North of 60 star makes triumphant Manitoulin tour

Tina Keeper, now an MP, keeps young audience spellbound at Wasse-Abin High

by Alicia McCutcheon

WIKWEMIKONG-"Excuse me? Are you from North of 60?" was an oft-heard question around Eastern Manitoulin on Friday.

"That's me," came the response from a gracious Tina Keeper, former star of CBC television's hit series North of 60 and now Liberal MP for the riding of Churchill in Manitoba.

Ms. Keeper played the role of Michelle Kenidi, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer in the fictional community of Lynx River. The show ran from 1992-1997 (reruns can be found on both the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and Showcase) and Ms. Keeper is still obviously fresh in the memory of the show's fans.

Ms. Keeper had approached Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Brent St. Denis, asking if she could come for a tour of the riding and meet with some of Mr. St. Denis's Aboriginal constituents.

Like Mr. St. Denis's riding, Ms. Keeper's constituency of Churchill spans a vast area, covering two-thirds of Manitoba, including two cities and 65 communities-many of which are Cree or Oji-Cree. Ms. Keeper herself is a Cree from Norway House in northern Manitoba.

"It's so good to finally be on Manitoulin Island!" she announced after the plane carrying Mr. St. Denis, his son David and Ms. Keeper herself arrived at the Manitoulin East airport. "All my life I've heard of Manitoulin and I finally made it."

The tall, striking woman had just finished a talk to the students at an Elliot Lake secondary school and was off to meet another student population, this time at Wasse-Abin in Wikwemikong.

As the entourage made its way to Wikwemikong, Ms. Keeper remarked numerous times on the beauty of Manitoulin as she stared out the windows of the rental car.

En route, she explained how she began her career in acting at 19 years old.

It was the early 1980s and the "emergence of Native theatre." Ms. Keeper joined a theatre group at a Native Friendship Centre in Winnipeg and began doing set work and costume design.

"I was a visual artist," she explained. "It was a very dynamic and exciting time-before we even dreamed of a place in television."

The young actor moved to Toronto and began taking classes at the Indigenous Theatre Company and worked in theatre in Manitoba. Ms. Keeper was in her third year at the University of Manitoba when she received a call about an audition for a part on North of 60.

She landed the job and played Michelle in the series for five years, reprising the role for made-for-TV movies after the show was cancelled until 2001. She said she stays in touch with all of her North of 60 friends on a regular basis and there is even word of one final North of 60 movie. Ms. Keeper, although excited about the thought of it, admits she's unsure of getting back into the police uniform.

"Tom (Jackson) and I were discussing the movie and think the storyline should have Michelle quit the force and go into politics and Peter (Tom's character) leave Lynx River to become a multi-millionaire businessman," she laughed, noting that he is indeed a successful businessman these days.

In 2006, Ms. Keeper was elected as MP for Churchill-her fist foray into politics-and is enjoying every minute of it.

Mr. St. Denis and Ms. Keeper first met with acting principal Jillian Peltier, who showed off the school, the MP stopping to sign autographs and chat with students along the way.

She told the Wasse-Abin staff that she was interested in teaching one day and was currently in discussion with a couple of universities about going back to school.

"Well, we might be able to find space for you here," Ms. Peltier suggested with a smile.

Ms. Keeper even met a relative for the first time, as Lisa Kimewon-Morris of Trout Lake greeted the MP with a "Hi cousin!" It turns out their grandmothers were sisters.

At the assembly, Mr. St. Denis introduced himself to the students and said how excited he was to "show off this school" to Ms. Keeper.

"As an MP, I know how important it is for all of Canada to know better the Aboriginal history of Canada and we need you to help us do that," he said. "We need you to be leaders and role models."

"If you guys don't behave I'm going to threaten you with this!" Ms. Keeper joked, wielding a microphone that gave off feedback.

"Your community is famous in the Native theatre crowd," she said. "Edna Manitowabi, Shirley Cheechoo, Dwayne Manitowabi and even Thomson Highway spent time here."

She spoke of Debajehmujig Theatre Group, which is "famous across the whole entire country."

"It's been a real pleasure to work with Brent, who's represented this riding for the last 15 years," Ms. Keeper said.

The MP told the students that there are 36 First Nation communities in her riding comprised of Cree, Oji-Cree and Dene, and the riding association is located in her home community of Norway House, population 6,000.

"My people are very politically active because of the hydro projects that have affected our land," she explained.

 "Hydro is one of the resource developments that makes Manitoba money and yet I remember in 2001 when Canada was ranked number one in the United Nations standard-of-living index," she said. "The Aboriginal people of Canada were ranked number 63."

"As Indigenous people, we were left out of the benefits," she continued. "We've been considered a burden on the taxpayers but there has never been an equitable sharing of the wealth to begin with."

Ms. Keeper explained that as a young woman, she was not focused; she liked to party and didn't feel as though she was a part of this country, but made a space for herself through drama programs. "I quit school in Grade 12 and worked in a spoon factory and remember thinking, 'I don't want to work here for the rest of my life,'" she said.

Through theatre, she said she realized it was a medium "to discuss the Indian Act, our families and residential school."

When she returned to school at age 27, Ms. Keeper said she became impassioned about Aboriginal history.

"I really cared about our history all of a sudden," she said. "The Indian Act is legislation to control our lives? That's crazy!"

"As Aboriginals, we need to define our own place in this country," the MP said. "As I've travelled across this country, I've realized that people are not full of malice, they just aren't aware. We have an enormous amount of work to do on our own behalf."

Ms. Keeper urged the importance of voting in elections and explained that she chose the Liberal Party for the work it does to make changes for First Nations people, citing the now abandoned Kelowna Accord as one example.

"When you feel marginalized you have to say, 'Okay, now I'm going to get involved and make that change,'" she said. "You don't have to make it bigger than it is, just put in a bit of effort and show up-that's one of the keys to success. Just do your best."

The students then had the opportunity to ask the TV star questions including how long it takes to become an MP and whether she represents all Aboriginal people or just the people in her riding. Ms. Keeper even received a question about notoriously bumpy Cardwell Street-which she had failed to find rough on the ride there due to the stunning beauty around her, but was able to appreciate on her way out.

Ms. Keeper explained the process of running in an election and working the campaign trail, as well as talked about majority and minority governments and the role of the Aboriginal Affairs critic, held by Anita Neville.

"Is your job fun?" one student asked.

"Yes, it is fun," she replied. "You get to meet a lot of neat people. I love meeting with my constituents. Parliament is a lot harder-you have to do your homework."

"I'm proud to work with people like Brent and I'm honoured to be in this community-a lot of talent comes out of here," Ms. Keeper said.

Southern flight co. proposing service on Manitoulin

by Lindsay Kelly

MANITOULIN-Islanders may soon have access to regular flight service following a proposal by a southern Ontario-based company to offer charter flights out of the two Manitoulin airports.

Blue Bird Flight Academy, based out of London, Ontario, is currently focused on offering flight instruction to international students, but is seeking to move into the charter flight industry, noted pilot and operations manager Paul Severino during a March 27 meeting with stakeholders.

Since the Island is currently without flight service of any kind, Blue Bird considers it an ideal area in which to launch a new service, he added.

"For somebody flying into here right now, somebody would have to fly to Sudbury and drive here," Mr. Severino said. "There's no way to get here right now."

Blue Bird is proposing the introduction of non-scheduled flight service to the Manitoulin East Municipal and Gore Bay airports, which would amount to an on-call, or taxi, type of service, with the plane available for charter when needed.

The company would still operate out of London, but would coordinate flights between Manitoulin and Toronto, London, and possibly Elliot Lake, all on its twin-engine Piper Seneca charter plane, which is capable of transporting four people plus the pilot and luggage.

The company's licence application is currently pending approval with Transport Canada, and the 703 designation (non-scheduled flight) for which the company is applying allows it to be flexible with its flight times.

If the company applies for a 705 designation (scheduled flights), and lays out a flight schedule for specific days and times, planes must fly at those designated times whether they have passengers or not, Mr. Severino explained. The practice-referred to as 'dead-heading'-is costly, because it uses up fuel without any return on the company's investment.

"When you're flying empty it causes burnout-lost money-and we want to avoid that as much as possible," Mr. Severino said.

Cost is also a factor for passengers, and while nothing is set in stone, Mr. Severino suggested that between $380 and $400 for a flight could be viable. But that is just a working number, and the company would have to negotiate a feasible ticket price before quoting a final figure.

Though in its preliminary stages, the proposal is already gaining buzz from stakeholders. Wayne Munro, a former Torontonian now living on Manitoulin who helped facilitate the meeting with Blue Bird, believes that now is the right time to reconsider flight service for the Island.

"We need to expand the transportation options on Manitoulin so we can bring more people here," he said. "This is a small step in the right direction."

Though a relative newcomer to the Island-he has been cottaging on Manitoulin for a decade and lived here for two years-Mr. Munro said he believes very strongly in promoting the Island and offering all the services it can to make the "untapped resource" attractive to visitors and potential residents.

"We have some hurdles to go over, but so far it's looking pretty possible," he said.

Manitoulin East Municipal Airport Commission chair Marcel Gauthier suggested that not only could the charter flight service be beneficial to visitors seeking to make a quick trip between the Island and Toronto or other urban areas, but also for residents looking for alternative transportation off the Island.

The commission also smiles upon increased activity at the airport. "The more flying in and out of this airport the better for us," he said. "We want to see this place busy."

The airport largely takes its revenue from hangar rentals and fuel sales, and flight charters add another dimension to the service, bringing more people into the airport, Mr. Gauthier added.

Northeast Town Councillor Jib Turner suggested that, although Transport Canada has yet to approve Blue Bird's licence, the company would benefit from an early information campaign informing people that the service may soon be available.

Additionally, flight instruction offered through the airports-a concept Mr. Severino suggested could be a possibility-could be attractive to those retiring on Manitoulin. "If some people are looking for a second career, it gives people who are young enough an opportunity to try flying," the councillor noted.

Blue Bird plans to move slowly with its plan, since flight companies that go "too big too fast don't make it," Mr. Severino said. However, he is already speculating about the creation of tourism packages that could incorporate flight, car rental, activities (such as golf or fishing) and accommodation in one weekend package that could be accessed by people looking for an all-inclusive Manitoulin vacation.

Chamber of Commerce chair Owen Legge, whom Mr. Severino initially contacted to inquire about car rentals, said the chamber is supportive of anything that raises the profile of Manitoulin in a positive way.

"We would be interested in it if something comes up," he said. "Things haven't changed in 10 years on Manitoulin."

The bottom line is to have all the Island organizations working together to make the concept work, he added.

Blue Bird is a young company-it launched a year and a half ago out of the London International Airport, but Mr. Severino, who has been flying for nine years, said he hopes people will have an open mind about the potential behind the proposed offer. He is optimistic that, if Blue Bird's licence comes through and an agreement can be worked out with the airports, the charter service could be operational by the May long weekend of this year.

Typical considerations will still apply, and the company will not take risks with passengers. "I just want everybody to have an open mind about the weather," Mr. Severino said. "If this does go, there will be cancellations."

Environmentalists, Landowners' Association

clash over proposed Official Plan changes

by Jim Moodie

MANITOULIN-A suggestion that the Island's main document governing land use should be rejigged to permit severances of property for conservation purposes and to better reflect areas of ecological significance has provoked an outcry from the Manitoulin Landowners' Association (MLA).

The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC), a charitable land trust which owns a number of nature reserves on Manitoulin, has asked the Manitoulin Planning Board to take conservation concerns into account as it goes through the process of updating the Island's aging Official Plan.

The group's main point is that current rules restricting the severance of land on Manitoulin fail to acknowledge instances in which the excised tract would be left undisturbed.

"All municipalities limit severances because the assumption is that someone is going to build a house," said Bob Barnett, executive director of the EBC. "But if we sever it's in order to protect the natural heritage of the land or for trails and tourism. So what we're saying is that different rules may be applicable and an exception could be made for purposes of conservation."

Additionally, the EBC is eager that the planning board identify areas of ecological importance as it rewrites the Official Plan. Mr. Barnett noted that "most of the province has been mapped" by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to highlight Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs), "but not Manitoulin, interestingly enough."

What the MNR has done, however, is a 'gap analysis,' undertaken in the 1990s, which provides an overview of the Island's unique natural features. "I sent this preliminary work of the ministry to Elva Carter (of the planning board) because it may be useful to her in determining which areas have the greatest ecological significance," said Mr. Barnett.

The Official Plan "is undergoing a review," the EBC director noted. "So when they do amend it, we're simply suggesting they modernize the plan by including a provision for conservation land, because when they wrote it 20 years ago conservation groups weren't doing this kind of work here."

He added that the existing plan, while paying some cursory attention to areas of ecological importance like alvars, would benefit from a more detailed delineation and description of these sites.

Mike Meeker of the landowners' association doesn't believe the plan requires a drastic overhaul, however, and vehemently objects to the EBC's bid for an exception to current guidelines. "They want to completely bypass the system," he said. "A set of protocols is in place that was decided on using input from all of the municipalities, so why would we give a group the ability to completely circumnavigate all the checks and balances in place?"

Mr. Meeker further resents the conservancy's advice concerning areas of natural importance. "What expertise do they have to decide what needs to be preserved?" he asked. "Landowners don't recognize their expertise over and above what is existing."

He said that Islanders have acted as careful stewards of the land for generations, and there are many examples of wilderness attractions-such as the trail along the Kagawong River and the Cup and Saucer path-that came about through the actions of local groups and the co-operation of landowners.

"We don't need it rammed down our throat by someone else who is arbitrarily designating what they think is an important area," said Mr. Meeker.

Ken Noland, who is both a member of the MLA and chair of the planning board, has also voiced concerns about the EBC submission. "It is my feeling they don't want to have to go through the normal planning processes to make trails," he said at recent board meeting.

But Mr. Barnett believes that "we're not asking for anything very unusual," pointing out that many counties and municipalities have made concessions to conservation groups in their planning guidelines.

He used the example of a 100-acre property near Paisley, in Bruce County, part of which the EBC was able to acquire as a conservation reserve. "The front half had a home, barn, driveway and all that stuff, but the back was wetlands surrounding the Saugeen River, adjacent to the Bruce County Forest," he said. "We went to the county and asked if the back half (which the landowner was prepared to donate to the EBC) could be severed, and they were supportive. It's covered in their Official Plan and it helped them expand the county forest."

Lot lines don't tend to differentiate between types of terrain, noted Mr. Barnett, because "when they did the original surveys, they weren't thinking of physical features; they just made 100-acre squares." In his view, "it makes sense to keep ecological features together, but the lines don't necessarily go that way."

Consequently, it seems logical to him to allow land trusts to acquire a portion of an existing acreage (from a willing seller or donor) that may not be useful for agricultural or timbering purposes yet would have ecological merit and potential as a tourist attraction.

"The central question," suggested Mr. Barnett, "should be: 'what does the district want in its Official Plan?' Most counties say, up front, that they want to protect natural areas."

He conceded that Grey County doesn't presently include an exception for conservation groups seeking severances, "but most counties where we work have included such provisions-those with new plans, anyway."

This, he said, is because the efforts undertaken by land trusts are often "synchronous with municipal and district objectives" to create protected areas for flood control, tourism and recreation. "Usually people crow about these natural areas," he said. "What does the district of Manitoulin say is important? Hopefully tourism, protecting the ecosystem and providing recreational opportunities."

Critics like Mr. Meeker worry, however, that there is a broader agenda at work in this proposal to "put very restrictive policies in place" that would handcuff landowners from using their properties in the manner to which they are accustomed.

"We're not going to fall asleep at the wheel," he said. "When a document like this becomes public, we're going to make sure as many landowners on the Island know about it as possible and understand its intent. Then they can make up their own minds whether or not they agree with it."

In his view, the Official Plan "doesn't have to be changed much at all," as it "does take into account green spaces already."

The EBC is "one relatively small group and it's offensive for them to ask for the ability to ignore what everyone else lives by," he said. "And it's insulting because their assumption is that only they can properly protect these areas."

Non-governmental agency kickstarts abattoir plan

by Tom Sasvari

MINDEMOYA-The proposed slaughterhouse for Manitoulin recently received a significant funding boost.

"There has already been $300,000 of capital funds provided by non-governmental agencies toward the abattoir, which is very good news," stated Mary Nelder of the Lacloche-Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation (LAMBAC) at a Manitoulin Municipal Association (MMA) meeting last week. She pointed out that approximately $200,000 in additional capital funding is needed toward construction costs for the new abattoir.

Ms. Nelder explained, "the feasibility study case is now complete, and this report has been presented to the (abattoir) steering committee. The business plan should be finished at the end of April."

After this, the implementation phase will take place, depending on where the abattoir site is to be located, Ms. Nelder told the meeting. "The committee has had two replies on the request for proposals for land to have the abattoir located, and we are expecting a third proposal to come forward."

"Probably even more critical is the number of farmers that have purchased memberships, and the number of animals they are prepared to commit for the abattoir," said Ms. Nelder. "There is a minimum of 750 and a maximum of 1,200 animals that would be required (on a yearly basis) at the abattoir, but there has not been the commitment to the minimal levels as of yet."

Currently, "they are short of the 750 animals required to be committed on an annual basis for the abattoir," said Ms. Nelder. She pointed out the abattoir steering committee is sending out flyers to local farmers, farming committees, and municipalities for wider distribution, asking for their support to make a commitment in the area of membership and animals to be taken to the abattoir.

EDITORIAL

There are too many deer on Manitoulin Island!

There are just too many deer on Manitoulin Island.

The trial of the reflector system along the Allan Line in western Billings Township may well work. But they are only a deterrent at nighttime when the red reflectors can pick up vehicles' headlights.

And the deer cross this stretch of Highway 540, as well as the rest of Manitoulin's travelled roads, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Collisions between the beasts and motorists are rampant and it is a miracle that there have not been more serious injuries to drivers and passengers than have been reported.

The deer need a serious cull, whether this is accomplished by lengthening the gun hunting season back to the full two weeks of 40 years ago or by issuing as many tags as are deemed safe-or both of these measures.

The Ministry of Natural Resources resists the notion of a cull; those people who have been advocating the legal downsizing of the North Channel cormorant flock can attest to that.

But the fact is that the dozens of deer, visible grazing placidly somewhere at virtually every Island roadside, are all potential highway hazards. The novelty of pointing out a deer to a child or friend as one drives past is long gone.

The Manitoulin Island group that meets with MNR officials annually to offer advice on deer management here must ratchet up their demands for a longer gun hunt involving more hunters.

It's a matter of public safety.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Reminders to respect handicapped spaces shouldn't be required

Why don't people just do the right thing?

To the Expositor:

In the March 26 edition of the Expositor, on page 23, in the upper left-hand corner, is a notice from the Northeast Town which states: "This is a reminder that enforcement is continuing and that parking illegally in the handicapped parking area carries a $300 fine."

What most individuals who park illegally say is, "I'll just be a minute" (the most common excuse). Well, there are two things about that. First, offenders parking without a permit are depriving the elderly and handicapped of their designated areas in our town. Second, $300 is a lot of money for a minute. In Vancouver, the handicapped parking spaces are painted such a bright blue they're almost hard to look at. The fine is $500, plus the towing, plus the pound. It's a cool $800 touch so no-one does it. I shouldn't have to write this letter. Why don't people just do the right thing?

Chris Tilson

Honora Bay

Tearing down creamery akin to tearing down a piece of history

Mindemoya landscape will be forever altered

To the Expositor:

I was born on the Island, raised in Mindemoya and am now living in Blind River, and I hear that Bondis are planning on tearing down the creamery to expand Island Foodland. Expanding the grocery store would be nice but the creamery is a large part of Mindemoya's history. Wagg's built the creamery and it was then taken over by Farqhuar's Dairy, which eventually distributed butter and ice cream across Ontario.

The expansion would be good but the fact that they are tearing down this building is what sent the lights off for me, and in doing so, I asked a few questions about this building and whether or not is was classed as a historical building. My findings told me that the building wasn't old enough. I guess what I'm trying to say is that when I read that this building is going to be torn down because it is less expensive, partially due to the three-foot-thick cement walls, it said to me that to save a few bucks, this building, some of the town's history and the town's landscape will change drastically!

A letter writer from Straffodville has "commended" the family "for faith in community" but he does not have the history behind him! I'm not saying that they shouldn't expand, because every time I have been into Island Foodland I am always finding a way around someone or something because the aisles are small, and now that they have control of the LCBO it makes it even harder to get around, and I tend to find myself shopping elsewhere when I visit home!

I guess you can say I'm just blowing off steam, but to read of someone saying that they would rather not spend the money to keep a part of history in a small town and instead tear it down-I'm really upset with that. I know that being here in Blind River I can't do much more than write this letter and hope others in Mindemoya agree with my arguments. But I also know that even if I try to do something, history shows me that once something is set in motion it is really hard to stop it. So this is my two cents and I hope that the Bondis will take it into consideration. So good luck in whatever your decision may be!

Kristie Smith

Blind River

(formerly of Mindemoya)

Ray Fox

Route...Fifty Restaurant

Mindemoya

I'm your neighbour

Ray Fox likes to create art, and like many artistic types, is also known to don the odd dark hue. Just don't expect him to take credit for the portrait of the Man in Black that dominates one wall of his Mindemoya workplace.

"No, I didn't do the Johnny Cash painting," the Route...Fifty server says with a chuckle.

"Ray's work would have to go on the bar side," muses business owner Annette Pearson. "It's more funky."

The 21-year-old resident of M'Chigeeng has been working at Route...Fifty as a waiter and bartender for about a year, a stint that began shortly after he moved back to the Island to spend time with his parents. Prior to this, Mr. Fox lived in Sudbury and London, Ontario, where he completed a high school program specializing in art.

"One of the reasons I came home was to work on my portfolio," he says, noting that his ultimate goal is to gain admittance to a post-secondary art school, possibly in New York City.

But an artist has to make a living, too, so Mr. Fox was happy to find employment at the 1950s-themed eatery and bar. "It gets me out of the house and it's interesting to experience the sense of community on Manitoulin," he says.

Mr. Fox also enjoys seeing the looks on people's faces as they step into the restaurant for the first time and get a gander at the colourful dZcor and retro booths.

In his spare time, Mr. Fox spends "a lot of time on the Internet to connect with the world outside Manitoulin," as well as, of course, creating his art.

As a Native man born in Wikwemikong, you might expect that Mr. Fox works in the Woodland mode of many Aboriginal painters, but his work is not traditional.

Having lived off the Island for most of his formative years, "I'm more influenced by an urban aesthetic," he notes. And rather than create the sort of oil-on-canvas landscapes that typify Canadian art, "I do a lot of photo transfers and multimedia or collage work on boards, using ink and acrylic paint," he says.

The friendly young man says that apart from pursuing his creative calling he'd like to travel and experience different cultures. In the meantime, though, he's looking forward to a busy summer season at Route...Fifty and continuing to gain a new perspective on his roots.

"It gets pretty busy here and the different people you see are a unique culture too," he says.

Frequenting local businesses like Route...Fifty helps create lasting employment for people like Ray Fox.