Sustainability - Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

W o o d

b u f f a l o

BigSpirit He swings his

wings Fort McMurray pilot stands out at high altitudes

Sustainability in Motion Going Green

Bold spirit scales Kilimanjaro

Welcome to Fort McMurray,

Celebrity City

contents

Contents Photos: Clockwise, Curtis Comeau, Curtis Comeau, Paul Jen, Curtis Comeau, Curtis Comeau

C o v e r S Its os ure y5

Cover 32 He Swing His Wings

Fort McMurray pilot stands out at high altitudes by Myra Ross

Features

Columns

8 Sustainability in motion

4 Message from the Mayor

The Greening of Wood Buffalo, One Bus at a Time by Myra Ross

14 The city that inspires success by Kyla Getty

15 Adventurous Spirit Attains the Summit 13-year-old Maria Fustic sees the world from an exclusive vantage point by Nolan Haukeness

19 Sport: Building a Lasting Legacy

Wood Buffalo’s 2015 Games Committee by Kiran Malik-Khan

21 Fort McMurray: The Growing Celebrity City

Big-time celebrities and superstars light up Fort McMurray by Monica Leslie

25 Teaching Life’s Lesson Through Art

Moving Forward! by Melissa Blake

5 IN THE COMMUNITY

Wood Buffalo skates away with prestigious award; Connecting with Culture; Future Forward Place; TED-inspired video explains The Municipal Development Plan; Municipal Watch Program launched; MACOY barbecue

7 True or False

Big Spirit: Sustainability

34 Back Page Special

Big Spirit of the Past: William McMurray

Artist uses a vibrant palette for the ABCs

Editor's Note

by Myra Ross

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association would like to point out that the article entitled ‘The science behind studying air quality’ that appeared in the spring edition of Big Spirit was changed from the submitted version. The original article may be found on the WBEA website at www.wbea.org

28 The Diverse, Vibrant Voices of Fort McMurray Newcomers find abundant resources to help them communicate and connect by Monica Leslie

On the Cover: Michael Plouffe flies above downtown Fort McMurray in his Pitts Special biplane. Photo by Kelly Gerke Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 3

F RO M T H E M a y o r

Moving forward! Most appropriately, the Western Cities Conference hosted by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in September was named ‘The Amazing Pace: Building an Organization, Building a Community!’ Almost everything in our great region, from roads to school facilities to community programming, is in the process of either being built from the ground up or revitalized. This pace and progress are in alignment with the implementation of our new Municipal Development Plan, our roadmap for the next 20 years. And while growth and progress are the benchmarks of our future, they cannot surpass or match the significance of our commitment to sustainability. The thing that stood out most about this publication’s articles and themes was their demonstrations of Big Spirit and innovation and our aspirations for a healthy and balanced economic, environmental and collaborative future, not only for our region, but for the world beyond. The unprecedented collaboration between local government and industry with respect to eliminating gridlock and enhancing our transportation efficiencies is one of the most refreshing developments we are witnessing. This initiative is a striking counterbalance to concerns about our carbon footprint and how we can do together what we cannot do separately. It is Big Spirit in motion. Undoubtedly, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo seems to attract and nurture the adventurous among us and that is certainly evidenced by the amazing achievement of 13-year-old Maria Fustic. In climbing Kilimanjaro, while fundraising for children in Africa, she demonstrates the type of character and vision that we value as Canadians – and the initiative and spirit of giving that sets Wood Buffalo apart. And, looking ahead, there will be a very long list of tasks as we proudly prepare to host the 2015 Summer Games, a recreational event that will draw more than 2,500 youth, their coaches, family members and friends to our region. Our region’s reputation as a community of volunteers will be put to the test. This undertaking cannot possibly be a success without the support of our residents. As the first northern community to be privileged to host the Games, we are looking forward to providing participants with experiences to last a lifetime. These stories tell us more about who we are, what we value and what we are doing to sustain our natural and human resources. Sincerely,

bi g S p i r i t Issue 5

Melissa Blake, Mayor

editor M yra Ross [email protected]

art director K athleen Regan-Vandermoer [email protected] copy editor Bert Vandermoer [email protected]

4 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 5

Bigspirit is published by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca. We acknowledge the financial support of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, toward our mailing and editorial costs. Our environmental policy is available at www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca. Bigspirit is printed in Canada. © 2011 by Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Bigspirit receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. Bigspirit, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials/pitches submitted by freelance writers, photographers or illustrators in accordance with known industry practices. PHOTOCOPYING: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher or, in case of photocopying or other reprographic copying, a licence from Access Copyright.

i n t h e c o mmu n i t y

> Wood Buffalo

skates away with prestigious award

M

Photo by Myra Ross

ayor Melissa Blake proudly accepted the Outstanding Achievement Award for the Fort

Chipewyan ice initiative at the 2011 Minister of Municipal Affairs’ Awards of Excellence at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) convention held in Calgary Sept. 28-30. Fort Chipewyan’s Archie Simpson Arena’s synthetic ice was cited as a leading practice by the AUMA. A practical, economical and environmentally friendly alternative, synthetic ice was installed at the Archie Simpson Arena to provide increased, year-round recreational opportunities for the residents. “Our Municipality prides itself on innovation and to be recognized by the Province… is an honour,” Mayor Blake said on accepting the award. “I am especially proud of our Municipal employees who thought outside the box to respond to the needs of our residents.” When the NHL-sized rink opened in 2010, it attracted considerable media attention and the Municipality has been approached by other Canadian communities to offer insight into its experience with synthetic ice.

Four of approximately 40 participants at the Cultural Crossroads workshop collaborated to define ‘Cultural Competency’. From left to right are: Linda Ryan, Wood Buffalo Police Services, Mary Thomas, Keyano College Corporate Training, Marguerite Bloem, Wood Buffalo Planning and Carole Bouchard, Wood Buffalo Community Services.

> Connecting with Culture

W

ood Buffalo is noted for its cultural diversity, which was the focus of a Cultural Crossroads Workshop at the Merit Hotel on Oct. 6. Hosted by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and facilitated by the Centre of Race and Culture (CRC) the workshop explored cultural competency, diversity and inclusion practices in Alberta today. Ricardo Carlos and Ian Mathieson, CRC associate directors, engaged with the audience of 42 participants on how to maximize the advantages and minimize the challenges of working with a diverse workforce. Canada is often viewed internationally as a benchmark of cultural diversity.

“The world is looking at Canada as the experiment on multiculturalism,” Ricardo Carlos said. “It hasn’t worked well in other countries because it hasn’t really been thought about and talked about.” Carlos, a light-skinned man, said that when he opens his mouth and others hear his accent, people are taken aback. And then, when he says he’s from Mexico, people are even more perplexed. “They say I don’t look like a Mexican,” says Carlos, “but what does a Mexican look like?” Touchy topics such as racism were also discussed. Racism was defined as any action or practice conscious or subconscious, backed by a systematic or institutional power that subordinates people predominantly based on their colour or other physical attributes.

>F uture Forward Place

T

he newly renovated Municipal storefront at 9717 Franklin Ave., with its open space design as the new work centre for

Comprehensive Planning (long-term planning), officially opened its doors to the public in September with a traditional ribboncutting ceremony. Shown left to right are: Rick Stuckenberg, Acting Manager of Community Development, Planning and Development; Glen Laubenstein, Chief Administrative Officer; Mayor Melissa Blake; Dr. Samuel Alatorre, Director, Planning and Development; and Francisco Bermejo, Acting Manager of Comprehensive Planning, Planning and Development. Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 5

i n t h e c o mmu n i t y

> TED-inspired video explains The Municipal Development Plan Municipal employees will be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.

>M unicipal Watch Program launched

W

O

n Oct. 25, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo adopted The Municipal Development Plan (MDP), its vision for the future and the guidelines necessary for sustainability, building economic resilience and managing the region’s projected tremendous growth over the next two decades. To keep residents and stakeholders informed about the MDP, the region created a TED-inspired video that explains the MDP in a matter of minutes. To view the video, go to http://www.youtube. com/rmwbwebmaster#p/a/u/0/jAJxoRCsKfc

ood Buffalo employees are adding a new chapter to a proven success story. It’s called the Municipal Watch Program (an adaptation of City Watch), which is already helping to clean up neighbourhoods in more than 27 municipalities in B.C. The premise is that Municipal employees often observe suspicious activities throughout the community during their daily routines and that it is in the interests of public safety for those observations to be directed to the proper authorities. And, following launch speeches at the Jubilee Centre on Sept. 21 by Mayor Melissa Blake, RCMP Sgt. Scott Bell and Della Kerfont, vice-president, Cupe Local 1505, staff and passersby enjoyed a BBQ of hamburgers and hot dogs hosted by Local 1505.

“We as CUPE members are proud to give back to the community where we work and live,” said Della Kerfont, the Full-Time Officer of Cupe Local 1505. “The idea is to help the RCMP in reducing crime and making our community a safer place for our families.” Through the program, employees will be given special training (that takes approximately 15 minutes) on how to watch and report suspicious or criminal activities. All Municipal vehicles will have the program instructions and report forms that enable employees to describe the ‘Who, What, When, Where, Why and How’ of any incidents that cause concern, as well as other details, such as vehicle licence plate numbers and descriptions of individuals of interest.

> MACOY barbecue

Members of the 2011 Mayor’s Advisory Committee On Youth gathered with Mayor Melissa Blake to enjoy a barbecue at the end of their very active year. Two among the group received awards from the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce in October. Brooke McMillan received the Leaders of Tomorrow Award and Max Weinberger received the Xceptional Kidz Award. The purpose of MACOY is to empower youth to become actively engaged citizens who have a voice in decisions that affect them. MACOY members are champions of the community who work to improve the quality of life of all citizens. Shown in the photo are: Back Row (L-R): Lase Baiyewun, Julie Dolmont (Advisor), Michée-Ana Hamilton, Fareeha Salahuddin, Fardosa Hersi, Sara Naser, Abhi Shah, Dillon Hargreaves, Elias Leon, Lei Sheng, Brooke McMillan (Alumni), Mayor Melissa Blake. Front Row: Norma Shaw (Advisor), Saharsh Shah, Akash Gupta, Max Weinberger. 6 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 5

True or False

Big Spirit: Sustainability Take the quiz and find out what is being done to support sustainability.

1

Sustainability: Local government has no power when it comes to supporting

sustainability within the region. FALSE: In 2010, Council adopted Envision Wood Buffalo, a development plan that highlights, promotes and ensures sustainability in Municipal governance and operations. It also adopted a bylaw that required the elimination of ‘oneshop’ plastic bags being used at most retail outlets. Other ‘sustainability’ measures include the approval of bus lanes, bike paths and Leeds-level (green) standard for Municipal facilities.

2

Water: The Oil & Gas Industry uses too much water, a diminishing, finite resource.

FALSE: For example, in 2009, irrigation and agriculture represented 44 per cent of the total provincial allocations, while the oil sands industry made up seven per cent. And not all of that water was used; it uses less than one-third of its total water allocation per year.

3

Economy: Only Alberta benefits from Oil Sands development.

FALSE: Although Alberta receives about 94 per cent of the economic benefits from oil sands, the economic impact across Canada is significant.

4

Shelter Affordability: Families cannot consider settling in Wood Buffalo because

of the high cost of real estate. FALSE: Wood Buffalo residents enjoy incomes 95 per cent higher than

6

Rich Culture: Wood Buffalo is a place where diversity flourishes.

the national average and the estimated 2011 household expenditure on

TRUE: Wood Buffalo has six First Nations peoples (Smith’s Landing

shelter is $27,884. Sixty-four per cent of households in Wood Buffalo

First Nation was created recently) residing within its political

have an income over $100,000; the average household projected income

boundaries as well as seven Métis groups. Aboriginal awareness

for 2011 is $177,634.

orientations are offered to municipal employees within the first year of

5

their hire; the municipality also frequently hosts workshops on diversity Inclusive: The oil sands respects the cultural diversity

within the community since diversity of population is no longer a goal,

of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

it is the reality. Numerous local service agencies provide support to

TRUE: In 2010, oil sands companies contracted more than $1.3 billion

newcomers from around the globe in order to improve intercultural

for goods and services from Aboriginal-owned businesses.

communication and experiences. Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 7

S u s t a i n ab i l i t y S t o r y

Su


S u s t a i n ab i l i t y S t o r y

ustainability in Motion Photo Credit: tk

The Greening of Wood Buffalo, One Bus at a Time by Myra Ross

One cold winter morning, a 29-year-old site worker living in a residential neighbourhood in Timberlea in Fort McMurray is finishing his morning cup of coffee. At 6:05 a.m., Mike picks up his smartphone to find out whether he has enough time for a second cup of brew before his bus arrives.

Photo by Curtis Comeau

2013

Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 9

s u s t a i n ab i l i t y S t o r y

Sustainability for Wood Buffalo… The Municipality’s understanding of sustainability is derived from Envision Wood Buffalo 2010, a development plan for the future. “We strive to find balance in our economic, environmental, cultural and social systems and to live within their natural limits. We make decisions that reflect an understanding of the interdependence of these systems and consider residents’ long-term needs to ensure the resources of today are sustainable into the future.”

In real time, he learns that it will be

Bob Willard, the Canadian ‘guru’

arriving at the heated hub about 50 yards

on the business value of corporate

from his house in exactly eight minutes.

sustainability, has not only considered it,

As he stands up to pour himself another

but reached a conclusion. in Adult Education and sustainability

Mayor Melissa Blake, a sustainability champion

as well as 11 years’ experience as the

Mayor Melissa Blake has led Council

paperwork and chat with some of his

manager of Management Development

during a number of sustainability

Toronto friends during the 54 minutes it

at IBM Canada, observed during his

studies over the past decade, including

will take to get to site.

keynote speaker presentation in May

Future Forward, Envision Wood

at the Sawridge Hotel that there is no

Buffalo, the freshly coined Municipal

He doesn’t buy car insurance. He doesn’t

impediment for Wood Buffalo to become a

Development Plan (MDP), which

stop for gas, oil changes or winter tires. He

showcase of sustainability for the nation.

charts development for the next 20

coffee for the outdoor dash, he tucks his computer under his arm. He plans to finish off some project

Mike doesn’t have a truck payment.

travels Wood Buffalo by foot (groceries),

Willard, who has an MEd and a PhD

And if planning, commitment by

years, and the newly introduced City

bus (work and the downtown core), bicycle

government, industry and corporate

Centre Action Program (CCAP), which

(the park and riverside trails) and car pool

decision-makers and a shared sense

envisions a car-less, pedestrian-friendly

(Edmonton and points south).

of purpose can make that happen, the

downtown core noted for its diversity of

municipality that encompasses Canada’s

shopping experiences and as a place to

to more quickly pay off his mortgage

oil sands will not only greatly reduce

walk, relax, meet others and socialize.

and enjoy the ease and simplicity

its escalating carbon footprint over

Along with the Mayor and Council, the

of his transit-centred, sustainable

the coming decades, but also receive

municipality’s Chief Administrative

lifestyle.

accolades for the region’s resilience,

Officer Glen Laubenstein, the

self-sufficiency and quality of life. In

Provincial government and industry

fact, every significant stakeholder in

stakeholders such as Suncor, Syncrude,

the region is anticipating the prospect

Albion Sands Shell, and CNRL are now

Who would imagine that the economic

of redirecting Wood Buffalo and the oil

participating in ongoing collaboration

engine of Canada could possibly

sands from its controversial reputation

on the first of many steps to enhanced

contemplate becoming known for its

as a C02 generator to that of a C02

sustainability, an integrated

sustainability?

footprint reducer.

transportation network.

He prefers to spend his money

Showcase of sustainability


Municipal co-workers and neighbours are now car poolers! Looking chic in a red convertible are, left to right, front to back: Laura Lee Sampson, Cathy Stewart, Julie Nason and Steve Durk.

Syncrude and other industry stakeholders

In addition to encouraging

Collaborative Initiatives

employees to leave their vehicles at

The municipality has implemented many

Leroy Van Wieren, vice president of

home and take the bus, another way

new initiatives, including dedicated bus

Project Development & Execution at

that Syncrude can contribute to moving

priority lanes to be constructed

Syncrude, doesn’t recall when industry

people to buses is making bus travel a

in Timberlea and Thickwood,

and the Municipality last worked as

more pleasant experience by ensuring

15 heated bus shelters by 2013, ongoing

collaboratively and he’s been with the oil

that workers understand ‘bus etiquette’,

transit schedule changes making it

company since 1981.

he adds.

more efficient and customer-oriented,

“We are asking people to be

more rider-friendly transit buses that

courteous to their fellow passengers

are branded ‘WOOSH A Ride Worth

initiatives that I was not involved with,”

when travelling by bus,” he explains.

Taking’ and the announcement in

says Van Wieren.

“When someone hits a fellow

September that all transit for municipal

As the co-chair of Syncrude’s

passenger in the back of the head with a

employees is free, which not only serves

Transportation Committee, Van

backpack, or puts the seat down so that

to lighten traffic congestion, but also

Wieren has four goals: “To keep

it lands in another person’s lap, there’s

frees up downtown parking, which is at

transportation times to and from

little comfort.

a premium.

the Syncrude sites to a minimum;

“So there are things you should do

“There are certain triggers to get

to minimize the interruption to site

when you travel by transit. In addition

people from their vehicles to the bus,”

production; to engage stakeholders to

to trying to improve transit reliability

Smith adds. “When the bus is quicker

align on solutions; to be involved in the

(for our workers), we’re taking steps to

than the car, you’ll take the bus. When

design of our work and the decisions

make the experience more comfortable

you know you’ll be home from work

that affect Syncrude.”

for everyone.”

every day at 5:05, you’ll take the bus.


“Unless it was during the Oil Sands Task Force or, perhaps, during other



Moving Wood Buffalo transit forward to greater efficiencies are, left to right, Samuel Alatorre, Director, Wood Buffalo Planning and Development; Carolyn Wozniak, Wood Buffalo Transit and Kevin Stinson, VP of Pacific Western Transit.

And if you have creature comforts like

workers from the same boarding areas

Manitoba, the home of New Flyer, the

a Y5 connection so that the bus equates

to the same destinations, there are

international manufacturer of low, high

with productivity, it becomes a ride of

opportunities for enhanced efficiencies.

and alternate fuel transit buses, and the

“The biggest step forward is that

former CAO of Kingston, Ontario, the

Transit must and shall become

we’re all at the same table and we’re

home of Bombardier, the largest supplier

convenient, reliable and predictable –

all speaking the same language: The

of light rail in the world, Laubenstein

and that will only be the beginning,

goal of sustainability is the same for

has limited tolerance for gridlock and

according to Sam Alatorre, Wood

everybody.

an astute, enthusiastic appreciation of

Buffalo’s Director of Planning and Development. “This is only the first stepping stone to getting us to an integrated transit network

“The conversations between the municipality and industry are progressing very rapidly.”

innovation. “The municipality is collaborating with industry, school boards and Keyano College, and with itself, because

transportation expert Sam Zimmerman

CAO Glen Laubenstein: Focused on the Future

here during the MDP process to talk about

Municipal CAO Glen Laubenstein

trains and then come to a full stop,” says

an integrated corridor system and it’s

clearly remembers the day that traffic

Laubenstein.

evident that whether it’s a municipal or an

northward to Suncor and Syncrude was

industry bus, it should be seamless to me

backed up southward to the Sawridge

traction on yet and one that I think is a

as a rider.”

Hotel. “It was brutal,” he recalls.

big plus, is Car Pool dot com, a software

and system,” explains Alatorre. “We had

Clearly, when the municipality and industry stakeholders are operating bus systems to convey residents and 12 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 5

He definitely plans to change that scenario. As the former CAO of Winnipeg,

too often when we think of greening transportation we jump to buses and

“But the one we haven’t had any real

program available in a lot of cities. “With it, you can find out if there’s anybody going by with an empty seat,


choice from an industry standpoint.”


and if we can get four people in a municipal vehicle to get people to and from work, they won’t need second cars in their garages. “There will be fewer and fewer single-occupant vehicles. We may look at carpooling our municipal car fleet with other government agencies so we get greater value from them. We have opportunities to do all kinds of things that are all a part of greening transportation initiatives.”

Wood Buffalo, the Generation Y mecca Greening Wood Buffalo’s transportation system is likely to be embraced more comprehensively by resident riders than in other urban areas in Canada and North America because of demographics. The mean age of Wood Buffalo residents is 31 and one of the largest generational groups ranges in age from 20 to 29. While social and economic status for 40 to 60-year-old adults may be a sleek Mercedes or a fully outfitted Hummer or Dodge Ram, Gen Ys aren’t as grounded in dinosauric, four-wheeled symbols of success. “It’s the young people who will change things,” Smith continues. “They’ll get on board with convenient, predictable, fast transit and they’ll drive it. “We’re trying to serve that Photo by Curtis Comeau

generation. That’s who will consolidate this city for the future. “The new status has to do with the environment and our quality of life and not the type of vehicle you’re driving today. “The Gen Ys are the people who will make the difference.”

The Province of Alberta recently enacted its ‘Distracted Driving’ legislation, which makes it illegal to text or talk on cellphones while driving a vehicle. Meanwhile, Wood Buffalo’s new buses can be used as mobile offices and ‘connectivity’ coaches, features that should lure Gen Y commuters and others to public transit. Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 13

s u cc e s s S t o r y

The city that inspires by Kyla Getty

T

success ago, we jumped! Moving here, we left

anyone feel important, this experience

he beauty of life is that there

behind the only home we’d ever known in

provided so much more. From a rocky

are no two faces the same.

BC’s lower mainland. Like many, we had

beginning in Fort McMurray to being

Each face we see is that of

BIG dreams for my husband’s career.

recognized for my magazine’s success

an individual, with distinct

However, the birth of McMurray

only six months later, I couldn’t help

preferences, plans and, ultimately, paths.

Girl (the magazine I now publish) was

but feel as though I had come full circle.

And in Fort McMurray, we are not only

the direct result of inspiration from this

How fortunate are we all to live in a place

supported as we pursue our goals, but we

flourishing community.

where everything is super-charged…

are also applauded as we achieve them.

Our arrival did not prove to be

The Regional Municipality of Wood

seamless, however. In what felt like

including the road to success! My story is just one of 21 examples. In

Buffalo’s ‘The Faces of Fort McMurray

a ‘Comedy of Errors’, we faced four

a city known to many for only one thing,

Project’ celebrates people who make our

additional moves within Fort McMurray:

there is an abundance of opportunity

region unique. The series of digital stories

accommodations falling through, a suite

beyond what the eye can see. Fort

shines a spotlight on our diversity. It is a

flood and limited funds were all hurdles

McMurray is a city where people come to

collection of the stories of 21 very different

that we faced as we got our footing.

succeed, but the best successes come from

individuals. Each has thrived in Fort

What was seamless, however, was our

those who seek their own paths – doing

McMurray – each in his or her own way.

integration into this warm community –

what it is that inspires THEM.

When I was approached to be one of these ‘faces’, I was both honoured and proud to have the opportunity to

a community whose warmth withstands minus 40 degree weather! With that in mind, it’s only a

Those who reach for their own inspiration can create the life of their dreams – in ANY circumstance. And,

spread my personal, positive message.

coincidence that the man who I worked

After all, MY life’s path has taken some

with on my segment of the ‘Faces of Fort

unpredictable twists and turns.

McMurray’ project’s name is Sunshine!

Kyla Getty is a freelance writer based

And while being followed and photo-

in Fort McMurray. See her at

journalled like a celebrity would make

www.facesoffortmcmurray.ca

When the opportunity to move to Fort McMurray arose just over one year 14 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 5

Fort McMurray is just the place to do it.

AdventurousSpirit

Adventurous

spirit

attains the summit 13-year-old Maria Fustic sees the world from an exclusive vantage point

N

by Nolan Haukeness

ot many people have seen the view from the top of the world, let alone at the age of 13. Maria Fustic, though, is not your average, everyday

teenager.

When speaking with her, it’s easily forgotten that she became

a teenager not so long ago. Most girls her age are either obsessing over the latest boy band or busy hanging out at the mall. She is wise beyond her years and her ability to channel a ‘can-do’ attitude into awe-inspiring accomplishment is growing as fast as she is. Perhaps that can be attributed to the fact that she has travelled Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 15

AdventurousSpirit

Above and right: Maria Fustic during her ascent. Top right: Cheering at the summit are: Maria (arms outstretched), her father, Milovan Fustic, PhD (blue and beige jacket), their guides Silvano and Abel and an unidentified porter.

more than most 50-year-olds and that she has already done some incredible things, including swimming inside a volcano in Iceland, climbing the Stromboli volcano in Italy, and seeing wildebeest migrate in Africa. But to Maria, there has been no experience better than seeing the clouds in the air below her from the peak of

her father, who accompanied her on her

they packed for the climb were not

Mount Kilimanjaro.

quest, they regularly visited the Rocky

suitable.

When the idea to climb Africa’s

Mountains to become acclimatized to

“It was weird because at the bottom

highest peak came up, Maria decided

higher altitudes. The father-daughter

of the mountain it is a rainforest and

that she wanted to climb for more than

team also went to his 37th-floor office

you can wear shorts, but at the top of the

the experience and the challenge. She

every day and climbed up the stairs three

mountain, it drops to minus 15 and even

had always wanted to raise money for a

times.

the special wool jackets we purchased

charity, especially one that helps children

And they were probably fast trips,

in Africa. So she settled on Malaria

since Maria may be a natural ‘A’ for

Bites which, through the Red Cross, has

athlete personality.

provided more than 7 million mosquito

“I put up the fastest 400-metre time in

nets in 12 African countries and made

Fort McMurray last year in my age group,

significant inroads in fighting the disease.

but I don’t really practise running. I just

Thinking about those she could help through the climb, her training and conditioning began in earnest. While Maria stayed in Calgary with 16 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 5

were not going to be warm enough, so we had to rent some,” Maria continues. Looking up from the mountain’s base, the clouds served as suspended benchmarks. “You see the mountain but you can’t

show up the day of the meet and do it,”

see the top because it is covered by clouds.

she says.

It was strange to think that we would be

When Maria and her father arrived in Africa, they were told that the clothes

above the clouds,” Maria adds. The climb to the top of Kilimanjaro

AdventurousSpirit

with her dad took six days, resilience and persistence. Accompanying them were two guides, a cook and four porters to carry gear. The water they drank came from mountain streams before being boiled and sterilized. Climbing Kilimanjaro definitely carried a margin of risk. Several people have lost their lives during climbs, but for Maria, who has asthma, it was just another challenge to overcome. Meanwhile, just in case the air became too thin for her as they approached the summit, her father paid the porters extra to carry up oxygen bottles. The climb proved to be difficult at times, but Maria reveals that there were thoughts that kept her going. “Knowing that I did this to try and save kids’ lives, knowing that soon I would be at the top and also that I had promised to get my picture taken at the summit with a sign from each of the businesses that donated more than $500 to the charity, I couldn’t let them down.” When describing the feeling she experienced when she reached the summit, it is almost as though she is still in awe. “I almost cried when we made it,” she recalls. “It was emotional, it was just really good.” Fort McMurray’s youngest mountain climber says she would like to do it again, but she has no plans to

Maria is currently a Grade 9 student at a Public School in Fort McMurray.

challenge Al Hancock, who was the 13th Mount Everest. I’m not that much of an

as Fort McMurray’s most accomplished

adrenaline junkie.”

mountain climber. “I could do it again,” Maria says. “It was the most amazing experience of

While she may not be an adrenaline

Postscript:

junkie, she certainly has the best ‘What I

So far Maria has raised more than

did on my summer vacation’ story.

$13,000 for Malaria Bites. You can

my life. Our guides were great; I would love to have them again. I would love

Nolan Haukeness is a freelance writer

to climb other mountains too, but not

based in Fort McMurray.

help her cause by visiting www.redcross.ca/mariafustic


Canadian to climb the Seven Summits


Gam e s S t o r y

Sport:

Building a lasting legacy

Wood Buffalo’s 2015 Games Committee must meet competition requirements by Kiran Malik-Khan

“If

you build it, they will come,” says a voice that novice farmer Ray Kinsella hears in the blockbuster movie ‘Field of Dreams.’

And never have those words been truer than in the case of the Wood

Buffalo Summer Games 2015. From Jersey Day to the massive pep

rally, Wood Buffalo showed its Big Spirit and impressed all the members of the Provincial Selection Committee with the result that Cindy Ady, Alberta Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, granted the games to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Held every four years, this will be the first time the Western Canada Summer Games are hosted in a northern community. Slated for August 2015, the 10-day event will see more than 2,500 participants in 18 different sports. Targeting athletes ranging in ages from 11 to 17, the region will host guests from all over Canada including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Alberta, so the Wood Buffalo 2015 Games Committee is now working hard to secure facilities, which will benefit the region on multiple levels. Two major sports requiring buildings are rowing and beach volleyball. With specific requirements for both, the Games Committee is still deliberating whether permanent or temporary facilities need to be built. “Rowing, canoeing, and kayaking are a significant part of the games, and we don’t have


Gam e s S t o r y

Jeff Fitzner and Sally Lockhart are turning their passion for building community and capacity into a legacy for the future.

Lockhart says the group is working

Fitzner, Chair of the Wood Buffalo

closely with the local rowing club to

Summer Games 2015 Committee. “We

determine the longevity of the facility.

have proposed Gregoire Lake as the

“We have $500,000 allocated for this.

and built the facility there,” explains Lockhart. As for beach volleyball, plans are still under discussion with Keyano to

location for these events as it meets the

We need to work with the local rowing

ascertain whether the beach volleyball

requirements.”

club, who are the experts, to ensure the

facility will be temporary or permanent.

same system as national and international

The Games Committee has allocated

rowing events is used,” she explains.

$80,000 for two potential courts at the

Fitzner says the requirements for rowing include a 2,000-metre course, which needs to be 2.9 metres deep.

If the committee opts for a permanent

College. The requirements needed to

He adds that the new facility will

rowing facility, it will be a multi-sport one,

be met for the courts will include a

assist in creating a stronger sporting

fully equipped to accommodate kayaking,

specific sort of sand which, according

infrastructure for future athletes.

canoeing, and dragon boat racing.

to Volleyball Canada, needs to be a

Sally Lockhart agrees. She is the

“Leduc emerged as a model for the

“minimum of 40 cm deep, not compacted

administrator for the Games Committee

multi-use facility when Strathcona

and must be level and uniform (regularly

and also a recreation coordinator for the

County hosted the 2007 games. They

raked).”

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

formed a partnership with Leduc

“This could be a partnership, or the


a facility for them yet,” explains Jeff


Gam e s S t o r y

committee could undertake it as a capital

“This is about creating a sustainable

project. It’s not an overwhelming project,”

sport environment for our youth. The

continues Fitzner.

priority is to leave a lasting legacy. If

He adds beach volleyball is rapidly

to mentor and build capacity within the community for the next games. “We want to be able to leave a legacy

we can give them these facilities to

to pursue national and international

gaining popularity due to its low

train in, maybe we can send them to

sports events. This is not only great for the

maintenance nature.

the next Games” notes Fitzner, who is

community, but also for tourism. With

the President of the Casman Group of

2,300 athletes come 2,300 sets of parents.

Companies.

Everyone will hear about our region

“It takes only four people. We have four high schools, Keyano College and long summer nights in Wood Buffalo. There is a lot of potential.” Additionally, he briefly touched on

Both Fitzner and Lockhart visited

and see how diverse, vibrant, young and

Kamloops this summer to shadow the

giving our community is. The facilities

2011 Summer Games hosted there. They

are a bonus,” said Lockhart.

running and the possibility of creating a

say while Kamloops was impressive, they

100- or 220-metre indoor track and field. The

are confident Wood Buffalo can also do a

Wood Buffalo include the 1992 Alberta

substantial benefit for the community would

great job.

Winter Games, the 2003 Alberta Senior

be allowing athletes to train year-round. “We have so many accomplished

At the end of the day, Lockhart says, the Games are not about building

Previous multi-sport events hosted in

Games and the 2004 Arctic Winter Games.

facilities, but building a sports structure

This will level the playing field. We can

in the region from the grassroots up to

Kiran Malik-Khan is a freelance writer

cultivate their talents.

an elite level. The goal, she emphasizes, is

based in Fort McMurray.

Photo by Chris Salvo

runners and eight months of winter.

MacDonald Island Park is hosting many of the sports events for the games. 20 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 5

citylights

Canada’s ‘Do it Right’ man Mike Holmes

Fort McMurray:

The Growing Celebrity City Big-time celebrities and superstars light up Fort McMurray

T

here’s something happening in Wood Buffalo. Once described as an isolated northern municipality that encompasses Canada’s oil sands, the Municipality is seeing a shift in perception. The shift has come from within, spurred on by the needs of the people who live here, who want more than a

busy life of work. Anywhere you go, culture and recreation are being delivered as an escape from the of high-quality concert venues, community events and recreation facilities, as well as dedicated event planners, Wood Buffalo is bringing in the top entertainment acts that

by Monica Leslie

you expect to find in any metropolitan city. This development has served to show that

Photo by Paul Jen

long hours of work that normally define life in Fort McMurray. With the emergence


citylights

KISS member Gene Simmons strikes his famous pose on stage at MacDonald Island Park.

but Holmes is quite down to earth and

make money, but also an excellent place

he apparently expects others – no matter

to call home and to enjoy all that it has to

what their office – to be there as well.

offer. And it offers a lot more than you’d think. If you are a Canadian and you watch HGTV, you know the ‘do it right’ man. Mike Holmes, the keynote speaker

Holmes said he was pleasantly

entertainment here.” The importance of having the infrastructure to host world-class concerts such as July’s KISS concert as

surprised at the thriving community of

well as successful sport events such as

Fort McMurray.

the outdoor Northern Classic is huge.

Citing the explosive growth, the

MacDonald Island, along with all the

natural beauty and the welcoming

other cultural and recreational facilities

attitude of residents, he said he was

in Fort McMurray, has exposed the

at the September Western Cities

going to tell everyone about ‘the real Fort

community to a vibrant, dynamic lifestyle

Conference, ‘The Amazing Pace:

McMurray.’

that was not prevalent before.

Building an Organization, Building

And it’s definitely growing: Just ask

This feeling is shared by Andrew

a Community!’, elaborated on what it

Tim Reid, Chief Operating Officer of

Boutilier, Executive Director of the Fort

means to ‘do it right’ when it comes

MacDonald Island. Since joining the

McMurray Oil Barons, who says, “There’s

to a high-growth powerhouse like the

MacDonald Island team in 2009, Reid has

certainly an appetite and a desire to be

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo,

watched an unfinished recreation centre

able to do bigger-magnitude sporting

which hosted the conference.

grow into a hugely popular cultural

events.”

With unmatched passion, Holmes

and entertainment facility, and he has

The first outdoor Junior Hockey

outlined how we all need to start being

watched the community embrace and

Northern Classic was a perfect example

green and shared a personal anecdote

grow with it.

of the community coming together

about Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen

“We were a big community that

to celebrate the tradition of Canada’s

Harper. In conversation with the Prime

didn’t have a big facility for people to

national sport. It was especially

Minister, Holmes said: “Steve, we’re all

congregate and now we do,” explains

meaningful to Wood Buffalo for the

thinking green, we’re all talking green,

Reid. “We deserve it. We’re the third-

number of positive news stories it created;

but who’s going to do it?” Not that many

largest community in Alberta and there’s

inviting larger events has allowed the

Canadians call the Prime Minister ‘Steve,’

no reason that we can’t have first-class

region to create a more welcoming image.


Photo by Paul Jen

Wood Buffalo is not merely a place to

citylights

“It allows people in Canada to view us in a different limelight,” says Boutilier of the national attention earned by hosting last year’s Northern Classic and the Red & White Game in August. “We direct attention away from the oil sands. We’re breathing clean air and we’re living here in the community raising our families and we’re raising them in the sport that we all grew up loving, and that’s hockey.” Many of these events depend on passionate event planners and volunteers to make them successful. “It’s important to provide cultural outlets – celebrations for people to reflect on their community spirit,” says Misty Oakes, Event Associate at Events Wood Buffalo. “The big spirit is definitely here and it’s alive.” Hosting large events not only portrays Wood Buffalo in a more positive light across Canada, but it also has a profound effect on the quality of life for the people living here. Cultural and entertainment events bring people together from all communities within the region, and it shows that one doesn’t have to leave Fort McMurray in order to have fun with friends and family. With the much-anticipated Western Canada Summer Games headed our way in 2015, among countless other concerts, festivals and events to keep

Reba McEntire was one of many first-class acts to perform at MacDonald Island Park during the summer of 2011.

us entertained, the infrastructure to

think every time we prove to everybody

recreational space to a community that

host these events can only continue to

what we can do, that we have the spirit,

takes pride in showing off what it has

grow. “We’re becoming a more active

that we have the infrastructure, we have

to offer.

and a more energetic community each

the volunteers, we have everything that

and every day,” says Boutilier. “As the

needs to come together in a package to

and local organizations, the future for

population grows, obviously you have to

create these events and to deliver them,”

world-class events and star-studded

look at bigger and better facilities.”

she says, “it allows us more opportunity

celebrities in Wood Buffalo looks

Jennifer Lamontagne, Lead

to go after the bidding process for future

bright.

Events Coordinator for Events Wood Buffalo, is confident in Wood Buffalo’s entertainment and leisure prospects. “I

With the support of the community

events. Who knows what will come next?” Wood Buffalo has gone from a large town without significant cultural and

Monica Leslie is a freelance writer based in Fort McMurray. Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 23

Sonia Burke-Smith provides ‘added value’ in the classroom with art, humour and story telling.

ArtsStory

Art

Teaching Life’s Lessons Through

S

onia Burke-Smith is a

Nor does she tell them that, in her

by Myra Ross

principle of democracy, which is also the

circus carnival, a thrilling,

philosophy of life, community, love and

cornerstone of the Great Law of Peace in

flamboyant, sense-stimulator

peace, her every experience, her darkest

the Native culture,” Sonia says.

for young ears and eyes. Her

moments, her biggest triumphs and

She explains that with the leather

rich, Phyllis-Diller-ish laughter flows

every connection she has made with

strapping, the wooden sticks, the feathers

freely and her thick cascades of long, tiny

others on her journey – including with

and the glue guns, they will each be

ringlets move around her shoulders and

them – is for the purpose of learning

making their own Talking Stick.

back like a tango-dancing partner. Her

life’s lessons and sharing them with

magnetism commands students’ silent

others for their benefit.

attention as she stands at centre stage

“Today our topic is the fundamental

“The principle is that when I hold the Talking Stick, I have the right to talk and when you hold it, you have the right to be

in the class, beating softly on the Native drum. “I am a visual artist,” she announces to the 22 Grade 7 Social Studies students at Dr. Clark School. “I have visited many dark places on many different roads, but the sun came out when I found Art.” Sonia doesn’t tell them that she was introduced to Art in her 30s by Ron Howatt, a Native artist from P.E.I., who had a profound impact on her life when he stopped painting canvases for her and told her she would have to start creating her own. She doesn’t tell them that Sid McKay, a Native elder, found her as a foster child at age 14 walking the street, cold and to his Fort McMurray home and then

Photo by Paul Jen


hungry, whereupon he brought her back required her to work the trap line with him when, somewhat rebellious, she refused to go to school.

Some of Sonia’s students choosing their materials for their next piece of art. Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 25

heard,” she continues.

“That’s why Learning

Drum set aside, she

Through the Arts grabbed

helps students pick their

me so much, because in

materials as she recalls

the classroom, you can

her recent experience as

be the navigator for

an enumerator of 2,100

these kids.

residents in Gregoire and

“That’s why providing

how important it is as a

different opportunities

Canadian ‘to speak and

to learn and different

to be heard’ by casting

approaches to teaching the

a vote on Election Day,

ABCs and life’s lessons to

adding that the largest

these kids as they go along

response she received as

is so invaluable.”

an enumerator was from

For example, there was

new Canadians.

the hot day in May when

As candid about her passion for art as an educational tool as she

Sonia was facilitating This painting by Sonia Burke-Smith illustrates the influences of Aboriginal culture and respect for Nature in her canvases.

is about her colourful,

a Geometry through mandala class. (Mandalas, called Sacred Circles in

eventful and unconventional background,

learning series on different minds and

Aboriginal belief systems and some

Sonia is one of approximately 25 local

different ways of thinking.

world religions, translate complex

art educators who are sharing their creative talents with Wood Buffalo’s

Sonia describes these ‘special’ students as creative learners.

mathematical expressions into simple shapes and forms.)

elementary school students in more than

“They think in pictures – they

100 classrooms this fall and another 100

don’t think in language, so they learn

all had ants in their pants,” she says.

classrooms next spring.

differently,” she says.

“I felt it too.

In her third year as a Learning

And Sonia certainly understands

Through the Arts educator, Sonia

what’s involved when one is different,

is noted for her gift of being able to

distinctive and not your ‘average’ student.

connect with all of her students but, in

“I was around 10, the age when many

“It was so hot that day it was like they

“I was losing them. “We always have a hands-on activity so I set the task to each student of creating a mandala as a message of hope

particular, with those who have minds

kids know that something is wrong but

for the students in Slave Lake who had

like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and

they have no idea what it is.

lost everything in the fire.

the lesser known but no less brilliant

“For me, I went into foster care at age

“One of the lessons we, they, must

inventor Nikola Tesla, each of whom fits

12 and when much later in life I found out

learn is that you need to be regulating

somewhere on the spectrum of ‘different

I had ADHD and other great stuff, I went

your emotions but also be giving as well.

minds’ often described by the terms

‘Oh, I’m just different’ and then you figure

Asperger syndrome, Attention Deficit

out that’s okay and new worlds open up.

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism. Sonia’s eyes light up at the mention

“If that realization can happen for you as a youngster and you know you

“No one complained again that day about the heat. “They were too busy creating mandalas as messages of hope.”

are different in your thinking and that

of Temple Grandin, a successful female

it’s all right, you can just move on.

Editor’s note: At press time Sonia

scientist who describes how autistic

There’s no mystery to be solved. You

Burke-Smith’s canvases were on display at

people think in the YouTube TED video

become you.

MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery.


ArtsStory

Learning Through the Arts Program of Fort McMurray T

he Learning Through the Arts (LTTA) program brings specially certified artists

into hundreds of schools across Canada and internationally. In partnership with great teachers, the art educators create lessons using the arts to enliven core curriculum. LTTA has also developed a customized program designed for Aboriginal schools and communities, integrating Aboriginal language, artists and art forms. In 2010, the Alberta government provided $1.3 million in funding for the implementation of LTTA in Fort McMurray with the main focus to be on Aboriginal youth in the classroom for the specific purpose of keeping them engaged in learning through to graduation.

artists. Those who undertake the LTTA training develop the skill of deconstructing their art form

The Fort McMurray Learning Through the Arts program hosted training sessions in Fort McMurray in September, facilitated and attended by, left to right, Marce Merrell, Regional Manager, Shelley MacDonald, Mentor Artist and Sonia Burke-Smith, Mentor Artist.

shows in the work she does,” MacDonald adds. Guiding principles of LTTA are that the artist

in order to learn how to use it in a classroom

instructors are partnered with the teacher, who

setting. They explore how their art form can

brings the resources and the learning outcomes.

engage students in core curriculum in a whole new way. And, they develop a greater sense of community with other artists who strive to mentor young people and teachers in the arts. Marce Merrell, Regional Manager of the Learning Through the Arts program in Alberta,

The benefits to the students are measurable and impressive.

the reasons the program is so successful and growing. “Sonia is not just connected with the students in the classroom, she connects with people wherever she goes in the community, whether she’s leading an outreach workshop at the

“I have teachers bring me in just to review the

Friendship Centre, working with a group of visual

fact that test scores have gone up after an LTTA

artists, or enumerating for an upcoming election.

experience in the classroom,” MacDonald says.

She is everywhere. She has recruited a number of

“In Fort McMurray, we are in both the Catholic

our LTTA art educators.”

and Shelley MacDonald, Mentor Artist, describe

and Public school systems and we are putting a

art educator Sonia Burke-Smith as providing

call out to all local artists to get involved and to

Sonia’s former students, was one of 18 local

‘added value’ to the local program.

take our artist educator training.

artists who participated in the four-day Learning

“Sonia came to our first information session

“Our artist educators have 10 training

four years ago and we immediately recognized

sessions each year and they can get certified

that one of her greatest gifts is her ability to

through the mentor artist program, offered

connect with people,” MacDonald, a theatre, film

through the Royal Conservatory.”

and Aboriginal artist and LTTA trainer says. “She is able to engage every single kid. She’s

Marce Merrell, a working and published writer and author and the LTTA program manager for

very passionate, she loves to laugh, she believes

Alberta, without hesitation describes Sonia

strongly in connecting with these kids and it really

as the local program’s ‘golden girl’ and one of

In fact, Charlie Magan Saunders, 21, one of

Through the Arts Training Session at Father Turcotte School in early September. On completion of their training, LTTA art educators earn approximately $75 per 40- to 90-minute class and $400 per three- to fourhour workshop. For more information about the LTTA, go to www.ltta.ca. Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 27

Photo by Crystal Clark

Art educators include writers, visual artists, photographers, musicians, poets, sculptors – all

DiversityStory

The Diverse, Vibrant Voices of Fort McMurray

Newcomers find abundant resources to help them communicate and connect

I

t is no secret that Fort McMurray is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse communities in Canada. People travel to Fort McMurray from all over the world, seeking a better life for themselves and their families. With them, they bring their culture, tradition and language. For

every language spoken in Fort McMurray, there is a story about the welcoming and inviting spirit newcomers experience when they arrive. For many immigrants, Fort McMurray is their first experience of Canada. If they have very little knowledge of the English or French language, settlement can be very difficult. To combat this challenge, there are many organizations in Fort McMurray who believe that it is essential to help newcomers integrate and flourish within the community. Immigrant Settlement services, a program run through the Wood Buffalo YMCA, is one such organization that strives to create a smooth transition for immigrants just arriving in Fort McMurray. Addressing language is one of the top priorities of the program. “That’s probably one of the top three barriers to settling. For us, we try to accommodate

by Monica Leslie


that by having a very multilingual staff,” says Reave MacLeod, Senior Director


Andrew Manyevere, Executive Director of the Fort McMurray Multicultural Association.


DiversityStory

Lakhvinder Bamotra, President of the Hindu Cultural Society.

of Community Programs for Immigrant

like Keyano College, to take language

people. “Many people don’t understand

Settlement Services. In addition to

training.”

what it is to be unable to communicate,”

The conversation circles are not only

says Manyevere. “If one hasn’t travelled

the high cost of living soon after settling

a place for newcomers to practise their

away from his own home, he will never

here, as well as having their foreign

English skills. “They’re also connecting

understand how traumatic it is and even

credentials recognized so that they may

with people from other cultures because

more so if you get to a place where people

find meaningful jobs.

this is such a diverse, thriving community

are so busy.”

Immigrant Settlement Services provides newcomers with resources that address virtually any need they have

so they’re making those social connections as well,” says MacLeod. For Andrew Manyevere, Executive

One of the Multicultural Association’s goals is to help newcomers connect with those who may share their language

for themselves or for their families.

Director of the Fort McMurray

and culture, so that they feel they have

“Our Community Connections Club

Multicultural Association, language is a

a support system here. The Association

runs conversation circles where people

crucial part of helping a newcomer feel

helps newcomers find jobs, education and

can practise their English,” explains

at home in a new community. Without

other resources that meet their individual

MacLeod. “Or if they’re needing a more

this, newcomers will not be able to

needs. There is also a sports program,

concrete class we’ll refer them elsewhere,

communicate or connect with other

which Manyevere believes is an essential



language, immigrants often struggle with

way for people from different cultures to meet and become friends. “When people meet, in an informal environment, they are able to remove barriers – they may be cultural, they may be linguistic – because people can actually begin to relate to each other,” says Manyevere. In addition to sports, the Multicultural Association organizes cooking classes and social dinners as a means of sharing cultures and connecting with other people. When families immigrate to Fort McMurray from other countries, they often depend on the school system to help them address their needs. Lorraine Demers, Partnership Facilitator for the Fort McMurray Public School District, believes that schools in the region make a great effort to help students and families who have immigrated here from other countries. “A lot of schools, when a child comes in, they’ll right away partner them with another student that maybe speaks the same language so they can at least have that comfort of ‘okay, I can speak in my native language to begin with’,” says Demers. “We have very strong English language learning programs in the schools to help students learn a new

The richness of Wood Buffalo’s cultural diversity is vividly displayed during parades and various holidays; most often in dance.

language.” This provides comfort for a

strengthened by newcomers who feel that

friendships with people very easily,” says

student who may otherwise feel afraid in

the resources they need to have a good

Demers. It is this spirit of friendship and

their new community.

quality of life are available here.

helpfulness offered by the community

The image that newcomers have of

“Many people who come to Fort

that makes newcomers feel at home.

Fort McMurray is varied, but positive.

McMurray have said that people are so

Fort McMurray’s reputation for being a

willing to help them out, they’re willing

Monica Leslie is a freelance writer based

welcoming and inviting community is

to say hello to them, they establish

in Fort McMurray. Issue 5 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 31

coverStory

Michael Plouffe and his Pitts Special biplane.

He swings his

wings by Myra Ross

Fort McMurray pilot stands out at high altitudes least powerful plane (180 horsepower or

because of his connection with Doug

Plouffe entered the

less) at the 2011 Doug Jenkins Memorial

Jenkins.

aerobatic box and flew at

Aerobatic Competition in Rocky

a 45-degree upline, did

Mountain House.

a one-turn spin and then a half Cuban

“The aerobatic box is designated air

“Doug Jenkins is the man who introduced me to aerobatic flying about 10 years ago in Calgary at the Springbank

Eight, a loop, a steep turn, a slow roll and

space in front of judges and you have to

airport,” Plouffe says. “We did loops

an exit, he had no idea how he compared.

make sure you are always in the right

and rolls and a Cuban Eight manoeuvre.

However, the judges watching from the

spot,” Plouffe explains. “I flew that course

He showed me a few of those and I was

ground not only named him the winner

three times against four other pilots, all

bitten. He passed away in 2007 after

of the Primary competition, but also, they

first-time competitors like me.”

a battle with cancer so the aerobatic

awarded him the Grassroots Achievement award for the highest score with the 32 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 5

The memorial competition has special meaning for the Fort McMurray resident

competition in Rocky Mountain House was named in his honour.”


W

hen 29-year-old Michael

An avid aviator, Plouffe lives in the sky. He entered Air Cadets at age 12 and qualified for his pilot’s licence at 16. A resident of Fort McMurray for almost four years, he is a pilot for Syncrude Canada Ltd., which runs a shuttle service for employees using two aircraft based at the Fort McMurray airport. His dive into aerobatic competition became possible when, in May, he picked up a Pitts Special biplane, which he calls ‘Little Bird’. “Before buying my own plane, I did a flight here and there, but I practise now and I’m getting into it more,” he continues. “The Pitts biplane was designed in the ’40s by Curtis Pitts. It’s still being made to order or you can build

Michael plans to compete in the Sportsman category next year.

one yourself. It is reminiscent of the Barn Stormer days, but it’s still a strong

two competitors in Advanced, none

satisfaction from it and it’s definitely one

competitor at the highest levels today.

in Unlimited and many in the other

of my passions.”

from a lady doing air shows in London,

categories. In total, there were 20 competitors, the largest field to date. “That’s definitely what I aspire to – the

On the topic of competitiveness, Plouffe says that while it may be friendly in nature, everyone wants gold.

Ontario. For an airplane, that affordable

advanced and unlimited competitions,”

price is incredible. Anyone can buy these

he reveals. “But in those categories,

themselves and others they can do it,” he

planes. I mean, you can get a basic model

you’re competing against planes that cost

says. One has to keep the ego in check

for $25,000, less than a pickup truck.”

$100,000-plus, such as a two-seater Pitts.

and everyone remains pretty low-key

I went up against a few two-seater Pitts

about it, but you want to win.”

He plans to compete in the Sportsman category next year. “I’ve already started to practise, but

though, and did well.” All that’s required for aerobatic

Little Bird will soon be put away for the

aviation is courage, a zest for competition

winter. In the Sportsman category, the

and calm, he continues.

manoeuvres are more advanced and

“It takes courage going up in my

“Everyone goes to win it, to prove to

Calm is critically important when you are up in the sky in a plane that wraps around you like a kimono. “You have to be fairly well grounded and not fazed by things,” he says. “You need

you have an unknown sequence that is

plane,” he says with a warm laugh.

to be calm under pressure because panic is

revealed 24 hours before your flight. It

“My plane is a one-seater, so there’s no

the worst thing you can do in an airplane.

includes a freestyle segment, so you can

instructor. I’m by myself and it does take

make up your own routine.”

a little nerve for the first time with any

closer to the ground, but with that you

new manoeuvre on your own.

have to be somewhat aggressive, handling

The Primary competition, the kindergarten of aerobatic flying, precedes

“Even when you’ve gone over the

“There’s a higher level of risk, flying

it in a positive fashion and making it do

the Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced

manoeuvres on the ground, when

what you want it to do. Precision is very

and, ultimately, the Unlimited category.

things go wrong, you have to keep a cool

important, as is safety. When it comes to

head. “But it’s loads of fun, I get great

flying, I’m in command.”

At this year’s competition, there were

Photo by Kelly Gerke

“Mine was built in Grande Prairie in 1971 and I purchased it for $40,000


B ac k P a g e S p e c i a l

Big Spirit of the Past: William McMurray

T

he Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is vastly diverse in culture.

notions for the development of a post to be built at a landing, locally known at that time as the Forks.

We can boast of having families

McMurray gave Moberly the responsibility of

that stem from all over the globe that

travelling to the Forks from Fort Chipewyan to

are intertwined with local names and families that

build a new HBC outpost. Moberly was familiar

have roots as far back as the 1700s.

with the HBC and rejoined the company as a clerk.

And when one notices local street and road names in Wood Buffalo, many of them are actual family names of the visionaries and innovators of our region. These namesakes identify the people of our past who had the resilience to stay and conquer the certain hardships in their paths in order to succeed in creating a community. One such name will forever be noted on maps and heard in

by Deanna Lawrence

He arranged for boats and supplies and requested several men to travel with him to the Forks. In return for being offered such a generous responsibility and to show his gratitude, Moberly named the post Fort McMurray. An untimely notice was given to William McMurray stating his position in Fort Chipewyan was being transferred to Pembina. This was deemed untimely because it arrived within a year of

conversations – McMurray, the person for whom Fort McMurray

Moberly building the Fort McMurray post. As word spread, the

was named.

Fort McMurray post became a one-stop shop for traders and

Born in 1824, William McMurray was the son of Thomas McMurray, who served the North West Company.

explorers travelling north. Soon, the area’s economic potential was recognized.

An amalgamation occurred in 1821 when the Hudson Bay

The railroad transformed travel conditions greatly and the

Company (HBC), dissolved the North West Co. and Thomas was

rivers served as the primary routes to the area. Explorers, traders,

granted the rank of Chief Trader.

entrepreneurs and individuals of all skills and experiences, with

Young William McMurray followed in his father’s footsteps and, at the age of 18, he joined the HBC and was stationed at Great Slave Lake. Noted to be an educated and distinguished gentleman, after ten years of service, William achieved the rank of Chief Trader. He was then appointed Chief Factor just six years later in 1858. McMurray was well known in the north and very successful in his endeavours. He was stationed at several northern HBC posts, and in 1867 he was transferred to Fort Chipewyan and could speak the local language fluently. Two years later, an old co-worker and friend by the name of John H. Moberly arrived in Fort Chipewyan. Moberly was excited to see his old acquaintance, McMurray, residing in Fort Chipewyan and McMurray encouraged Moberly to remain in the area. For a short while, both men worked alongside the local men of the community to maintain the post’s trades and sales. It was McMurray’s tenacity and encouragement that geared 34 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 5

their families, began flocking to this new Fort McMurray, a place with much potential and lots of spirit. Adventurers and community builders and families continue to flock to this area, reuniting with friends, making new friends and contributing to the growth and development of the region. The evolution of Fort McMurray as noted in Fort McMurray’s Historical Society Timeline: 1870 Fort McMurray established as a fur trade post by the Hudson’s Bay Company

1911 McMurray Settlement 1947 The McMurray Settlement and the Waterways Settlement amalgamated to form The Village of McMurray

1948 Village of McMurray formed into Town of McMurray 1964 Town of Fort McMurray re-established as New Town of Fort McMurray

1980 New Town of Fort McMurray became City of Fort McMurray

1995 City of Fort McMurray and Improvement District No. 143 amalgamated to become the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo