Tākwākin - 2025 Fall Issue

To view the full newsletter click here for the interactive version or read below.

Education

Adult Basic Education Program

This summer, Pinehouse citizens proudly graduated from the Adult

Basic Education (ABE) program held in our community. The program, delivered through a partnership between Kineepik Métis Local and Northlands College, gave participants the chance to strengthen their skills in reading, writing, math, and other core areas. Beyond academics, graduates built confidence, opened doors to new opportunities, and inspired others in our community to pursue their own learning goals.

We congratulate all of our graduates for their hard work and dedication. Their success is a celebration for the entire community. We also thank Northlands College for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting lifelong learning in Pinehouse. Together, we are creating pathways for success and empowering residents to achieve their goals.

2025 Pinehouse Professional Scholarship

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS OCTOBER 3, 2025

Students from Pinehouse, who are studying in a post-secondary institution, are encouraged to apply!

Environment

Unleashing the Potential of Wild Blueberries

Experts from the National Research Council of Canada's (NRC) Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre and Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre are working with the Indigenous community of Kineepik Metis Local Inc in Saskatchewan and a student from the University of Alberta to study wild blueberry

characterization. The team hopes to demonstrate how improving the productivity of wild blueberries could provide sustainable economic growth opportunities for Northern communities.

Land User and Leadership Mine Tour

Kineepik Metis Local and Cameco hosted their quarterly JIES (Joint Implementation Environment and Engagement Subcommittee). We had to opportunity to invite land-user’s in Key Lake. The day turned out so well, with great questions and discussions. We ended the meeting with a mine tour of the mill operations, and got to see friendly

Pinehouse faces. Moving forward, we will continue to invite land-users to join in these great discussion and support the building of relationships between community and

industry.

Duty to Consult

The Duty to Consult (DTC) is a constitutional obligation in Canada that requires governments to meaningfully engage with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples when decisions may affect their rights or traditional lands. Its purpose is to ensure Indigenous voices are respected, and that government actions are adapted or modified when necessary. At its core, DTC is about building a stronger relationship based on consultation, accommodation, fairness, and reconciliation.

Health & Wellness

Muskwa Lake Wellness Camp

From July to September, one recovery group was successfully completed at the Muskwa Lake Wellness Centre, with eight participants finishing the program. We are extremely proud of their commitment and growth throughout this journey. Participants had the opportunity to reconnect with culture and healing through land-based activities such as KM67 Harvesting Camp, berry picking, hunting, and traditional medicine learning. These experiences continue to support recovery, strengthen identity, and promote overall wellness for those on their healing path.

After Care Program

Our Aftercare Homes have been operating smoothly, providing a safe and supportive environment for participants transitioning from recovery to independent living. The homes continue to offer structure, guidance, and encouragement as individuals rebuild their routines and confidence. We’re proud to share that two participants are now ready to move forward, actively preparing for the next stage in their journey by completing housing applications with Pinehouse Housing Corporation (PHC) and Beaver River Regional Housing Authority (BRRHA).

Nikina Shelter

The Nikina Shelter provides housing support services for people who want to and are willing to overcome their challenges. Nikina operates on a low barrier perspective - we understand people are going to have active struggles with addiction, mental health, and dysfunctional behaviours. The expectation is to walk with them in their healing journey and to provide understanding with structured support. A vision of the Nikina Shelter is move individuals from a difficult or unstable living situation into a more permanent and independent lifestyle. Nikina Shelter focuses on providing as safe and supportivec environment for individuals and families seeking a positive life. Nikina Shelter has operated at full capacity. Renovations to the building wrapped up - New entrance and kitchen cabinets.

Wicihitowin Employment & Outreach Centre

The KML Health & Wellness department has moved to the Wicihitowin Employment & Outreach Centre, across from the high school and are looking forward to the grand opening in November.

Recreation, Sports & Culture

Canada Day

On Canada Day, we celebrate the spirit of community and culture that make our country strong. At the same time, we acknowledge the importance of reflecting on our shared history, including the challenges and injustices faced by the Indigenous and Metis people.

2025 Graduation Trip

What a great trip for our 2025 Minahik Waskahigan Graduation Class! They got to experience many new places and try a lot of new things, like the blue jays games, Niagara Falls, and trying new foods. The Grads were committed to leave right after their ceremony. Experiencing a trip like this is once in a lifetime for some, for all it is to open their hearts and minds to the possibility of exploring the world!!!

Back to Batoche

Kineepik Metis Local proudly hosted our traditional camp during the MN-S Back to Batoche Days. Our community came together to share stories, traditional food, teachings, and laughter while celebrating Metis pride and community spirt. Thank you to everyone who joined and made this experience unforgettable.

Elder’s Gathering

Our Annual Elder’s Gathering was a success, despite the challenges that we have faced as a community, we were able to come together and celebrate our culture and history. Kineepik Metis Local hosted our 13th Annual Elders Gathering in Pinehouse this past August honoring Linda and Valmore Lariviere, for their contribution to our culture. This gathering has created a space for stories, laughter, and connection, where traditional teachings are shared. Over several days, participants enjoyed cultural demonstrations, traditional meals and entertainment. We extend our gratitude to all the participants, volunteers, and staff who worked tirelessly to help make this year’s event a success.

KM67 FALL HARVEST CAMP

Each fall, Kineepik Metis Local hosts a three-week Fall Harvesting Camp at KM67, bringing together community members, Elder’s, and youth to share traditional knowledge and hands-on-learning. This year’s camp was filled with activity and culture - from fish cutting, moose harvesting, dry meat making, and even Cree language learning through our language festival. Students from MWES and MWHS joined in, learning valuable skills and hearing stories from knowledge keepers about life on the land and the importance of respecting what we harvest. Evenings were filled with music, entertainment, and laughter, reminding everyone that harvesting season is not just about work, but also community, culture, and teaching. Kineepik Metis Local extends gratitude to all Elder’s, volunteers, staff and sponsors for making this year’s KM67 a success.

Healthy Habits Challenge

The 100KM Walking Challenge was created to motivate the community to get active. We had quarterly draws to keep the participants motivated as the challenge went on. The draws were made weekly at 25km, 50km, 75km, and 100km. 47 participants took part in the challenge and 10 completed. We are continuing to keep month long challenges as a active boost for the community for building healthy habits.

KM 160 - ERFN Youth Culture Camp

Kineepik Metis Local worked alongside our neighboring community, English River First Nation - Patunak. Youth from Pinehouse were able to learn survival skills from ERFN’s land-users over a one week period. The friendships built will last a lifetime.

Truth and Reconciliation

Kineepik Métis Local honored Truth and Reconciliation Day with an opening ceremony featuring stories from Truth and Reconciliation Caroline Ratt-Misponas & Charlotte Ratt Natomagan - Residential School Survivors. The day focused on We honored the day with an opening ceremony to acknowledge the day family, healing, and community with activities including a community breakfast, walking poker rally, bouncy with stories from local survivors to share their stories. We focused the castles, bolo, card games, and fireworks. It was a meaningful day of reflection, sharing, and togetherness day to spend time with family as we recognized our history. — a reminder that reconciliation grows through understanding and unity.