MSS runner brings home gold from All-Ontario track meet

by Neil Zacharjewicz

MINDEMOYA - It was not the best of starts for Kaitlyn Tallman.

As she burst across the starting line, Ms. Tallman realized she had to make up some time and quickly, as she was sitting in last place only seconds after the starting gun had gone off. But over the course of the next four minutes and 36 seconds, Ms. Tallman proved she has what it takes to be the fastest Junior Girl athlete over a span of 1,500 metres, as she would go on to win gold at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Track and Field championships, the all-Ontario championships at the high school level, held last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Etobicoke.

While Ms. Tallman, a runner with the Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Track and Field team, managed to push herself back into the lead pack, by the last lap she was still only running in ninth place.

"I said to myself 'I've got to go now,'" Ms. Tallman said.

By the last 300 metres of the race, she managed to catch up with the leaders. Then with approximately 100 metres left, she passed the front runner. From then on in, she just kicked it in and toughed it out, crossing the line first ahead of all the other runners.

"It was an excellent run. It was a huge race for her," said MSS Track and Field coach Jim Stringer. He said she made her coaches and parents very proud.

"I'm really excited, but I'm also really shocked I did that," Ms. Tallman said. "I knew I was pretty competitive, but I didn't expect to win."

Her time of 4:36 seconds eclipsed her personal best by 11 seconds, and she was a full 14 seconds faster than her bronze medal time from last year's OFSAA event. Ms. Tallman indicated that before the season began, she sat down with her coach and calculated goals for herself for the season, which included topping her best time.

"I didn't expect to hit it this early in the season," she confessed.

Ms. Tallman admitted that her OFSAA experience last year did come in handy for this year's race. She said because she had competed at this level last year, she knew what to expect, how tough her competition was, and how strong a race she would have to run to keep up with the lead pack.

"I knew a lot more of what to expect," she said.

 When it comes to running, few are as dedicated to the sport as Ms. Tallman. While she first learned to love running as a Grade Three student at Central Manitoulin Public School, running in the annual cross-country race hosted by the school, she admitted that it wasn't until the end of her Grade Eight year that she became really serious about her running. She joined Track North in Sudbury, and now she trains every day.

"It has become sort of a lifestyle. It makes up a big part of my life now," she said.

Now, Ms. Tallman participates in approximately 20 meets per year, approximately 10 on the track and another 10 as a cross country runner. Part of what makes the sport so enjoyable for her is all of the people she has met over the last year, people from all across Canada.

"I find runners in general are nice people," she said. "It's really fun."

Only days before her gold medal race, Ms. Tallman was named the Outstanding Junior Female Athlete of the Year at the MSS Athletic Awards Banquet.

Mr. Stringer said there was a lot of anticipation leading up to her running of the race. He pointed out that the Etobicoke track is bowl shaped, and Ms. Tallman's parents, her Track North coach and Mr. Stringer all gathered at the top of the bowl to watch her race, which they watched unfold on the track below. He said when she crossed the finish line, he tried to restrain his emotions, in an effort to balance out the thrill of her Track North coach who was jumping up and down beside him.

"She ran a perfect race," he said. "It was something you knew could happen. It was exciting."

And, its not something that comes easily. Only one MSS athlete has ever won gold at an OFSAA Track and Field meet in the school's history. In 1975, Jeff Heitkamp won gold in the 800 metre at OFSAA. His coach at the time was Ted Jackson, and he said he still remembers that experience vividly. He was sitting in the stands watching the race when Mr. Heitkamp crossed the finish line first, and he admitted he was moved to tears by the experience. He pointed out that it takes more than talent to win an OFSAA medal in Track and Field; it also takes dedication and training.

"You don't get by with a smile at that level," Mr. Jackson said.

Decoration Day services held across Manitoulin

by Neil Zacharjewicz

MANITOULIN - "What kind of world would we live in today if Operation: Overlord had failed?"

This was the question posed by Comrade Ed Pigeau, provincial vice-president of the Royal Canadian Legion, at the Decoration Day ceremonies held at the Mindemoya Arena on Sunday, June 6, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of D-Day. It was a question that many of the over 250 people in attendance considered as they honoured the contributions of the many Canadians who died and fought on Juno Beach during the invasion of Normandy.

"This morning on TV, many of you may have watched the International Day of Remembrance to honour the veterans from the 14 countries who fought at Normandy, stated Comrade Roy Eaton, master of ceremonies for the event. "On that day, 15,000 Canadians were part of the invasion force. The Royal Canadian Navy had 10,000 sailors manning 110 ships. In the air, Canadian airmen were in fighters and bombers clearing the skies and pummeling the German defenses. On this one day, 60 years ago, 340 Canadians were killed, 574 wounded and 47 captured, but by the end of the day the Canadians had advanced further than any of the Allied forces and were the only force to achieve the objective set for them. This was just the beginning of a 10 week campaign in Normandy that would claim 18,000 Canadian casualties and 5,000 deaths."

"It was the beginning of the end (of the war)," stated Comrade Pigeau. "The largest invasion fleet ever mounted worked."

Comrade Howe Sanders, deputy District H commander for the Royal Canadian Legion, suggested it was a privilege to participate in the D-Day services on Manitoulin, noting that District H is appreciative of the fact that Manitoulin marks the occasion each year, never having missed an occasion. He explained that he was just a child when his father went overseas.

"I was lucky. He came home. My uncle did not," he said.

The enormous loss of life as a result of the D-Day invasion is hard for those people who were not there to comprehend, suggested M'Chigeeng Chief Glen Hare. However, he said that when one watches the D-Day veterans in interviews on television, one can see that 60 years later, these veterans are still shaken by the experience. He pointed out that they have seen first-hand the ravages and devastation of war.

"To you, the veterans, we are honoured to share this day with you, 60 years later," Chief Hare stated.

Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma - Manitoulin, pointed out that while the veterans are often referred to as peacemakers, that is probably not how they imagined themselves as they approached the shore of Juno Beach trying to imagine what the next few days of their lives would be like. He noted that the Legions on the Island, in the riding and across the country are working to ensure that Canadians never forget.

"The movement of remembrance is getting stronger, not weaker, and that is thanks to you," he stated.

"This is a powerful, significant day," suggested Mike Brown, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma - Manitoulin. He said what is notable is that the soldiers who waged war were young people, between the ages of 18 and 20. He said it is difficult for him to understand, having grown up in an era without conflict, that Canada could muster a largely voluntary force and take the beaches of Normandy.

"We made a significant difference even though we were a relatively small nation at that point," Mr. Brown said. He noted that historians have suggested that D-Day changed the course of history, and veterans fear the sacrifices made on that day will be forgotten.

"I am here to tell you that I do not believe that will happen," Mr. Brown said.

But D-Day ceremonies were not restricted to the larger event in Mindemoya. In Wikwemikong, a group of veterans gathered to mark the occasion only days earlier with a small ceremony held at the cenotaph in Wikwemikong.

Comrade Colin Pick, master of ceremonies for the event, pointed out that as a result of the bloodshed on the beaches of Normandy, Allied forces were able to prevent the total destruction of the great cities of Europe, which were being devastated as a result of the Axis bombings.

"For those who gave their lives, we should be truly grateful," Comrade Pick said.

AOK celebrates opening of new water treatment plant

by Neil Zacharjewicz

AUNDECK OMNI KANING - Former Chief Clayton Abotossaway spearheaded the construction of the first water treatment plant in Aundeck Omni Kaning, so it was only fitting that the community's newest water treatment plant be named in his honour.

"This is dedicated to Clayton," stated Chief Patrick Madahbee, at the grand opening of the new $6 million plant held last Friday. While the new plant has yet to be commissioned, the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation (AOK) celebrated the grand opening of the new water treatment plant last week in conjunction with its annual pow wow.

Among the work yet to be completed is the addition of a bronze plaque to dedicate the facility in honour of Chief Abotossaway, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to chemotherapy treatments. Chief Madahbee explained that when Chief Abotossaway first brought a water treatment plant to the community, his vision was to provide water to the entire community. Unfortunately, while the plant had served the community well, recent problems had necessitated the construction of a new facility.

"This is the replacement," Chief Madahbee stated. He also commended current water treatment plant operator Dave Corbiere, who he likened to the television character 'MacGyver,' for being able to keep the original plant running "with duct tape and wire," he quipped.

Chief Madahbee pointed out that Chief Abotossaway had insisted when the original plant was constructed that the contractor utilize local manpower, the first time that had ever been done in the community.

"We've been doing it ever since," Chief Madahbee said. "I really commend our workforce that built this building. This has been an excellent project with an excellent project team."

Chief Madahbee also showered thanks upon the many people involved in the project, including Cecchetto and Sons Ltd., First Nations Engineering, United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Tech Services, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Health Canada, Howard Chambers, and Algoma-Manitoulin Member of Parliament (MP) Brent St. Denis. Most importantly, Chief Madahbee said the project was made possible due to band council's planning and cooperation.

"We've had so many people involved," he said.

"Our company is very proud to work with the member of AOK," stated Tony Cecchetto, of Cecchetto and Sons Ltd. "They basically built 80 percent of the building here. You should be proud."

"This was a great project to work on," confessed Craig Baker, of First Nations Engineering. "I think this project is an incredible sign of what you can do."

Howard Chambers indicated that he has been involved with AOK on a number of projects over the last 22 years, and he said the various chiefs and councils in that time have all been dedicated to bringing about projects like the new water treatment plant. He pointed out that water treatment has not always been a priority in many communities, but in light of Walkerton, many people have come to realize how important clean water is. He said he appreciated the opportunity to work with the community on projects like the new facility.

Elder Earnest 'Smitty' McGraw said he thought it was nice to see the many community members who turned out for the opening of the new water treatment plant. He pointed out that he was one of the workers who had helped to construct the community's original plant.

"I thought it was a wonderful thing to have running water in the community," Mr. McGraw said. He added that he has a few more visions for the community, such as a sewer system, a new school and a recreation complex.

"That is my dream, as an Elder of this community," he said. Mr. McGraw extended his thanks to all of the levels of government who helped to provide funding for the project.

"This is one of the biggest projects I have seen since I have been in this community," Mr. McGraw stated. "It is a wonderful thing to see. This community is growing. It's expanding, and we have all got to get together and make it work."

The new AOK water treatment plant is a slow sand filtration system. The facility includes a new water treatment plant, raw-water intake, a reservoir addition and a trunk water main. Construction on the project began last September.

Chief Madahbee explained that the band had considered several different models for water treatment, such as a microfiltration system similar to the one in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, but the decision was made to go with a system that was more user friendly.

"We stuck with what is tried, tested and true," Chief Madahbee said. Not only that, but he pointed out that operating a slow sand filtration system also requires less training than the operation of a microfiltration system.

by Michael Erskine

WIKWEMIKONG---An early morning Wikwemikong Tribal Police pursuit of a stolen car on Kaboni Road in Wikwemikong ended in tragedy in the early morning hours of June 5, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it rolled into a ditch resulting in numerous injuries and one fatality.

Jamie Pangowish, 15, of Sudbury, one of six occupants in the vehicle died of injuries sustained in the crash. The other five occupants remain in hospital being treated for the injuries they sustained.

The Ontario Provincial Police is conducting an independent investigation of the accident, at the request of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police. The Tribal police had requested the OPP Special Investigation Unit conduct the investigation into the accident, but the Tribal Police do not fall under the mandate of the SIU. The investigation is therefore being led by the OPP's North East Region Criminal Investigation Unit.

The vehicle in question had been reported stolen in Espanola earlier in the day. No charges have been laid and the incident is still under investigation. No other names of the occupants of the car have been released.