Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

Couchiching First Nation is preparing for their 30th annual traditional powwow and organizers say they are looking forward to seeing the community come together with singing and dancing. “Now you see young ones that are taking up [singing and dancing] at like kindergarten grade. You’re getting that lifetime of exposure […]

By Daniel Adam
Staff Writer
dadam@fortfrances.com

Ian Jodoin spent some time in Winnipeg for schooling. He saw some lacrosse there, especially during a teaching placement at Glenlawn Collegiate which had a field lacrosse team. He says he’s always loved the sport and wondered why there’s no lacrosse in Fort Frances. “It’s a big part of Canadian […]

By Daniel Adam
Staff Writer
dadam@fortfrances.com

Last week, the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) announced they will begin a multiphase renewal effort at Fort Frances High School (FFHS) this summer. A release from the RRDSB says the washroom renovations are the most exciting aspect of the project. They will be implementing a multiple single use […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

The Town of Fort Frances has eased the burden on small businesses hoping to sell their wares at the Rainy Rainy Lake Square by acquiring liability insurance which will cover the businesses selling on the square. Many Fort Frances residents were upset when the Town of Fort Frances announced that […]

From Voyageur National Park

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN – In response to the discovery of zebra mussel veligers (larvae) in Black Bay of Rainy Lake in late 2021, Voyageurs staff is continuing a containment and prevention program. This program involves educational activities as well as new management operations related to Kettle Falls and Gold Portage […]

By Shari Narine
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com

Indigenous tourism in Canada is a growing attraction, said federal Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault, with at least one-third of international travelers and one-third of Canadian travelers wanting the “Indigenous authentic experience.” Despite those statistics, there were no dedicated dollars in the last federal budget for Indigenous tourism in the $158 […]

By Ken Kellar
Staff writer
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Past employees of one of the largest industries in Fort Frances history came together last week for a good meal and plenty of company. The Fort Frances Mill Alumni held their 11th annual alumni dinner at the Fort Frances Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 last Wednesday evening, May 31, 2023. […]

By Daniel Adam
Staff Writer
dadam@fortfrances.com

Doug and Kathy Johnson have owned Hideaway Lodge on Clearwater (Burditt) Lake since 1992. Three years ago, COVID-19 led to borders shutting down non-essential travel, meaning the lodge had no guests. “We were devastated,” says Kathy. “We’re still behind the eight ball.” The Johnsons are in their 60s and were […]

By Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

With the academic year soon coming to an end, students may be looking for ways to spend their free time and make some extra money. Plenty of jobs are available for students looking for summer placements, said Tim Spence, job developer at NCDS. “There are a lot of jobs available […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

Grand Council Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation has been called “Powwow County” for their abounding list of Powwows often hosted in the summer, bringing together many different Nations and providing communities with a chance to gather together and celebrate. “The Powwow trail is pretty amazing and strong,” said Sandy Bruyere, one […]

By Daniel Adam
Staff Writer
dadam@fortfrances.com

Chantal Derendorf was never into cupcakes. Now she bakes them for a living. “I never liked anyone else’s cupcakes,” she said. “Then I started making my own, and I was like, ‘Oh, cupcakes are actually really good.’” Derendorf started her business, Batter & Cream Baking Co., in the middle of […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

Muskies track and field athletes achieved many personal bests last week at the NorWOSSA championship in Thunder Bay. Snagging medals across a variety of events, six athletes have earned their place to compete in the 2023 OFSAA Track and Field Championships in Ottawa this week. Many are competing regionally for […]