On April 28, 2022, as a result of an ongoing firearms trafficking investigation, Thompson RCMP executed a search warrant at a business located on Hayes Road as well as a residence on Trout Crescent in the City of Thompson.

As a result of these searches, officers seized numerous new and used firearms including handguns, cases of ammunition, other weapons and cash.

75-year-old Peter Zaworonok was arrested on scene and remanded into custody on numerous firearms trafficking & other weapons-related offences. He is scheduled to appear in Thompson Provincial court today.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra is making a stop in Thompson this weekend as a part of their spring tour.

This is the first in-person tour the orchestra is doing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manager Vicki Young says some of pieces the orchestra will play include Antonio Vivaldi’s Double Concerto for Viola and Cello, as well as a traditional fiddle medley.

The performance will be held this Sunday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Letkemann Theatre, and tickets can be purchased at the TRCC.

Learn more about the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

A class in Deerwood School is hosting a walk next week to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and are looking to get the other local schools to participate.

Sarah Schroeder, a grade seven teacher at the school, says the walk is part of a project for her social studies class, where they pick a social justice topic, research it, and communicate that research to the community.

Here, Schroeder explains the route for the walk.

“We will have an RCMP escort and we could be taking up one or two lanes of traffic starting in front of Deerwood School and down Beaver Crescent to Deerwood Drive. A left onto Cree Road and left onto Thompson Drive all the way down to the end in front of Deerwood School again. Our plan is to start the walk at 2pm sharp and ending at Deerwood School by 3pm.”

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls walk will be held on Thursday, May 5^th, coinciding with Red Dress Day.

To learn more about the walk, hear the full interview on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

With tomorrow being the National Day of Mourning, the President of the United Steelworkers Local 6-1-6-6 spoke to Arctic Radio about how Thompson can honour those who were killed, injured, or suffered illnesses while at work.

Warren Luky says the flag at the union building will be flown at half-mast, and that Vale has agreed to have a moment of silence before every shift and talk about the Day of Mourning.

While there won’t be a service held in town to commemorate the National Day of Mourning, Luky encourages residents to tune into a virtual service tomorrow morning to recognize workers who died on the job.

"We’d like to invite everybody to join the Manitoba Federation of Labour ceremony by MFL president, Kevin Rebeck by visiting Facebook dot com at Manitoba Labour at eleven am tomorrow."

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more on the National Day of Mourning.

The library at the University College of the North Thompson campus has completed its digital archive which preserves audio and video recordings that reflect Northern Manitoba’s Indigenous culture, heritage, and language.

The online archive titled Elder’s Traditional Knowledge was completed at the Wellington and Madeleine Spence Memorial Library over a 16-week period in partnership with the Keewatin Tribal Council and through federal grant funding.

Campus librarian Monica Mun elaborates on the material that’s a part of the archive.

“A lot of the materials have been sourced from a class in early 2000s as part of UCN instructor Dr. Peter Geller’s course that interviews elders. All the different interviews were done by students and a large majority of our tapes were from that class. It also includes conference materials and oral history materials to local Indigenous Elders.”

UCN hopes this archive will grow and be an excellent resource for all students, researchers, and community members.

Visit guides.ucn.ca/etk/home to access the archive.

With Eric Redhead being formally nominated to be the NDP candidate in the upcoming Thompson by-election, he spoke to Arctic Radio about his campaign and what he would focus on if he’s elected as MLA.

The former Chief of Shamattawa First Nation says he’s focusing on continuing the work former NDP MLA Danielle Adams did prior to her death in December, pinpointing childcare as an example.

“Danielle was a big advocate for child care and as a single father, I know how difficult it is to get quality access to child care in Thompson and that needs to change. That was  one of her passions that I want to continue fighting for the Thompson region.”

Redhead mentioned that improvements to northern healthcare were another issue that’s been brought to him by constituents, citing the hot water situation at the Thompson General Hospital and efforts to revive the foot care clinic in the city.

Prior to his stint as Chief, Redhead was a health care aide at the Thompson hospital.

The Thompson by-election is to take place by early June.

The Kin Club of Thompson is currently working on a Centennial Project with the students of two local schools.

The project is based on Kin Canada’s Milk for Britain campaign, which was held during World War two to feed English children and recovering Canadian soldiers who were suffering from lack of food.

The Kin Centennial Challenge encourages participating classes to think up realistic, achievable initiatives that would serve Thompson’s greatest need.

The classes would then be provided some funding once they submit their proposal to help complete the initiative and provide a one-page report.

Thompson residents have the opportunity to learn more about Centennial project at an open house, which will be held this evening at 6 at the Thompson Public Library.

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information.

On April 23, 2022, at approximately 2:00 am, Thompson RCMP responded to an assault and robbery at a business on Station Road, in Thompson.

Two females were getting into their vehicle when a group of individuals approached them and an altercation ensued. Both female victims were assaulted, and one of the victims managed to run back into the business to get help.

The other victim was inside the vehicle when one of the suspects got into the driver’s seat and proceeded to drive away. A short time later the victim managed to jump out of the moving vehicle and get to safety.

Both female victims were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

At approximately 2:30 am, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch near Paint Lake. Officers attended and located the stolen vehicle from the earlier robbery, abandoned. Police Dog Services attended and tracked the suspects who were located hiding in the bush. Five individuals were arrested.

One officer was assaulted during the arrests. He received minor injuries.

A 15-year-old female from Thompson has been charged with Robbery, Kidnapping, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Assault on Police Officer, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Theft and Assault. She was remanded into custody.

A 16-year-old male from Thompson has been charged with Robbery, Kidnapping, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Theft, Assault and Failing to Comply x3. He was remanded into custody.

Angel Kraeker, 18, of Thompson, has been charged with Robbery, Kidnapping, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Theft and Assault. She was remanded into custody.

Tyra Weenusk, 18, of Winnipeg, has been charged with Robbery, Kidnapping, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Theft and Assault. She was remanded into custody.

An 18-year-old female from Thompson is facing charges of Robbery, Kidnapping, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Theft and Assault. She was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

The public engagement session for the Canadian Northern Corridor Research Program is tonight.

The purpose of the session is to understand the challenges and actions that would be needed to make a potential northern infrastructure corridor possible.

Doctor Katharina Koch [coke], a research associate with the University of Calgary’s School for Public Policy explains.

“The Research Program is really an opportunity for the community and the residents to provide their input on all aspects of corridor development so we really want to hear from everybody who is willing to talk with us about infrastructure development, challenges and opportunities and just the idea of connectivity and what it means for them. We definitely want to hear from them.”

The session will be held from 6 to 9 this evening at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre.

To register, visit engage thompson AT eventbrite [bright] DOT c-a.

On April 15, 2022, at 12:00 pm, Nelson House RCMP received a report of an unresponsive female located outside a residence on Tamarack Crescent in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Manitoba.

Officers attended to the address and located a 58-year-old female deceased outside the residence.

Although no criminality is suspected in the death, the investigation remains ongoing as we await the results of the autopsy.

Nelson House RCMP along with Major Crimes Services and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner continue to investigate.

The Manitoba government states over 22 hundred youth are expected to receive summer employment this year thanks to its investment in the Urban and Hometown Green Team Program.

The province announced its providing nine million dollars to the grant program, which awards funding to non-profits, education authorities, Northern Affairs Community Councils, and municipal governments.

The grant funds one hundred per cent of wage costs for all organizations except for municipalities, which will instead see 50 per cent of wages covered on a cost-shared basis.

Around seven hundred projects across Manitoba are getting the funding to hire youth ages 15 to 29 to work on community projects between May and September.

More information about the Urban and Hometown Green Team Program can be found on the Manitoba Grants Online page on the Government of Manitoba website.

The Canadian Northern Corridor Research Program is holding a community engagement session next week.

The University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy is exploring hypothetical infrastructure corridors across middle and northern Canada through this program.

The main purpose of the research program is to understand the barriers, constraints, stakeholder and Indigenous involvement, and actions required to realize a potential northern corridor.

Organizers are looking for a wide range of perspectives to take part in the session, including students, business owners, seniors, youth, industry professionals, and educators.

The community engagement session will be on Monday at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre from 6 to 9 p.m.

Learn more on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Update - Thompson RCMP search for missing teen

Vance Miles has been safely located.

The RCMP thanks the public and the media for their assistance.

On April 11, 2022, at approximately 1:45 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 17-year-old male.

Vance Miles was last seen on April 10 at his residence located on Westwood Drive in Thompson and was wearing dark colored clothing at the time.

Miles is approximately 5’6”, 150 lbs, with black hair & brown eyes.

If you have any information on his whereabouts please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909/6911, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Eye care specialists are reminding athletes and sports enthusiasts alike to protect their vision and avoid serious eye injuries.

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society says despite eye injuries being common, 38 per cent of Canadians say they rarely, or never, wear protective eyewear when participating in outdoor sports.

Ophthalmologist for the Calgary Flames Doctor Bryce Ford outlines the types of eye injuries people can get if they’re not careful.

"It can be everything from a black eye to a corneal abrasion, bleeding inside the eye or retinal detachment. There are a whole bunch of different injuries and if you do experience any of these injuries, it’s important that you seek eye care professional to look after them. If we can prevent them in the first place then that would be the ideal way of dealing with these eye injuries.”

Ford recommends that athletes get protective eyewear that’s made with polycarbonate, as the material is more effective in protecting against projectiles like balls and pucks.

Hear more information about Sports Eye Safety Month on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

UPDATE: Clinton Miles has been safely located.

The RCMP thanks the public and the media for their assistance.

On April 2, 2022, at approximately 11:40 am, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 17-year-old male.

Clinton Adam Miles was last seen earlier that afternoon at around 3:00 pm at a home located on Hudson Bay, in Thompson. His clothing description is unknown at this time.

Miles is approximately 5’9”, 140 lbs, with black hair & brown eyes.

If you have any information on his whereabouts please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6911, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

A new four-year Grant in Lieu agreement with Vale was approved during Monday’s city council meeting.

A joint press release from the city and the mining company states Vale has committed to twelve million dollars between this year and 2025, or three million annually.

Vale is also contributing two million dollars toward the new Thompson Aquatic Centre.

Mayor Colleen Smook says the city is glad the company recognizes the need to keep investing in Thompson.

She adds a strong Grant in Lieu contribution helps maintain city services and renew infrastructure.

The Northern Health Region says it will likely take a month to address the ongoing issues surrounding hot water at some areas of the Thompson General Hospital.

The Northern Health Region says it will likely take a month to address the ongoing issues surrounding hot water at some areas of the Thompson General Hospital.

A spokesperson says two separate systems involving hot water delivery are being attributed to equipment failures, and have been tagged and signed as out-of-service.

Additionally, some patient areas have low, poor, or no hot water.

They add temporary hot water solutions are being implemented as part of contingency planning.

Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey says the issue should have been resolved immediately.

“We have a hospital that people in the North rely on for care, for operations and general care. It’s unacceptable that they do not have hot water, whether it’s for a day or even an hour. This has been going on now for at least a week and I believe it was a week or more before I found out about it. I’m sure there is a way to expedite getting it solved there or finding some kind of work around.”  

The spokesperson says the best estimate for hot water to be restored for the Emergency Department should be about a month, while the wards and rooms affected should be cleared up by the end of the month, citing supply chain issues.

On April 4, 2022, at approximately 9:25 pm, Nelson House RCMP received a report of a man who had been severely assaulted in the community. Officers attended the location and found the male to be suffering from serious injuries. He was transported to the Nursing Station.

While at the Nursing Station, officers became aware of a second victim who had been assaulted.

Investigation has determined that a 29-year-old male was working in the yard of his residence when he was approached and assaulted with what is believed to be a machete.

A 23-year-old male was outside a local business when he was approached and assaulted.

The suspect in both assaults is Jerome Wood, 23, from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. There are warrants for his arrest in relation to both of these incidents. He is facing charges of Aggravated Assault and Assault Causing Bodily Harm. Wood is described as 5’9” tall, 132 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

If you have information, please call Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The CEO of the David Foster Foundation spoke to Arctic Radio about Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month.

Michael Ravenhill says there’s currently over 44 hundred patients waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant in the country.

He adds that while 90 per cent of Canadians support organ donation, only 32 per cent are registered.

Ravenhill highlights some of the hesitancies people may have when it comes to signing up to be an organ and tissue donor.

“One would be misinformation or education. The other is people are concerned that if they are on the registration list and they are ill in the hospital, will the medical team let them die so that they can give their organs. This is completely not true, that’s not how it works in the medical system. Doctors and front line workers are there to save our lives. So many times I hear people say ‘Well, I may be too old, nobody wants any of my organs because I’ve done things in life that would make my body not a perfect specimen.’ That’s not the case either because there are so many organs and tissues that can be used in a body to help save a life.”

Ravenhill says one organ donor can save up to eight lives and benefit the quality of life for up to 75 people.

For more information, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Following the recent “Sled Friendly” certification Thompson received a few weeks ago, the tourism organization that’s overseeing this program spoke to Arctic Radio about it.

Al McLaughlin with the Manitoba Tourism Education Council says the Sled M-B 53 program was derived from a snowmobiling summit that was held in Snow Lake in 2018.

Participants pinpointed the need to certify businesses and communities to show snowmobilers visiting the north that their patronage is appreciated.

Currently Thompson is the only community that’s certified, but McLaughlin shares that efforts to get more certifications are going well.

“We had excellent meetings with Flin Flon, Snow Lake and The Pas and they’re looking at the certification process. Hopefully Thompson won’t be alone at the top and that there will be other communities involved in this.”

For more on the Sled M-B 53 program, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation is calling on all levels of government to collaborate with their investigation into the Saint Joseph’s Residential School in the community.

The investigation will include searches using ground penetrating radar of the former school site, and survivors and knowledge keepers will play a critical role in the search.

Additionally, Cross Lake intends to collect all relevant information from government, medical, and religious organizations and develop a database that will have the names of all the students who attended the residential school from 1912 to 1969.

A memorial monument is also planned to be built to honour the former students.

So far, 85 children have been identified by a researcher.
 

The suspect in the killing of a 30-year-old man at a home on Princeton Drive has been charged with Second Degree Murder.

The victim was found with life threatening injuries at a residence on Princeton Drive last Wednesday following a report of a disturbance.

He was taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries.

The suspect, 25-year-old Shelly Linda Saunders of Split Lake, is in custody and is to appear in Thompson Court on Friday.

The fourth year students at the University of Manitoba’s Northern Social Work Program are hosting a community event this weekend for one of their classes.

Sariviea Ellsworth says the focus of the event will be on toxic masculinity, and she explains the reason why the class chose this topic.

“I think this is something that we wanted to highlight because it affects both females and males. We wanted to be able to host an event that can be for everybody so that was the reason we aimed at this topic in particular.”

The event itself will include viewing a documentary and discussing how the community can get involved in addressing this issue.

The community event will be held this Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3 at the TRCC multipurpose room.

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee responded to Pope Francis’s apology to the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Settee says the Pope’s apology in response to the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system has been a day that many survivors have been waiting for.

He adds it’s a historical, overwhelming, and even surprising event.

Settee goes on to say that now begins the journey of genuine reconciliation , and asks all Canadians to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples as they truly begin the process of real healing.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee responded to Pope Francis’s apology to the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Settee says the Pope’s apology in response to the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system has been a day that many survivors have been waiting for.

He adds it’s a historical, overwhelming, and even surprising event.

Settee goes on to say that now begins the journey of genuine reconciliation , and asks all Canadians to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples as they truly begin the process of real healing.

On Wednesday night, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence on Princeton Drive.

Officers arrived at the residence to find a 30-year-old man with life-threatening injuries.

The victim was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased. His death is being treated as a homicide.

A 25-year-old woman  from Split Lake has been arrested and remains in police custody.

Thompson RCMP, along with Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.