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A ribbon skirt is a handmade Indigenous garment, traditionally worn by First Nations and Métis women and girls for ceremonies and special occasions.

It features layers of colourful ribbons that symbolize identity, resilience, and connection to the Earth, and cultural pride. Jennifer Neiman is a master at creating Ribbon Skirts, and on Saturday, you can become one too.

Neiman is hosting her fourth Ribbon Skirt workshop at the Watson Art Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

This is where you'll learn how to make a Ribbon Skirt.

"When you pick your own colours and sew them yourself, it's more special," said Neiman. "Doing them yourself gives you a sense of accomplishment."

It's $110, and that includes all materials to create your Ribbon Skirt. 

"I teach you how to make it, and I'll teach you how to sew if you don't know how to," ended Neiman. "I even have extra sewing machines if you don't have your own."

If you do have a sewing machine, you're encouraged to bring your own. 

If you're interested, register here

The Parkland Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization created for the betterment of the business community and non-profit organizations in the Parkland.

It stretches from Winnipegosis to Ethelbert to Ste. Rose, and everywhere in between in the region.

Kamryn Winters is the executive director for the Chamber of Commerce. 

"It's like a club that can help people with different professional development workshops. There are lunch and learns, and great networking opportunities," said Winters. "It's a really good network of local businesses and non-profits that get together to share ideas and make the community a better place."

On September 8, Kamryn embarked on her newest journey as Executive Director. Previously, she spent eight years with Dauphin's Countryfest.

"It's been really good. It's very new to me," she added. "I'm slowly getting my feet wet. 2026 is going to be a big year."

When asked why 2026 is going to be a big year, Winters said the Chamber is in a transition year. They're soon moving to Edifice Engineering, which Winters says is a great thing.

"We're going to go through a re-shaping year. We're still doing all the lunch series and things we have in the past," added Winters. "Seeing what is missing and what we want to do more of. We want to make sure that we're tapping every market we can. We want to make sure people see the value in what we do."

A major event the Parkland Chamber of Commerce hosts is the Chamber Awards.

Awards this year will be given to the Business Person of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Appreciation and Individual, Outstanding Business, Side Hustle Business, and Start-Up Business. 

"There are many different awards, and you can go on our website to nominate anyone in the Parkland that fits in those categories," added Winters. "We want to make sure we recognize incredible individuals and businesses throughout the Parkland."

To nominate, head here

Awards Night is set for March 18.

"It's important to recognize all the work that different businesses, organizations, and community members are doing in the Parkland," ended Winters. "It's an exciting night. It's an opportunity for people to come and celebrate everything Parkland."

For everything that's going on with the Chamber, head here

More details have been provided on Tuesday morning's rollover.

The bus was carrying 14 students, aged 16 to 18, and one adult.

In a statement, Dr. Chris Christodoulou, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer of Shared Health and Treena Slate, Chief Executive Officer of Prairie Mountain Health, had the following to say.

"Our thoughts are with the students, families, and community members affected by this incident. We are working collaboratively to ensure appropriate medical care and mental health supports are in place for those involved," it read. 

15 patients attended the Swan Valley Health Centre for assessment and treatment. 

Four of the patients are being transported by air to the Health Sciences Centre in stable condition. Three of which will go to the Children's Hospital and one to the Adult Emergency. 

A family room has been created at the Swan Valley Health Centre. Mental health supports are on-site. Family members needing more information can call 734-3441.


Multiple children were treated for injuries at the scene and were taken to the hospital.

On Tuesday at 8:35 a.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a school bus that had rolled over while travelling on Highway 10, about 13 kilometres south of Mafeking.

Four patients suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries. 

More information will be provided when available. 

The Keystone Centre will be the hot bed for everything agriculture in seven days.

Manitoba Ag Days opens on Tuesday, January 20 in Brandon. The three-day event is Canada's largest indoor farm show. It'll include over 580 exhibitors with both indoor and outdoor displays at the Keystone Centre.

Teresa Hildebrand is the media coordinator with AG Days.

"So if you want to spend three days in January in a nice and warm environment looking at all the newest and greatest things in agriculture, AG Days is the place to be," said Hildebrand.

This year's complimentary speaking program features a great lineup with over 80 speakers and topics ranging from the latest disease and pest pressures to finding the best machinery deals and from calving season tips to predicting global markets.

Here is the entire schedule for the speaking series. 

"Our speaker program is one of the things that Manitoba AG Days is known for," continued Hildebrand. "We certainly have an amazing program this year. We would like to welcome everyone to the complimentary speaking theatres. There are two running all three days."

Back by popular demand is the Innovation Showcase. It features seven categories and 28 contenders. This is where you'll be able to see the newest and best products in agriculture firsthand and see how they might fit in your operation. Winners for the Innovation Showcase will be announced on Wednesday, January 21. 

"Really highlighting all of the things that are new and cutting edge in agriculture," ended Hildebrand. "We're also really proud to feature the "Produced on the Prairies" product. That's been the feature for the last several years. We're talking about the products, services, and people in our province that make agriculture great."

Single-day tickets are $15. You can get a three-day pass for $40. Youth aged 17 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult. The AG Days Gives Back 50/50 is nearing $2,000. Ticket sales end on January 23. 

Get your tickets for AG Days and the 50/50 here

Digital health cards have arrived in Manitoba.

If you have a mobile device, you can now apply for one. 

“Digital health cards put Manitobans in control of their own information, make it easier to access care, and support a safer, more responsive health system,” said Wab Kinew. “Over the past year, we’ve moved from paper health cards to plastic and now to a digital option. It is a practical step that reflects our focus on patient safety, accessibility and putting people first as we make health care better for families.”

Manitobans can also use MediNav. It's an online appointment-booking system launched this year. It allows you to find and book care at participating clinics across the province.

The digital health card allows you to carry your health card information on your phone.

This will create a safer and more efficient patient experience. 

Two men are facing a slew of charges after the Manitoba First Nations Police Service responded to a home invasion.

On Saturday at noon, officers responded to a home on Little Ridge Road South in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. The two men kicked in the door, demanded money, and assaulted another man. A cellphone was stolen before the men fled in a vhicle.

They were located later in the day at a home on the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. 

31-year-old Austin Pierce and 20-year-old Brennan Tyrone Mousseau face charges of assault, robbery, and others. 

It's one of the most picture-esque places to visit in Manitoba.

Riding Mountain National Park is where anyone can go to have fun. Whether you're looking to go on a walk, have a nice meal, or relax at the spa, RMNP has something for everyone.

"The park turns into a serene, winter wonderland, with frozen lakes, skating, and the wildlife," said Jennifer Gustafson, with Parks Canada. "You can go out and be the only person at Lake Audy seeing the bison, the winter birds. Just the beauty of being out there without all the large crowds."

RMountain1

Jennifer says RMNP is a special place in the winter. If you're a fan of cross-country skiing, you're covered. A gourmet meal? They got you as well.

"We have over 300 kilometres of winter trails for all skill levels. Snowshoeing, fat biking, winter walking, and ice fishing," she continued. "People have been skating out on the lakes. The campground is open year-round. We have six winterized O-Tentiks that all have wood stoves."

In the summer of 2025, the Canada Strong Pass was first introduced. It offers opportunities to discover and celebrate even more of what RMNP has to offer, free of charge. The Canada Strong Pass is still in effect until the end of the day on Friday. 

"This is a chance for everybody to come out and explore Riding Mountain in the winter," ended Gustafson. "There is also a 25 per cent discount on camping, which includes O-Tentiks. It's a good time to try that out. It's a super special place over the winter, and now's your time to visit for free."

You don't need a physical Canada Strong Pass; just visit RMNP, and get ready for an experience to remember. 

Twenty-eight snowmobile-related deaths have occurred in Manitoba over the past six years.

Four of those happened in 2025. As the snowmobile season is well underway in the province, the Manitoba RCMP want to wish everyone a happy winter on the trails.

They also want to ensure everyone is doing so safely. 

"From our perspective, too many snowmobile collisions that we respond to involve the same factors," said RCMP Staff Sgt. Matt Lavallee. "Often it's a combination of speed, alcohol, helmet use, and rider inexperience."

All riders under the age of 14 must have adult supervision. January and February have the highest fatality rates among snowmobilers in Manitoba. 

Snowmobiling is a great, fun, and fantastic way to enjoy Manitoban winters, and everyone should get home after their ride safely. 

"The most important way to prevent injury or a fatal collision is to wear an approved helmet," added Lavallee. "Too often we come across that helmets have not been in place. The result can be devastating."

Here are some tips to stay safe this winter when firing up your snowmobile.

  • Checking your snowmobile before leaving for any mechanical issues, including brakes, lights, fuel levels and engine performance;
  • Bringing along a fully charged cell phone, first-aid kit and essential repair tools, such as a spare belt, pull chord and spark plugs;
  • Planning routes ahead of time and sharing travel details with someone at home; and
  • Wearing warm, layered clothing, insulated gloves, a windproof jacket, snowpants and a snowmobile helmet that’s been properly fitted.

Once out on the trails, riders should:

  • Maintain a safe speed, stay alert, and be courteous to other riders;
  • Dress appropriately for conditions and safety, including wearing a helmet at all times;
  • Watch for hidden obstructions like rocks, fences, culverts, guywires and abrupt terrain changes beneath the snow; and
  • Cross highways and roads safely and in compliance with local laws. 

There will be RCMP officers on the trails throughout the winter months enforcing laws.

"Often you'll see the RCMP and Manitoba Resources patrolling together," continued Lavallee. "We intend to make sure everybody has safe and enjoyable access to the trails in our province."

Speaking of safety, being sober is always the safest way to operate your snowmobile. If you decide to operate while under the influence, you could hurt yourself, someone you know, or, in the worst case, cause a fatality.

On top of that, if you're caught, you will face a hefty penalty.

"The same criminal penalties and provincial penalties ranging from fines to license suspensions to jail time apply equally to motor vehicles as they do off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles," ended Lavallee.

The Dauphin & District Snowmobile Club was named the Outstanding Club for 2025. So if you're riding in the area, you're in for a treat. 

The province is investing $230,400 to support French-language mathematics education for students in grades 1 through 9. 

The funding ensures students in French and French immersion programs can continue accessing the Netmath online platform for the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 school years.

Education and Early Childhood Learning minister Tracy Schmidt says strong math skills are essential to student success, and the government is committed to providing French-language educators and students with the best tools available

Netmath is a Canadian-developed, fully bilingual platform aligned with Manitoba’s mathematics curriculum.

The investment will support about 12,000 students and their teachers annually across Manitoba’s French and French immersion programs.

Almost two years after a man was stabbed and killed outside of the Swan River EMS Building, the matter is still making its way through the courts. 

One of the accused, 42-year-old Tyrone Guiboche, was back in Swan River Provincial Court this past Wednesday. 

He faces one count of manslaughter, and is due back in court  on February 4th.

Meanwhile, a Swan River man arrested in connection with a report of shots fired last month outside of a home on the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation was also back in court.

34-year-old Joshua Stevens faces sseveral charges and has been remanded back into custody until February 18th. 

A byelection has been planned for March 17th to fill a vacancy on Town of Carberry council. 

The vacancy came about after Councillor Mike Sudak stepped down in early December. 

Nomination papers are now available at the Town of Carberry office and must be turned back in by February 9th.

No date has been set yet for advanced voting in case only one or no candidates come forward.