After being introduced by Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef (centre), four female entrepreneurs participated in a panel discussion at FastStart Peterborough's E-Connect event om March 5, 2018: kawarthaNOW.com co-founder and publisher Jeannine Taylor, Steelworks Design co-founder Rhonda Barnet, "serial entrepreneur" Peggy Shaughnessy, and Amusé Coffee founder Lindsay Brock. (Photo: Samantha Moss / MossWorks Photography)
With International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, this is a week when women around the world share stories and celebrate what it means to be female.
In celebration of IWD, FastStart Peterborough hosted this month’s E-Connect yesterday (March 5) in a new panel discussion format that featured four fierce female founders.
Jeannine Taylor, co-founder and publisher of kawarthaNOW.com, was one of the four panelists, along with Rhonda Barnet (co-founder of Steelworks Design), Lindsay Brock (founder of Amusé Coffee), and “serial entrepreneur” (and personality about town) Peggy Shaughnessy.
Special guest Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women and MP Peterborough-Kawartha, introduced the panel and pointed to the focus on women in the recently announced 2018 federal budget. Monsef also pointed to the need for more role models for young women.
“If you can’t see her, you can’t be her.”
Around 90 people attended the event at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Tammy Thorne / kawarthaNOW.com)
The four role models were blunt when asked if they had to make any sacrifices to get where they are today.
Barnet, who is the first female chair of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) national board of directors, said the only way to succeed as an entrepreneur is to make sacrifices.
“But when my daughters look at me and tell me what a great example I am, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Taylor, a media trailblazer by any standard having launched an online news publication way back in 1995, said she has no regrets.
Instead, she’s garnered a lifetime of learned experience — and a lot of followers. She’s grown her media brand to reach 2.5 million unique viewers per year, with almost 10,000 followers of the @kawarthanow Instagram account.
“After 10,000, that’s when the magic happens.”
Hosted by FastStart Peterborough and the Innovation Cluster, this month’s E-Connect featured a new panel discussion format. (Photo: Tammy Thorne / kawarthaNOW.com)
“We all make sacrifices. Getting out of bed in the morning is a risk,” Shaughnessy said to laughs.
The former nurse and current PhD candidate, café owner, and health consultant characterizes herself as “the drywaller of social services. I’m there to fill in the gaps.”
Brock, who just opened a pop-up satellite café in the VentureNorth building, said there have been times when she thought she was “missing life” as her friends began to have children. But she’s doing exactly what she wants to do and feels respected in the community.
“It’s all about personal integrity and being genuine. I’m in favour of community over competition.”
“Being ethical generates respect,” Taylor added. “Our brand is respected because we try to always take the high road.”
“Like Jeannine, I believe it’s about ethics,” Shaughnessy said. “I often say your job doesn’t end when you go home: people see how you live your life. My life story is my brand, and that gives me confidence.”
“I draw confidence from being in my shop,” Brock said. “When I’m behind the counter, I come to life and feel that’s where I belong. I love my customers and that makes me feel confident.”
Barnet, who turns 50 this year, said, “I’ve been treated very well as a woman, I’ve been noticed, and it’s served me in a positive way. I thank all the men in my life who have elevated me.”
The CME recently completed its survey of women in manufacturing and found that women feel they need to work harder to gain respect in business.
“And whether or not this is a reality or a perception, it still needs to be addressed,” Barnet added. “When I joined the CME board it was all men, but I was quickly elevated to become the chair.”
Taylor said there is definitely ageism in the digital age, and that working in media means working in a male-dominated landscape.
“It really shouldn’t make a difference if you are a woman or a man in a leadership role.”
Still, she said, “We’ve only had the vote for 100 years — think about that.”
Host Rose Terry, Marketing Manager at the Innovation Cluster, ended the panel discussion on a lighter note, asking the female founders: What would you tell your teenage self?
Barnet said, “I’d say the 15-year-old math geeks become 50-year-old math goddesses.”
“Everything I’ve been through made me who I am today so I wouldn’t say anything to 18-year-old me,” Shaughnessy answered.
“I agree with Peggy,” Brock said. “I took myself too seriously at 18, so I might have said ‘Lighten up,’ but then I wouldn’t be where I am today, doing what I want to do, so instead I’d say: ‘Keep doing what you are doing! You’re good at it!'”
Taylor deadpanned: “Buy Google (stock).”
The evening rounded out with some questions from the mostly female audience of about 50 people, including the age-old question: How does one achieve work/life balance?
Shaughnessy said simply: “You don’t.”
“Your family is a part of your business and your business is a part of your family,” Barnet replied, adding that an advisory board is part of her “secret sauce.”
Brock said a decent day timer, and scheduling things down to 10 minute slots, has really helped her stay balanced … plus seeking outside advice.
A young woman who recently went into business with her fiancé in construction asked the panel, “How do you get away from that notion that you are the woman behind the man?”
The panelists all looked at each other with a smile.
“My husband is the man behind the woman,” Barnet answered to applause. “It’s never been a better time to be a female entrepreneur.”
All in all, it was a great kick off to International Women’s Day (IWD) week in Peterborough.
President's Choice 100% Cricket Powder, sourced from Entomo Farms in Norwood, is now available in local Loblaw stores. While new to Canadian culture, 80 per cent of the world's population already incorporates insects into their diet in some form. (Photo: Loblaw Companies Limited)
Loblaw has introduced 100% cricket powder, sourced from Entomo Farms in Norwood, as part of its President’s Choice product line up.
The new product is Loblaw’s first move into sustainable insect protein. While new to Canadian culture, 80 per cent of the world’s population already incorporates insects into their diet in some form.
“We are honoured to be working with the President’s Choice team to bring sustainable food solutions to consumers,” says Jarrod Goldin, co-founder and president of Entomo Farms.
“We are striving to take the next step to ensure innovative, inspiring and most importantly conscious food options are available for Canadians and we believe cricket powder is just scratching the surface.”
Entomo Farms (formerly Next Millennium Farms) was the grand prize winner in the innovation category at the 2015 Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition. The company was founded in 2014 by brothers Jarrod, Ryan, and Darren Goldin. (Photo: Bears’ Lair)
High-protein cricket powder can be easily added into baked goods, smoothies or meals, to provide high levels of protein, B12, calcium and fibre. Crickets are a versatile ingredient that bring a subtle earthy flavour to food or, if used in small amounts, no taste at all.
Crickets need 12 times less feed than cattle, four times less feed than sheep, and half as much feed as pigs and broiler chickens to produce the same amount of protein. They also require significantly less water than cattle rearing.
Since 2014, Entomo Farms (formerly Next Millennium Farms) has raised and harvested crickets and mealworms for human food and animal feed. The company produces whole roasted insects, both plain and flavoured, and offers a gluten-free and gluten-free organic option as well. Entomo Farms also produces cricket powder, which can be incorporated into baking or cooking.
“Cricket condos” at Norwood’s Entomo Farms, North America’s first and largest insect farm for human consumption. Crickets need 12 times less feed than cattle, four times less feed than sheep, and half as much feed as pigs and broiler chickens to produce the same amount of protein. (Photo: Entomo Farms)
In 2015, Entomo Farms was the Innovation Winner in Peterborough’s Bears’ Lair entreprenurial competition and also won Startup Canada’s Regional Award for Sustainable Development.
Consumer can find President’s Choice® 100% Cricket Powder on shelves now at their local Loblaw stores.
“With our President’s Choice brand we’re always looking to bring the new and the next to Canadians,” says Kathlyne Ross, VP of product development and innovation at Loblaw.
“By making products like cricket powder widely available in our grocery stores, we are giving Canadians the option to not only try something new, but to also make a conscious decision on what they eat and how it impacts the environment.”
The title of a racial injustice event to be hosted by the Trent Central Student Association on March 12, 2018 at Trent University has created controversy. (Graphic: TCSA / Facebook)
A racial injustice event to be hosted at Trent University by the student association has attracted controversy.
The event, planned for Monday, March 12th from 4 to 6 p.m., features keynote speaker Dr. Michael Cappello from the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan.
Capello, who describes himself as “anti-racist/anti-oppressive” teacher and educator and as a “white settler living and working on Treaty 4 territory”, has spent the last four years focussing on the issues of colonialism and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The controversy isn’t about Cappello though — it’s about the title of the event: “It’s OK to be [Against] White[ness]”.
The event’s title refers to racially motivated “It’s OK to be white” posters that circulated around university campuses in November 2017.
“Whiteness is an academic term for the ideologies that describe the practices, beliefs, habits and attitudes that enable the unequal distribution of power and privilege based on skin colour,” the event description reads. “Whiteness, as an idea, is not about white people as much as the ways that white racialization is socially constructed as dominant, both historically and in the present moment.”
The event features keynote speaker Dr. Michael Cappello from the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, who often speaks on the issues of on the issues of colonialism and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (Photo: University of Regina)
After the Trent Central Student Association (TSCA) created a public event page on Facebook, a backlash about the event began.
In an email to kawarthaNOW.com, Lindsay Yates — the TSCA’s ethical standards commissioner — says the event has drawn attention from “right-leaning and white-nationalist students and groups in Ontario”. She expresses concern that the nature of the event is being misinterpreted as being racially divisive.
“This event is about recognizing privilege that is granted based on racial identity and helping students who do have access to white privilege think more about how to be allies to racialized communities,” Yates writes. “The event is focused on diversity, inclusion and conversations about how we can all work together to help achieve racial justice.”
In response to the backlash, the TSCA posted a statement to explain the title and nature of the event:
However, the explanation did little to stop negative comments such as “You are inciting hatred against an identifiable group (Caucasians)” and “How can we take this blatant attack of whites in our higher places of learning”. While other commenters supported the event, eventually the TSCA turned off commenting on the post.
The controversy has been covered by several media sources, including the Ottawa Sun, Narcity in Toronto, and the Daily Hive in Vancouver.
The Toronto Sun ran an opinion editorial on March 2, 2018 under the headline “Trent students foolishly fuel toxic debate over race”.
The opinion piece accuses the event organizers of adopting “divisive, racist tactics” and claims the event is based on “a toxic and divisive ideology steeped in the intolerant loathing inherent in postmodernism and cultural Marxism that divides the world into us versus them groups, into victims and oppressors.”
Ironically, the Toronto Sun opinion editorial was published on the same day when Trent University officially renamed its School for Indigenous Studies as the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, in honour of the Anishinaabe boy who died after running way from a residential school in 1963. The launch event was attended by the families of Chanie Wenjack and Gord Downie.
A month after Ontario’s first approved temporary overdose prevention site opened in London, Peterborough is also planning to open a site in response to the growing opioid crisis.
Community-based agency PARN announced plans today (March 6) to expand its existing harm reduction services to provide people who use opioids with a space where they can use those drugs under the supervision of health professionals to prevent overdose deaths. The temporary overdose prevention site is intended to operate for three to six months.
Peterborough had the fourth highest annual rate of opioid-related deaths between July 2013 and June 2016, and ranked third highest in the number of opioid poisoning hospitalizations in Ontario in 2016/17. In 2017, 20 people are suspected to have died from opioid overdoses in Peterborough.
“The opioid crisis is far from over,” says PARN Executive Director Kim Dolan. “In our community, we will likely see more overdoses in the coming year and, sadly, more deaths than we have ever seen.
“This complex crisis is a call to action. With leadership from both the provincial and federal governments, we have an opportunity to immediately respond to the opioid crisis and save lives.”
Ontario’s first legal temporary overdose prevention site opened in London on February 12, 2018. Pictured is Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (fifth from left) with health unit staff and members of the London Regional HIV AIDS Connection. (Photo: Middlesex-London Health Unit / Facebook)
In December 2017, Health Canada issued an exemption to Ontario to establish temporary overdose prevention sites across the province. In January 2018, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care began accepting applications and providing funding for approved temporary overdose prevention sites.
“It is clear that this crisis is a concern for everyone in our community,” says Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal. “I am proud that PARN is taking the lead and expanding their services to include a temporary overdose prevention site. This site will provide necessary health services that are accessible and free of stigma that will help save lives.”
PARN is collaborating with community partners and people who use injection drugs to identify a location for temporary overdose prevention site. Once a location is found, an application will be submitted to the Government of Ontario for funding. The approval process takes approximately two weeks. Community information sessions will be scheduled once a location has been identified.
Temporary overdose prevention sites provide supervised injection, harm reduction supplies (including safe disposal of used supplies), and naloxone — a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose. Peterborough’s proposed site will also provide referrals to social and health services.
Research shows that services offering supervised drug consumption decrease the number of overdose deaths and reduce both the use of drugs and discarded equipment in public spaces.
“They have also been found to be cost effective and do not increase crime in the area around the service,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health with Peterborough Public Health.
“Peterborough has experienced increasing rates of overdoses and related harms and we have an opportunity to take advantage of provincial funding and policy to offer a temporary overdose prevention site as one more important harm reduction strategy to help us reach the people at greatest risk.”
VIDEO: Tour of the first temporary overdose prevention site in London
Since Ontario’s first approved temporary overdose prevention site opened in London, more than 300 visits have been made to that site and two people were resuscitated at the site after overdosing on fentanyl. That site has received around $130,000 in provincial funding.
The Peterborough Police Service supports the opening of a temporary overdose prevention site for harm reduction.
“We have seen firsthand the devastating impact and tragedy that opioids, and more recently fentanyl, has had on our community in recent years,” says Police Chief Murray Rodd. “We cannot arrest our way out of this health crisis. Our service remains focused on those who profit from the illicit drug trade and not those who are victims of it.
“Until we can discover ways to get at the root cause of the issue, community agencies will continue to work together and support the cause of providing safe spaces that have a medical intervention component for those with addictions.”
In collaboration with Peterborough Public Health and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, PARN has been the lead agency providing harm reduction services in the four counties since 2000. Through a partnership with Lakeridge Health’s Positive Care Clinic, PARN has augmented its harm reduction program by providing on-site testing for HIV and other blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections.
“Health care service providers and community agencies are working together to access the provincial health care system’s new temporary overdose prevention site program,” says Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett.
“Through their collaboration and dedication, they are responding to the opioid crisis that’s affecting individuals and families in Peterborough and in communities throughout Ontario. They are helping to save lives, prevent illness, and connect people who use substances with services that can assist them.”
In addition to sanctioning temporary overdose prevention sites, Ontario is investing more than $222 million to combat the opioid crisis in Ontario, including expanding harm reduction services, hiring more front-line staff, and improving access to addictions supports across the province.
Norm Foster, Canada's most produced playwright and one of the most prolific, stars in his 2015 play 'Jonas and Barry in the Home' at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope from April 10 to 22, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Norm Foster)
Canada’s most produced playwright is coming to the Kawarthas! Between April 10th and 22nd, celebrated playwright Norm Foster will be bringing his play Jonas and Barry in the Home to the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope for 16 performances.
3P Productions presents Jonas and Barry in the Home
When: Tuesday, April 10 – Sunday April 15, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Tuesday, April 17 – Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Wednesday, April 11, Saturday, April 14, Sunday, April 15, Wednesday, April 18, Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. Where: Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope) How much: $24 -$40
Written by Norm Foster and directed by Derek Ritschel. Starring Norm Foster as Jonas Ainsworth, David Nairn as Barry Butterfield, and Erin MacKinnon as Rosie. Set design by Beckie Morris, costume design by Vandy Simpson, lighting design by Jeff Johnston Collins, and sound design by Eric Ewing. Tickets available by calling 905-885-1071 or 800-434-5092 (toll free) or online at capitoltheatre.com.
Directed by Derek Ritschel, Jonas and Barry in the Home features Norm Foster in the role of Jonas Ainsworth, alongside longtime collaborator David Nairn in the role of Barry Butterfield and Erin Mackinnon as Rosie.
“I know Peterborough, and especially Port Hope, very well,” Foster says via a telephone interview. “I’m looking forward to coming.”
Since his first play Sinners in 1983, Foster has earned the reputation of being the most produced playwright in Canada. According to his website, approximately 150 of his shows are in production worldwide every year. This is no surprise to me, as there have been five Foster plays produced in the Kawarthas alone in the past 12 months — My Narrator, On a First Name Basis, and The Foursome at Peterborough Theatre Guild, Halfway There at Globus Theatre, and Old Love at Lindsay Little Theatre.
Since his first play in 1983, Foster has written just under 60 shows, has had a drama festival named after him (the Foster Festival in St. Catherines) and, in 2016, had the distinctive honour of being named an Officer in the Order of Canada.
Popular with both theatre producers and audiences alike, a Norm Foster play is always a safe and sure bet for a crowd pleaser. Filled with relatable characters, intelligent humour, and potent drama, Foster’s plays are well received time and time again.
Norm Foster as Jonas Ainsworth and David Nairn as Barry Butterfield in “Jonas and Barry in the Home”. The play will be performed at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope from April 10 to 22, (Photo: Drayton Entertainment)
Making its debut in 2015 at Theatre Orangeville, Jonas and Barry in the Home was an instant hit with audiences, and Norm and David have been touring the show across Canada ever since.
“It’s about two guys who meet in an assisted living home,” Norm says. “Barry is a retired dentist and he is only 67, but his daughter works at the home and wants him to move in there. His family has a history of heart problems, and he’s alone so she wants him to be close to her so she can take care of him.
“Jonas, who is the character I play, is a retired actor. He’s flamboyant and he meets Barry in the home and wants to lift Barry out of his doldrums. He wants him to start living his life the way he should be.”
When reviewing Norm’s play Old Loveearlier this year, I noted the refreshing lack of geriatric humour in a show about senior citizens. But for this show, Norm has had to take a different approach to writing a show about characters aging.
“Being in a seniors’ home, there is some geriatric humor,” Norm admits. “But I definitely try not to make fun of the topic — we take that seriously. But the characters make fun of themselves, their aging, and different body parts. So there’s laughs in that.
“I’m 68 and I’m playing a 70 year old. David turns 65 this year and he’s playing a 67 year old. When we’re on stage, it’s like we’re looking at our futures. I’ll tell you that it can be pretty terrifying sometimes. We both feel good about our health, but who knows what happens ten years down the road.
“It’s a bit of an eye opener. We have audience members who come and see the show and tell us that they are in their sixties and are wondering if this is what they can look forward to.”
“Jonas and Barry in the Home” is about two seniors who meet in an assisted living home and stars Norm Foster as Jonas and David Nairn as Barry. (Photo: Drayton Entertainment)
Friends for over 25 years, Norm and David have appeared on stage together numerous times, but have been noted by reviewers and audience members alike for their stage chemistry as Barry and Jonas.
“I met David at a mutual friend’s party one night,” Norm says of his co-star. “Not long after he did a show of mine at the theatre in Orangeville, where he is the artistic director, and the next thing I know he’s doing another show of mine and asked me if I wanted to be in it.
“Since then we’ve done six of my shows together. People around us liken us to The Odd Couple or an old married couple, the way we talk. It’s a very relaxed relationship on and off stage. ”
Possibly the strongest element of a Norm Foster show is the charming and relatable characters that he creates. His characters are like people we recognize, but often the story Norm creates takes them on an unexpected emotional journey that keeps the audience engrossed.
“I like to start with a stock character,” Norm explains. “But then I start to turn them around, take a left turn somewhere and bring them somewhere else, and that surprises the audience. I think that keeps the audience interested. Most of the characters are people I grew up with or were around. People will go to my plays and they’ll see themselves on stage, or they might see a friend they know. That’s really the key.
“People say that they come into Barry and Jonas at the Home expecting a show about these two senior citizens, and then it gets turned on its ear. You start feeling something pretty deep for these guys. Barry and Jonas have a journey, an arc through the show, and both of these guys change because of each other.”
VIDEO: Audience reviews of “Jonas and Barry in the Home” at Neptune Theatre, Halifax
With a handful of exceptions, a new Foster play has made its debut nearly every single year for the past 35 years, with multiple shows often making its debut in a single year. This is an incredible amount of material for one playwright, especially one who can maintain the quality of his work with each new production.
“People always say to me ‘You must be really disciplined’, but it has nothing to do with discipline,” Norm reveals. “It’s just love something I love to do. I used to do a radio show for 25 years where I had to get up in the morning, so I still get up at 5 a.m. and that’s when I do my writing. I rarely write past noon.
“I love climbing into this world with these characters I’ve created and see where they take me. The characters write the shows for me. I just have to come up with the beginning point and where I think it’s going to end, and see how the characters take me there.”
So how much of the ‘real’ Norm Foster will audiences see in Jonas and Barry in the Home? According to Norm, not very much.
“I’m sure there is a little bit of me in all the shows I write, but I don’t try to model and of my characters after me,” Norm says. “That’s not much fun for me. I’d rather create a whole new character, and I wouldn’t want myself on stage anyways because I’m kind of boring.”
“Jonas and Barry in the Home” made its debut in 2015 at Theatre Orangeville, where David Nairn (who portrays Barry) is artistic director. Along with Foster and Nairn, Erin MacKinnon stars as Rosie. (Photo: Drayton Entertainment)
After each performance of Jonas and Barry in the Home, Norm and his cast hold a question-and-answer session, allowing the audience to get close and personal with Norm and David and to discuss the show with the playwright and performers.
So what’s next for Norm Foster? Well, for audiences in the Kawarthas, Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon will be producing Norm’s show Lunenberg this summer and, although not yet announced, I know that auditions for the female version of The Foursome will be held soon.
Meanwhile, for Norm, he has two new shows making their debut at the Foster Festival in St. Catherines in July 2018.
“One is called Renovations for Six, which is about three couples who end up at a cocktail party together and the whole thing goes sideways for them,” Norm says. “The other play is called Come Down From Up River. It’s set in New Brunswick, where I live. It’s about a guy who is estranged from his niece, and he comes from down river to see her before he goes to the doctor for a medical issue.
“I always think my next play is going to be the best play, so that keeps me inspired too. I keep getting ideas too. The moment I stop getting ideas, I’ll stop writing.”
From the continued popularity of his shows in our community, I know that local audiences love Norm Foster. Jonas and Barry in the Home is an exciting chance for everyone who has loved his plays to finally see this beloved Canadian playwright in person and on stage.
Jonas and Barry in the Home runs from April 10 to 22 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. Shows start at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on April 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, and 22. Tickets range from $24 to $40, and are available by calling 905-885-1071 or 800-434-5092 (toll free) or online at capitoltheatre.com.
Tickets are now available for “Jonas and Barry in the Home” at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope.
At a recent job fair for GE employees, Joe Rees and Rhonda Keenan of Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development discuss options with attendees. Of the 200 attendees at the job fair, more than 70 signed up for futher information on business development. On March 7, 2018, Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development, and Fleming College will be providing GE employees with information on training, business development, and business financing opportunities. (Photo: Community Futures Peterborough)
This week, we feature a business development event on March 7th in Peterborough for displaced G.E. Canada workers, the winner of the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition, the Downtown Dreams business attraction program in Kawartha Lakes, a new community award for local women, Amuse Coffee Co.’s pop-up location at VentureNorth, and upcoming business events including the E-Connect! Female Founders panel on March 5, the Bears’ Lair Peterborough Semi-Finalist Showcase on March 6, Trent Hills Business Excellence Awards nominations, and more.
We publish businessNOW every Monday. If you have business news or events you want to share with our readers, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Business development event in Peterborough on March 7 for displaced G.E. Canada workers
Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development, and Fleming College are coming together to host a special event to support displaced G.E. Canada workers.
In August 2017, General Electric announced it would be closing its manufacturing facility in Peterborough by September 2018, putting more than 350 employees out of work.
The event, which will assist workers who may be looking to develop business ideas and explore self-employment options, takes place on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the lower level boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Fleming College will share information on its customized entrepreneurial programs, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development will explain the mentorship programs available through the Business Advisory Centre, and Community Futures Peterborough will provide details on flexible financing and business services.
The event is free but is only open to G.E. employees.
Nadine McCallen wins the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition
Nadine McCallen celebrates winning the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on March 1, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Nadine McCallen, owner of natural skincare business The Willow’s Bark, is the grand prize winner of the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition. The announcement was made Thursday (March 1) at the grand finale event at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
As the winner of the competition, McCallen wins a prize package valued at more than $45,000 that includes a free year-long lease for a downtown Peterborough storefront.
McCallen will be opening a new store called Ritual Apothecary and will sell locally produced skincare, herbal remedies and household products from a variety of sustainable companies focusing on wildcrafted, organic, and unrefined ingredients. She’s also looking to create a social space where people can blend their own teas, sit and read a book, or participate in a workshop.
Registration now open for Downtown Dreams contest in Kawartha Lakes
Registration is now open for Downtown Dreams, a business attraction program designed to attract new or existing businesses to open, expand, or move into the downtowns of Coboconk or Norland, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, and Omemee in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development officially launched the contest on Friday (March 2) at the city hall in Lindsay.
Registration will be open online until Friday, March 23rd. For rules and regulations and to register, visit downtowndreams.org.
Applicants will be asked to describe their business idea, the transferable skills or experience they have related to the business idea, their ideal client and basic market research, estimated start-up costs, and whether they already have investment in the business or will be seeking funding sources.
After the contest closes, an advisory panel will select the top five semi-finalists in each community. The semi-finalists must participate in five mandatory workshops, submit a business plan and present to an advisory panel who will choose a winner for each community. The finalists for each community will participate in a public pitch to the advisory panel on June 6, 2018 at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay, where the winners will be announced.
The prize package for each winner will include: a free year-long membership in their local chamber; free business and marketing consulting; free business cards, letterhead, and envelopes; an advertisement in the local newspaper; three months of free internet services; and more prizes to be announced.
The total budget for the project is $124,300 with the City receiving up to $62,150 from the Rural Economic Development Program (RED), administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Maryam Monsef announces new Women of Peterborough-Kawartha Community Award
Peterborough-Kawartha MP and federal Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef announced a new award for local women at the inaugural Rural Women’s Summit held on March 2, 2018. (Photo: Maryam Monsef / Facebook)
Peterborough-Kawartha MP and federal Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef has announced a new Women of Peterborough-Kawartha Community Award.
Monsef made the announcement on Friday (March 2) following her evening keynote address at the inaugural Rural Women’s Summit at Buckhorn Commmunity Centre.
The award will recognize female leadership in the areas of entrepreneurialism, environmental stewardship, and community service.
Nominations should be submitted to Monsef’s constituency office (417 Bethune St., Suite 4, Peterborough) by May 13, 2018. For more information, call 705-745-2108 or email Maryam.Monsef@parl.gc.ca.
Amuse Coffee Co. pops up at VentureNorth every Monday and Wednesday
If you’re working in or visiting the VentureNorth building (270 George St. N., Peterborough), you can now buy coffee and more from Amuse Coffee Co.
The European-inspired cafe will be serving coffee, tea, pastries, croissants, and breakfast bars in the main lobby of VentureNorth every Monday and Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. through the month of March.
Amuse Coffee Co. owner Lindsay Brock decided to open her own cafe after 15 years of serving coffee and tea at Starbucks and David’s Tea. After experiencing French cafes during a trip to Paris, she wanted to bring the same experience to Peterborough. Amusé Coffee Co. opened at 641 George Street North in 2015 after joining the FastStart Peterborough program, being one of the program’s first clients.
Amuse Coffee Co. owner Lindsay Brock, one of FastStart Peterborough’s first clients, at her VentureNorth location. (Photo: Innovation Cluster)
“I’m so excited to be expanding into Venture North, they have so many exciting things happening in this building and I’m really happy to be connected to that,” Brock says. “We are currently here Mondays and Wednesdays for March and hopefully on a more permanent basis thereafter.”
For more information about Amuse Coffee Co., visit amusecoffeeco.ca.
FastStart Peterborough presents “E-Connect! Female Founders” on March 5
FastStart Peterborough’s March E-Connect! forum features a panel discussion with four local female entrepreneurs: Lindsay Brock (founder of Amuse Coffee Co.), Rhonda Barnet (co-Founder of Steeleworks Design), Jeannine Taylor (co-founder of kawarthaNOW.com), and Peggy Shaughnessy (serial entrepreneur).
The forum takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 5th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough). Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
Bears’ Lair Peterborough Semi-Finalist Showcase on March 6
The Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition hosts its semi-finalist showcase on Tuesday, March 6th from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Venue (286 George St. North, Peterborough).
You can meet the semi-finalists, ask them entrepreneurship-related questions, and get to know more about their businesses. The event is open to everyone.
Local judges (Rhonda Barnet, Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design; Geordie Konrad, Co-Founder of Konrad Grou; and Nicole Verkindt, Founder & CEO of OMX) will be selecting six finalists who will move on to the final pitch, to be held on Wednesday, April 18th at The Venue.
At the final event, two entrepreneurs (in the categories of Goods and Services and Innovation) will win over $50,000 in cash and business support services, including $5,000 in cash each.
“Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop for employers on March 7
The City and County of Peterborough Social Services, along with Agilec, Employment Ontario, Employment Planning & Counselling, Fleming Crew Employment Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, are hosting a free workshop for employers on “Bridges out of Poverty”.
The Bridges out of Poverty framework, which originated in the U.S. and has been adopted by other communities in Canada, aims to help people who grew up in poverty and educate the agencies who assist them. The workshop will provide information on the framework as well as the variety of financial incentives available for employers in the community. It will also provide information on understanding and retaining employees.
The free workshop takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th at Agilec Peterborough office (Brookdale Plaza, 863 Chemong Rd, Unit 20-A). Refreshments will be served.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism B.O.S.S. Seminar on March 20
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism continues its B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) seminar series on Tuesday, March 20th with a focus on young professionals.
So far, the seminar features Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm and Matt Logan of Logan Tree Experts.
The seminar takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 (10 Nicholls Street, Lakefield), with a hot breakfast provided by Jack’s Family Restaurant.
The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. To register, visit kawarthachamber.ca.
Panel discussion on communicating with the media on March 20
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre is presenting a panel discussion called “Telling your Story: How to Effectively Talk with the Media” on Tuesday, March 20th from 6 to 8 pm. at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
The panel discussion is intended for small business owners or entrepreneurs who struggle to share their story with local media. Panellists include local media professionals Paul Rellinger, Jessica Nyznik, and Catherine Hanrahan.
The discussion takes place in the Nexicom Studio. A cash bar will be available and light appetizers will be served.
Meet Trent University and Fleming College students seeking employment on March 20
The Trent Business Students’ Association is hosting “Peterborough Connects” from 12 to 1:45 p.m. at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Employers can meet students from Trent University and Fleming College who are seeking employment, showcase their businessses, network with representatives from Trent University and Fleming College, and market any summer internship positions.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on March 21
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce AGM will be held on March 21 at the the Kawartha Art Gallery. (Photo: Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce)
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21st at the Kawartha Art Gallery (190 Kent St. W., 2nd Floor, Lindsay).
At the AGM you can find out about the Chamber’s activities and successes of the past year, learn about Chamber initiatives for the coming year, review the financial statement, and pass a motion to accept the slate of Board members as presented.
There will also be an opportunity to view the Annual Student Juried Art Exhibit, featuring the talents of Lindsay secondary school students.
Trent Hills Business Excellence Awards nominations open until March 23
Nominations for the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Excellence Awards are open until Friday, March 23rd.
Nominations are limited to businesses, organizations, or individuals in the Trent Hills community or who are a member of the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Award categories include Excellence in Business (three employees or fewer), Excellence in Business (four employees or more), Emerging Entrepreneur, Pride and Progress, Customer Experience Award (Service Business), Customer Experience Award, Community Impact, Ignite 2018 (Business), Ignite 2018 (Non-Profit Organization), and the Chair’s Award.
Makeover seminar for retail businesses on March 27
Barbara Crowhurst is a retail specialist, business coach, writer, international speaker and trainer. She will be leading a retail makeover seminar on March 27, 2018. (Photo: Barbara Crowhurst)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area are hosting “A Retail Makeover For Your Business” from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The seminar will be led by Barbara Crowhurst, North America’s leading retail business coach and trainer, who will have you evaluate your business and consider how you generate traffic, engage more customers, and generate higher revenues.
Ontario Progressive Conservative party leadership candidate Caroline Mulroney is holding campaign events in Haliburton on March 5, 2018 and in Peterborough on March 6, 2018. (Photo: Caroline Mulroney Campaign)
Caroline Mulroney, who is competing for leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC) Party, is making campaign stops in Haliburton on Monday (March 5) and in Peterborough on Tuesday (March 6).
Mulroney will be at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Haliburton from 1 to 2 p.m. on March 5th and at the Holiday Inn Waterfront in Peterborough from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on March 6th. A light breakfast will be served at the Peterborough event.
Best known as the eldest child and only daughter of the former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, the 43-year-old lawyer and businesswoman lived and worked in the U.S. for 12 years, where she acquired U.S. citizenship. She returned to Canada in 2005 to work as a financial analyst. In 2011, she co-founded The Shoebox Project, a non-profit that provides toiletries to women living in shelters.
She was acclaimed the PC candidate in York—Simcoe in September 2017 and has no previous experience in politics.
Mulroney is competing for the leadership with former PC MPP Christine Elliott, former Toronto city councillor Doug Ford, and Catholic school parent advocate Tanya Granic Allen.
Both Ford and Elliott held campaign rallies in Peterborough on February 21st and February 27th, respectively.
Members of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party will be voting for their new leader until Friday, March 9th (the deadline has been extended by a day). The results of the leadership contest are expected to be revealed on March 10th.
Our most popular photo on Instagram during February, with more than 7,000 views, was this sunset by Rachel Patrick of Clarington. (Photo: Rachel Patrick @rachelpatrick123 / Instagram)
If you love Instagram as much as we do, you’ll also love our monthly feature where we post the nine most popular Kawarthas photos from our Instagram account @kawarthanow.
For the past few years, we’ve been curating and sharing photos from local photographers on Instagram, who generously give us permission to share their images with our followers. We’re aiming to give them more exposure, so please do follow them on Instagram (handles included below) — and follow us too @kawarthanow.
We share great photos every day, so it’s hard to decide which ones to include! The photos we’ve selected are based on the total views for each photo by our Instagram followers during February.
Joe is the “go to guy” at Gilstorf and Gray in Bobcaygeon and we often share his photos of the Bobcaygeon and Buckhorn areas. Posted February 3, 2018. 6,408 views.
Singer Grady Harrell, who performs as Jackie Wilson at Bally's Casino in Las Vegas, will be joining Canadian vocal trio The Tonettes for 'Motown Soul', a tribute to classic soul and R&B music, at Showplace Performance Centre on Monday, March 26. (Photo: Jazz Up Photography)
Singer Grady Harrell will take a break from his Las Vegas show to be the special guest performer at ‘Motown Soul’, a tribute to the sound that changed America, at Showplace Performance Centre on Monday, March 26th at 7 p.m.
Presented by Paquette Productions, ‘Motown Soul’ also highlights the vocal talents of Canada’s own The Tonettes — Cathy Borges, Marlene O’Neill, and Amoy Lev — backed by The Rockin’ Royals Showband.
Marlene O’Neill, Cathy Borges, and Amoy Levy in performance as The Tonettes. (Photo: Paquette Productions)
Paquette Productions presents Motown Soul
When: Monday, March 26 2018 at 7 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $39 – $49
A tribute to the hits of Motown featuring The Tonettes (Amoy Levy, Cathy Borges, and Marlene O’Neill) with special guest Grady Harrell, backed by The Rockin’ Royals Showband. Tickets are available now at the Showplace box office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at showplace.org.
Everyone is familiar with the Motown sound, a style of soul-pop music named after Motown Records, the driving force behind some of the biggest names in American music, including Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5, The Marvelettes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Lionel Richie & The Commodores.
Motown Records was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr., who got his start as a songwriter for local Detroit acts such as Jackie Wilson and the Matadors.
Although he had success as a songwriter (he wrote Jackie Wilson’s hit single “Lonely Teardrops”), Gordy realized the more lucrative end of the music business was in producing records and owning the publishing, so he launched Motown Records. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture.
Berry Gordy Jr., founder of Motown Records, in front of Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit in 1964. (Publicity photo)
At ‘Motown Soul’, The Tonettes and Harrell will be performing some of the biggest hits of Motown artists, including “Ooh Baby Baby” (Smokey Robinson), “Lonely Teardrops” (Jackie Wilson), “I’ll Be There” (Jackson 5), “My Girl” (The Temptations), “Heatwave” (Martha and the Vandellas), “Be My Baby” (Ronettes), “Natural Woman” (Aretha Franklin), and “You Can’t Hurry Love” (Supremes).
Harrell, a native of Los Angeles, was born into a musical family and taught himself to sing at the age of nine, inspired by his role model Smokey Robinson. He formed his first group when he was only 12 years old, and went on to record three solo albums. He has toured and recorded with artists such as James Ingram, Patti LaBelle, the Dazz Band, and Vesta Williams. He has appeared many times on the classic music-dance American music-dance television program Soul Train, which originally ran from 1971 to 2006.
Grady Harrell has appeared many times on the classic music-dance American music-dance television program ‘Soul Train’.
In 1992, Jermaine Jackson personally chose Harrell to play Jackie Wilson (an inspiration for the young Michael Jackson) in the acclaimed ABC miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream. Currently, Harrell is one of the star performers in ‘Solid Gold Soul – the Magic of Motown’ at Bally’s Casino in Las Vegas, where he performs as Wilson.
Singers Cathy Borges, Marlene O’Neill, and Amoy Lev — who perform together at The Tonettes — are a vocal powerhouse trio with their roots in singing church gospel music. Individually, each singer has decades of experience working with live bands, backing tracks, studio sessions, and more.
Toronto-born Marlene O’Neill, who began singing at the age of five and grew up on stage singing with her mother and brother as The Elliott Family, is one of the premier southern/inspirational vocalists in Canadian Christian music.
VIDEO: Motown Soul Promo
Amoy Lev, who began singing at the age of six, went on to became the director, vocal arranger, and lead vocalist for the Youth Outreach Mass Choir, whose debut album was nominated for a Juno Award in 1988.
Since then, Lev has appeared on the Canadian Country Music Awards, the Juno Awards, the Rita McNeil Show, and more, and has performed with musicians such as Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, and Olivia Newton John.
Collectively, The Tonettes bring together their knowledge of the vocal craft and put everything they have into each performance, leading fans to say they have “the voices of angels.”
Tickets for ‘Motown Soul’ are $39 to $49 and available at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) or online at www.showplace.org.
VIDEO: Grady Harrell as Jackie Wilson in Solid Gold Soul in Las Vegas
The families of Chanie Wenjack and Gord Downie gathered together with Trent University students, staff, faculty and local community members in Peterborough on March 2, 2018 to celebrate the official launch of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. (Photo: Trent University)
To say this has been quite a week for those who hold close in their hearts the memory of Chanie Wenjack would be an understatement.
Just days after the federal Liberals earmarked $5 million for The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, Trent University officially launched the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.
In doing so, the university ensured the participation of key figures in the movement struck in his name, among them Wenjack’s sisters Pearl Achneepineskum, Daisy Munroe and Evelyn Baxter, as well as Downie’s brothers Mike and Patrick.
Pearl Achneepineskum holds a photo of her brother Chanie Wenjack in this screenshot from a Heritage Minute released in 2017 by Historica Canada.
On October 16, 1966, Wenjack, 12, left Kenora’s Cecillia Jeffrey Indian Residential School, intent on returning to his home of Ogoki Post, some 600 kilometres away. Six days later, the Anishinaabe youth’s body was found near Farlane, the cause of death determined to be exposure combined with hunger.
Wenjack’s story was the inspiration for the album The Secret Path released by the late Gord Downie in 2016. That same year saw the establishment of The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, the goal of which is to further and assist Canada’s ongoing reconciliation with Indigenous people over past mistreatment and abuse, including the establishment of government-sponsored residential schools established to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.
“I don’t think Chanie ever thought of anybody ever honouring him … He was just a little Indian boy,” said Achneepineskum.
“I prayed before I came that this would be a good day. Even though Chanie is not here, our brothers Mike and Patrick are here. I’m pretty sure Gord is here with us as well.”
Pearl Achneepineskum, one of Chanie Wenjack’s sisters, in front of a photo of her brother. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies — the naming was first announced last June on National Aboriginal Day — brings together Trent’s undergraduate, masters and PhD programs under one umbrella, uniting events, initiatives and spaces dedicated to Indigenous perspectives, knowledge and culture at the university.
As noted by Professor David Newhouse, the school’s director, the naming continues a long and proud tradition of closely aligning the university with Indigenous peoples and their culture.
Back in 1973, Trent paid tribute to Wenjack, and all residential school victims and survivors, by naming its largest lecture space The Wenjack Theatre. But long before that, Trent became the first university in Canada to establish an academic department dedicated to the study of Indigenous peoples and knowledge.
Trent University’s Wenjack Theatre was named in honour of Chanie Wenjack after a campaign spearheaded by students of the Indigenous Studies department in 1973. (Photo: Trent University)
“Our goal in creating this school is to work to ensure the difficult past that we know about is not repeated,” said Dr. Newhouse. “The school is not a building. The school is all of the people who work here – the faculty, the staff and the students. We are the school. We will continue and it will change and morph over the centuries to come.
“Chanie Wenjack is a powerful symbol of our hope. We focus not on what Chanie was running from but what he was walking toward. He was determined to get home to a place of safety, respect, dignity and love. Our efforts are dedicated to fostering these places for Indigenous people within Canadian society.”
While declining to be interviewed by media gathered for the event, Mike Downie, in the event media release, praised Trent as “a leader in Indigenous education that breaks down barriers between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians through its programming, resources and initiatives.”
Gord Downie’s brothers Mike and Patrick and Chanie Wenjack’s sisters Pearl Achneepineskum, Daisy Munroe, and Evelyn Baxter along with Professor David Newhouse, the school’s director, and Trent University president Dr. Leo Groarke. (Photo: Trent University)
Also taking to the podium were fourth-year Indigenous Studies student and former Trent University Native Association president Joy Davis, and university president Dr. Leo Groarke who heaped praise on Dr. Newhouse’s role in the school’s naming.
“We’re a university so we make it very challenging to develop any new initiative,” said Dr. Groarke, tongue in cheek.
“It requires talk to the extent you wouldn’t believe if you’re outside the university community. Many committees, all sorts of levels of approval. It was really David’s shepherding this proposal through all the discussions … that’s really been a key force to making this happen.”
Chanie Wenjack’s sister Pearl Achneepineskum, speaking at the official launch of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. (Photo: Trent University)
Earlier, prior to the formal proceedings, Achneepineskum reflected on the week, which started with the federal budget injection of $5 million into the fund dedicated to continuing the conversation that began with Wenjack’s residential school experience and subsequent tragic outcome.
“It took me a few notches down when I heard that … I was in tears,” she said. “I don’t know what five million is. All I can think of is a thousand dollars. It’s got to be a lot of money. It’s going to help all the children we’re thinking about.
“I’m glad that they (federal politicians) finally found out that we exist and that we matter like everybody else. It’s long overdue.”
In addition to the school’s naming, it’s now mandatory at Trent that all undergraduate students successfully complete at least half a credit from an approved list of courses featuring Indigenous content. Trent is just the third Canadian university to make that a mandatory requirement.
Meanwhile, this weekend (March 3 and 4), at 8 p.m., ‘Chanie’s Life – His Courage, Our Challenge’ will be presented at Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space at Trent University.
Presented by the Indigenous Performance Studies Program, in conjunction with the 41st Elders Gathering, First Peoples House of Learning and Trent’s Indigenous Studies Department, the program brings together film, dance and song to shed light on Chanie’s journey from his home to the residential school and his tragic attempt to return home.
In 1972, Trent University created the first aboriginal student space at a Canadian university when it opened the Native Studies Lounge at Otonabee College. (Photo: Trent University)
The story of Chanie Wenjack
In the fall of 1963, Chanie Wenjack was taken away from his family — his parents, sisters, and two dogs — at Ogoki Post on the Marten Falls First Nation in northern Ontarioand forced to live 600 kilometres away at the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School in Kenora, Ontario.
The Anishinaabe boy was only nine years old and understood very little English. Around 150 other Indigenous children lived at the school, which was run by the Women’s Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and paid for by the federal government.
The children lived at Cecilia Jeffrey and attended classes at schools in Kenora. Chanie (who was misnamed Charlie by his teachers) struggled to learn English and arithmetic and had to take remedial classes.
‘The Secret Path’, written and directed by the late Gord Downie with illustrations by Jeff Lemire, tells the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack who died 50 years ago while trying to walk 600 kilometres to his northwestern Ontario home after fleeing a residential school in Kenora. (Illustration: Jeff Lemire)
Chanie had previously never tried to run away from the school but, after three years, he had had enough. On Sunday, October 16, 1966, Chanie and two of his friends, brothers Ralph and Jackie MacDonald, decided to leave. Chanie told his friends he wanted to see his father.
It was a sunny and mild afternoon, so the three boys left wearing only light clothing. They travelled north through the bush using a “secret path” known to children at the school. They headed for Redditt, a railroad stop 32 kilometres north of Kenora and 48 kilometres east of the Manitoba border.
They had to stop frequently as Chanie was in poor health (a post-mortem would show his lungs were infected at the time of his death). While they were walking, Chanie found a CNR schedule with a route map in it — but he didn’t know enough English to read it.
VIDEO: Heritage Minutes – Chanie Wenjack
More than eight hours later, the boys arrived in Reditt. A local white man the MacDonald brothers knew took the exhausted boys in for the night. Early the next morning, the boys walked a short distance further to the cabin of Charles Kelly, an uncle of the Macdonald brothers, who let them stay.
Later that same morning, Chanie’s best friend (who had also run away from the school and was another of Kelly’s nephews) showed up. Among this family reunion, Chanie was considered “the stranger”.
On Thursday, Kelly took his nephews up to his trapline by canoe, leaving “the stranger” behind. Chanie told Kelly’s wife he was going to walk the five kilometres to the trapline, and she gave him some matches in a little glass jar and some food.
Chanie made it to the trapline and stayed overnight but, after Kelly told him he’d have to walk back to Redditt, Chanie said he was going to walk home instead. Kelly showed him how to get to the railroad tracks and told him to ask railroad workers along the way for food.
Over the next 36 hours, Chanie attempted to walk the almost 600 kilometres home. All he was wearing was a cotton windbreaker while he faced weather that included snow squalls, freezing rain, and temperatures between –1° and –6° C. He only managed to walk 19 kilometres before dying from exposure.
When a railway engineer found Chanie’s body, he was lying on his back in soaked clothing and had bruises on his shins and forehead, presumably from falling.
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