Tākwākin - 2025 Winter Issue

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

Education

Kiskemisowin Project Kickoff

In December, Kineepik signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Pewaseskwan, an Indigenous-led research team at the University of Saskatchewan. This MOU is part of Kiskemisowin – a partnership between Pewaseskwan and our education department to build a community-owned and designed digital archive. In a nutshell, this project sets up whatever is needed for us to store knowledge in a way that is secure and accessible to the community. We in KML are in charge of what knowledge we store, who can access it, how it is stored, how it is used and more. The research team is involved to help develop the archive and understand how it can be done well. They want to answer questions like “How can this be done well?”, “What kind of systems work best for communities to control?”, “How can Universities best support this work?”. They do not have access to the knowledge we hold.

The MOU is a way to start our partnership in mutual understanding. In it, Pewaseskwan commits to honouring our control and ownership of our knowledge, bringing training and other resources into Pinehouse, to communicate clearly about what they are doing, and to give community input before any research is published in the outside world. It also outlines the project’s goals and the things we will do to reach them. The MOU is a living document, and the team will consider adding any ideas that community

brings back to make a stronger relationship.

Outdoor Equipment Repair Program

Six students successfully completed the Outdoor Equipment Repair Program, an

eight-week hands-on training opportunity delivered by GDI/DTI. The program focused

on teaching participants how to diagnose and repair small engines commonly used in

outdoor and work-related equipment.

Through the support from KML, a wage subsidy was provided to help participants

gain practical, paid experience while building valuable technical skills. Graduates of

the program are now better equipped with in-demand skills that can support their

future employment.

PTRC Engagement

Students in Grades 7-12 took part in a fun and interactive session with the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC). Through hands-on-experiments, students were able to explore science concepts in a way that was engaging and easy to understand.

PTRC also spent time talking with students about different career paths and future opportunities in science, technology, and the energy sector. The session was a great chance for students to ask questions, try something new, and start thinking about what kinds of careers they might be interested in the future.

Grade 12 University Trip

Kineepik Metis Local had the opportunity to support Minahik Waskahigan High School’s Grade 12 trip. They were able to meet with agencies and industries, such as Cameco, Metis Nation- Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Emergency Planners Association

Kineepik had the opportunity to attend the Saskatchewan Emergency Planner Association conference. It was a valuable chance to listen, contribute to discussions, and start building practical planning strategies that will help strengthen emergency preparedness in our community.

GRANTS

Community Trust (TAP): This grant will support KML Education in creating new classroom space.

Community Initiative Fund: This grant will help support both cultural and traditional education programs

Environment

National Research Council and Kineepik Metis Local signed a Memorandum of Understanding

The National Research Council (NRC) and Kineepik Métis Local (KML) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch an exciting new research partnership.

This collaboration brings together scientific research and Métis local knowledge to study wild lowbush blueberries in the Saskatchewan Boreal Forest. By blending community knowledge with science, the project will support respectful, culturally grounded research and create a practical database on berry quality, growing conditions, and propagation.

Most importantly, this work is designed to benefit the community by strengthening local harvesting knowledge while honouring Métis traditions and values.

Grants

We’re thrilled to acknowledge the generous support of Food Banks Canada, TAP , TD Bank, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission:

• Food Banks Canada

Helped us strengthen food sovereignty with new KML assets, including a side-by-side, trailer, boat motor, and food safety equipment.

• Trust Advisory Panel for the Community Trust

Supports youth environmental training through the Growcer project, giving young people hands-on hydroponic growing experience.

• TD Bank

Funds our youth fish monitoring project, helping collect baseline data that blends community knowledge with scientific research.

• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Provided resources for KML and community members to actively participate in the Denison hearing in Saskatoon.

CNSC Hearing

Kineepik Métis Local recently took part in the Denison hearing in Saskatoon, advocating for our community’s interests. We drafted a detailed letter and delivered a presentation to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, sharing our perspectives and concerns. Four staff members, two elders, and four community members attended, providing guidance and support. This meaningful participation ensured that Kineepik’s voices were heard and that our community’s knowledge and priorities were represented.

Duty to Consult

Kineepik supports Pinehouse through the Duty to Consult process by helping track, organize, and respond to consultation activities. This work helps ensure Pinehouse concerns are clearly documented and communicated.

From the months of October to December 2025, we successfully hosted and responded to 4 duty to consult notifications from the Ministry of Environment.

• Orano - Tomblin Moore Project - 48 attended.

• Standard Uranium - Roca’s Project - 59 attended.

• Bedford Metals - Sheppard Lake Project - 64 attended.

• SaskPower - Taylor Bay Project - 57 attended.

Health & Wellness

Muskwa Lake Wellness Camp

3 cycles, 43 referrals

Some of the activities we participated in during the intakes included snaring, hunting, fish preparation, beading, sewing skirts and T-shirts. We were able to join in a presentation led by Justin Hodgson from Warrior Mentality and a Healing Trauma workshop facilitated by Kyerra Pooyak, along with other local presentations delivered by Kineepik Health & Wellness staff members.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Kineepik Health & Wellness maintenance staff for the renovations completed in our programming area. They worked extremely hard throughout the holidays to ensure everything was finished. We would also like to send our our thanks and appreciation to those who contributed in harvesting wood for our camp.

Nikina Shelter

October (9 clients) parenting session

November (9 clients) woman’s support groups

December (12 clients) Christmas shopping trip

Nikina is a safe place for individuals and families. We operate at 82% capacity with 8–10 beds. Currently our aftercare units are full and we are working to transition stable tenants into long-term housing.

We help clients rebuild:

• ID and banking

• Housing applications

• Family support. Our focus is keeping families together and preventing apprehensions whenever possible.

We do weekly drug screenings with shelter clients and monthly for housing tenants. We do not evict after one failed test instead, we create a safety plan that includes counselling and sobriety support programs, and test again the following week. We serve anyone who reaches out, meet people where they are at, and add them to a call list when space opens.

At Nikina, we walk beside people as they heal, rebuild, and move toward independence. Nikina is not just a homeless shelter, it’s a place to restart and rebuild. Wicihitowin Employment & Outreach Centre

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).

Wicihitowin Employment & Outreach Centre

The Wicihitowin Employment & Outreach Centre has been a busy and welcoming place lately, and it’s been great to see so many community members coming through the doors. Whether people are stopping by to take part in a program or just to spend some time with others, the centre continues to be a place where everyone is welcome.

We’ve had a lot happening, from Women’s Sharing Circles and Men’s Group to sobriety support gatherings that offer space for connection and encouragement. Craft nights, workshops, and guest speakers have brought people together to learn and share. On quieter days, members have been enjoying book club, card and board games, and visiting.

Wicihitowin has a sense of community. It’s a place to feel comfortable, supported, and included, whether you’re coming for a specific program or just looking for somewhere to belong.

We’re thankful for everyone who continues to be part of Wicihitowin and help make it such a positive space. If you haven’t stopped by yet, you’re always welcome to come in, say hello, and see what’s going on.

Recreation, Sports & Culture

Minor Hockey

Kineepik Metis Local had the opportunity to hire Leon Natomagan as the hockey coach for the 2025-26 minor hockey program.

We have the following age categories: U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 & U18.

Our youth have opportunity to practice twice a week, attend upcoming tournaments and to gain a well rounded experience to move forward in hockey.

Recreation Hockey Highlights

Pinehouse Recreation attended the following games:

• U15/U18 Buffalo Hockey Tourney

• Rec division: 2 nd place. Birch Narrows.

• Rec division: 3 rd place. Buffalo Narrows.

• Rec division: 1 place. Dillon.

• Rec division: Attended in Moosimin.

• Rec division: Attended in Laronge.

We had the opportunity to have a few youth participate with the recreation team to experience a higher level of hockey.

Public Meeting Highlight

Our Annual Christmas Public Meeting was a huge success with 290 community members in attendance. We had presentations from all the organizations about our success.

Congratulations to all the individuals recognized:

• Lenora Iron - Citizen of the Year Award

• Ida Natomagan - Outstanding Service Award

• Shantelle Natomagan - Outstanding Personal Growth Award

• Yvonne Maurice - Knowledge Keeper Award

Thank you to PBN, KML & NVP for Sponsoring this event!

Family Christmas Events

The recreation department - Chris, Farrell, Janelle, George and a few volunteers did an incredible job bringing the Christmas spirit to life. They were able to kickstart with organizing gifts for every student in Kindergarten to Grade 12.

They continued the festivities with hosting bingo’s for all ages, family sleigh rides and ending with refreshments and a warm meal. We truly appreciate everyone who joined us and helped make these events so special by coming together to celebrate with one another. We would also like to thank ISO Energy for their generous donation and continued support of our community initiatives.

Cultural Initiatives this Issue:

• Moose Hide Mitt Making

• Geese Give Away

• Moose Meat Giveaway

• Youth Duck Hunting Trip

• Family Snaring Outing

• Youth Trappers Event

• Bannock Making Contest

• Louis Riel Day

At Kineepik Métis Local, we’re proud to support programs that bring our community together and celebrate our local traditions. This past quarter, we were excited to help make many events happen, giving people of all ages the chance to connect, share, and take part in the traditions that make our community special.

The November Challenge

The November challenge was adopted and evolved the past 30 years from the National Addictions Awareness Week. The community had a vision for implementing a month- long event to support the community in decreasing the impact of addictions.

Kineepik Initiatives:

• Opening ceremonies

• Daily Sobriety Testimonies

• Culture Events

• Heritage Events

• Support Groups

• Sports and Fitness

• Cooking and Baking Sessions

• Literacy Events

• Weekly Radio Shows

• Arts and Craft Programs

• Family Focused Events

• Parenting Sessions

• Workshops and training

• Completion Ceremony

All Kineepik Departments hosted or led programs throughout the month.