ISSN 0834-6283

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 $1.19 plus 6 GST, $1.25 U.S.

Printed in Canada email: info@fortfrances.com

Volume 115 Number 21 PAP No. 07429

www.fortfrances.com

ISSN 0834-6283

Former resident hoping to shoot sitcom locally

By Heather Latter Staff writer He was nominated as best comedian at the 2009 North American Indigenous Image Awards, was honoured to be a writer, host, and featured performer for APTNs broadcast of 2009 Aboriginal Day Live, and was a featured comedian on season three of Rez Tunez TV (airing this fall). But on top of all those accomplishments, comedian Ryan McMahon, who now lives in Winnipeg, has two more projects on the goand hed like to bring one of those back to his home town of Couchiching First Nation and Fort Frances. Were developing a sitcom series which is loosely based on the Fort Frances/Couchiching relationship in terms of the geography, but also the small town situated next to a rez, noted McMahon, adding the project stems from a comedy podcast called Life According to Clarence Two Toes. It has exceeded my expectations, he enthused about the podcast. Its bigger than the first one I did, and this is the one where production companies and people really started knocking on my door and asking if I would be interested in developing it any further. Over the last six months, Ive been talking with a lot of big-name production companies that have ties to Los Angeles, he remarked. In addition to the possible sitcom, McMahon also is looking at a web series based on the Life According to Clarence Two Toes podcast. But its the sitcom that hes most excited about because of its hometown ties. I started to take a look at how the [Pithers] Point Park land claim has sort of shaken out and how all the other things that historically go into the story of Fort Frances and Couchiching, he explained. Were going to fictionalize it and tell a story of a guy that moves home to a rez after his mom passes away and accidently becomes voted chief. He said the main character then is faced with the decision on whether to stay or leave. He decides to stay and during his first day on the job, he opens up an envelope and discovers the reserve was awarded a land claim settlement of $215 million. The story and the series picks up on day one of that journey, McMahon indicated. And what it really is is a look at smalltown Canada and how it relates to First Nations and vice-versa. Its something thats never really been talked about, certainly in Canadian television but any medium. . . . Please see Former, A5

Drug abuse ranks among top concerns across district

By Duane Hicks Staff writer The 2009 OPP community satisfaction survey conducted this past spring indicates nearly 60 percent of respondents are very concerned about illegal substance abuse in Rainy River District. The OPP has responded by introducing a Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) to the area, which is working with other agencies to enhance enforcement and education here. Cst. Anne McCoy, the OPPs community services officer here, explained CDAT consists of one local drug enforcement officer, who is teamed up with one full-time officer from Treaty #3 Police, and together they serve as liaisons with the regional and provincial drug enforcement teams. They have a local function, she noted. In the past, if we needed drug enforcement, we would have to call in our regional drug enforcement team to come in and specifically handle a drug enforcement investigation if it was kind of a little bit beyond us from the platoon standpoint. So now we have one full-time officer thats able to develop informants here and co-ordinate local resources here, and gather information locally from our platoon officers that are out on the road. Its specifically for concerns that relate to unlawful drug misuse, so were looking at having a local flavour but also liaisoning with the provincial and regional team, she added. The provincially-funded CDAT officer also assists with drug presentations to the private-sector or to assist Cst. McCoy with her work Please see Drug, A6

Pain symposium offers plenty of info

By Duane Hicks Staff writer While the turnout may not have been quite a great as organizers had hoped, those who did come out to the inaugural Chronic Pain Management and Addiction Prevention Symposium on Saturday at the Townshend Theatre here found no shortage of information. About 80 people, including representatives from various agencies, attended the symposium, which ran from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. In addition to keynote speaker Dr. Jackie Gardner-Nix, who spoke on her Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management Program, the symposium sported a full slate of presenters. Deirdre OSullivan-Drombolis, physical therapist for Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., explained the physiology of pain, noting the experience of pain is unique to the individual, and that a persons thoughts, beliefs, history, and emotions affect the pain they feel. But with more knowledge of ones pain, and self-awareness of factors that may be affecting it, people can do things to better help manage their painan idea best

Artwork admiration
Onlookers admired the original artwork of Atikokan Mtis artist Kristy Cameron, which was on display Monday at the official launch of award-winning author David Bouchards newest book, The Seven Sacred Teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman. Boucharda Mtis writer from B.C.was inspired to write the book after visiting the district, and enlisted the help of Cameron to illustrate it, as well as local residents Jason Jones and Nancy Jones to provide the Ojibwe translation. The launch, held at the Rainy River First Nations new pow-wow grounds, drew representatives from First Nations communities and organizations, as well as staff and students from the Rainy River District School Board. See story A10. Peggy Revell photo

See related story A2

summed up in the motto, Know pain or no gain. Pharmacist Renate Winkler of Pharmasave here stressed the importance of patients knowing all about the prescribed pain medications they are taking, and how they interact with each other and natural medications. She encouraged patients to utilize dosettes and blister packs to help keep track of when and how many drugs they need to take, as well as medication recorders, which available at the hospital, to keep track of what drugs they use and let others know what they are using in the case of an emergency. Winkler also stressed those who use pain medications must never share them or give them to anyone else, and take care to secure them from theft. Jennifer LHirondelle of Moss Yoga, meanwhile, gave a simple explanation of what yoga is, the relationship between the body and the mind, and how meditation can Please see Pain, A5

By Heather Latter Staff writer

Banner Walk for Dialysis tops $21,000 designs chosen

By Peggy Revell Staff writer There was triumph and tears as participants reached the end point of the 20-mile Walk for Dialysis here Friday afternoonthe first time the fundraiser has gone without its founder, the late Tom Bruyere. Walking in Bruyeres honour, roughly 60 participants raised more than $21,000 for the renal dialysis program at La Verendrye Hospital. Its wonderful now that theyre doing it today in honour of Tom, its a great thing, said Deane Cunningham, chairman of the Riverside Foundation for Health Care. Its a great day, its a great cause, and were remembering Tom. So its just a wonderful day, he enthused. Cunningham noted the walk was started years ago by Bruyere as a means to raise money for dialysis in the district, and over the years generated more than $100,000. Unfortunately, Tom passed away earlier this year and we were really saddened by his death because hes contributed so much to this dialysis program, Cunningham said. I think because of the walk and because of the publicity that its given to dialysis, now we actually have a dialysis unit at the local hospital, which we never had before, he remarked. People used to have to drive to Thunder Bay to have dialysis done and some of them actually had to move to Thunder Bay to be where that service was. But now with having dialysis locally at the hospital, its made a big change for people in the area who have diabetes, Cunningham added. Cheers erupted from the crowd as Bruyeres widow, Anne, walked across the finish line at North American Lumber. He was a good guy, you know, he raised a lot of money, he knew everybody. Im just happy that everybodys here, thinking about him

In conjunction with Phase II of the local Heritage Tourism project, designs have been selected for the banners that will be hung to help direct people through the downtown area and along the La Verendrye Parkway. The banners are being established in areas to provide wayfinding, explained Fort Frances Museum curator Paw Hawley, who sits on the project committee. We wanted artists to get involved, so we put out a call for artists to submit their artwork, Please see Artists, A5

today, she said, noting Friday also would have been Bruyeres 64th birthday. She gave a big thank-you for everyone who participated, and for making it a great day. The first one to cross the finish line was first-time participant Missy Nelson, who ran for sections of the 20-mile course along the River Road (Highway 602). I think its a great cause to come out and support, said Nelson, who has run marathons before, adding she has a family member on dialysis. The last five miles were a little harder, but it was good, she continued. When I thought that I was not able to make it, I thought about how those people feel who have to go on dialysis every other day, so thats what kept me going. Its a very important cause, said both Elaine Oster and Kathy Lampi, who also were among the first to reach the end of the walk. The great thing about the walk is Please see Dialysis, A5

Lifestyles
Pumpkin champ a four-time winner
While the number of entries was down this year, the weights were up at the 15th-annual Rainy River Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival. Only 16 pumpkins were entered, down from last years 28, but that was to be expected after the terrible growing season this year. However, last years winning weight was just 467 pounds, grown by event organizer Eltjo Wiersema.

District
Crowd comes out for sales yard party
More than 100 district farmers enjoyed an afternoon at the Stratton sales yard on Saturday to celebrate its 50th consecutive season. Operated by the Rainy River Cattlemens Association, the yard has been the focus of beef cattle marketing in Rainy River District since its formation. Also on hand for the party was Gord Hardy, president of the Ontario Cattlemens Association.

Sports
Brothers know no obstacles
The word cant simply isnt in the vocabulary for brothers Sandy Stalker and George Walsh. Stalker and Walsh (both born to the late Norah Walsh) share a common bond: their love for athletics. But unlike the usual sibling rivalry sports creates in most families, the pair rely on one another for success every step of the way.

See story on A7

See story on A9

See story on B1

A10 FORT FRANCES TIMES

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Author returns to launch locally-inspired book Play to

By Peggy Revell Staff writer It was a day of celebration Monday as award-winning Canadian and Mtis author David Bouchard returned to Rainy River District for the launch of his locally-inspired book, The Seven Sacred Teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman. This is a real thrill, Bouchard said following the ceremony held at Rainy River First Nations new pow-wow grounds, which saw dignitaries from local First Nation organizations and communities gather alongside staff and students of the Rainy River District School Board for the book launch. [At this point last year] I had kind of a vision, an overall dream, and I didnt know how it would unfold, and its unfolded much more beautifully than I ever thought it would, he remarked. And now its just going to take its own journey, its out of our hands. Written with the help of Dr. Joseph Martin, The Seven Sacred Teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman is drawn from local Ojibwe teachings and also local talent. The book features illustrations by Mtis artist Kristy Cameron of Atikokan, as well as side-by-side translation into Ojibwe by Jason Jones and elder Nancy Jones of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation. Its a real significant book I think, said Brent Tookenay, Aboriginal Education Leader for the local public school board. The book is beautiful, its awesome, he enthused. Hailing from British Columbia, Tookenay noted Bouchard first visited the district a few years ago to speak to educators on a P.D. Day. Those who heard him speak insisted that Bouchard return to speak not just to educators, but to parents, students, and communities across the district. It kind of snowballed from there, Tookenay recalled. We had him in the schools and the kids loved him, the teachers loved him. We did a lot of travels from Big Grassy to Seine River, so we were all over the place. From all this sprang the inspiration for Bouchard to write a book on the Seven Sacred Teachings and enlisting the help of local residents like Kristy Cameron, Jason Jones, and Nancy Jones. It was working with local talent on the book that was the highlight of the project, Bouchard said, expressing admiration for the attenthe book was really awesome, added Jones, noting since he couldnt work on translating it during his work hours, he constantly would end up working on it until 3 a.m. [When] we were doing the revisions for it, it took me about five times to catch all of it because youre working that late and your brain isnt really functioning at 100 percent, he laughed. The good thing about this book is its one of the rare ones where Ojibwe grammar was the focus, Jones said about the translation. A lot of modern Ojibwe language books have grammar errors from trying to combine yesterdays language with todays language, he explained, and spelling errors from combining the phonetic and double vowel writing system. So for this book, Jones translated it using todays language including the newer writing system which is used todaybefore passing it along to Nancy Jones for her input and incorporating some of the older words into the text. With the translation done straight out, word for word, anyone who reads it literally will sound like a fluent speaker in Ojibwe, Jones said. Its aspects like this, and the accurate grammar, which make the book important for teaching the Ojibwe language. A lot of people are going to be dependent on learning Ojibwe language through writing, because its an oral language and how often do people take the time to speak all the time in the Ojibwe language? It doesnt happen very often, Jones said. So the Plan B is [learning] through writing and if someone wants to learn the language through writing, this [book] would be a really good start. You can tell a lot of time went into it, and I hope people enjoy it, he added. Those who read the book each will take something different away from it, noted Bouchard, pointing out it isnt a childrens book but a cultural book. Its a book of teachings, so that when you read it, you can almost read one teaching at a time, and interpret it in your own life and to come to realize that those teachings are all real common sense ways of living, he explained. For First Nations, Mtis, and aboriginal children, the book is an opportunity to learn teachings that their elders would have wanted them to learn, he added. Bouchard also praised the communities across Rainy River District for how theyve come together for the book launch. Ive been on the road for 12 years and Ive been to almost every reserve in Canada, and Ive never seen this kind of sharing, where youre getting teachers and community members to say, Yeah, lets value a book, he remarked. Though its not really the book that were celebrating and honouring, its really the teachings, the perspective, and sharing all those teachings. So this is really, really unique. With the release of the book, Tookenay is planning to make sure every student in the Rainy River District School Board receives a copy. Thats the goal, so [students] can take it home and share with their parents and older brothers and sisters, community members its like a teaching thing, he said, stressing both aboriginals and nonaboriginals will enjoy the book. Its a very impressive book, I think people will really enjoy it. As for the future, Bouchard has two more books set to be released in the upcoming months. But hes unsure as to whether hell ever attempt another book like this one again. Will I ever do it again? I doubt it because its just so, so much work that goes into something like this, so much work, he stressed, pointing to the year it took for Cameron to paint all the illustrations, and even music which accompanies the book on DVD. The music was created by native flutist and musician, Swampfox, who actually dreamed of and made seven different flutes in seven different keys out of seven different woods over a time period of seven months. This kind of book is so unique in its purpose and its look, I dont know if I could ever have the energy to do it again, Bouchard admitted. Funny enough, I dreamt something last night, he added after a pause. I woke up at four in the morning and thought, Oh, gee no, I want to sleep. But sure enough I turned on my computer and started writing. So maybe. Submitted by Barb MacDonell

open tour de Fort

Kristy Cameron (foreground) and Nancy Jones signed a copy of The Seven Sacred Teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman during the books ofcial launch Monday at the Rainy River First Nations. Written by award-winning author David Bouchard, the book was illustrated by Camerona Mtis artist from Atikokanwhile Jones helped with the translation into Ojibwe along with Jason Jones. Peggy Revell photo
tion, caution, and pride that both Jason Jones and Nancy Jones took when translating his words into Ojibwe. When you see Kristys paintings, its pretty spectacular, he added. It was every time shed send me a picture, and I would look at it and watch it grow, and its like knowing that youve got a child inside of you happening. Its a bit surreal, Id say, Cameron said about the book. Its just a wonderful experiencethe whole coming together, the ceremony, the blessings helping to realize the reality of the book. Cameron has returned to teaching full-time in Atikokan but continues to paint and display her work (her art currently is on exhibit at the Pictograph Art Gallery in Atikokan for about the next week). She also recently launched her own websitewww.kristycameron. caand her next project is painting a 12-foot long voyageurs canoe. It was overwhelming at first, Jason Jones said about working with Bouchard on the book. A teacher with the public board, Jones currently is on leave and serving as a councillor for Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation. I didnt believe anybody, Jones recalled. They said, David Bouchard came to Fort Frances and was looking for Jason Jones to do a book with him and I told the guys, Yeah, right, I dont believe you guys. I just went home that day, until I got about three different phone calls asking, Are you going to be there at 2 oclock, and I was, Oh! You guys are serious? It didnt really click in that all this was for real. The experience of working on

The first presentation of the 2009/10 tour de Fort season is Jakes Gift, a welcome addition of live theatre to round out a lineup of mainly musical performances, which takes to the stage at the Townshend Theatre tomorrow (Sept. 24) at 7:30 p.m. A one-person show with two separate characters, presented by accomplished performer Julia Mackey, Jakes Gift tells the story of an 80-year-old WWII veteran who returns to Juno Beach on the 60th anniversary of D-Day. He meets Isabelle, a 10-yearold local girl who challenges him to confront some long-ignored ghosts, especially since one of Jakes plans is to search for the grave of his brother, Chester, a talented musician who was killed during the Normandy invasion of 1944. As a dramatic performance, Jakes Gift will play with your emotionslaughter and tears will flowbut there also are lessons to be learned purely by being brought to life. Some of the shows reviews include: . . . the script and her twin performances as a 10-year-old girl and an 80-year-old manboth of which, in 60 minutes, speak more to the heart about Canadas role in WWII than a six-hour documentary. (John Threlfall, Monday Magazine, Victoria); and I am a veteran of the Second World War, and this play and its performance have made a greater impact on me than all the memorial services I have ever attended. (Antony Holland). Jakes Gift is about the beautiful moments we can spend with strangers, the legacy of remembrance, and the healing power of friendship. It also is an homage to ordinary heroism. As Jake says, I never did nuthin special. tour de Fort season passports are available for $110 each (for seven shows) at Shoppers Drug Mart and the Fort Frances Public Library. Theyll also be available at tomorrow nights first performance. For more information, visit www. tourdefort.com

FORT FRANCES WADO KAI

Northwestern Ontario Wado Kai Association
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every T uesday & Thursday in the J.W. Walkers School Gymnasium

GREAT SAVINGSTHEAT

GREAT BEAR
WE NOW HAVE
THE AREAS BEST SELECTION OF

Devlin, Fort Frances, Hearst, Michipicoten, Thunder Bay, Wawa, White River REGULAR CLASSES BEGIN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH

New Gifts, Souvenirs, Moccasins & T-Shirts arriving daily!

The areas LARGEST SELECTION of Hi-Vis Safety Wear, Safety Footwear, Tackle, Fireworks

RODS, REELS & TACKLE

IN STOCK! Just waiting for you, plus more on the way!

October is FREE for all participants. Come check us out!

For more information contact: Chris Bazinet 5th Degree Black Belt Certified Instructor with the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation 274-4788 Visit our website at www.fortfranceswadokai.com for a registration form.

Convenience StorePropaneLoggers SuppliesLicencesBaitTackle MapsSouvenirsGift ShopFireworksMoccasinswild RiceCuban Cigars Come out & see our selection of gifts, shirts & hats. You can also use your INTERAC! GAS, DIESEL, FUEL & BULK OIL Hwy. 11 East of Fort Frances 807-274-2221

Were pleased to provide you with extended hours.

Notice: Product Recall

Patton Utility Heater
Canadian Tire is voluntarily recalling the Patton Utility Heater (Canadian Tire product number 43-5956). It has been determined that the product may have a defect where the unit may overheat, causing the outer plastic housing to deform (melt) and produce smoke. While we have not been notified of any instance of injury, it is requested that customers immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to their nearest Canadian Tire store for a refund. These products were sold at Canadian Tire from September 2008 through June 2009.

Products included in this recall will have two identifying features:

1. The product will have a date code on the prong of the plug that falls between A186DH through to A322DH. If the date code identified does not fall between A186DH through A322DH the product is NOT included in the recall and the customer can continue to use as directed. Example of Date Code on the plug:

A305DH

The dental team at Dr. Steve Chown and Dr. Mike Botsfords ofce is pleased to announce extended hours for the fall/winter season. Effective immediately our ofce hours will be:

Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

With todays advances in dentistry, and our commitment to continually enhance our skills and services, we are also able to provide patients with dental treatments that have been traditionally referred out of town. Call our ofce if you would like a consultation regarding your dental needs.

2. If the product contains a date code that falls between A186DH through A322DH, examine the silver rating label located on the back of the product. If the product does NOT have a round green sticker on the rating label it is included in this recall and should be returned to Canadian Tire for a full refund.

Example of silver rating label: Product with round, green sticker is NOT included in recall.

Dr. Mike Botsford D.M.D. Dr. Steve Chown D.M.D.

Orthodontics & Family Practice Dentists 241-B Second Street East Fort Frances call 274-7131

New patients are always welcome.

Regardless of the date code, those products with a round, green sticker on the rating label are NOT included in this recall and the customer can continue to use as directed. If you are unsure whether your heater is included in this recall, please call Jarden Consumer Solutions at 1-800-333-1930.
Post until December 15, 2009.