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NEWS

Haying in the 30's founder honoured
Event raises over $145,000, despite unpredictable weather

By Janice Huser
Journal Staff

Threatening rain clouds and a cool breeze may have dampened the ground near Mallaig at the annual Haying in the 30's cancer support fundraiser, but it didn't dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who attended the two-day event.
Most importantly, the weather did not prevent organizers from once again collecting donations from people across the country, and raising over $145,000 over Aug. 2 and 3 to support locals battling cancer.
"Despite everything, we can be thankful," said event founder Edgar Corbiere.
For the past decade, a dedicated group of volunteers have been organizing Haying in the 30's, all under the watchful guidance of Edgar and his wife Cecile. On the second day of the event, the couple was recognized for their vision and commitment to the cancer support society.
During the inter-faith service held Sunday morning, Edgar and Cecile were presented with a plaque, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
"It felt good to be rewarded with such an honour," said Edgar, later in the week. He explained that he was unable to give a proper thank you for the recognition on Sunday because he was overcome with emotion.
"I was speechless," said Edgar.
"I wasn't expecting that for sure," he said, later adding, "I think I'm more proud to receive this honour than I would be to receive a million dollar lottery."
Edgar explained that tears welled up in his eyes as a committee of people presented the plaque, which is positioned near the archway at the Haying in the 30's site.
"Haying in the 30's illustrates the care, effort, willingness, and cooperation of a group of people devoting countless time, talent, and commitment to realize the dream of one man, and to help victims affected by cancer," states the plaque.
The event founder is quick to acknowledge that he is not the only reason the event has turned into such a huge success.
"If it wouldn't be for the great committee and all the people that stood by me . . . this would have never happened." said Edgar, who estimates that at least 150 volunteers devoted their time and effort to this year's event.
"Volunteers came from all over," explained Edgar, adding, they each "brought their willingness to help."
Throughout the weekend, Edgar estimates that about 3,000 people attended the event. He looked through the guestbook and saw that visitors had come to the event from as far away as the Northwest Territories. Many also came from B.C., and a number of people traveled to the event from the United States.
Overall, the weekend went "super good," said Edgar, adding, "We can thank the Lord for all the benefits we've received."
Although the rain drizzled throughout the day Saturday, the sun did manage to shine, and children were quick to jump into piles of hay, scattered throughout the grounds.
"It's just like a huge family reunion, and you don't have to be invited," said Lorraine Lawton, as she watched her grandsons play in the hay. Lawton and her family have been attending Haying in the 30's for the past seven or eight years.
Last year, the event raised an estimated $165,000. Edgar anticipates that nearly the same amount will be raised this year, since the society is still in the process of receiving donations.
"What goes into the cancer fund goes out 100 per cent," he explained. So far, Haying in the 30's Cancer Support Society has helped about 1,500 people in its history.
Late last week, Edgar looked out over the Haying in the 30's valley, as workers continued to clean up after the event. He was obviously amazed at how far the fundraiser has come.
"When we started this," he said, as he looked past a number of restored buildings and machinery, "there was nothing."

NEWS

Celebration of farming history

By Janini Whitfield
Journal Staff

Old, grey granaries, some sagging with age, are among the first sights greeting visitors as they pull into the property marked with a humble wood sign reading "Ellis Ranch." But everywhere on this ranch, there is history - such as a still working old tractor, (the kids used to call it "pop-pop"), a chimney standing from a home that has since burnt down, and of course, the history in the land itself.
In the centre of the front yard, a gleaming plaque occupies a spot of pride. The Alberta Farm and Ranch Award was granted to this farm, and others like it, by the province, to recognize and honour the fact that one family has farmed the land for 100 years, despite many hardships and struggles.
On Aug. 2, the Ellis family held a party to celebrate 102 years on their farm, located about eight miles northwest of St. Paul.
"I think it's marvellous that we've all stayed on the farm," says Temple Ellis, the matriarch of the Ellis family, adding this has been no easy feat. It's been 55 years since Temple married her husband, Leslie Ellis, and moved down to the farm, and in that time she's seen and heard a great deal of the family history.
Leslie's grandfather, Lancelot Tennant, came from England to St. Paul around 1905, drawn by the promise of free land. But it was no easy move, notes Temple.
"I don't know how they stood it," she says, noting that life on the farm was much more difficult than the family's comfortable life in England.
When Tennant's first wife died, the heart-broken husband returned to England. Since his youngest, unmarried daughter wasn't interested in going back to England, he passed the farm to her. However, running the operation was a big responsibility for the young woman.
"She was only 21," recalls Temple. Ada Tennant left the farm in 1925 and moved down to Vulcan, where she met and married Ray Ellis and had baby Leslie.
But when Ray and Ada heard that the Tennant farm was going up for tax sale, they hastened back to reclaim the farm, where they then settled.
The couple "just about froze to death" in the old house they were living in, with mice running underfoot and bills from the tax sales and hospital bills weighing heavily on them.
"They had an awful time trying to make a living," Temple recalls.
Ray and Ada managed to keep the farm going and pass it on to their son, Leslie. But like his parents, Leslie would also struggle to keep the farm going.
"My husband had to work out a lot to make ends meet," Temple says. "It wasn't easy and he was crippled up with arthritis real bad."
But the farm was the only thing that would support the family, with Leslie and Temple having 12 children to feed and clothe. Like other families, they grew their own food, their own fruit and drew milk from their cows.
"We all worked hard," says Temple. "We still work hard."
So when Leslie grew older, he wanted to pass on a message - that the hard work should continue, and that the family should persevere as they had done through the past century and continue farming.
"The one thing he said before he died was 'Keep the farm,'" Ellis recalls. Though Leslie passed away in 2003, before he could see the farm's 100th anniversary, the family decided to hold a big celebration of the milestone and reunite all the family, just as Leslie had wanted.
Although it's not always easy to continue farming, the family has managed to keep going. Leslie and Temple's two sons now run the farm, with their sister Rheta acting as their self-described "gopher."
For Rheta, keeping the farm is her way of showing respect to her ancestors and their will to keep going, no matter what the challenges.
"If they can do it and they didn't have two cents to rub together, then I should be able to keep doing it," she says, her eyes glinting with some determination.
"I hope to stay on it as long as I can."

NEWS

RCMP seek suspects of fraud spree
Tips offered to ward against credit card fraud

By By Janini Whitfield
Journal Staff

St. Paul RCMP are asking for the public's help in finding two suspects who paid for a series of bills in St. Paul businesses with a fraudulent credit card.
In October of last year, a male and female entered the Gold Brick Jewellery store in the St. Paul Shopping Mall. After spending some time selecting a diamond ring, the pair purchased the ring with a fake credit card. The same card was used in several other transactions in St. Paul businesses as well, according to an RCMP press release. The male was seen in possession of numerous other credit cards in his wallet.
The male suspect is described as well-groomed, about 30-years-old, 5'10", 160 lbs. with a medium complexion and glasses. The female suspect is about 25-years-old, slender, with dark hair, and is several inches shorter than the male. Both are believed to be active throughout the province, with other cases of similar fraud reported in the Edmonton area.
Cst. Travis McKenzie, of the St. Paul RCMP, notes that credit card fraud is on the rise, but says there are a few simple things business owners can do to protect themselves from losses.
"The first thing is ask for I.D. . . . photo I.D. that matches the name on the credit card," he says.
McKenzie also suggests salespeople should be alert to customers who make large purchases in short amounts of time. "If you're going to buy a $5,000 TV, you're going to be asking some questions, taking your time," he points out. Another thing to be wary of is a customer who buys anything the salesperson promotes, and who seem to be in a hurry to make purchases.
McKenzie's final tip is to be wary of cards that can not be swiped magnetically, as fraudsters many times do not have the technology to embed a card with magnetic coding. If a card can not be swiped magnetically, it's even more important to ensure the person using the credit card has photo I.D. to match the name on the card.
Salespeople at businesses should ensure a person using the credit card is legitimately doing so, he says, adding, "The salesperson gets so excited to make a big sale, they don't take extra steps to make sure it's going to be a good sale." Although businesses and salespeople can't protect against all thefts or fraud, exercising some caution can help ward against such crime, he says.
Any information about this case of fraud or any other criminal incidences can be reported directly to the St. Paul RCMP detachment at 780-645-8870 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

NEWS

Friends, partners gather for Frog Lake Powwow

By Vicki Brooker
Journal Contributor

A gathering of Frog Lake First Nations' friends and partners was an integral part of their 2008 Powwow, with representatives of Husky Energy, Buffalo Resources Corp., Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Frog Lake Energy Resources Corporation, and a number of other partners joining Grand Chief Wayne Monias, former Minister of Indian Affairs Bob Nault, Frog Lake Chief George Stanley and his council and other dignitaries in a solemn ceremony, prior to Saturday's grand entry.
John Lau, president and CEO of Husky Energy, was made an honorary chief of Frog Lake in a moving ceremony, and later signed a consultation and protocol agreement with Chief Stanley. Watch for further details of the agreement in the upcoming Oil and Gas special section in September.
The newly-crowned Honorary Chief Earth Child, John Lau, presented Chief Stanley with a $25,000 endowment from Husky to support education at Frog Lake, while Bill Trickett, president and CEO of Buffalo Resources Corp., presented him with a buffalo carving and noted that Buffalo is firmly committed to the community's new wellness centre. Carrie Rawlake and Roger Fontaine of CNRL presented a $3,000 donation toward the powwow. Representatives of Whisper Creek Homes presented blankets to the chiefs and council and said it was their tradition to give back to the communities that support them.
The dignitaries later led in the powwow grand entry, featuring countless dancers of all ages, representing First Nations groups from far and near, all dressed in their finest costumes and ready to show off their prowess in an incredibly and intensely colourful display of tradition and culture.

NEWS

Intense camp experience yields life lessons

By Janani Whitfield
Journal Staff

Reflecting back on the past several days, the youths agree: it wasn't always easy, but their stint at a two-week youth career camp was worth it.
The camp for the youth of Fishing Lake Metis Settlement had its wind-up last Friday at Riel Beach, with youths enjoying entertainment and a barbecue .
Levi Flamond, 17, notes that there was "quite a bit of drama" during the two weeks, with people tottering on the verge of fighting and others just dropping by the camp and having to be escorted out. "It just worked its way out," he says, shrugging calmly.
After spending two weeks in close proximity with one another, people just learned to get along, he and fellow youth Marlon Lacombe agree.
"When we came here, some people were worst enemies. By the end of it, they were friends," says Marlon. And while some youths weren't interested in participating in the activities, such as baseball, eventually they got bored of just watching the games and joined in, he says. By the end of the camp, the youths realized something about co-operation.
"Even people that don't like each other can learn to work together," says Levi.
That was exactly one of the aims of the camp, according to Dawn Deschamps, an organizer for the camp who works in employment services at Fishing Lake. "We were trying to teach the kids that we can all work together, even if we're different."
Ordinarily, Fishing Lake offers a summer career camp where kids learn about writing resumes and cover letters. But this year, organizers decided to expand on the camp, holding it outside at Riel Beach with kids spending some of the nights in tents and tepees. On top of resumes and letter writing, kids got to enjoy an added cultural component, for instance, learning about the history of the settlement and trying their hand at soapstone carving. They also attended workshops on pertinent issues such as co-dependency, sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse.
There had been some doubt that the organizers could pull the event off with only three weeks of planning and with such a diverse mix of kids and personalities, says Deschamps.
But at the end of the day, the camp worked out.
"Some people said we wouldn't make it. But we made it," she says. "And I am so proud of these kids, each and every one of them."
The students came out with some revelations of their own. Levi, for one, learned he'll need to upgrade his high school education and graduate.
"I thought all I needed was my Grade 10," he says. But the young man will have to go further with his education to get into a culinary school and realize his dream of becoming the owner of his own restaurant.
"That's my lifelong goal," he says, explaining he plans to move through the restaurant ranks before opening his all-day breakfast joint, which he's already dubbed Levi's Good Morning Breakfast.
"And after that, when the restaurant opens, that's what I'll be doing for the rest of my life," he says, with the sureness of someone who knows what he wants and how to get there.
That vision and confidence was something that Fishing Lake councillor Darren Calliou was hoping would develop for the youth as a result of the camp. "If the kids can see a future, and they can see it in their own way, I think that's the biggest thing for them."