The Governor's Ball at the Festival du Voyageur

One of the traditions at the Festival du Voyageur is the Governor's Ball. At the ball, the Capote Bleu is given to an individual or group who have made a major contribution to the Festival and to ensuring the continuing traditions of Voyageurs. Last night the Capote Blue was given to La Brigade de la Riviere Rouge who have been very involved in maintaining voyageur traditions in Manitoba (top two photos)

In the third photo I am with Raymond and Marguerite Simard and Natalie Duhamel. In the fourth photo, Natalie Duhamel and I are with this years Voyageur Family - Dr. Denis Fortier, his wife Annette Bazin-Fortier and their three children.

David Shaw 1932-2008

Saruday February 16 I was in Treherne for the memorial service celebrating the life of David Shaw. An excellent long-time teacher in Treherne and then on retirement a City Councillor, David contributed in many, many ways to his community, including as a member of the Masonic Order, the Treherne Bowling club and the Delahunt Golf and Country Club.

I have known David for almost thirty years. He has been very active within the Liberal Party and a friend who has always been full of good advice.

Good-bye David. Many of us will certainly miss you. But we certainly treasure the time we had to enjoy our time with you.

The Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba Job Fair

Yesterday, the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba held their annual Job Fair at the Elmwood School. Much credit goes to Jim Ogunnoiki who was instrumental in launching this initiative about 9 years ago. Then he did it almost alone, Today, he has broad community support and help because people realize how valuable it is.

Many potential employers had representatives including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Forces, Manitoba Hydro, the Manitoba Nurses Union, the City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Transit, Sunlife Financial, Canada Safeway, Telestolutions International and Convergys. Among the many groups who were there to help with advice was the Manitoba Youth Volunteer Opportunites (MYVOP). In the bottom photo, I am with Noreen Mian a Youth Outreach Worker. The MYVOP office is located at 410-5 Donald Street South. Their office number is 204-477-5180 and they have a toll-free number at 1-888-922-4545.

First Annual Memorial March for the Missing and Murdered Women from Winnipeg

This Thursday evening, the first Annual March for the Missing and Murdered Women from Winnipeg was held starting at the University of Winnipeg. We have had far too many women from Winnipeg who are missing or have been killed. It is time for this to stop.

There were many people out for the event including Grand Chief Phil Fontaine..