A look at some of the events in this year's news highlights for the Battlefords region. (battlefordsNOW staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

TOP 5

Year in Review: Highlights from the region (Pt. 2)

Dec 31, 2021 | 3:22 PM

During the Christmas season, our team at Pattison Media is once again producing positive stories based around holiday traditions and accomplishments for the region.

Following an exciting year in the news, battlefordsNOW counts down some of the top stories.

#5 — Centex gas station opens on Red Pheasant urban land

Red Pheasant Cree Nation officially opened the Centex gas bar in North Battleford in May to great fanfare. The First Nation purchased the land back in 1992, and also has plans for further growth and economic development in the future. The new venture marks the first step in that journey. Read more here.

#4 — Former astronaut visits North Battleford

Skilled Trade and Technology Week

Importance of trades and technology among young Canadians

5h ago

New cabinet

Cockrill and Harrison take on new responsibilities as Premier appoints cabinet

9h ago

Warm weather continues

Warmer-than-normal weather continues through the weekend

11h ago

It was a memorable day in October when retired astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield came to the area for the Rotary Club of the Battlefords 100th anniversary gala celebration. The first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station also spoke at North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) during his visit in a live-streamed event. Read more here.

#3 — MGBHLM awarded over $100 million for land claim

It was announced in May that Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation (MGBHLM) will now be awarded $141 million plus interest from the federal government for a land claim settlement dating back to 1905. The resolution was an historic event for the First Nation that had been seeking a settlement for more than 26 years. Read more here.

#2 — Community comes together for Delmas ground search

Residential school survivors and their families, along with friends and supporters, gathered in Delmas at the site of the former St. Henri Residential School in July. The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. (BATC) hosted local First Nations people and the general public as crews from SNC-Lavalin began the difficult process of conducting a search for unmarked graves using ground penetrating radar. The BATC confirmed the search will continue in Delmas in the spring of 2022 and then proceed to the site of the former Battleford Industrial School. Read more here.

#1 — New federal statutory holiday, Reconciliation Day, honoured

It was a time of reflection in September when the Battlefords honoured Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new federal holiday. People gathered at the Battlefords Indian and Métis Friendship Centre to break bread, share experiences and observe a moment of silence. Read more here.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow