi- appearances in intermission and plunge into an eight by 10 foot swim- lar temperatures in a glacier swim in post-game shows. ming hole carved out of the ice. In the Kananaskis River in Alberta. Activities leading up to the broad- the weeks leading up to the swim, “It really wasn’t that bad,” says cast will include meet-and-greet ses- participants will collect pledges from Last. “We prepared by taking cold sions with NHL alumni and local friends and family members. Funds showers…so your body doesn’t get hockey heroes, a Hockey Night in raised will go to the Flin Flon Trout such a shock.” Canada viewing party, a KidZone Festival, which will be held in the last To participate, pick up a pack- with hockey-themed activities, skills week of June. age at Alpine Convenience, Di’s and drills competitions and live per- The depth of the water at the Polar Confectionery or Gateway Tempo, formances by local musicians. Bear Dare swimming hole will be or simply turn up on March 21 at the Excerpted with permission from about five feet, and the water temper- beach with water shoes, swimwear, the Thompson Citizen ature will likely be about 5°C. A lad- your pledges, and plenty of courage. cottagenorth marchapril 9 Workers assemble near community hall. Sparling Collection

Story by Morley G. Naylor photos courtesy of the flin flon heritage project Flin Flon Mine Strike of 1934 How a heated labour payroll of the 1,200-plus employees of At the same time, along with dis- dispute brought the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting sention within the labour faction of Company Limited (HBM&S). HBM&S, a festering problem of unem- clashes, a riot and In 1932, HBM&S, or “The Company” ployment and disparity had reached communist hysteria initiated a wage reduction of 18 per a boiling point. By mid-October 1933, to a northern mining cent for single men and 15 per cent the brewing trouble had reached a community for married men, less one per cent for peak. each child per family. A delegation of unemployed and Labour disputes and strikes are not The company stated that this sig- those on relief, represented by Pat uncommon in the mining industry, nificant rollback was due to depressed Healy and Mitch Sago, pressed town due in part to the boom and bust na- base metal prices — mainly copper and council for a resolution to the crisis, ture of the business, and dramatic fluc- zinc — and was fully justified to keep leading to work projects such as the tuations in metal prices. the mining operation in business. draining of Ross Lake Cemetery and Flin Flon mining operations have a Employees did not protest the pay wood cutting. The Canadian National noteworthy record of only two strikes cut, which was in keeping with indus- Railway proposed building a station, over an 85-year mining history. The tries across the nation in the midst of and the young community’s town first took place just a few years after the a worldwide depression. In fact, some council lobbied Ottawa for funding gigantic metallurgical complex came sources indicate that more men were for roads, bridges, a school, and a mu- in to being. actually hired in Flin Flon to step up nicipal hall. Flin Flon Mayor E.E. Foster the tonnage of production and offset sought government assistance, but by Setting the conditions falling metal prices. spring 1934, more than 60 families By July 1932, the newly constructed After the dramatic reduction in were reportedly on relief. mining and smelting complex at Flin income imposed in 1932, most were All of this irritation served to divide Flon was beginning to feel the pinch not jubilant when, in May 1933, the fledgling mining town and place a of the Great Depression. The large Manitoba Premier John Bracken im- strain on community relations as well measure of job security within the Flin posed a wage tax of two per cent on all as the local economy. Flon area was due solely to the steady earners in the province. The worst was yet to come.

10 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth the key players minestrike

Around 1923, he took charge of the Harry Payne Whitney mining interests, disposing of properties in Oklahoma, Nevada, California, and New Mexico. From 1924 his career in mining closely followed the development of the Flin Flon mine and metallurgical plant. Main stakeholders Jack Hammell and Tom Creighton had sold their interests to the Complex Ore Recoveries Company owned by Harry Payne Whitney and run by Channing. Channing is credited with “proving up” the huge orebody by direct- R.H. Channing ing the research and tests required to Photo courtesy Manitoba Historical Society HBM&S president allow the recovery process of the Flin Roscoe Henry (R.H.) Channing was Flon ore body, which had six miner- Mitch Sago president of HBM&S throughout the als in combination. Channing played Union organizer labour troubles of 1934. an integral role in the formation of Born in 1868, Channing studied the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Mitch Sago was one of Canada’s civil engineering at the College of Company with Harry Payne Whitney’s most famous radical labour lead- New Jersey, now Princeton University. son, Cornelius Vanderbilt (Sonny) ers. He was born in Winnipeg in Although he did not complete his final Whitney. 1914, and became a member of term and earn a degree, his career in Channing was remembered by a the Young Communist League the metals industry was an inspiration great many people. At the main gate around 1930. to mining men everywhere. entrance to the plant he would greet Sago actively recruited others Channing’s career began on the workers coming on shift, often by name, to the East Kildonan Branch of the American iron ore fields, where he be- and then, later on, as he frequented the YCL. He was a union organizer for came the youngest mine manager on plant, he would ask questions and dis- the Workers Unity League (WUL) the Mesabi Range. He was famous for cuss conditions with the men. He wore a labour central operated by the taking over the money-losing Cerro de a badge numbered one on his plant Communist Party of Canada, and Pasco mine in Peru in 1907 and, within tours, and was always amused when the Mineworkers Union of Canada three years, returning it to financial workers wondered aloud who number (MWUC). stability. one was. In his lifetime, he was involved in scores of strikes and was one of the leaders of Winnipeg’s Contingent for the famous On-to- Mabel “Mickey” Marlowe Union agitator Ottawa Trek of 1935. He was im- Marlowe, 23 and secretary of the Marlowe played a major role in the prisoned between 1940 and 1942. Canadian Labour Defence League, was women’s blockade of the June 30, 1934 Sago was a key player in the brought in from Winnipeg to participate return to work vote at the community 1934 Flin Flon strike, not necessar- in the strike. Viewed as an outside agita- hall. She was charged and found guilty ily for what he accomplished, but tor, she oversaw the women’s auxiliary of inciting a riot and intimidation by more for what he was unable to and picket group. She was rumoured to threat, and paid a heavy price of one accomplish: to organize a union at be pregnant at the time. year’s hard labour. HBM&S in Flin Flon. cottagenorth marchapril 11 minestrike make your holiday an Strike action

By early 1934, angst among many of the workers was beginning to show. With over 22 years of travel experience, They had endured the pay reductions our Agents can help you plan the by the company, but now metal prices adventure you’ve always dreamed of were recovering as the company de- on a budget you can afford. clared a near $800,000 profit for years 1931 to 1933. Most were unsatisfied with the wages, but past efforts to es- tablish a union at HBM&S had been quickly suppressed. At the beginning of 1934, a num- Professional advice ber of men were fired for involve- from experienced travelers. ment in union organization, and Contact us today to book your dream vacation. workers presented their demands to the company. Their demands were The 306-362-2021 rejected by general manager W.A. 1-866-966-2021 Green, who was left in charge when [email protected] Travel Shop 1719 Moody Drive | Denare Beach, SK company president Channing and Your 1 Stop Travel Agency Like us on Facebook for weekly deals! superintendent and chief engineer R.E. Phelan travelled to Winnipeg. The company refused to recognize the union, and workers walked off the job at 6 pm on Saturday, June 9, 1934. From Winnipeg, Phelan said that under no circumstances would the CARLEY company recognize the Mineworkers BEARING & AUTO Union, which he claimed was affili- 33 2nd Street East The Pas, MB ated with the Workers Unity League, a (204) 623-5416 [email protected] group formed to carry out the activities of the Communist Party of Canada. TOP NAME BRANDS FOR DOMESTIC Phelan announced that the plant could be closed for 10 years, saying AND IMPORTED VEHICLES that the company had the legal right to close and remain closed indefinitely. • Knowledgeable & Channing is viewed as having a Friendly Staff softer approach. He reflected on the friendly relationship that had existed • Specializing in Did you put your car up for the winter? between the company and its employ- We have everything you Aftermarket need to get it ready for spring! ees, saying that once back to work the Make things easier on yourself, Parts just stop in! grievances of the employees would be addressed. He expressed his convic- (204) 623-5416 •• [email protected] Services tion that the union was not representa- 33 2nd Street East, The Pas, MB ... and many more! tive of the mine workers, and therefore Contact us today! did not have the authority to speak on We’re happy to help by phone or email ([email protected]) their behalf.

12 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth the terms minestrike

As in any labour dispute, issues become clouded or overlap into grey areas of quotes, misquotes, and attempts by both labour and management to seek the so called high ground to gain popular support. The major issues at stake, or positions, of both sides in the 1934 conflict can be summed up as follows.

Worker demands HBM&S response

• Recognition of the Mineworkers Union of Canada • no recognition of strike committee • no discrimination for union activity, • no recognition of the Mineworkers Union including reinstating those discharged of Canada • an immediate end to the company-imposed • Payday two times per month pay decrease • Consideration of negotiations once • the number of employees not be reduced employees returned to work by layoffs HBM&S issued public statements noting: • Payday two times per month • eight-hour day The company had been more than fair with employees with wages and other amenities • overtime of 1.5 x rate between eight and 16 hours and 2 x rate beyond 16 hours during a worldwide depression. • no touching or tampering with an The company did not believe that the demands accident scene until investigated by a were from a majority of the employees and department committee. were the result of outside communist agitation.

Communist hysteria The response also noted that affiliation with the WUL “classed them Emotions ran high on the idea that union officials claimed only frater- as Red organizers.” communists had infiltrated the ranks nal relations with the Russian body. During the course of the month- of the working people at the plant. Nevertheless, this revelation was a fatal long strike, citizens banded together On June 11, Foster wired the attor- blow to the strike. to form the Anti-Communist League, ney general in Winnipeg requesting in- The strike committee went before drawing up a constitution to effective- formation on the Mineworkers Union town council claiming affiliation with ly stamp out the influence of commu- of Canada; the attorney general’s of- the WUL, the Amalgamated Mine nism from the lives of Flin Flon’s work- fice in turn, contacted the Department Workers in New Brunswick and other ing men and other citizens. of Labour in Ottawa. unions which had succeeded in im- A resolution to support the objec- The response indicated that the proving working conditions elsewhere. tives of the new organization, which Mineworkers Union of Canada was The committee denied affiliation with endeavoured to uphold and maintain organized in 1925, and became af- any form of communism, though the British law, was passed by the mu- filiated with the Workers Unity League strikers did not deny earlier commu- nicipal council at a meeting on June (WUL), a labour central operated by nist connections. 25, 1934. Various organizations took the Communist Party of Canada, in This revelation created a less than a stand in opposition to the outside 1931. The WUL was the Canadian sec- enthusiastic attitude by the mayor and agitators being allowed to remain in tor of the Red International of Labour council toward the workers and strike Flin Flon. These groups, including the Unions, Moscow, an agency of Third committee. Board of Trade, Knights of Columbus, Communist International, which was Phelan, perhaps more than BPO Elks, Canadian Legion, and the an organ of Soviet control over the Channing, characterized company Anti-Communist League petitioned the communist movement with a stated sentiment with an emphatic denuncia- strike committee for removal of the purpose to promote world revolution. tion of the union, claiming that their agitators from the community. cottagenorth marchapril 13 Women block the RCMP during the entrance to a return final week of dispute. to work vote at the community hall. Strike agitator Mabel Marlowe is in the second row centre, wearing a dark coat.

Sparling Collection

Strikers listen to a speech in front of the dining hall (later Jubilee Hall).

Sparling Collection

Women line the stairs The RCMP are called in Mineworkers Union of Canada. At best, the workers had lukewarm of the community hall When the strike broke out, Foster support from the mayor and council As the strike progressed, the wom- wired the Manitoba premier for assis- after the communist affiliation was en of the town organized a strike com- tance in law enforcement in the new revealed. mittee auxiliary and a picket detail municipality. Bracken sent approxi- Green stated that HBM&S “would headed by Mabel Marlowe, the young mately 32 RCMP officers by special under no circumstances recognize agitator from Winnipeg. An indepen- train. They guarded supply trucks, es- the workers union nor accept their dent back-to-work vote was to be taken sential services, and maintained law demands.” Premier Bracken reput- on June 30. The women, mostly work- and order in the community. edly felt that the employees had been ers’ wives, lined the path and stairways Trouble was feared and emotions duped. to the Flin Flon Community Hall where ran high. Council was presented with a Near the end of the strike, more the workers were to vote. petition for the closure of all beer par- RCMP arrived from Winnipeg and The scene was not a pleasant one. lours and liquor vendors to help keep Regina by train and Lac du Bonnet by As voters came within reach, women the peace and reduce violence. The plane. In a crackdown, the constables scratched men’s faces, tore their cloth- membership of the newly formed Anti- patrolled in twos and threes and qui- ing and threw eggs, mud and pepper Communist League swelled to 300; the etly arrested the strike agitators one by while shouting profanities. campaign against radicals and agita- one, including Mabel Marlowe, on the The RCMP attempted to escort po- tors grew. grounds of unlawful assembly and in- tential voters through the picket line, timidation at the June 30 riot. several fist fights broke out and the The strike is broken The workers had been backed into men were severely pushed around and a corner with very little hope of organiz- roughed up. Soon the area became a The unrelenting supporters of the ing a union or placing any pressure on riot zone, a mass of men and women Anti-Communist League had a devas- the company to meet their demands. struggling and cursing. By afternoon tating influence on the efforts of the By July 4, the RCMP strength had the vote was called off. workers to unionize under the been bolstered to 92 men.

14 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth minestrike

The strike was all but over. In an attempt to broker an amicable agree- ment, Bracken conferred with HBM&S and Flin Flon’s mayor and council. After a series of meetings with numerous entities, Bracken recommend- ed that back-to-work posters be printed and circulated throughout Flin Flon. He issued a notice to the employees of HBM&S stating that, in his opinion, the plant had been closed down due to the activities of Communist organizers working through the Mineworkers Union of Canada. The notice stated that he had impartially interviewed representatives of every department of the company and every organization in Flin Flon in an endeavour to obtain a fair and just appreciation of the situation. He thought that those who had gone on strike had been misled as to the relationships of the organization that they were joining, and assured workers that they had no reason to doubt Channing, who had stated that the plant would be reopened when a majority of men decided to return to work. We’re online! July 9, 1934 was proposed as the Check us out at thereminder.ca date when the workers would begin returning to work, with protection of the men and their families having been as- • online poll sured by Bracken. • interactive Aftermath and gains community calendar On July 9, the company whistle blew. Under the watchful eye of armed • My Local Flyers RCMP, over 700 workers began their and more! long march back to work, led by the 67-year-old Channing. Over the next few days, workers straggled back to their jobs; the nearly 200 who didn’t Serving Flin Flon & Area For Over 65 Years return were fired. 14 North Ave, Flin Flon, MB The Flin Flon strike of 1934 was 204-687-3454 over. [email protected] continued on page 17 cottagenorth marchapril 15 minestrike An Interview with Mitch Sago

In 1985, Jim Mochoruk interviewed One was the beer parlour at Q. Was there a lot of pressure put Mitch Sago about his work as a Foster’s hotel ... We would go in on the workers by the Company? union organizer in Flin Flon from and on payday the practice was to 1933 to 1934. This edited version of put all those tables together for the Sago: Oh yes. The intimidation the interview reveals Sago’s recol- full length of the beer parlour and was quite brutal. Edwardson…on lection of the events that unfolded. each guy would order for the table his way home from some inter- as a whole. view that he had arranged quietly Sago: The assignment I got, along Now, we were allowed to sit in someplace was brutally pushed with Eddie Edwardson, to organize with the boys and many times we into Ross Lake and warned that if a union in Flin Flon, was at the sat in with people who had nothing he didn’t get the hell out of town request of a chap by the name of to do with the union and we had there’d come a time when he Sundquist. He said he would take no intention of asking them to wouldn’t get out of Ross Lake – that care of our lodging and our food come in because we didn’t know would be it, that’s where he’d die. [so] Eddie Edwardson and I were them that well. But we did it in I had such warnings, too. assigned to go to Flin Flon and to order to create an atmosphere and Q. Were these threats directly organize the miners there at that a feeling that we were just there from Company management? time. This was in 1933. to have drinks and to participate socially. There wasn’t a fixed Sago: Oh yes. These were Q. Now, was [Sundquist] a rep- pattern, so that somebody could company stooges who were doing resentative of some of the other identify certain people [as union the job. I remember going to the miners who wanted to bring in members]. washroom in the hotel one day and a union or was he asking on his The other place where we three of the stooges came in and own? used to meet was in the Red Light told me, “We want you outside, Sago: My understanding was district, in the houses of ill-repute, we’re going to fix you so you’re … that a number of miners had up on The Hill. never going to come in here or any- been talking for some consider- The women knew what we were where else.” But when it became able length of time that it would doing. For their [own] reasons they clear to Edwardson and myself that be good if someone came and wanted to see a union because we had such high visibility that organized a union, because they they were quite sympathetic to we were actually being rendered sure wanted one. It was a the situation [of] the people who useless in terms of meeting people, company town. worked for The Company. So I had talking to people, and being seen The other thing [that we tried free access to all these places and with people, we contacted the to make sure of] was that [The so did Edwardson [and] this was Winnipeg office. They agreed that Company] could never identify where we would meet some of the you can’t continue working with any of the groups by watching fellas. people because they are afraid they Edwardson or myself on the street As far as anyone was concerned are going to be fired –— you better or visiting [union members’] we were in there for a drink, but come in and we’ll take some other homes, or what have you, and talk- actually we were in there to have steps. And that’s when we returned ing to them. We were very careful a discussion with one or another to Winnipeg. about that. person. We were very careful who Reprinted courtesy of the Manitoba There were two places where we sought out in these places, who Historical Society. we felt free to talk to people, and we spoke with and it proved to be A more complete transcript is available we were careful even then. successful. at www.mhs.mb.ca.

16 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth Supermarket Shopping RCMP stand by as HBM&S with Convenience Store Hours president R.H. Channing leads strikers back to work.

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While the workers’ demands were were reduced on June 20,1934 – mid- not met, and unionization was stopped way through the strike. Support local clubs & charities in its tracks, some important gains In addition, one half of the original with our in-store loyalty program! were made from the strike. The com- 1932 wage cut imposed was retracted; 204.623.6469 pany adopted a twice-monthly payday the second half of the pay cut was not 363 Crossley Ave, The Pas, MB and negotiations on other issues were retracted until 1935. opened up for discussion. The compa- Since that time, Flin Flon HBM&S ny established the Employees Welfare employees have seen one other major Why not take a Board, composed of elected repre- strike, a trade union dispute in 1971, snow day? sentatives from the workforce, to deal which closed the plant for about five with employee grievances. The com- months. pany also promised to reduce electri- Additional historical photos of the cal power rates to relieve some of the Flin Flon mine strike can be found financial burden (HBM&S owned the on the Cottage North website at Island Falls generating station). Rates www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca

This photograph may show the arrest of Mabel “Mickey” Marlowe.

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20 miles northeast of Thompson on Hwy 280 www.mysterymountain.ca Find us on Facebook! Photographer unknown search: Mystery Mountain Winter Park cottagenorth marchapril 17 writersguild

Quirky Northern Writers Seek Same How the Thompson Writers’ Guild came to be story By Amanda M. Holt Photos by Yawhann Chong

A Thompson Writers’ Guild member reads from the group’s first published anthology, An Unkindness of Ravens. The anthology is sold through the guild, and online through Amazon, Smashwords and Lulu. 18 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth writersguild

One by one, they came out of the woodwork, approaching the display table. Some walked by several times before zeroing in on the sign-up sheet.

I knew there were writers in Thompson – there had to be. But where were they? I hadn’t spotted any lurking at the other tables as I scrawled in my journal, or typed maniacally at my laptop, at Grapes Restaurant, long after breakfast had been cleared away. Questions about my kind nagged me: Where were the writers in Thompson hiding out? Were they solitary creatures? How many writers were there? What were their genres, their writing styles? Were they struggling with their projects, as I sometimes did? Were their muses generous, temperamental or altogether absent? Were they perhaps in need of inspiration, encouragement, or feedback? My own writing habits seemed to wax and wane. I felt that keeping in touch with other writers would keep me on-task, more accountable for my own productivity. Advice columns for writers often steer authors toward joining a writers’ guild or critiquing group — and it makes perfect sense. Just as musicians have jam sessions with each other, exchanging energies and ideas, writers’ circles can compare their notes and woes — not to mention the social benefits of gathering like-minded peers! It seemed like such a shame that Thompson didn’t have a writers’ group … none that anyone I asked, or that the helpful staff at the library knew about, anyway. A collection of authors helping authors achieve their writing goals? Such an idea would come to strike a happy chord in the hearts of writers here in Thompson, just as it had elsewhere in communities around the world. cottagenorth marchapril 19 writersguild

Seek and ye shall find sis I had stumbled upon in hoping to fellow authors in navigating writing quench my thirst. obstacles, plotlines and pitfalls. In 2012, realizing that I wanted to I didn’t pretend to have it all figured Now, two years later, I am humbled stay in Thompson a while longer, and out. I had never been a member of a by how far we have come and how determined to seek out other authors, I writers’ guild — I had only ever read large we’ve grown. decided to invest the time and energy about them. The library was lending The Thompson Writers’ Guild in starting a local writers’ group. The us basement space for meetings every (TWG) is more than 80 members annual Health & Leisure Mart slated second Saturday. As for other details: strong, with virtual members who do for that September was the perfect op- the format that meetings would follow; not attend meetings due to scheduling portunity to gauge if there were local when or how we would hold writing or distance, but participate in other authors interested in developing and contests or produce published works; ways. They submitted artwork, stories, participating in one. how we would distribute information and poetry for our last anthology; do- With my gal pal Tina at my side to members…all of those details would nated books for our book sale; shared for moral support, I set up the bait: a have to be sorted out later. links to contests; and networked with colourful display with motivational other guilds. slogans, handouts of writing tips, ratio- Growing pains and nale and advice for forming a writers’ Our anthologies group, a sign-up sheet and me—one gratifications amateur authoress hoping to recruit In year one, we went through all Through fundraising with used others. To my delight, there were writ- kinds of growing pains. We kept asking book sales, the guild bankrolled the ers in Thompson. each other, “What do you need from publication of our first anthology, An One by one, they came out of the a writers’ guild?” The answers helped Unkindness of Ravens which we ed- woodwork, approaching the display guide us as we tried to ascertain the ited, designed, uploaded, and promot- table. Some walked by several times services and resources we should pro- ed ourselves. The anthology contains before zeroing in on the sign-up sheet. vide. Lacking organization, we seemed works of spooky fiction, eerie poetry, There was one adult who wrote in- to lose valuable members while we and a creepy graphic novel, created spirational Christian romance. A screen- tried to find our footing and create a by members whose ages range from 10 writer. Poets. Some who signed up had meaningful structure that focused on through 50-plus. Our members are cur- even been published. Some hadn’t fin- achievable ends (an agenda, fundrais- rently preparing their submissions for ished anything yet, and weren’t certain ing goals, publication goals, tracking our second anthology. if they ever would. They asked: did that achievements such as members’ par- qualify them as writers? Of course it ticipation in NaNoWriMo*) while also Room to grow did! They wrote, didn’t they? allowing for time to socialize. One woman who joined that day Despite fluctuating attendance at Now in our third year, we have had published horror fiction, and had meetings in that formative year, we established an executive board, cre- two teen daughters who also wanted gained members who recognized the ated a Facebook page, and promoted to join. A pair of adult sisters—a novel- potential of the group. They would awareness of the TWG by participating ist/poet and a fan fiction writer—came prove to be visionaries who keep our in two more Health and Leisure Mart with their middle-aged mother in tow. purpose clear: writers helping writers events. We are working toward achiev- Others were retirees, ready to pen that achieve their goals. ing non-profit organization status and great Canadian family saga. Collectively, our members are bot- providing workshops to writers. We The sign-up sheet soon filled with tomless wells of ideas; we keep each are eager to accept new writers of any the names and contact information of other motivated and inspired. Drawing genre, from manga and graphic novels over forty brave souls. To me that list from diverse life experiences, apti- to blogging, poetry, creative non-fic- seemed like the proverbial desert oa- tudes and literary interests, we assist tion, short stories, essays or novels.

* NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is an annual global writing contest. From November 1 to 30, writers attempt to complete an original 50,000-word novel. In 2014, more than five TWG members achieved that goal. For more information on NaNoWriMo, visit www.nanowrimo.org

20 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth Are you a writer seeking fellow wordsmiths? Here’s a list of groups & organizations available to northern Manitoba & Saskatchewan writers

Flin Flon Writers’ Guild Thompson Writers’ Guild Prince Albert Writers Group

Founded in 1983, the Flin Flon Writers Guild Writers who live in the Thompson area are The Prince Albert Writers Group meets on the is a contact and support group for writers in welcome to attend meetings every second first and third Tuesday of the month at 2:00. the Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach Saturday from 2 to 4pm in the basement of the The group has existed for over 40 years and area. Prospective members are always welcome Thompson Public Library. The next two meetings welcomes anyone who wishes to join. to attend meetings, which are held at the are March 7 and March 21. Membership in the Every two years the group makes up an NorVA Centre (177 Green Street) on the second Thompson Writers’ Guild is currently free. anthology with every member contributing to the Saturday of each month (Sept to June) at 1:30. For more information email content. Visit www.princealbertwritersgroup.com Meetings include optional sharing of works in [email protected]. for more information. progress and writing response exercises, as well as occasional lessons by members. The guild The Pas Writing Circle Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild has hosted numerous workshops, readings, and A group of local writers recently founded this open mic nights, and organizes an annual poetry circle as a respectful environment to write with Founded in 1969, the Saskatchewan Writers’ evening in April. More information can be found others and share writing. Writers are encouraged Guild represents writers in all disciplines at www.flinflonwritersguild.wordpress.com to drop in or join the circle at The Pas Regional and at all levels of achievement. Membership is open to writers and those interested in Library Annex on Tuesdays, (except for the 1st Manitoba Writers’ Guild Saskatchewan writing. For information visit Tuesday of the month) from 7:30 to 9:00. To www.skwriter.com. The Manitoba Writers’ Guild was founded in learn more, call The Pas Regional Library at 1981. The guild provides professional and (204) 623-2023. personal support to Manitoba writers. Writers of all levels of experience are welcome to join. For Photo: Contributors to the Thompson Writers Guild anthology celebrate at a book information visit www.mbwriter.mb.ca. launch at the Thompson Public Library in October 2014. Back row: Penny Byer, Amanda Holt, Ian Graham, Valerie Wolfe, Ellora Reddy, Jui Sarker, Leigha Mellish, Fae Wolfe. Front row: Yawhann Chong, Savannah-Rose and Chesa Hickey, Robyn Foley. cottagenorth marchapril 21 Daniel Dillon

Bringing a Dream to Life The Making of Les Misérables story and photos by Libby Stoker-Lavelle

An immense amount of talent, de- guitar, had never sung in a choir or been a short and unexpected one, but votion, and heart is going into a local acted before. His curiosity was piqued for the community choir, this is a pro- production shaping up in Flin Flon this when Kolt approached him after the duction years in the making. spring. The Flin Flon Community Choir concert, suggesting that he audition The journey to Les Mis began 15 (FFCC) is mounting the huge musical for Les Mis. Word got around quickly. years ago when Crystal Kolt first ap- Les Misérables in May 2015. “The next day, I got a call and a plied for a licence to produce the mu- Graphic designer and part-time rock Facebook message from my mom, sical in Flin Flon. Most musical theatre musician John Bettger never intended and text messages from Crystal [Kolt, productions are copyrighted, and both to audition for a role in Les Misérables, Mark’s wife and FFCC artistic director]. amateur and professional theatre orga- but fate had other plans for him. Last They were all saying ‘You should audi- nizations must obtain a licence in or- fall, Bettger was rehearsing for a show tion … audition, audition, audition!’” der to legally perform the production. with Band on the Run alongside Mark Buoyed by this encouragement, Les Mis is the longest running mu- Kolt, musical director for FFFC and Bettger decided to go for it, thinking he sical to date and remains one of the one of Flin Flon’s most accomplished might get a small part in the produc- most popular musical theatre produc- musicians. tion. To his surprise, he received a call tions worldwide; for an amateur the- “They wanted me to do some back- from Crystal Kolt a few weeks later. He atre company, getting a licence to per- ing vocals on some tracks,” recalls had been selected for the role of Jean form the musical is unlikely. Bettger. “Susan [Lethbridge] held Valjean, the lead in the musical. While Crystal Kolt kept applying for the mic to my face and I started sing- “I’d never heard Les Mis before,” he the rights for Les Mis and setting aside ing. Mark was playing, and he kind of recalls. “I’d never heard it or seen it, so the refusals, the choir went forward leaned forward and glanced at me. it was kind of a big shock. I was like with other musical theatre productions, He was like ‘Who is that guy? Where ‘Oh wow, that’s awesome that I got the producing Broadway musicals Evita, did this come from?’” lead part…but I have so much to do!’” Titanic, Fiddler on the Roof, Beauty Bettger, who plays bass, drums and For Bettger, the road to Les Mis has and the Beast, and Chicago as well

22 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth Making of a musical

“The opportunity to learn from a professional director was one of the things that pushed me to volunteer. I could not have anticipated how much I would learn.” Stacy Becker assistant director as the premiere production of Three protagonist Jean Valjean through a tu- Hodges’ breadth of directing expe- Brides for Kasos, and two productions multuous life in 19th century France. rience, and her openness to working of Bombertown, a musical written by With 11 principal actors, a 48-person with amateur, emerging and profes- Mark. With each production Crystal ensemble, period costumes and com- sional artists made her a perfect fit Kolt aimed to raise the bar, challeng- plex battle scenes to be staged, Les for the FFCC. Hodges’ career is based ing performers and crew members to Mis is a huge undertaking for a pro- in Winnipeg, so she worked with the expand their skills, while also bringing fessional theatre company. For a vol- FFCC to develop a schedule that would in professionals to add new dimen- unteer-based community choir in a enable her to work in intensive periods sions to the productions. small northern city, it might be seen as with the cast and crew over the four- “Our first professional hired was a downright crazy. month production period and return sound technician for our original mu- For Crystal Kolt and her team of dra- to her other responsibilities in south- sical Bombertown,” explains Crystal ma-lovers, however, it is a dream come ern Manitoba in the interim. Kolt. “We progressed from hiring a true, an opportunity to push the limits Hodges spent one week in January sound technician to a lighting techni- on what an amateur theatre group can and one week in February in Flin Flon cian. When we were given the rights to create. and will return in April for the three produce Titanic, we decided that we “Every time we raise the bar, we weeks before the show opens on May wanted to give northern audiences the learn so much, meet more people, learn 1. While in Winnipeg, Hodges provides opportunity to hear a musical theatre more about this art form that we love, guidance and feedback as needed on- production with orchestration. That is become stronger internally as an organi- line, but for the most part, the show is when we started coming up with a for- zation, and ultimately can offer a better in the hands of the local support team: mula to hire qualified musicians. We product for northern Manitobans and producer and artistic director Crystal contacted the University of Brandon, Saskatchewanians,” says Crystal Kolt. Kolt, assistant director Stacy Becker, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well “It is always a little frightening to jump assistant second director Beth Heine, as professional independent musi- up towards that bar. I admire all of the and stage manager Katy Anderson. cians. That led to connecting with a people in our organization that eagerly In a sense, this setup is ideal, as it network of musicians from both prov- accept the challenge.” enables the local team to learn from a inces.” Through fundraising, grants, With characteristic ambition and seasoned professional and then prac- and donations from community or- optimism, Crystal Kolt started making tice those skills right away. ganizations and businesses, the FFCC calls and composing her dream team Two months in, the commitment has been able to increase the number from local and provincial talents. For and energy that the Flin Flon cast and of professionals brought on board for the first time in the history of the organi- crew are putting into the production each production. zation, the FFCC decided to take a ma- are making it a rewarding experience Last spring, Crystal Kolt’s ship final- jor leap forward and hire a professional for Hodges. “Everyone involved has a ly came in: Flin Flon had been granted director. Based on the advice of several huge love for the project to begin with, the rights to produce Les Misérables. colleagues, Crystal Kolt ultimately se- and that is very infectious,” she says. lected Ann Hodges, a seasoned direc- Over 100 local people are involved Raising the bar… tor whose credits include Manitoba in the production on stage and off, and and leaping over it Theatre Centre, Calgary Opera, Prairie they are joined by a number of theatre Les Mis, as the production is widely Theatre Exchange, Edmonton Opera, professionals: fight choreographer known, is based on a French novel writ- Vancouver Opera, Great Canadian Jacquie Loewen, set designer Dennis ten by Victor Hugo. The story follows Theatre Company, and Opera Lyra. Wasylniuk, light designer Eric Bosse, cottagenorth marchapril 23 Making of a musical sound designer Chris Coyne, and 12 plains. “I usually try to be the second was cast in the principal role. “It never musicians for the orchestra. While type. Instead of telling you to exit stage occurred to me to ask those questions, Crystal Kolt and the FFCC hope the pro- left, I’ll try to help you figure out how but the answers really gave me insight fessionals will help bring the produc- to make those choices and explain into the character and how to play her.” tion to new heights, it is the volunteers what is informing the staging.” C.C. Trubiak, who plays Marius, who bring the daring dream to life, one Hodges appears to be meeting her noted that he has learned a great deal tailored jacket, wooden barricade, and target, as both actors and crew rave not only from Hodges’ instructions to four-hour rehearsal at a time. about how much they have learned in him during rehearsals, but also her ad- rehearsals so far. vice for other actors. Learning process “When I first started working with “Ann Hodges is incredibly creative, “As a director, you can just direct Ann on ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ she got me clear, and concise in her directing the show, or you can empower people to answer a series of questions about style, compassionate and positive yet to become better artists,” Hodges ex- Fantine,” says Katrina Windjack, who very direct in conveying her needs and

ments that make it a unique design challenge. The two most pressing Building the Barricade ones are [first] the sheer number Dennis Wasylyniuk set design of scenes that have to be accom- modated, all of which have to be in Winnipeg-based set designer some of them last for only a few place at an exact point within a con- Dennis Wasylyniuk has been de- seconds.” tinuous musical score that doesn’t signing stage productions for over From Winnipeg, Wasylyniuk de- wait for anyone or anything. 40 years. He began working with veloped scale models and sketches The second is the challenge of larger productions while teaching for the musical, and in February he creating the barricade in the sec- in Thompson in the 1970s. Over spent time in Flin Flon working with ond act. It is a crucial structure his career he has designed about Ann Hodges to match the set design that most of the second act plays 30 shows, including three previous concept with her vision. in and yet the score dictates that productions of Les Mis. In the meantime, on the ground the barricade has to suddenly ap- Once contracted for FFCC’s in Flin Flon, set manager Ken pear on stage during 27 seconds production, Wasylyniuk began his Pawlachuk ensures that all of the of music. process in fall 2014, starting with props get built on time and in line Q. Can you share your technique data-gathering via Skype conversa- with the set design. for handling this challenge? tions and digital photos. Equipped As performance dates inch with his knowledge of the spaces closer, Wasylyniuk is producing A. The stage at the R.H. Channing and scenes called for by the script, a set of floor plans that document Theatre does not allow for “flying” he assessed the available resources the planned layout for every scene pieces of a set in from above, nor and physical environment for the or situation. He will oversee the ex- does it have much space to store production. ecution of the plans on stage, mak- parts of a set off stage, so I have Les Mis presents a particular ing adaptations as needed. designed this production in such a challenging for set designers due to way that most of the set is in view Q. What is most interesting the number of scenes to be staged. for the whole show. It just moves about this particular production “There are roughly 50 scenes and transforms to create different in terms of set design? or situations that have to be de- spaces. We use a lot of castors and signed for,” Wasylyniuk says, “and A. Les Mis has a number of ele- wheels, on six moving platforms.

24 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth Making of a musical expectations,” says Crystal Kolt. “She is it is also an enriching one for many Kendall perfect for where we are right now as participants. Pandya an organization.” Trubiak recalls how much he learned & when Mel Braun, a vocal coach and Chartered aCCountants Creating authenticity professor at the University of Manitoba, Fight choreographer Loewen, like worked with him, Bettger, and Craig Hodges, is based in Winnipeg, so Bancroft over Skype. Winnipeg-based Accounting Professionals for she travels to Flin Flon to work with tenor Aaron Hutton held a vocal ses- Northern Manitoba the cast in short, intensive sessions. sion with the three performers as well. for over 30 years She spent one week in Flin Flon in “It was fantastic because as an indepen- February, working alongside Hodges dent artist with no formal training, I val- in rehearsals, and will return in April to ued the one-on-one time to broaden my work with the performers in the days skills,” says Trubiak, who plays the role leading up to the show. of Marius. “The process for me has been With a profound understanding of one of great challenge but even more stage combat, Loewen ensures that so, terrific pleasure. Les Misérables has conflict scenes in Les Mis are safe for presented a whole new world to me in 300 - 31 Main Street the performers; she also brings what terms of musical style.” she terms a “strong kinaesthetic sense” Hodges and Crystal Kolt both em- Flin Flon, MB to the action on stage. phasize the importance of building Ph: 204.687.8211 For Loewen, the key to good fight these enrichment opportunities into Fax: 204.687.2957 choreography is capturing emotional the creation process for Les Mis. “I and physical truth in a fictional envi- want it to be a good experience for ronment. “Even though it’s a musical, everybody, and a rewarding experi- we want to believe it’s a real situation. ence that pays off in the future,” says You want to care about these charac- Hodges. “Part of why I’m there is to ters,” she says. “It’s one thing to watch pass on knowledge.” and think, ‘Oh, I remember that part where I was supposed to believe she Steady progress was getting roughed up,’ then there is Thanks to the hard work of the cast, the more emotional sense of seeing crew, and support team in Flin Flon, someone who you’ve come to care Hodges saw marked growth during her about and worrying about what’s go- last visit to Flin Flon, in mid-February. ing to happen to her ... I think all art “It was satisfying and exciting to see should move down from the brain to how much progress they had made,” the heart.” says Hodges, noting an improvement Loewen was impressed with the in confidence level for many actors, a enthusiastic reaction she got from the better grasp of the music, and greater cast, who were open to taking her sug- ownership of, and commitment to, gestions and experimenting. “My job is their characters. to come here and build the thing that “It is very rewarding to see light works, not babysit it,” she says. “It’s an bulbs go off, not just with the perform- exploratory process.” ers but the support team as well, assistant directors, the wardrobe staff, Expanding musically and set-building team. I saw so much While working on Les Mis is a of that happening, people stepping up huge commitment for those involved, and doing great work.” cottagenorth marchapril 25 Store Hours Monday 8am to 6pm We go where Tuesday 8am to 8pm Wednesday 8am to 6pm you go. Thursday 8am to 8pm Friday 8am to 8pm 687-4429 • 37 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB Saturday 9am to 6pm Download our new app today Closed Sundays and Holidays

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26 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth Making of a musical

For the actors and crew, a sense himself soon after joining the cast. “All Les Misérables will be performed of community and mutual support the people I’m working with are such on Friday through Sunday, May 1 to 3 is key to their commitment to Les talented and wonderful people, you at the R.H. Channing Auditorium in the Mis. “Everyone is a tight-knit family, want to work with them. As exhausted Flin Flon Community Hall. Tickets are but very warm and welcoming,” says as you might be, you just want to go available now and can be purchased Bettger, who felt like part of the family there and be a part of it.” at Northern Rainbow’s End.

Living in the north does not always enable sewers easy access to a fabric store, but brief trips out of town, lists given to friends and neigh- bours, along with hunting through yard sale boxes provides a large amount of useful materials.

Q. How many people are working on the costumes for Les Mis?

A. Many period typical pieces are not easily accessible to our area so a group meets weekly to cre- Lori Lawrence measures John Bettger, who plays the lead role of ate those parts for the show. High Jean Valjean, for one of his many costumes. school students, community members, and even the occasional vis- itor to our area have helped during 19th century costumes past shows. A core group of seven to eight people, many of whom also sing in the choir, work cutting, made in northern MB sewing, and fitting the required garments. Lori Lawrence costume design & construction Q. How many hours, on average, Lori Lawrence, a home econom- go into the creation of the cos- ics teacher at Hapnot Collegiate in Q. How do you go about planning tumes for FFCC musicals? Flin Flon and member of the Flin the costumes for a musical? Flon Community Choir, has worked A. As soon as a musical show has A. When an actor dons the appro- on costume design and construc- been chosen, research begins with priate articles of clothing the perfor- tion for FFCC productions for 19 reading of the background informa- mance goes up a level, and more years. tion on the composer, his or her life is breathed into the scene. That Many costumes are built from purpose in writing the story, the elevation in energy and the satis- scratch, others are reworked from time period, and other versions of faction in the audience’s applause donated clothing or pieces cre- the musical that have already been make the many hours taken to pro- ated for past shows. Working with presented around the world. Any duce these products worth all the a team of fellow volunteers, Lori shape of cloth or article of clothing effort required. Love of the process organizes upwards of 400 articles becomes fair game as fabric for the prevents me from tallying the hours for a single show. creation of a piece for the show. spent creating for stage.

cottagenorth marchapril 27 The Annual Val & Ivor Hedman 40 years of skiing, fun Centaloppet & community story & photos By Dave Price

Skiers prepare for the 1978 Centaloppet

With the Flin Flon Ski Club laxing way to spend a day outside, tak- on the Main and Baldy Hills. Then ing in the pristine beauty of the coun- through the 1970s, Mother Nature de- preparing to celebrate its tryside or wilderness, and enjoying the cided to reduce snowfall in our area, 40th annual Centaloppet home grown entertainment and great which meant that maintaining those this March, club vice- food and drink at the rest stops along rocky downhill runs became problem- president Dave Price looks the trail.” atic. That’s when a small group of us back on the history of a Flin Flonners became familiar with discovered the joys of cross-country the term in the early 1970s when we skiing. beloved community event made contact with a group of friendly Ivor Hedman had been an active “What on earth is a loppet?” I hear Scandinavian skiers in The Pas. A num- downhill skier since the early days of you say. Fortunately, the Cross Country ber of these—mostly Finns—had come the club, but once cross-country took Canada website provides a detailed over to work at CFI (now Tolko). Not off, there was no stopping him, and definition: “A great gathering of ski- only did they encourage us to develop he thought that everybody else should ers who ski on a groomed trail either our trail network here, they introduced join him out on the trails. classic (diagonal stride) or free (skat- us to racing and loppeting. At their Obviously the thing to do was or- ing technique) for various distances. cottages along the shores of beautiful ganize a loppet. Ivor and his late wife Enormous amounts of food and drink Clearwater Lake, these hospitable folk Val, through their business Flin Flon are consumed during the event. After, also introduced us to the odd notion of Plumbing and Heating, put a huge ef- there’s a party and celebratory ban- steaming ourselves in their saunas, fol- fort into establishing the Centaloppet quet with awards and prizes and usual- lowed by rolling naked in the snow! in 1976 and into sponsoring it for many ly a dance. The loppet means different The Flin Flon Ski Club was estab- years after that. The mass start for that things to different people. For some it’s lished in the mid-1950s and was a hot- first event was at Centoba Park—hence intense competition, for others it’s a re- bed of downhill skiing with rope-tows the name.

28 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth centaloppet 40 years

61-year-old Fred Bradt; last year it went to 9-year-old Caleb Baynton. In addition, there are always awards in a variety of categories such as happi- est face, largest family, youngest skier, most dynamic and so on. At the ski club’s annual general meeting in April 2014, it was decided that the event should be renamed in honour of its founders and long-time sponsors. The 40th anniversary of the Flin Flon centaloppet marks the first year of its new This year, the mass start for the Val name, after founders and long-time supporters Val and Ivor Hedman. and Ivor Hedman Centaloppet will be held on Beaver Pond below the ski cha- The idea was to bring together as For the more competitive, there is let at 2 pm on Sunday March 8. The fin- many local skiers as possible once a of course the prestigious Centaloppet ish—after an easy 3.4 kilometre ski—is year to ski along an easy and enjoyable Cup. This goes not to the first across at the chalet. All skiers are welcome, route. You can race if you like, but the the line, but to an individual, young and there is no charge to participate. main idea is to be part of the crowd. or old, male or female, whose time Register for the 40th Centaloppet at We want to see grandparents and kids has been adjusted according to an in- the Flin Flon Ski Club chalet between and everybody in between having fun genious handicapping system. In the 1 and 1:30 pm on March 8. Visit www. out there. inaugural event, the cup was won by flinflonskiclub.com for information.

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30 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth The Moodie Family

A Geraldine Moodie portrait from a Cree sun dance Canadian Battleford, SK, adventurers 1896. Story by Jim Parres

Many of the Moodie clan have called the unique town of Cranberry Portage, Manitoba their home. Most of the Moodie men whom I knew worked in extensive remote areas of northern Manitoba in mineral exploration, commercial fishing, trapping, or guiding tourists. These men are the sons of Alex Dunbar Moodie and his wife, Rosa. Alex Dunbar Moodie was the son of John Douglas Moodie and Geraldine Fitzgibbon. Those three saw more of this country, and had more adventures, than most Canadians can dream of; they are the main subjects of this story. For many years, Tom Moodie, who still resides in Cranberry, had told me about his paternal grandfather, J. D. Moodie, and how he had risen through the ranks of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP). When I read an insightful book entitled In Search of Geraldine Moodie I discovered that Photo by Geraldine Moodie Geraldine Moodie, a daring 19th century photographer, was Canada Patent & Copyright Office / Library & Archives Canada / Tom’s paternal grandmother. Intrigued, I decided to research C-019000A the Moodie family and found they had a colourful history.

Other Geraldine Moodie portraits now housed at Library and Archives Canada include an Ivalik woman and child, also known as Kookooleshook and child (far left) and a photo of an Inuit widow with three children, taken in Nunavut between the years 1904 and 1905 (left).

Royal Canadian Mounted Police / Library & Geraldine Moodie / Library & Archives Canada / C-001814 Archives Canada / C-089351 cottagenorth marchapril 31 Photo by Geraldine Moodie, courtesy of Library and Archives Canada/C-001772 Constable Alex Moodie (highlighted, top right) and his father, Superintendent J.D. Moodie (highlighted, left), with the Royal North West Mounted Police in Fullerton, Northwest Territories, now Nunavut.

A remarkable couple daughter, was born there. The family in her married life and went on to cap- moved to Canada in 1880, where their ture remarkable images of the people John Douglas Moodie was born in remaining children were born. and places of remote areas of Canada. Edinburgh, Scotland in 1849 to George In 1998 Donny White, the direc- Moodie and Mary Hunter Smith. His par- Geraldine Moodie: tor of the Medicine Hat Museum and ents naturally hoped he would do great Art Gallery, published In Search of things. J.D. proved to be a mighty man; frontier photographer Geraldine Moodie, in which he docu- his 32-year career as an officer in the Granddaughter of famous pioneer ments his 17-year search for Geraldine RNWMP and NWMP is the stuff of leg- author Susanna Moodie, Geraldine Moodie’s photographs and artworks, ends, including tours of duty in western Moodie broke new ground herself. which reside in various museums and Canada, the western and eastern Arctic, She became a noted frontier pho- archives across Canada, the United and three years with the Canadian tographer and illustrator while rais- States and Great Britain. Mounted Rifles in South Africa. ing six children all over the country. White tells how much of Moodie’s Geraldine was born in Canada in Demonstrating a talent for painting collection was largely forgotten since 1854, the third child of Charles and from an early age, Geraldine helped her death in 1945 and how his search Agnes Fitzgibbon. While Geraldine her mother Agnes illustrate the book became a serendipitous adventure. was on a trip from Canada to England Canadian Wild Flowers, written by her “Piecing together a portrait of this in her 20s, she met her distant cousin famous aunt, Catherine Parr Traill. As remarkable woman was like working J.D., who was serving in the first City of she travelled with J.D. to many of his on a giant jigsaw puzzle,” he recalls in London Rifle Brigade. remote postings in Canada, Geraldine the introduction to the book. “As each The two married on June 8, 1878, in documented and illustrated the plant piece fell into place I became more Surrey, England. They lived in England life in many of these areas. She began determined than ever to discover the for several years, and their first child, a experimenting with photography early woman behind the lens.”

32 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth moodie family

Churchill and went on to build posts served in the Boer War in South Africa, at Fullerton Inlet, Chesterton, and like his father. Alex was transferred to Churchill. In 1911 Moodie took a con- the Canadian Scouts (military) and re- tingent of men from the RNWMP to the turned to Canada in 1902. coronation of King George V. In 1906 the minister of the interior, J.D. retired from the force in 1915 Frank Oliver, instructed Alex to scout and served as a police magistrate at the Peace River area. Following that, Maple Creek until 1930. Alex was ordered to pick up a pack- Tom Moodie, now 75, is Alex and horse train to traverse The Pas territory, Rosa’s youngest son and one of J. D.’s near the border of Saskatchewan and grandsons. Manitoba. Later that year, he joined Tom has always been proud of the CP Railway in Calgary and became his grandfather’s storied career and a locomotive engineer. recalls that J.D. followed the letter of Moodie left the CPR in 1910 to take Submitted photo J.D. Moodie: the law very strictly. When stationed charge of an expedition to estimate the in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Tom recalls, amount of merchantable timber rav- a man of the law one of J.D.’s duties was to act as mag- aged by a forest fire in northwestern J. D. Moodie joined the RNWMP istrate, a task he carried out with much Ontario. After completing that project in 1884 and moved to Calgary as a re- zeal. This attitude did not go over he returned to The Pas in 1911. cruiting officer in 1886. He served in well with many of the local residents. A few years later, Moodie met the Riel Rebellion and was often se- Moodie was on a patrol in the Meadow Rosa Collins, an Aboriginal woman lected for special services. In the book Lake area of Saskatchewan, and he from northern Manitoba. Rosa was the Klondike, author Pierre Berton refers to and his constables had run out of grub. daughter of David Collins, the man an epic journey Moodie undertook in Cold and hungry, they staggered into now widely credited with guiding 1897, when he commanded a patrol to the camp of a local Métis trapper. He prospector Tom Creighton to the rusty chart a travel route across the Rockies invited them into his cabin to warm up sulphide showing that proved to be and through British Columbia to the and partake of moose stew. Over sup- the main Flin Flon orebody of copper, Yukon gold fields. After 14 months of per, the trapper described the circum- zinc, gold and silver. hacking and paddling through 2,600 stances and location where he had Rosa and Alex were married in kilometres (1,600 miles) of wilder- shot the moose. Several days later, J.D. 1914. From that time onward, Alex be- ness, Moodie arrived in Fort Selkirk on returned and issued the man a cita- lieved the great potential of northern October 24, 1898. The trip consisted tion, after learning that the man didn’t Manitoba held his future. He was one of a series of seemingly insurmount- have the legal right to shoot the moose of the first settlers at Cranberry Portage, able obstacles, but Moodie conquered J.D. had so enjoyed eating. on the east side portage of beautiful them with ingenuity and courage. It is Lake Athapapuskow. Alex and Rosa a remarkable, unforgettable read. Alex Moodie: building had 14 children, eight boys and six Colonel Moodie later joined the girls, three of whom died young. Tom Canadian Mounted Rifles (CMR) and a legacy in Manitoba Moodie recalls that his grandfather J. D. served with distinction on two tours Alex (aka Alec) Dunbar Moodie, did not approve of the relationship and in the South African Boer War from Geraldine and J.D.’s third child, was disowned his son after the wedding. 1900 to 1903. In 1903 J.D. was posted born in Brandon, Manitoba, in 1881. The two never spoke again. According to Dawson City, Yukon, in command He was anxious to prove his worth to White’s research, Geraldine contin- of a detachment of the RNWMP. and went to work at age 14 as a cow- ued to correspond with Alex. In 1906 J.D. and Geraldine moved puncher on the 76 Ranch near Crane Geraldine died in Midnapore, to a posting in Hudson’s Bay, where Lake, Saskatchewan. Later he worked Alberta in 1945. Two years later, her hus- they lived for two years. at the Turkey Track Ranch south of band J.D. died in Calgary. Alex passed In 1909 J.D. Moodie returned to Swift Current. By age 20, he had enlist- away in 1962. Tom Moodie is the last liv- Halifax. Later that year he travelled to ed in the Canadian Mounted Rifles and ing child of Alex and Rosa Moodie. cottagenorth marchapril 33 www.edwardjones.com

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Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund Northern Education A Hands-on Approach

Story & Photos by Valerie G. Barnes-Connell

In the small northern community of La Ronge, an innovative, locally developed class is challenging educational norms, and changing how students perceive their world

Northern Lifestyles students visit the class trap line to check traps and collect snow off the lake, which they will take back, melt and use for samples to send to Saskatoon.

The land has become the classroom for students in the Northern Lifestyles class at CCHS. “I see the successful delivery of this class as a balance between traditional Indigenous and European scientific knowledge,” says Christine Ravenis, CCHS Northern Lifestyles teacher. “The understanding of concepts and outcomes gives the students a sense of self, of identity, of place in a confusing world.” Northern Lifestyles 10, 20 and 30 are three Ministry of Education-approved full credit classes available to students in grades 10 to 12 in select northern Saskatchewan school divisions. At Churchill Community High School (CCHS) in La Ronge, classes are offered in four-quadrant time frames throughout the school year. Lessons focus on topics such as hunting and trapping, water testing and monitoring, traditional handicrafts, and canoeing.

cottagenorth marchapril 35 While much of the class involves outdoor activities, there is also classroom work. Tom Sanderson, a commercial fisherman from La Ronge, teaches students about filleting, including small distinctions related to different varieties of fish. L to R: Jared Elderkin, Henry Bird, Joseph McKenzie, Keegan Hopper, Brayden Gale and Cody Schwan.

In this class you get a bunch of hands-on learning, You get to learn from your mistakes, you get to figure it out on your own, with guidance, and I just find that a much better way to remember what you learned. Leah Howe, student

Student Monty McKenzie looks on as class elder Ida Tremblay demonstrates how to skin a weasel. She instructs students to work around a gland that, if broken, would not only smell up the classroom, but the whole school. Tremblay delicately and patiently skinned two weasels, avoiding the gland on each.

Pam Belcher from the Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES) and Joe Smultz, a professor with the University of Saskatchewan and volunteer with SES, teach students in the Northern Lifestyles class the rudiments of testing water quality.

cottagenorth northern education

Building connections and Northern Lights School Division “My culture is very important to (NLSD) worked together to create me,” explains Tremblay, who sees her Ravenis sees herself as a class facili- the curriculum, and the class was ap- role as one of support, guidance and tator, rather than a teacher in the clas- proved by the Saskatchewan Ministry teaching. “We’ve lost so many things sic sense, as developing partnerships of Education. in our culture and I’m always happy with community members, organiza- This approach seems to have to come to the school, and I tell them tions and institutions is a large part of rubbed off on the students. stories about a long time ago.” her role. “In other classes, no one talks to Tremblay grew up on northern trap This focus on collaboration is inte- me and I just do my work,” says grade lines, and she shares her knowledge gral to the design, and the message, of 10 student Vivika Dussion. “When I of this lifestyle with the students. She the lessons in Northern Lifestyles. come into this class, everybody’s talk- has helped students make traditional “It isn’t just the act of going out and ing to one another, everybody’s doing products like mitts and mukluks, while cutting wood together, learning how teamwork.” also sharing the cultural and historical to use the saw, it’s the act of us all be- significance behind the handicrafts. ing together, working with each other,” Honouring elders In the last quadrant, students made says Ravenis. “There’s a connection, a moss bag, a traditional baby carrier a relationship that’s built within the The presence of an elder in the that is still used by many First Nations. classroom.” classroom is essential to Northern “I told the kids how important The Northern Lifestyles curriculum Lifestyles, as it is taught at CCHS. those were a long time ago ‘cause that is itself a real-life example of team- Elder Ida Tremblay, a member of the was the means of keeping the baby work: the Lac La Ronge Indian Band Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), has warm and clean,” says Tremblay. “We (LLRIB), Ile-a-la-Crosse School Division worked with these classes since 2011. continued on page 38

Where all our profits stay in the community

Cooper says: “Come see us at the Flin Flon North of 53 Consumers Co-operative!” We offer only the freshest choices in groceries, produce, meats, deli selections and baked goods, and we have a full service specialty meat counter and meat cutters on site to make sure you get the cut you want, just how you like it. We can even North Of 53 Consumers Co-Operative Limited smoke it for you with our on-site has been a locally owned and operated smokehouse. community grocer serving Flin Flon since 1946.

North Of 53 Consumers Co-Operative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm 29-31 Main Street Saturday 8am-6pm Flin Flon, MB R8A 1J5 Sunday 12pm-6pm 204.687.7548 www.flinfloncoop.com cottagenorth marchapril 37 Jared Elderkin works on his snow shelter during an overnight winter survival camp. Northern Lifestyles’ curriculum is seasonally based; in winter students develop skills in ice fishing, snowmobiling, trapping and winter survival.

continued to use them even after that with students testing water throughout Connecting the because the babies were so cozy in the year in various outdoor situations. community to the them, and were able to sleep longer.” After freeze-up, the students collect samples from ice fishing holes or they classroom Building northern melt snow, and follow procedures to In addition to partnerships with or- knowledge through ensure samples are tested and prop- ganizations, Ravenis has built relation- erly handled before they are shipped ships with individual resource people partnerships to Saskatoon. Students perform numer- from the community. Students learn Northern Lifestyles students at ous tasks such as testing pH levels, from locals whose skills relate to north- CCHS benefit from educational part- sulphate and dissolved oxygen in the ern lifestyles, such as fish filleting, wil- nerships with such entities as the samples. derness survival or safe chainsaw use. Saskatchewan Environmental Society “The students gained knowledge For some of these local instructors, (SES), University of Saskatchewan, of how we are so intricately connected the teaching experience has brought University of Manitoba, Parks Canada, with the water through knowledge of unexpected rewards. various branches of the LLRIB, SaskTel, watersheds, water systems in northern “One resource person dropped out the Ministry of Environment including Saskatchewan and issues around the of this school many years ago due to conservation officers, the forestry man- protection of northern waters through racism and whatever,” recalls Ravenis. agement centre and wildfire fighters, the workshops,” Ravenis wrote in a re- “Never in his wildest dreams would he and wildlife biologists. port on the SES relationship. have ever thought that where he’s been The partnership with SES, for ex- In reflecting on the last quadrant, from there to now, and the knowledge ample, was piloted in fall of 2012 grade-10 student Leah Howe found she that he’s acquired and gained in small when SES staff members travelled to had gained a more profound under- motors and in life experiences, that he La Ronge and facilitated workshops standing of water. For her, the learn- would be standing in front of a group on water monitoring and testing. ing in the class is “not at just a mental of high school students teaching them This relationship continues today, level, but an emotional level.” at this stage in his life ... And for [the

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Teacher Christine Ravenis (seated, holding out a fork) encourages students in the Emergency (204) 687-3221 Northern Lifestyles class to try fish eyeball, considered a highly nutritious food. From left, student Mandy Flatland, Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) Emergency 2 (204) 271-3208 intern Gail Clarke, students Kaylara Gray and Jonah Ratt, Ravenis and students Henry Bird and Derek Elliot gathered around a campfire during a 2013 class. 100 Main St | Flin Flon, MB flinfloninsurance.ca students] to feel so connected to him ever since. McCormick is knowledge- and realize he’s just like them, with the able about the ways of the bush; in struggles that he’s had.” class he has an opportunity to share Clarence Pettersen that knowledge and enhance his own. MLA for Flin Flon Consitituency Learning from the land “In this class we get to go out and do actual activities outdoors and we’re The Northern Lifestyles class has still learning while we do them,” says a trap line with a small cabin, which Vivika Dussion. “There are different they use for collecting water for test- ways of learning. When you are actu- ing, trapping, snowshoeing, learning ally doing something … you can re- about the snowmobile and canoe- member it for a long time.” ing. In the last quadrant, the students  worked with Murray Gillespie, a wild- Throughout the year, Ravenis aims life biologist with the Indigenous Land to expose the class to as much north- Management Institute of the University ern culture as possible, and connect of Saskatchewan, which involved set- students to unique areas of knowledge ting up trail cams (cameras) on the and ways of life. trapline so they could track and study “To be put in this spot is a sacred woodland caribou. The equipment is responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” on permanent loan to the class and a she says. “It wouldn’t be to the level it’s Box 331, 33 Church Street GPS unit has been added recently. at if it wasn’t for the elders … as well Flin Flon, MB R8A 1N1 Patrick McCormick was a stu- as the community members who rec- Phone: (204) 687-3367 dent in the last quadrant. He says he ognize the validity and authenticity of Fax: (204) 687-3398 learned about the class when he was in what is happening in the classroom and [email protected] grade 8, and has been waiting to enroll its importance.” ClarencePettersen.ca cottagenorth marchapril 39 Flin Flon Arts Council & Flin Flon Community Choir present

Written by Alain Boublil, Claude–Michel Sconberg & Herbert Kretzmer Opening Night Friday, May 1 • 7:30 pm Saturday, May 2 • 7:30 pm Sunday, May 3 • Matinee: 1:30 pm R.H. Channing Auditorium 2 North Avenue | Flin Flon, MB

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MIZ is an unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion, and the resilience of the human spirit that has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Featuring the timeless score and beloved songs: “I Dreamed A Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and “On My Own”. Tickets available at Northern Rainbow’s End, Flin Flon, MB. Call 204-687-7855 to order by phone. VISA & Mastercard accepted.

Supporting northern Artists&Art in the north www.flinflonartscouncil.com 204.687.5974 | po Box 933 Flin Flon, MB r8A 1n7

‘Les Miserables’ is licensed by Music Theatre International by arrangement with CAMERON MACINTOSH LTD Les Miserables is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street | New York, NY | 20019 | Tel: (212) 541-4684 | Fax: (212) 397-4684 | www.MTIShows.com making a difference Near death inspires new life story by Marc Jackson

Carried on the din of winding guitar, staccato bass, and a strong backbeat, Robb Nash brought his message to Snow Lake’s J.H. Kerr School secondary student body. At first Nash’s presentation had everyone smiling along with him, but as his narrative unfolded it became clear that his isn’t really the type of story that makes one smile. At the age of 17, Nash and a few friends were out for a joyride when they passed a car while speeding on an icy highway. They hit a semi head on. Miraculously, three of the boys survived with just su- perficial injuries; however, Nash was severely injured. He lost a portion of his skull and actually died at the scene. He was revived and had a titanium plate put in his head, but the prognosis was not good. Doctors felt if he ever did awaken from his coma, he would be seriously brain damaged. Nash did awaken three months later and regained his memory; however, his recall of the accident and the time shortly before it were completely erased. These days, Nash shares his story so that others don’t have to die before they live, like he did. He gave up a promising music career in order to carry his message to the people who need to hear it. Through the Robb Nash project, Nash and his band perform for youth around the country, and don’t charge schools a fee for the performances. At the Snow Lake high school, students hung on his every word. Nash was real; he spoke with emotion. Most of all, he’d been to some very dark places and made it back whole. He talked about teens who have heard his message and approached him afterwards, handing over suicide notes that they had written. He talked about kids Musician and inspirational speaker Robb Nash visited Snow Lake where he talked to who heard his words and decided to end long histories of students about how nearly dying in a car self-abuse, contacting him months later to show arms that accident has turned his life in a new direction. no longer felt the slice of a razorblade. Photo courtesy Robb Nash Nash’s message was, in a sense, music to this crowd’s ears. cottagenorth marchapril 41 Wildlife

The Fox story by gerry clark

Mel Reich photographed these two local foxes at play in Bakers Narrows, MB.

42 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazinecottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth Wildlife

In many parts of the world, the fox is reviled, and in some places hunted The red fox species can have to near extinction, but not here in a variety of coat colours Flin Flon. Here, foxes are loved and including this fox with a darker coat, known as a admired like no other wild animal. cross fox. Nobody wants to see them hurt or injured, and many people even work hard at trying to befriend them. There are more than 40 species of fox around the world, and the red fox is the largest, though their size varies widely from country to country. Foxes eat approximately a kilogram per day, and they are true omnivores; they eat just about anything, including plants, insects, and earthworms. Even jam sandwiches! Photo by Mel Reich Foxes can run with the fastest, up to foxes) helping to raise the young. they stalk squirrels and birds on roof- Foxes are loners when they are tops and up trees. Foxes will some- 72.4 kilometres per foraging for food, but they are actu- times sleep in trees. They have an hour (45 mph), and ally very social. They have 28 different elegant walk that is more feline than they can jump a sounds that allow them to talk to each canine. They walk on their toes! And two-metre high fence. other, and they can identify each oth- they have whiskers not only on their er’s voices from long distance. face, but also on their wrists, which Foxes generally live only one to Foxes are more like cats than dogs gives them improved balance and al- three years. They tend to be monoga- in many ways. For example, the eyes lows them to find their way through mous, and though they don’t generally of a fox feature vertical slits for pupils very dark places. travel in packs, families will stick togeth- (like a cat) which gives them great Although people have succeeded er with unbred vixens and dogs (male night vision. They are good climbers: continued on page 42 Coats of many colours The so-called silver foxes we cies, including silver and cross see in the North are the same foxes. Each documented varia- species as red foxes, but their tion is called a coat morph. scruffy dark coat shows that Foxes with different coat they have a slightly different ge- morphs can be born to the netic makeup (not unlike hair same litter, depending on par- colour in humans). Numerous entage. In the past, silver foxes colour coats are possible within have been highly prized by fur the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) spe- traders. Artwork by Gerry Clark

cottagenorth marchapril 43 Wildlife A Walk with my Dog Poem by Sheila Marchant

Photo by Mel Reich

He came out of nowhere, the fox from his lair But no lip was curled back and no teeth were laid bare As though he were shaped from the mist in the air There was no ill will, not even a glare And he paused for a moment to stand and stare For he must have decided — no threat from this pair His posture, just briefly, a challenge, a dare — And the next thing we knew — he was no longer there

in befriending foxes, efforts to domesti- A silver fox in modern slang is “...treason is but trusted like the fox” cate them are doomed to failure. Foxes an attractive older man like George in Henry IV. are wild animals, no matter how trust- Clooney. And we’ve all heard the The list goes on and on: Zorro ing they become. They can’t, for ex- words vixen, fox, or foxy lady. (whose name means fox in Spanish) ample, resist tunnelling, even indoors, Foxes are prominent in folklore always outwitted the bad guys; so they can be very hard on carpets. around the world as sly, deceitful Disney’s Robin Hood was played by a And apparently the smell of their urine rogues. A good example is Aesop’s fox, who of course took from the rich is worse than the scent of a skunk, Fables where many stories like “The Fox and gave to the poor, and Swiper, the which is something well-intentioned and the Grapes” and “The Fox and the fox in Dora the Explorer, is always try- humans might discover too late. Crow” cast the fox as a clever villain. ing to sneak items away, hindering the What is truly impressive is the per- In popular parlance there are sev- adventures of the main character vasiveness of the fox as a symbol in hu- eral expressions based upon people’s In Finnish mythology, foxes were man culture. German general Rommell perception of the fox as being clever. credited with causing the Northern was feared and respected for his clev- If you are ‘out-foxed’ you are outsmart- Lights, and so the Finns call the erness, and his nickname, Desert Fox, ed. Even Shakespeare made use of this phenomenon Revontulet, meaning seems appropriate. popular symbol to make a point with fox fires.

44 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth a good taste Pan-fried Pickerel Crispy pickerel 2 ways with rice pilaf Cornstarch is the secret ingredient for crispier pan-fried pickerel, says Melanie Rodabaugh of Flin Flon, who shared this family recipe with us. She serves this with potatoes or a wild rice pilaf. Battered fish Ingredients Amie Roy and her husband Lee Raye found 4-6 pickerel fillets dash salt and pepper this simple recipe several years ago and ½ cup buttermilk paprika to taste have tweaked it to perfection over time. 1 cup flour cooking oil Ingredients 2 tbsp cornstarch butter 4-6 pickerel fillets Dredge each fillet in buttermilk, then coat in a mix- 2 cups flour ture of flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper and paprika. 1 ½ tsp salt Heat oil and butter together in a large pan. 1 ½ tsp baking powder Pan-fry fillets until brown and flaky – the thickest 1 tsp baking soda part of the fish should pull apart easily. 3 tbsp vinegar (estimated – adjust to taste) Flavour with vinegar or lemon slices. Blend first four ingredients together and add water to make a heavy paste. Wild rice pilaf Blend in vinegar. This will make the paste 1 cup cooked wild rice frothy and add a slight vinegar flavour, so 1 cup cooked white or brown rice don’t add too much. ¼ cup onion, chopped Dunk fillets into batter. Fry in hot oil. ¼ cup celery, chopped Serve with lemon wedges. ¼ cup carrots, chopped Sauté chopped onion, celery and carrots in oil. Add mixture of cooked wild rice and cooked white or brown rice. Serve warm with pan-fried pickerel.

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557 South Hudson Street, Flin Flon, SK | 306-688-3426 Store Hours: Mon to Fri 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sat 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sun 11 p.m. - 5 p.m. cottagenorth marchapril 45 PROFILE

How a Thompson businesswoman is revitalizing Aboriginal culture through local partnerships Jean Merasty Building pathways to understanding STORY BY Penny Byer

“When I look at Thompson, I see Promoting cultural learn to make hair accessories or moc- that despite a population that is nearly casins. They can also learn to make one-third Aboriginal, there is very little knowledge dream catchers, prepare bannock, or Aboriginal culture here, in terms of Through a web of local partner- practise the art of drumming. dress and practising the teachings,” ships, Merasty is offering tourists and Tawipisim is expanding its services says Jean Merasty. locals the opportunity to understand to include an Aboriginal school of She is turning that tide with Aboriginal cultural practices through dance and music. Already in place is Tawipisim, a small business that teach- jigging classes, birdwatching outings, the jigging. “We are now adding tra- es locals and tourists about Aboriginal drumming lessons, beading workshops ditional, jingle, fancy dances and the cultural practices and ways of life. and other unique programs. floor drum, as well,” says Merasty. “This is in preparation for the upcom- The dream ing pow wow in early July.” Merasty grew up in Brochet, Merasty is partnering with other lo- Manitoba. Her family was poor, and cal organizations to organize this sum- everyone had to work hard to make a mer pow wow. better life for themselves. She earned “Ideally, it would be a two-day pow her way through post-secondary edu- wow and would be both a competitive cation and a management degree. and a traditional event. That would be In 1991 Merasty moved to good for the local economy. But if fund- Thompson and accepted a position ing does not come through, we may with the Keewatin Tribal Council. She just introduce the concept through a now works for provincial government. mini pow wow during Canada Day.” Despite her success, Merasty still had a dream to operate her own business. Building partnerships In the summer of 2014, she launched Tawipisim, envisioning the business “The idea is to promote Aboriginal as a cultural tourism experience fo- Photo submitted by Jean Merasty culture and dance,” she explains. Jean Merasty (right) teaches cusing on the Aboriginal — mainly “Although I do most of the planning dancing, beading and traditional Cree — culture of northern Manitoba. Aboriginal crafts. and work myself, I also rely on other The business is named in honour of people and organizations. The partner- Merasty’s great-great-grandfather, who Five Tawipisim tipis serve as gath- ships are valuable.” was known by the name Tawipisim ering places and as workshop venues These partnerships include using before being given a European name. where Merasty teaches a variety of the skills of individuals such as Ricky The word tawipisim means pathway to crafts developed by Aboriginal people. Pronteau, who teaches jigging. Or the sun in the Cree language. In the beadworking workshops, people they can include organizations, such

46 cottagenorthmagazine.ca cottagenorthmagazine cottagenorth cottagenorth as the Manitoba Métis Federation, which provides space for jigging lessons or Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak, which provides space for a pow wow club.

Cultural tourism, year-round The various dancing, craft, drumming, fiddling, and cultural teaching classes are open to all age groups and to anyone who crosses the threshold of the tipi. “I target tourists in summer,” Merasty says, “because there are not a lot of tourism-related activities in Thompson. People need to stop here en route to Churchill. I am linked to Travel Manitoba and to Tourism North’s websites. One of the tourist activities I hope to start this summer is canoeing and bird watching. Bird watching is supposed to be very popular with eco-tourism, and a ca- Photo by Penny Byer noe trip to Manassan Falls would be Thompson entrepreneur Jean Merasty offers tourists and locals the a wonderful experience.” opportunity to understand Aboriginal cultural practices through her newly When the tipis are not in use for hatched business, Tawipisim. Learn more at www.tawipisim.com. Jean’s planned activities, they are available for rental by the day or A social purpose hard time getting into the workforce,” for weekend events in the summer “I have a soft spot for homeless peo- Merasty says. “Regardless of their chal- months. “One of the local organiza- ple,” says Merasty. “I try to reach them, lenges, I put them into a database, and tions has expressed an interest in do- so they can acknowledge their culture when an employer is looking for part- ing some of their programming in the and be proud of it, so they know where time or temporary help on short notice, tipis,” she said. they came from and what they can be. I can link them up.” Tawipisim is active in the winter I know this is not a business practice, Merasty has large, diverse goals for as well. The pow wow club teaches but I can use my business to help in a business that is basically a one-per- adults and youth a variety of dances, this way.” son show. Whether it is making jingle like the jingle dance, fancy shawl Merasty works towards this goal by dresses, designing a website, or deal- dance, and grass dance. maintaining a local employment data- ing with city zoning bylaws, she does During the colder months, base and helping those who may face most of the work. “I have helpers, sure. Merasty plans programming and challenges finding work. My daughter helps. Friends volunteer. sews jingle dresses and other attire in “Maybe the person is new to Organizations step up to help. But right preparation. These items will be sold Thompson or has limited job experi- now it’s all baby steps. I am still look- through the business, along with ence; maybe they are retired and want ing for a permanent location. Once moccasins, dream catchers, and only temporary work; or maybe they that happens, you will see it get bigger other items. have some other reason for having a and better.” cottagenorth marchapril 47 WE HAvE IT ALL! Marine • Snow • Dirt • Street

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