Source: Brandon University News Urban reserves in Manitoba hold great potential for both First Nations communities and municipalities, according to a groundbreaking report released by Brandon University’s Rural Development Institute (RDI). The report, Indigenous Contributions to the Manitoba Economy, was formally unveiled earlier this year, and explores Indigenous economic impact in detail. A local launch held today at Brandon University’s He Oyate Tawapi room focused on the Indigenous impacts in western Manitoba, as well as the potential identified in the report for urban reserves. “The report shows urban reserves are a powerful strategy for growth on First Nations,” said Bill Ashton, director of RDI. “Urban reserves provide job opportunities for First Nations people, particularly those living off-reserve. We found that 69% of First Nations people in southern Manitoba live off reserve. As well, urban reserves are an opportunity for remote First Nations to set up businesses in locations with a larger customer base. Surrounding municipalities benefit too. The First Nation pays for municipal services on the urban reserve, and urban reserve workers pay property taxes and spend money in the urban centre whenever they are living and shopping off reserve.” Currently, there are eight urban reserves in Manitoba: four in the North and four in the South. They host a wide range of businesses including gas bars, convenience stores, VLT lounges, cannabis stores, hotels, grocery stores, and office space. As the report details, the success of existing urban reserves help Indigenous people make an enormous contribution to the province’s economy. Total spending by Indigenous people in Manitoba is calculated at $9.3 billion in the year 2016, contributing 3.9% to the provincial GDP — more than sectors like manufacturing or hospitality. While Indigenous people, who make up 18% of Manitoba’s population, already contribute a major amount to Manitoba’s economy, there is potential for even more. The Indigenous population is young and growing. In Brandon, for example, 23% of children aged 14 and under identify as Indigenous. Jobs on urban reserves provide an opportunity for skills development for Indigenous youth living off reserve, who may face barriers to employment. “Our youth are our greatest resource, but they need opportunities,” said Chief David LeDoux of Gambler First Nation. Gambler is one of 10 First Nations in the province in the process of converting land into a total of 17 new urban reserves. “Urban reserves are an opportunity for us to earn our own revenues which we can then re-invest back into the community in the form of health services, education, social and cultural programming, housing, and infrastructure. The Anishinaabe mindset is that we must plan for seven generations into the future. To do that, we need to have self-sufficiency and self-determination, to have the freedom to invest in language programming, skills development, and more for our young people.” RDI partnered with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. (SCO) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) to produce the report. Researchers from SCO and MKO interviewed leaders from seven First Nations about their urban reserves, including their ingredients for success, challenges they’d faced, and their future development plans. For the first time with this report, RDI gathered data and conducted research and analysis in accordance with the First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP). “This project truly highlights Brandon University’s strengths as an institution, especially our long commitment to working with Indigenous communities,” said Brandon University Interim President Dr. Steven Robinson. “One of Brandon University’s most important roles is sharing our knowledge, and this project is the perfect example of bi-directional knowledge sharing. We gladly took the opportunity to learn from Indigenous communities and to benefit from their input in shaping our research. Together, we have produced a report that gives a comprehensive overview of Indigenous economic impact today, as well as giving clear direction for the future.” The partnerships that helped bring the report together are similar to the partnerships that can help unlock a prosperous future for all Manitobans. “This project was an opportunity for relationship-building and working together. Urban reserves provide that same opportunity for municipalities and First Nations,” Ashton said. “Relationship-building is at the heart of reconciliation.” The full report, Indigenous Contributions to the Manitoba Economy, can be accessed online at BrandonU.ca/RDI/Projects/Indigenous-Economy.

International student enrolment in Manitoba increased by 17 per cent in 2018, with 18,725 students from 100 countries attending schools and post-secondary institutions throughout the province, Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “In addition to adding to the quality and diversity of Manitoba, international students contribute more than $400 million to Manitoba’s gross domestic product and support over 4,250 jobs through the province,” said Goertzen.  “Our province is attracting record numbers of students thanks to high-quality educational institutions, affordable tuition and the Provincial Nominee Program.” The minister noted the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) nominated 1,923 international graduates of Manitoba institutions for permanent residency in 2018.  This figure represents 37 per cent of total nominations, the largest number in the program’s history.   According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, there was a 16 per cent increase in the number of study permit holders in Canada overall.  The minister noted this is the sixth consecutive year Manitoba has outpaced Canada’s growth and pointed to the launch of the MPNP’s attractiveness to international students in 2018 as a factor. “The International Education Stream establishes clear and predictable immigration pathways for students who can make significant contributions to Manitoba’s labour market and economy,” said Goertzen.  “As a result, we are able to attract more international students, who bring diverse skills and talents to Manitoba that support our economy.” The minister declared 2019 as the Year of International Education in Manitoba earlier this year, in recognition of Manitoba’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for international students. Winnipeg is hosting annual conferences for three major associations this year including Languages Canada in February, the Canadian Association of Public Schools in April and the Canadian Bureau for International Education in November.

Source:  Province of Manitoba News Release The risk of major spring flooding in the Red River Valley in 2019 is high, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said today. “Early forecasting data shows that we expect to see major flooding along the Red River, with both the Red River Floodway and the Portage Diversion pressed into service,” Schuler said. “Manitoba Infrastructure continues to gather data and work with counterparts in the United States and Saskatchewan to ensure timely information is available.” With normal weather conditions, levels on the Red River south of the floodway are expected to be near 2011 levels.  Unfavourable weather conditions, including late season snow, spring rains and a more rapid snowmelt, would bring Red River levels comparable to the 2009 levels, which saw extended road closures of PTH 75 and other roads, and evacuations in some areas.  Water levels will be below the flood protection levels of community and individual dikes.  However, partial closure of some community dikes may be required to maintain local access. Flows on the Assiniboine and Souris rivers are also expected to be high.  However, peak water levels will be below flood protection levels.  Flows may produce some flooding of farmland and low-lying areas.  The Shellmouth Dam will be operated to store a portion of the spring run-off, thereby reducing downstream river flows. Manitoba’s major lakes are expected to remain within their respective operating ranges.  There is a low risk of overland flooding in the Interlake, upper Assiniboine and Whiteshell lakes areas.  The Saskatchewan River and Carrot River in northern Manitoba are at moderate risk of overland flooding. Based on long-term weather forecasts, below-normal temperatures are expected in March and April, further delaying snowmelt, with the risk of spring rains occurring at the same time.  Manitoba Infrastructure is collecting ice thickness samples across Manitoba basins.  Ice is expected to be thicker than normal, which would increase the risk of ice-jam flooding. “March remains a crucial month in terms of snowmelt and weather conditions, and how that will affect the flood forecast going forward,” Schuler added.  “We expect to update Manitobans with more information as updated forecast data becomes available.” The province will also be providing more detailed information to municipal officials.  Further outlooks will be issued as updated forecast data becomes available.  More information about flooding and how to prepare for an emergency situation is available at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding.

Source: Brandon School Division Please be advised that there has been a recent report of a suspicious individual taking photographs/video via a cellphone from a vantage point beyond a school yard during the noon hour on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.  The matter has been reported to Brandon Police Service for investigation. The safety and security of our students is of utmost importance to Brandon School Division. At this time, we would like to request that you remind your children about the importance of personal safety and being aware of their surroundings.  Should any suspicious activity be observed by your child(ren), or yourself, we ask that you notify Brandon Police Service and school administration at the earliest opportunity. Our classroom teachers will be reviewing safety procedures with their students, and we will continue our before and after school supervision. Safety brochures are available on the Brandon School Division website www.bsd.ca, and at the school upon request. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your School Principal or: BSD Administration Office 1031 - 6th Street, Brandon Phone:  204-729-3100  Fax:  204-729-2217 Email:  info@bsd.ca Thank you for your assistance.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On February 27th, 2019 at 3:38 am police attended to a domestic related complaint at a residence the 3500 blk of Willowdale Crescent. Police encountered a male and a female both of which were intoxicated and the male had received a cut to his head during the course of an altercation. As a result of this incident, a 38 year old woman from Brandon was arrested for Assault with a Weapon and lodged at BCC to be released on a PTA with Undertaking when sober. The woman will appear in Brandon Court on March 28th, 2019.