A Roman Catholic priest has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl in Little Grand Rapids First Nation,  according to Manitoba RCMP.

Arul Savari, 48, is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, sexual exploitation of a young person, luring a child and forcible confinement. He remains in custody.

RCMP said the girl was alone with the priest at the local church when he allegedly touched her inappropriately and wouldn’t let her leave.

When the girl was able to leave, she ran home and told her mom, who reported the incident to police.

Savari has also attended the community of Pauingassi First Nation in his role as priest.

Since his arrest, additional youths have been identified as potential victims.

If anyone has any information or is a victim, please contact Little Grand Rapids RCMP at 204-397-2249.

In Winnipeg on Monday, Ahmed Hussen Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion announced an investment of $13.3 million that will fund 78 new homes for Indigenous people across Manitoba.

The funds came through the Rapid Housing Initiative Project Stream.

The new homes are part of 5 separate projects across northern Manitoba.

They include15 homes for Lynn Lake, 2 homes for Nelson House, 50 new homes in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, 6 new homes in Oxford House, and 5 homes for Wasagamack.

The Rapid Housing Initiative provides capital contributions to quickly create new permanent affordable housing units that support people who are vulnerable and prioritized under the National Housing Strategy.

As Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Arctic Radio spoke to the Save Your Skin Foundation about the importance of being sun-smart this summer.

Organization founder Kathleen Barnard, who is a skin cancer survivor, says one third of all new cancer cases in the country are skin cancers and is increasingly being found in younger people.

“Melanoma is the seventh most common cancer in Canada and the fourth most common in young people between the ages of fifteen and twenty nine. When I was diagnosed, I was forty seven and my uncle said “Boy, you are really young for this type of cancer.” Yet, now it figures in that the demographic of people that are coming to us are under the age of thirty five, which is frightening.”

Barnard says the major risk factor for melanoma and other skin cancers are UV rays, which damages the DNA of skin cells.

She recommends using sunscreen, limiting time in the sun, checking UV Index forecasts, and avoiding tanning equipment.

For more information, listen to the two-part interview today and tomorrow at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.

Team Vale took home first place at the 60th Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition held last Friday and Saturday in Snow Lake.

Vale's winning team members include Coach Kelly Edwards, Captain Sean McKenzie, Mat Herman, Rob Chuipka, Ricki Stabback, Martin Murphy,  and Al Szabo.

They were followed closely by the Manitoba Mutual Aid Team which included two Vale employees - Kelly Kopeechuk and Terry Ferguson - along with two Snow Lake and two Tanco employees.  

The Technician’s award went to Sean McKenzie from Vale.  The Tactical Skills event was won by the Blue Team and the written exam was also won by Vale.  The First Aid Award went to HudBay Snow Lake and Tanco took the Firefighting event.

In 2024, the competition will be hosted by Tantalum Mining Corporation  in Bernic Lake.

The City of Thompson is reviewing responses to a request for tenders for the construction of a new aquatic centre this week.

The deadline for submissions was May 26 and the review process began May 29. The first step is determining if the proposals satisfy technical requirements. If they do, city staff and Stantec Architecture, which is overseeing design and engineering services for the project, will interview the proponents in Winnipeg.

After the technical evaluations and interviews are completed, budgets for the proposals will be compared and final scores calculated prior to any recommendation being forwarded to council.

Thompson has secured $11 million in funding for the new aquatic centre from the federal and provincial governments via the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which requires a contribution of at least $4 million from the city. Vale Manitoba Operations has also pledged $2 million for a new city facility to replace the Norplex Pool, closed down for safety reasons in
2019.

Stantec’s design and engineering study recommended that the new aquatic centre should be built on land adjacent to the Thompson Regional Community Centre. Features of the pool design include a waterslide, a six-lane 25-metre accessible pool with one accessible lane, a beach-entry recreational pool, a sauna and a multi-purpose room for parties and swim meets.

Media Contact:
Ian Graham
Communications Officer
City of Thompson
Tel: 204-677-7929
Email: igraham@thompson.ca

Treaty 5 and Métis territory, Thompson MB —

Today the Manitoba NDP nominated Thompson MLA Eric Redhead to run again in the upcoming provincial election. Redhead has served as the MLA since winning the by-election in June 2022.

“Thompson families want a government that will fix Northern health care and make their lives better,” said Redhead. “But all they’ve got with Premier Stefanson is empty promises and more cuts. Where’s the Thompson pool she’s promised? How could she let our major hospital go without hot water for an entire month?

If we have the opportunity to form government, our NDP team won’t abandon Northern families. We'll fix health care and make sure they have more services and an affordable life.”

Redhead has served as the MLA since winning the by-election in June 2022. He’s raised the alarm about the dire conditions and staffing shortages at the Thompson hospital and he’s amplified the voices of community members calling on the PCs to reverse their cut to the Thompson footcare clinic. As the Critic for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, Redhead has held the government to account for their refusal to make Orange Shirt Day a statutory holiday and most recently for appointing a residential school denier to the master’s appointment committee for the Court of Kings Bench.

“Eric is a strong advocate for Northern families,” said Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew. “He’s a dad who knows what it’s like to raise a family in Northern Manitoba – and he won’t stop fighting to make life better for Northern families. Our team is committed to fixing health care, making life more affordable and providing better opportunities and jobs for Northern families.”

On May 23, 2023, at approximately 10:20 pm, RCMP responded to an assault at a residence on Brandon Crescent in Thompson.

Upon arrival officers located an injured 21-year-old male. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The investigation determined that earlier that evening, a male suspect armed with a baseball bat, broke into the residence, assaulted the victim and fled the scene.  Officers identified the male and he was arrested without incident.

Jeremiah Lethbridge, 27, of Thompson has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Break and Enter with Intent and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose. He was remanded into custody.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

On May 22, 2023, as a result of an ongoing investigation into the theft of a firearm, Oxford House RCMP conducted a search of a residence in the community and recovered several firearms, one of which had been reported stolen on April 26.

The search of the home led to the arrest of two males and the recovery of three firearms, a pellet gun and several rounds of ammunition.

As a result of this investigation, Charles William Sinclair, 33, was remanded into custody on numerous firearms-related offences. The second suspect, a 24-year-old male, was later released for court scheduled August 11, 2023, in Oxford House where he will also face numerous firearms-related offences.

Oxford House RCMP continue to investigate.

Photo attached.

Cross Lake evacuees have gotten the official word that they can return home.

Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook told Arctic Radio about the update just before noon today.

Residents of the First Nation where evacuated to Thompson earlier this morning due to a nearby wildfire in the area.

The Canadian Red Cross and the City of Thompson worked with Cross Lake leadership and law enforcement during the evacuation.

The city has said the evacuation would impact operations at City Hall and the TRCC.

The City of Thompson has suspended some of its operations today as it assists evacuees from Cross Lake.

Residents of the First Nation had to be evacuated due to a wildfire near the community.

City Hall is closed to the public as staff has been redeployed for emergency and social services response.

The city got word of the evacuation last night at around 11:30 a.m, with the first evacuees arriving approximately 3:30 a.m. this morning. City officials were told to expect between a dozen and 7, 000 people.

Additionally, the TRCC is closed as it’s serving as accommodations for evacuees, with more than 1, 000 Cross Lake residents sheltering at the community centre as of 8 a.m. this morning. Evacuees are also being housed in local hotels.

The city says the TRCC is expected to remain closed for normal activities until the evacuation ends and displaced residents are able to return home.

City Hall may also be closed beyond today if staff is required for emergency response operations.

The Manitoba Mine Rescue Competition is taking place this week in Snow Lake.

Manitoba Association of Mining vice-president Richard Trudeau says the theme for this year is “Confidence and Courage”.

The competition categories will consist of a written exam, a bench test, firefighting, first aid, practical skills, and the underground mine rescue.

Teams competing include Vale from Thompson, Tantalum Mining from Lac du Bonnet, and Hudbay Minerals from the host community. There will also be a fourth team called the Mutual Aid Team that consists of members from the three mine rescue stations in Manitoba.

The 60^th Mine Rescue Competition is taking May 25-26.

Details about this year’s mine rescue competition can be heard on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The 47^th Northern Juried Art Show will be held next month in Thompson.

It will run from June 19^th to the 24^th, with this year’s theme being “culture”.

Artists interested in taking part in the show must complete a registration form for each piece they’re submitting, which have to be in by June 2^nd.

The categories people can submit for include painting, watercolour, drawing and printmaking, crafts, fiber art, sculpture, and photography. There are separate youth categories for those ages 6-12 and 13-17, however young artists can also submit their pieces in the adult categories instead.

For more on the Northern Juried Art Show, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon. Or visit mallofthearts.com.

The Manitoba North District RCMP has provided ten thousand dollars to University College of the North’s Ininiwi Kiskinwakewin  (IK) Centre.

The funding was secured through the province’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund.

UCN says the money will be used for this year’s Traditional Convocation Pow-wow, as well as the cost of food, gifts, and honoraria for components such as Elder teachings and a drum group.

The institution’s cultural coordinator Karl Laubmann says UCN is grateful to receive the funding, as it will go a long way in providing ongoing support in promoting Indigenous cultural programming at the school.

Safe Boating Awareness Week kicks off during the May long weekend, and Arctic Radio spoke to Lifesaving Society Manitoba about this year’s campaign.

WaterSmart and Safety Coordinator Dr. Christopher Love says 30 to 40 per cent of drowning deaths in Manitoba are boating related.

He explains the five points boaters should remember.

"Number one is wear your life jacket.   Make sure you're boating sober.  Make sure you take a boating course so you know how to operate your boat.  Be prepared, both you and your vessel.    So, you've taken a boating course, you know the rules.   Do you have all the appropriate safety equipment on board?   Have you prepped your boat for the season?  Make sure that any repairs that need to be done are completed.    And then, be aware of the risks of cold-water immersion."

Love explains while the province may be experiencing warmer air temperatures during the season, the water temperature tends to remain on the cold side even during the heat of summer.

Love says they have boat safety tips available on their website in a variety of languages.

"We've got 33 different languages on our website.   If English or French are not your best languages, we hopefully have another one on that list that you're going to be able to find that is useful to you.

We have some indigenous languages on there.  We've got a lot of the other standard ones you'd find in the province of Manitoba.

Things like Tagalog, German, etc.  so that they're there.  So if you go to LIfesaving.mb.ca and there's a menu on our website called Water Smart Public Education."

Learn more about Safe Boating Week on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

The Thompson Junior Soccer Association is hosting their kick-off event for the 2023 season later today.

It will be at the TRCC gym from 5:45 to 8:30.

This year, the age divisions are the U-6 McNuggets, the U-9 Small Fries, the U-12 Golden Arches, and the U-18 Senior division.

The season is expected to start early June.

Thompsonites interested in coaching this year can reach out to the soccer association on their Facebook page for more information.

Manitoba’s police watchdog has determined that the death of a man in police presence in Tadoule Lake was not caused by an officer.

In January of last year, RCMP says they responded to a report of multiple assaults in the community and a man with a firearm.

The man suspected to be the subject of the police reports sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound while officers were on scene.

The man was taken to the nursing station by RCMP, where he was pronounced dead.

The Independent Investigation Unit says they interviewed four witness officers and three civilian witnesses, in addition to reviewing material such as call history, photos of scene and exhibits, and autopsy and toxicology reports.

The federal government says it wants to support Indigenous participation in mineral development projects in Manitoba.

Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal made the 3.75 million dollar announcement in Churchill yesterday.

Vandal says the Manitoba Indigenous Critical Minerals Partnerships Initiative will fund projects in three areas: workforce development, capacity building, as well as business development and entrepreneurship related to mineral development.

Over the next three years the initiative, delivered by PrairiesCan, is to engage and partner with communities, create partnerships, fund projects, and leverage more than 8.25 million dollars in additional funding.

The Thompson YWCA, Thompson Community Development Corporation, and BGC Thompson are among the over 400 recipients of the province’s Building Sustainable Communities grant program.

The Thompson BGC is getting nearly 32, 000 dollars for a building addition and facility upgrades, while the YWCA is getting almost 45, 000 dollars for facility improvements.

Over 38, 000 dollars has been allocated to the CDC for tourism development.

Additionally, the City of Thompson is receiving 60, 000 thousand dollars for a development plan and zoning by-law.

This year, the provincial government invested over 25 million dollars for community projects across Manitoba.

A local business is holding a community spring clean-up this weekend in the downtown area.

Dennis Foley with DJ Lawn Services says he decided to organize the clean-up after seeing social media posts from locals about the debris in the area and seeing other organizations and businesses holding their own clean-up events.

Foley adds he planned the clean-up with the city’s recreation director, and that the City of Thompson will be providing supplies for the event.

Here, he shares how the clean-up will work.

"We're all going to meet at the Canadian Tire parking lot on Saturday, the 20th, at 11 o'clock.  We're going to get our gloves, get our bags.  Then basically we're just going to expand from there, from the downtown and expanding even further, picking up garbage, whether it's in front of a business or public property.   We just want to do everything we can to alleviate some of the litter stress that's happening in our downtown area."

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

On May 12, 2023, at approximately 10:00 pm, Thompson RCMP responded to an armed robbery on Hickory Avenue in Thompson.

Two male suspects approached a 38-year-old male who was walking on the street, and threatened him. One suspect claimed to have a machete. The suspects stole items from the victim and fled. The victim was not physically injured.

Approximately 40 minutes later, Thompson RCMP responded to a threats call on Queens Bay in Thompson.

Two male suspects approached two females, aged 53 and 55, threatened them, claimed to have a knife, and fled on foot. The victims were not physically injured. The suspects involved were believed to be the same males from the earlier incident.

Officers along with Police Dog Services attended and began patrols in the area. Officers located two males who fled on foot. Police arrested one of the males a short time later, and Police Service Dog Linkin located a bag that was believed to be discarded by the suspect. The bag contained more than $3000.00 in cash and a small quantity of cocaine.

Brayden Charlette, 19, has been charged with:

Robbery

Uttering Threats x3

Resist Arrest

Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking

The second suspect has not been located. Anyone with information is asked to contact Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

Photo attached.

The School District of Mystery Lake’s band program is holding instrument try-outs this week for grade five students signing up for beginner band this upcoming school year.

Choose Your Instrument nights will be this Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 at the RD Parker Collegiate band room.

There will also be a Zoom meeting tonight for parents that will go over the registration process, and the link can be found on the RD Parker Music website.

Here, band director Sarah Lewis talks about the benefits of being a part of the band program.

"We're really proud to have a very strong musical program up here in Thompson.  We are really team-based and a good social connection for kids to be a part of."

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

On May 10, 2023, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 48-year-old female from Thompson.

Arlene Tait was last heard from by her family on April 9, and was in Winnipeg at that time.

Police and family are concerned for her well-being.

She’s 5’3”, with light brown hair and brown eyes.

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

Food security programs in northern Manitoba got a boost in funding this week.

The Manitoba government announced yesterday that it’s investing 1.3 million dollars to support its Northern Healthy Foods Initiative.

Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke notes the organizations receiving funding include the Frontier School Division, Four Arrows Regional Health Authority, and Food Matters Manitoba.

Additionally, the province has also introduced its Affordable Food in Remote Manitoba subsidy which reduces the price of milk, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables in eligible northern communities.

Communities that are not directly serviced by an all-weather road and which do not receive the full subsidy through the federal Nutrition North Canada program are eligible for the AFFIRM program.

Selected communities include Churchill and Pukatawagan.

Thompsonites looking for something to get them moving this summer may want to consider joining the Merchant Media Slo-pitch League.

Public relations coordinator Tim Ryan says the co-ed soft ball league has 14 teams signed up so far and are looking to add more.

He adds people without a team can still sign up, as the teams currently registered can always use the extra players.

Registration closes this week.

To sign up, visit the Merchant Media Facebook page or email mmsplthompson@gmail.com.

Today is Moose Hide Campaign Day, which aims to engage men and boys in addressing the issue of family and gender-based violence.

Co-founder of the initiative, Raven Lacerte, has more.

“The Moose Hide Campaign is a group of Canadians that are taking a stand against violence towards women and children. We wear a small patch of moose hide on our clothes or on our backpacks or bags. It shows an every day commitment and an everyday reminder that we are standing up to violence towards women and children”

Lacerte says moose hide pins can be ordered for free on the organization’s website year-round.

A local event is taking place at the Royal Canadian Legion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to commemorate Moose Hide Campaign Day.

The full interview with Lacerte can be heard this afternoon on Thompson Today.

McDonalds will be donating a portion of sales of its menu items sold today as a part of McHappy Day.

Money raised from the fundraiser locally will go towards Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba.

CEO of the organization, Wendy Galagan, shares how Thompsonites can help out.

“This year, we celebrate the 29^th anniversary of McHappy Day and it’s an incredible day when McDonald owner operators, their crew, their managers and their customers come together to support our mission of keeping families together during times of childhood illness or injury. All menu items at McDonalds, so go visit Mcdonalds, have a great menu item, get your favourite menu items and know that you are supporting RMHC. There is also great merchandise and McHappy Day hearts so you can make a cash donation. There are so many ways that you can support the RMHC mission on this exciting day”

Hear the full interview with Galagan this afternoon on Thompson Today.

A few northern Manitoba First Nations are among recipients of federal dollars for emergency shelters and transitional housing for Indigenous communities.

Ottawa says it’s investing 103 million dollars for the construction and ongoing operational support of at least 178 new shelter transitional units across the country.

Cross Lake First Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation are among the 21 communities getting funding for their respective projects.

A federal government press release says the projects will be Indigenous-led and will offer access to support programming to help survivors of family and gender-based violence access culturally appropriate services.

Thompson’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor were in Winnipeg last week as a part of the Association of Manitoba’s Municipalities pre-provincial election campaign launch.

AMM has identified four priorities for member municipalities including fair and predictable municipal funding, investments in infrasture and human resources, and public safety.

Colleen Smook and Kathy Valentino, who also serves as AMM’s vice-president, were at the event with Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, East St. Paul Mayor Carla Devlin, and AMM president Kam Blight.

Smook says municipalities need care closer to home, citing doctors, nurses, and paramedics as examples.

She adds local training opportunities would help get them to the communities that need them.

The provincial election is scheduled for October 3^rd.

The body of a missing woman from Split Lake has been found.

Thompson RCMP say 42-year-old Catherine Dumas was found in the wooded area in Muskrat Bay on May 4.

She was reported missing to police the afternoon prior.

Split Lake Fire Department and community volunteers conducted searches in the area.

The cause of death has yet to be determined and police say an autopsy will be conducted.

The investigation is ongoing.

Over the next two weeks, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is gathering feedback from members about where their new skate park will be built in the community.

The First Nation said in a social media post yesterday the seven thousand square-foot skate park will begin construction July 2nd and is anticipated to be completed by August 10th.

Members can fill out a survey in-person or online and choose between three sites for the park.

They are: the corner of New School Road and Main Road, beside the Gilbert McDonald Arena, and the bay road area near high rocks.

Tomorrow is Red Dress Day, and a local Indigenous organization has a number of activities planned to commemorate the day.

The day was first held in 2010 by the REDress Project in memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people across Canada.

Here, MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit Director Heidi Spence shares the importance of this day here in Thompson.

"So I think it’s significant for our community ‘cause you know, Thompson is the Hub of the North and we have many families from northern Manitoba that reside in Thompson or even in communities and the surrounding areas that are impacted by the issue of MMIWG. They’ve either had loved ones that have been taken by violence or homicide or they have loved ones that are still missing.”

The Liaison Unit has an afternoon full of events taking place tomorrow, including an awareness walk, community barbeque, empowerment and awareness activities, and a full moon ceremony.

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

A suspect has been charged for arson after allegedly lighting a fire in the stairwell of an apartment building.

Thompson RCMP arrested the woman at the scene on Carlton Place, who was found to be in possession of a knife.

The fire was extinguished, but there was damage to the stairwell and the fire department used exhaust fans to disperse the smoke.

30-year-old Eloria Grieves was taken into custody.

A man from Saskatchewan has been charged following an alleged stabbing last week.

On Friday night, it was reported to police that a man had been stabbed outside a business on Cree Road.

He was found by attending officers with life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

The suspect, 40-year-old Johnathon Denechezhe [Deh-neh-chay-zay], faces an aggravated assault charge and remains in police custody.

It’s Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s yearly campaign to address the stigma surrounding mental health and to advocate for improved mental health supports.

This year they’re specifically calling for universal mental health care, citing a recent survey that found 87 per cent of Canadians are for it.

The Thompson CMHA’s Kristi Gingrich elaborates that all Canadians are impacted by their mental health.

“Just like physical health, we all have mental health. The stats right now are that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health illness or wellness concern in their lifetime at least once. But still one hundred percent of us all have mental health that needs protecting, promoting and taking care of each other.”

To commemorate the campaign, the local CMHA has a week-full of events taking place around town.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information.

Three suspects were arrested in relation to a serious incident that happened last month.

The incident in question happened on April 5^th at a parking lot on Station Road, where Thompson RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive man with serious injuries.

The victim, a 32-year-old man from Tataskweyak Cree Nation, was taken to hospital where he remains in stable condition.

The suspects, 31-year-old Barbara Saunders, 32-year-old Lloyd Colombe, and 47-year-old Jimmy Anderson have been charged with aggravated assault and are in custody.

RCMP says no further arrests are anticipated.

The Smile Cookie campaign is back this week.

From now until Sunday, Tim Horton’s will be selling Smile Cookies and the proceeds raised will be donated to Thompson Fire and Emergency Services.

The restaurant chain has been holding the Smile Cookie campaign since 1996 and says it has raised over 92 million dollars for local organizations and charities across North America.

They range from local hospitals, community care organizations, food banks, and schools.