After coming close to closure last year Drayton Valley’s Toastmasters group is enjoying a new lease of life.
“I am happy to report we are alive, actively recruiting new Toastmasters and recently received two awards,” says Leah Sanderson, past president of the Derrick Toastmasters.
The first of those awards is for public relations, the second is for Toastmaster of the Year, which was won by Sanderson herself.
“The Toastmaster of the Year Award is presented to recognize and honour that Toastmaster in District 99 who achieves and maintains the highest standard of excellence as a member of Toastmasters International,” said Kathy Pors, Division A Director. “Sanderson’s dedication, resiliency, integrity, perseverance and communication achievements are but some of the reasons she is receiving the Toastmaster of the Year Award for 2021-2022.”
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking and leadership. The Derrick Toastmasters have been active in Drayton Valley for 32 years. Last year declining membership left the group’s future in doubt, however Sanderson says things have since improved dramatically.
“Developing leadership skills is not an easy road. What I initially thought was the end of a 32-year charter was actually the beginning,” she says. “I faced and overcame perceived and actual obstacles. As a leader I learned to use being uncomfortable, overwhelmed, at times deflated and defeated to bust through and beyond to that one next step…Each foot forward meant another step towards saving our club and its 32 year charter.”
Here we go then. In October we’ll be heading to the polls to vote on the future of this province with respect to its role in Canada.
Sort of.
This is not a referendum on whether Alberta should leave Canada. This is a referendum on whether Alberta should have a different, separate referendum on whether Alberta should leave Canada at some indefinite point in the future.
Hmmm.
If Premier Danielle Smith called the vote in order to take the wind from the sails of separatists within her own party, there’s an obvious and not terribly promising comparison in recent history.
That obvious comparison is with the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union. Prime Minister David Cameron decided to call a referendum on the issue in order to quiet a noisy section of his party. Cameron campaigned to stay in the EU, as did both the major opposition parties. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything. The vote was lost. Cameron had to quit. And then: turmoil. The aftermath was reminiscent of that scene from the Simpsons where Sideshow Bob repeatedly steps on a series of rakes, each one of which hits him squarely in the face. It’s hilarious when it happens to someone else, but if it’s your face getting the rake handle treatment, you might not like it so much.
Since then the UK has stumbled along in a manner that makes headless chickens look like they’ve really got it together. And they’ve gone through a series of prime ministers none of whom have done much to impress. That list includes, at the absolute lowest point, a woman by the name of Liz Truss who did a pretty good job of tanking the economy in spite of only being in charge for about 20 minutes.
So not great then.
But enough of laughing at other people’s misfortunes. What does this all mean for Alberta, or for Canada, or for both?
What the Brexit experience teaches us that seismic events have repercussion upon repression upon repercussion.
If the separatist side loses the vote they are unlikely to just go away. Two lost referendums in the the late 20th Century did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the Parti Quebecois. Quebec and Alberta are very different places but there’s no reason to believe that the outcome of a defeat here will be any different than it was for our friends to the east. A loss would see the separatist side withdraw and regroup before attempting to start the whole process again using what they’ve learned the first time around as a spring board.
And if the separatist side wins and we vote to have that second referendum then, well, all bets are off.
In the meantime we have several months of uncertainty that will only serve to weaken Canada’s hand in negotiations with the United States, or anyone else for that matter. Meanwhile here in Alberta we can expect increasingly shrill rhetoric and mounting conflict between now and October, culminating in a vote that, either way, is going to leave some people extremely unhappy.
Doesn’t sound great, does it?
The Awaso Canadian Academy Foundation had another successful fundraiser to support a school in Ghana last weekend.
Anne Murphy, one of the volunteer organizers and master of ceremonies for the event, says it was such a success because the community came together to make it possible.
“There were a lot of volunteers on board. We want to thank the very generous donors who contributed from the community in live and silent auction items,” says Murphy. “There were many volunteers who were available and really helped to get the event organized.”
During the evening there was a silent auction, a live auction, a game of Deal or No Deal, and student sponsorship packages available. They also had four more people sign up to sponsor a student for a year.
“It’s a one-time payment of $400, and students get what they need,” says Murphy. “That includes daily meals, supplies, and school uniforms.”
Murphy says every penny raised goes to the school. Volunteers who travel to Ghana to volunteer there pay their own way, and the entire organization is composed of volunteers.
“We have no overhead costs and any of the trips, including the very last group which went in January of 2025, all of our travel expenses from our committee end has always been done on our own, independently,” she says.
Emphasizing that all the money goes to the school is important, says Murphy, and she says that’s not common with non-profit organizations. She says many solid sponsorships have come on board due to the fact that ACAF keeps none of the money.
The academy in Awaso, Ghana was the dream of Father Paul Mensah, the priest for the St. Anthony Catholic Church, in 2000. He shared stories about his hometown, Awaso, with his parishioners, and they made his dream a reality.
The first visit to Awaso was in 2007, and by 2010 they had built two classrooms for girls in the community. Since then, they have been adding pieces to the school.
Over the years, there have been many additions to the building and many student success stories.
“Since adding a junior high, the students graduating from Grade 9 have graduated with distinction, giving them all the opportunity to move to a good high school in the larger cities and do extremely well academically,” says Murphy. “Now the school is seeing the fruits of its labour, as alumni are returning to encourage the students to reach their potential.”
Since their last fundraiser in 2024, the ACAF has funded two major updates regarding the academy. One was an upgrade to the water filtration system to provide safe drinking water to the students and the staff. They also drilled a new well that has purification equipment.
They also provided safe drinking water to the entire community.
“This necessitated the improvement of road access, the upgrading of the existing generator, and additional equipment and tanks, as well as the purchase of recyclable water bottles and dispensers so the community can come get their water there,” she says.
The second update is that the school is now offering a music program thanks to a generous donation.
“Last year, the academy purchased new instruments for the academy to form a band,” says Murphy. “That’s been really exciting for them.”
The ACAF is currently looking for volunteers for the foundation, as the board still consists of many original members. Murphy says they would like to have younger people involved so the academy can still be successful for years to come.
Those looking for more information, how to volunteer, or a way to donate to the cause can visit www.awasoacademy.ca and receive a charitable receipt. The ACAF can also reach out to the organization at admin@awasoacademy.ca.
Sports! All your questions answered!!!
What’s this World Cup I keep hearing about?
It’s the global festival of football that takes place every four years.
Football? I love football! Go Esks … sorry, I mean Go Elks!
Er, it’s not that kind of football. We’re talking about the game where you actually kick the ball with your foot. Not the game where you pick the ball up and run around a bit.
So when you say football you mean soccer. Stop being deliberately difficult.
OK, anyway, the World Cup is kicking off next month. It’s the world’s biggest sporting event and some of the action is taking place right here in Canada.
Right here?
Well, not right here. In Toronto and Vancouver.
Neither of those is anywhere near here.
Fair point. There are also games in cities in the United States and Mexico.
This is starting to sound familiar. Did Canada qualify?
As one of the host nations we get a free pass to the tournament, so Canada will be there without having to go through all the inconvenience of the qualifying rounds. Also in the mix are the usual big boys from the likes of Brazil, Argentina and Germany along with some places that aren’t traditional powerhouses like Haiti, Uzbekistan and England.
I see what you did there. What are our chances of winning?
The entire thing? Remote. But Canada did manage to get drawn in one of the easier groups for the round robin. We’ll be facing Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland during the group phase. Those are decent teams, especially the Swiss, but none of them are unbeatable. And if we make it to the knockout rounds, anything can happen. Although, to be honest it usually doesn’t.
Any particular players to watch out for?
Alphonso Davies is probably Canada’s brightest star. In his day job he’s a regular starter for Bayern Munich so officially counts as being Quite Good at Football. And he grew up in Edmonton! So far so good, but he stretched the bejesus out of his hamstring (this may not be the correct medical term) in a match against Paris Saint-Germain May 6 and is expected to be out of action for several weeks.
Oh dear. And when is Canada’s first World Cup match?
We face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday June 12. So depending on your definition of “several weeks” Davies may or may not be able to play.
I can already feel the tension building. Any other drama to look out for?
Plenty. This will be the last World Cup for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom are getting on a bit and will be very keen to go out with a bang. Scotland, Austria and Norway are back in the competition for the first time since 1998. We’ll see the World Cup debut of a number of nations including the likes of Curacao (population 180,000 and land area of 444 square kilometres) which is the smallest country ever to make it to the finals.
And Iran have qualified and have games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
You have captured my imagination with your insights. I can’t believe I used to say there was nothing interesting in the paper. I will purchase a large flag and a novelty inflatable maple leaf prior to June 12. Is there anything else I’ll need to get the most out of the tournament?
Patience. The first game kicks off June 11, but the final isn’t until July 19, 102 games later. That is a lot of football.
Book club helps build community
Angela Patty and her family have lived in the Berrymoor area all her life, and she would like to see the Berrymoor Centre as busy as it was when she was younger.
“Berrymoor seems to have grown so much in the last while that we don’t even know who our neighbours are anymore,” says Patty.
She wanted a way to get to know the families in the area better, and since she has a love of reading, she felt encouraging youth to join a book club could be a good way to achieve that.
“I know there’s a lot of kids who are struggling in the schools and just in general with reading, and I want to bring excitement to the stories,” she says.
The Bookaneers have been meeting at the Berrymoor Centre every Thursday night from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the past couple of months. Patty says the use of the hall was donated to them, courtesy of the 3Bs Board. The club has received book donations, and parents have been helping out by bringing healthy snacks, but the remaining costs come out of Patty’s pocket.
“It just makes me happy. I love seeing how excited the kids get with the books, and I’m very grateful that they’ve all really enjoyed the book choices that we’ve had so far,” she says.
Originally, the plan was to make it just a junior book club. However, it has become much more than that. Patty brought some of the toys her kids had used to the hall, and now they also have activities to participate in before they settle in to read.
“A lot of aunts, grandparents, and parents come, and then everyone just kind of gets to visit as well,” says Patty.
Though the book club is aimed at area residents, Patty says she wouldn’t turn away anyone who was willing to drive out to the club. The club is free to join, though donations are appreciated.
“We’re willing to expand and I can definitely get more parent volunteers to come out,” she says.
Currently, there are two groups reading two different books. The members get to choose which book they are more comfortable reading. The ages of the children are five to 13.
Patty says the children are always given the option to read aloud if they would like to, but she won’t ask them to because she wants them to feel comfortable.
“The last thing I want is for anyone leaving our group feeling discouraged,” she says.
Patty is also considering holding an adult book club in the future. She says she’s been putting feelers out to see if any parents would be interested.
Along with the book club, Patty also has a park play at the playground at the Berrymoor Centre every second Monday. She brings her son Atlas along for 5 p.m. and any kids are welcome to come out and join in.
“Whoever comes, great. Sometimes they don’t and sometimes they do,” she says. “I’m just trying to bring life to our little centre.”
It seems like yesterday, but it was not
On a bright sunny day in mid May of 1986 I landed at Calgary airport, ready to build a new life in the Great White North. I had a full head of hair, a heart full of dreams and a full set of teeth. The world lay at my feet.
A lot has happened in the intervening years, much of it varying degrees of awful. The hair has gone and so have a couple of the teeth, but I continue to plug away in pursuit of the Canadian Dream. Here’s the story of my four-decade Canadian Odyssey, conveniently broken down in number form because it’s easier to write that way and after 40 years I feel like I’m due a break.
40: Number of years I have lived in Canada. Depending on how you look at it, that’s 480 months, 2,080 weeks or a staggering 350,400 hours (plus a few extra because of leap years). No wonder I’m exhausted.
27: Number of those years spent in Drayton Valley.
<1: Number of years I anticipated spending in Drayton Valley when I first arrived. Every time I think I’m out they pull me back in.
618: Number of kilometres (round trip) I used to drive every second weekend to see my kids. That’s the equivalent of a little more than 3,072 furlongs if you’re interested in that sort of thing, which, now I come to think of it, you probably aren’t.
9: Number of provinces I have visited, assuming you count 30 minutes at a truck stop in Brandon as visiting Manitoba.
1: Number of provinces I have not visited. As far as I can tell Newfoundlanders are somehow managing to cope with the disappointment.
4: Number of times a Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since I arrived.
36: Number of years since the last of those wins.
12: Number of times per year, on average, someone tells me they love my accent and asks what part of Ireland I’m from. I’m Scottish.
6.25 Hourly wage at my first Canadian job; picking up garbage at Foothills Stadium, which was then home to the Calgary Cannons of the Pacific Coast League. The Cannons were a great organization and the job was actually a lot of fun. Hauling bags of empty beer cups, sweeping up peanut shells and occasionally scraping nacho cheese off the bleachers for a Triple A ball team was also the closest I ever came to sporting achievement of any kind.
10, 3: Time in years and months I spent working at the Drayton Valley Western Review, making me the longest serving editor in the history of that publication.
6, 7: No, it’s not what you think. It’s the time I’ve spent in years and months working at the Drayton Valley and District Free Press, making me the longest serving editor in the history of this publication. What can I tell you? I don’t like change.
0: Number of times I have been voted Employee of the Month. Baffling.
12: What it used to cost, in dollars, to fill the tank of a 1977 Mercury Comet.
**!!%&!!: What that same tankful of gas costs today.
Upgraded van gives Beehive extra options
After fundraising for a year, the Beehive has been able to purchase a new van, which will help them to better accommodate their clients.
“It took a while,” says Lisa Dusterhoft, the executive director of the organization. “We kicked off the campaign in October of 2024. We were able to raise enough funds by November 2025.”
Because the van is a special order, once the Beehive received it, they also had to get it customized for their organization.
“It took six months for the vehicle to be ordered, delivered, and all the accessibility equipment to be installed,” she says.
The majority of the vehicle cost was covered by local businesses and organizations, says Dusterhoft. Along with the sponsorships, the Beehive was able to use money from the endowment fund they have with the Drayton Valley Community Foundation. They also plan to sell one of their existing fleet vehicles to cover the remainder of the costs.
Initially, the Beehive had a budget of $100,000 for the van. However, when they heard from MoveMobility, they were given an option for a ProMaster 3 van.
This new van came with a higher price tag of $155,000, but Dusterhoft says it was worth the extra money.
“[It] gives us a lot more flexibility,” she says. “This van actually can hold up to three wheelchairs at a time.”
Until recently, the Beehive wasn’t able to take in any more adults with disabilities who relied on wheelchairs because they didn’t have a vehicle that could accommodate them. With this new van, Dusterhoft says they will be able to expand on the number of wheelchair users they can work with.
The seats can also all be removed, making it easy for staff to adapt the van for whoever needs a ride.
Dusterhoft says getting a new van means more than transportation for their clients. It also means stability.
“It means that adults with disabilities in our organization are able to age in place,” she says.
In the past, clients with mobility issues have had to move to larger centres that had more accessible vehicles.
Currently, the Beehive has 37 clients. Dusterhoft says most of them don’t have mobility issues, and they’ve only had a couple of people who relied solely on wheelchairs in the past. However, they are at a point where many of their clients are relying on walkers and sometimes a wheelchair, so right now is the perfect time for a more accessible vehicle.
The Beehive owns three 24-hour group homes, as well as a supported independent living program. In the group homes, there is staff with them throughout the day. In independent living, the clients live on their own, and the staff come in to help them with different tasks as needed.
Dusterhoft says that while Drayton Valley is a small town, it’s not easily walkable for some individuals. Having a means of transportation for all the clients is a huge benefit.
The Beehive is hosting an open house on May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to showcase the new van to its donors, board, clients and members of the community.
A large part of the turnaround is attributed to a public relations program spearheaded by Sanderson and fellow toastmaster Don Stuike. At the time Stuike was the group’s vice-president of education. He has since taken on the role of president.
The pair’s public relations achievements include recruiting and inducting new members, promoting the club within the community and conducting a number of outreach activities.
“These two model what it takes to promote a Toastmasters Club,” says Pors.
Drayton Valley’s Derrick Toastmasters meets regularly every second and fourth Wednesday at 6:45 pm to 9:15 pm using the Zoom platform. Sanderson says new members don’t need any particular skill set. Club members learn by attending free training, taking on roles within the club. There are also a number of free resources offering information, training and guidance.
Download your experience guide
If your idea of a great summer includes trading cell service for campfires and crowds for calm waters, you’re in for a treat. Out in Brazeau Country—just 40 minutes west of Drayton Valley—there’s a wild slice of Alberta that’s perfect for escaping the noise and diving into real-deal wilderness vibes. Think remote lakes, winding rivers, and chill campsites where you can cast a line, crack a cold one, and feel like you’re the only person in the world.
Before we head out—Drayton Valley is your last stop for gas, groceries, and snacks. After that, it’s pretty much you, the road, and the wild.
1. Brazeau Dam
Let’s start with the most beginner-friendly option. Brazeau Dam isn’t exactly secluded right at the boat launch, but if you’ve got a watercraft (or even an ATV), you can find your own little corner of paradise. Tucked-away beaches, random campsites, and quiet trails make this a perfect intro spot for anyone new to the west country. There are two provincial campgrounds in the area, and tons of random camping options too—just pick a spot and set up. Bonus: this is a great place to link up with friends and try some kayak fishing.
2. Upper Pembina River
Heard of the Pembina River? Probably. But this isn’t the tubing hotspot near Evansburg. Go west—waaay west—down Tidewater Road, and you’ll find the real hidden side of the Pembina. Out near the junction with Wolf Lake Road, the river winds through thick forests and wildlife-rich landscapes. You might spot deer, bald eagles… maybe even a bear fishing beside you (bring your bear spray!). It’s remote, peaceful, and a dream for anglers looking to fish undisturbed.
3. Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake feels like it’s at the edge of the world—and that’s kind of the point. You can reach it from Tidewater Road or Elk River Road (just be ready for some dusty gravel driving, especially with industrial trucks passing through). The area was hit by wildfires in 2023, so the landscape looks a bit raw, but the fishing is still solid. The lake’s known for Northern Pike, and it was stocked with Walleye in the ’90s, so you’ve got good odds of a bite. There’s a small first-come, first-served campground—check Alberta Parks before heading out.
4. Fairfax Lake
A bit off the beaten path, Fairfax Lake is a quiet gem perfect for paddling, casting, and unplugging. You’ll find Rainbow and Brook Trout here, plus nearby reclaimed pit lakes if you’re up for exploring more fishing spots. The lake is shallow but cold—great for fish, not ideal for swimming unless the weather is really hot. The campground is surprisingly spacious, with sites redesigned in 2010 for more privacy. Bring a canoe or kayak, enjoy the trails, and settle in for a relaxed weekend.
5. Pembina Forks
Nestled right beside the Pembina River, this medium-sized campground offers classic river fishing for rainbow, brook trout, whitefish, and even bull trout. It’s peaceful, has hiking and paddling options, and makes a great weekend basecamp if you’re looking to stay off-grid but not feel totally lost in the woods. Think of it as your middle ground between wilderness and comfort.
What to Know Before You Go
You’ll be off-grid. There’s no reliable cell service out here. Download your maps, let someone know your plans, and be ready to rough it.
Bring bear spray. You’re in bear country. Stay alert, keep your site clean, and be smart about food storage.
Fires & damage: Wildfires in 2023 hit parts of the region hard. Some sites are still recovering—check Alberta Parks or county websites before heading out.
Flat tires happen. These gravel roads are tough on vehicles. Carry a spare, bring tools, and know how to handle a roadside hiccup.
Know the fishing rules. Each lake may have different regulations. Alberta Fishing Regulations will have all the info you need.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just want to see how it feels to disconnect for a few days, Alberta’s west country has the perfect fishing escape waiting for you. Pack up, head west, and find your new favourite spot—before the rest of the world finds out about it.
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Download your experience guide
If you’re searching for the perfect small-town adventure; packed with fun, food, and unforgettable memories, then mark your calendar! A summer trip to Drayton Valley in late June is just what you need. This vibrant Alberta community comes alive with the annual Drayton Valley Midway, hosted by the local Lions Club. It’s an event that brings out the very best in community spirit and summer magic.
This year, the midway takes over town from June 20 to 22, transforming Drayton Valley into a hub of colour, music, and excitement. It’s the perfect weekend to visit, especially with school letting out and the weather warming up. The entire town buzzes with anticipation, and families, friends, and visitors come together to enjoy the festivities.
At the heart of the weekend is the midway, packed with thrilling rides for all ages—from gentle fun for the little ones to heart-pounding adventures for the brave. And don’t forget the food! You’ll find the mouthwatering classics like funnel cakes and mini donuts, now served from a dedicated food wagon that brings that authentic fairground flavour to life. The smells alone are enough to draw you in!
But that’s not all. Friday night, the fun continues with the Drayton Valley Community Foundation’s Small Town Big Life Party. Last year’s party featured two bands battling it out across the dance floor, and this year promises even more high-energy entertainment. So grab your dancing shoes, bring your friends, and get ready for a night of music, laughter, and pure summer joy.
If one weekend isn’t enough to satisfy your summer spirit, don’t worry—there’s more! Just a few weeks later, head about half an hour down the road to the cozy hamlet of Evansburg for their famous Pembina Valley Daze on July 11 and 12. This event takes over the entire community, turning Evansburg into one giant fairground full of fun and charm.
Pembina Valley Daze kicks off with a delicious pancake breakfast at Tipple Park Museum, followed by a Main Street parade, a classic car show, and countless local attractions that make this event a must-visit. Of course, there’s a midway here too—and the best part? Even if you already hit the Drayton Valley Midway, you’re in for a brand-new experience in Evansburg with entirely different rides.
Whether you’re a ride-all-day wristband warrior or just want to enjoy a few thrilling spins, there are options for everyone. Buy a wristband for unlimited fun or grab a few tickets for your favourite rides—the choice is yours. And with events like these, every moment is packed with joy, laughter, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
So, this summer, grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure, and make Drayton Valley and Evansburg your go-to getaway spots. With small-town hospitality and big-time fun, these Alberta gems offer everything you need for the ultimate summer escape. Don’t miss it!
The Roots of Resilience Charter School has been receiving attention from education and indigenous authorities, as educators hope to learn from their model.
Charlene Bearhead, the principal of the school, says she has been receiving phone calls from indigenous groups and school divisions that wish to visit the school. Most recently, four educators travelled from the Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba for a practicum at the school.
Bearhead says many of these groups heard about RRCS at the National Indigenous Education and Reconciliation Network Gathering last May, before the school was officially approved. Bearhead and Dr. Jennifer Tupper, the dean of education at the University of Alberta, gave a presentation about the school at that time. Once it was announced that the school was approved, inquiries began to come in from many indigenous groups, educators, and other organizations.
“I got an email from a young woman that is a teacher at Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba, and she is part of a cohort of 40 indigenous educators that are working on the Education Leadership certificate,” says Bearhead.
Bearhead says there was a component in their practicum that they needed, which was a placement in a school outside of their jurisdiction or in some place that is showing leadership and innovation in education.
“She found us online and reached out to us to see if she could do her three-day placement in our school,” says Bearhead.
In total, four educators came to RRCS from the Fisher River Cree Nation. Three were teachers and one was the cultural coordinator.
Bearhead says she was a little bit nervous at first, but everything worked out really well. When they first arrived, they were given a history of the school, information about how they teach the students and what’s all involved with their education, and a tour of the school.
“It was so interesting. They said, ‘Can we just sit here for a minute and take this all in?’ This is blowing our minds. This is amazing,’” says Bearhead.
Kea York, the cultural coordinator for the Fisher River Board of Education, says that while RRCS wasn’t on her radar at the time, when she looked into the school after one of her classmates mentioned it, she was excited.
“Their missions and goals were right in line with how I viewed education,” says York in an email interview.
She says she loved the passion that the students and staff had for the way of knowing, being, and doing.
“RRCS was right in line with what we are doing in our community of Ochékwi Sípí with our recently implemented Band Council Resolution to put land, language, and culture first in all subject areas of learning for our students. Seeing this happen in a town was great. As people living on this land, we all need to learn Indigenous education and the reciprocity that goes along with it; the children are learning just that,” says York.
Kaitlyn Bear, an educator who has been with the Fisher River Cree Nation for 10 years, says she was impressed by the way language and culture were being incorporated in the school.
“Not many schools allow that, so it was so amazing to see,” says Bear in an email interview.
She says the energy of the staff and students was different from what she’s experienced in the past and the school felt very welcoming.
“I will definitely be keeping in touch with the staff at RRCS,” says Bear. “Over the three days we made so many wonderful connections and relationships that l will hold closely to my heart.”
Stephanie Cochrane, another teacher at Fisher River Cree, says she hadn’t realized she could pick a placement outside of Manitoba, so she didn’t do much research on RRCS before they came out.
“I did not know what RRCS was all about, except that it was a charter school. I did not have many expectations,” says Cochrane in an email interview. “What I found was an amazing, close-knit professional family that consists of super passionate teaching staff and students who have found an academic foundation that nourishes their curiosity as they learn using a First Nation pedagogy.”
Cochrane says the in-house elder at RRCS is a benefit to the students in that he can offer teachings, oral stories, songs, and values that are embedded in the indigenous culture.
“It was so beautiful to witness and be a part of sharing circles that happened right in the
classrooms of RRCS,” she says.
Bearhead says she is happy to have people come visit the school and see how they are doing things.
“Public charter schools are intended to be model schools to show how education might work, or what it could look like,” says Bearhead.
She says it was interesting to hear from these visitors that they have access to knowledge holders and they aren’t yet at the point that RRCS is already at.
“It’s interesting to us because we know we’re not even close to where we want to be yet, but we know we have a really good start,” she says.
During their time at the school, the teachers spent time teaching cooking classes, helping with hot lunch, teaching other classes, scraping a buffalo hide, and reading stories.
“They were just all in with every aspect of the school,” says Bearhead.
Though their time at RRCS is done, each of the educators interviewed said they would highly recommend other school divisions and indigenous groups visit the school and see what they’ve accomplished thus far.
I suggested to my daughter that she name her first child Grahamina if it’s a girl. I haven’t managed to come up with a good boy’s name yet.
Here in Alberta, Noah is once again the most popular name for newborn boys, according to info that winged its way into my inbox a couple of weeks ago from the nice people at Service Alberta. On the girls’ side Olivia took the top spot in 2025, as she has done for the last several years.
It’s an interesting phenomenon* that kids’ names seem to drift in and out of fashion, like long hair, flared jeans and the federal New Democrats. Some of that is probably due to the impact of celebrities. It should surprise nobody if we see an uptick in Taylors due to the global dominance of Taylor Swift, while recent events mean the popularity of Andrew is likely to fall off a cliff.**
Looking back at my elementary school class, we had a couple of Davids, a Stephen, an Allan… on the girls’ side there was Jennifer, June, Dorothy and Elspeth. There was also a cluster of more overtly Scottish names: Alastair, Fraser, Morag and several Fionas. Little did any of them dream that more than 50 years later they’d be name checked in the Drayton Valley and District Free Press. What a strange world we live in.
Anyway, there were certainly no Noahs, apart from that guy with the boat from the Bible, who was not in my class (I’m old but not that old) so doesn’t really count. I don’t remember any Olivias either, although back then girls were both terrifying and mysterious to me, so who knows.
What I can tell you is that you couldn’t swing a cat in 1960s Glasgow without hitting a Graham.*** At one point there were three of us in my elementary class. Since I moved to Canada I believe I’ve only met one. ****
Meanwhile here in present day Alberta the rest of the top six boys’ names for last year were Theodore, Oliver, Henry, Jack and Lucas. Amelia, Emma, Sophia, Charlotte, and Violet round out the girls’ side.
There were more than 52,000 little bundles of joy registered in this province in 2025, with 14,500 unique names. That sounds like a lot, but presumably some are close to duplicates, so Brandy, Brandi and Brandee counts three times, which doesn’t seem fair really.
Anyway, it doesn’t look like there were any Grahaminas, and my daughter didn’t appear to be particularly taken with the suggestion. So if anyone out there is looking for a unique name for their newborn, Grahamina is there for the taking. You can thank me later. Although I suspect your daughter may not be so grateful
* Disclaimer: Phenomenon may not actually be interesting.
** That’s cliff as in geographical feature, not Cliff as in Clifford. Writing is hard.
***This was before the European Union stepped in and banned cat swinging across the continent.
**** I mean one Graham. I’ve met lots of cats. That’s cats as in Tom Kitten, not cats as in Cat Stevens. I’ve never met him.
After hearing the concerns of teachers and parents during the teachers’ strike last October, the provincial government has assigned their first phase of complexity teams to schools across the province.
“The classroom complexity [teams are] the Alberta Government’s response .. (to) the labour action,” says Jodie Mattia, the superintendent of Wild Rose School Division. “Classroom complexity was one of those pieces.”
Last fall, the province began collecting data surrounding the issue. The final report was released on November 21. The list of school divisions that have been assigned complexity teams was released on February 12. Teams consisting of one teacher and two educational assistants (EAs) are being sent to 476 schools with K-6 students.
“If there are additional dollars, those can be used for therapeutic supports,” says Mattia. She says the Province gave the divisions a list of supports that can be selected from in these cases, which may include speech therapists, occupational therapists, among others.
The divisions will have to send in quarterly reports to the Province, but Mattia says at this point she doesn’t know if those teams will be offering pull-out supports or inclusive supports for the students.
WRSD was assigned one team, which will be working at Rocky Christian School in Rocky Mountain House. The St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division was assigned two teams, which will be placed at Sacred Heart School in Wetaskiwin and St. Augustine School in Ponoka.
At this point, no teams have been assigned to any schools in this area. More than 75 percent of the teams were assigned to urban centres like Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, and Fort McMurray.
Schools with K-6 students in Drayton Valley, Breton, Entwistle, Evansburg, and Tomahawk do not have complexity teams assigned to them at the time of publication.
Mattia says the divisions didn’t have any say in where the teams were originally assigned. However, the Province has allowed the divisions to submit a change request by February 20. Whether those changes will be accepted remains to be seen.
“In our school division, every single one of our schools has complexity,” says Mattia. “It’s throughout the division; it’s at all grade levels.”
She says as a division, they continue to tackle complexity through their staffing, support teams, and divisional support.
“It’s not like we don’t have speech-language assistants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists. [The complexity teams are] additional support,” she says.
In some ways, the complexity team at Rocky Christian School may allow the division to allocate some funds to other schools, says Mattia. With extra support for that school from the Province, they may be able to save a little bit of money on additional supports they might have had to provide for the school.
Mattia says they have already received the funding for the teams, but one of the issues is finding the staff to comprise those teams. “Staffing, recruitment, and retention is a significant challenge for rural education,” she says.
She says the division has positions that have been open since the fall, and they are aware it may not be easy to hire staff for the team. Recruitment and retention of teachers in the rural areas of the province has been an ongoing challenge for many years.
Though this first phase has seen most of the supports going toward urban centres, Mattia says they are hopeful there will be more available for rural communities in the future. In the meantime, she says the division offers great supports for their students and families.
“The divisional team and our school teams, they really do phenomenal work with our students and for our families,” says Mattia. “We’re going to continue to support, in our best possible way, student success. That won’t change.”
The Free Press reached out to the STAR Catholic School Division, but did not receive a response before the publication deadline.
One of Canada’s most sought-after rodeo announcers and motivational speakers returned to his hometown last weekend as the keynote speaker at the Mental Health Awareness Symposium.
Brett Gardiner was born and raised near Drayton Valley and has a grad photo hanging on the walls of Frank Maddock High School. Last weekend, he returned to FMHS to share his own mental health journey and different strategies people can use if they are facing similar struggles.
Elaine Tamboline, the past president of the Drayton Valley Rotary Club, says picking Gardiner for the role of keynote speaker was an easy one. As the most awarded announcer in Canadian history, Gardiner has won Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year 14 times, she says. He has announced at the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Calgary Stampede, and since 2016 has been a regular on TSN’s series for the Professional Bull Riding Canada Cup.
Along with his awards in announcing, Gardiner holds a master’s degree in counselling and psychology, and has worked with professional athletes, educators, and large business organizations.
But his local connection also recommended him for the event.
“I think that’s how it started. Some of us knew his mother,” says Tamboline.
The symposium took place on February 21 and was hosted by the Drayton Valley Rotary Club in partnership with the Healthy Communities Coalition. The all-day event had 13 breakout sessions for attendees, two of which were hosted by Gardiner.
“Mental health is such a huge umbrella,” says Tamboline.
The symposium tackled some major topics, such as Canada’s Red Flag Law, understanding legal protections for survivors of domestic violence, Men’s Shed, recognizing and preventing sexual exploitation in youth, and
To make the free event even more accessible for residents, Brighter Futures provided childcare so parents could attend the sessions.
Tamboline says the decision to host the event came from a community needs assessment conducted by the Rotary Club.
“[We wanted to] determine what issues people were most concerned about in our town,” says Tamboline. “That took ten months.”
She says they spoke one-on-one with individuals whose demographics varied from homeless people, business professionals, single parents, seniors, and more.
“Their concerns were many, and they fell under the umbrella of mental health,” she says. “This is not surprising or unique because it has become a topic across Canada and around the world.”
The Rotary Club is most well known for its work on eradicating polio. With 1.2 million members in more than 32,000 clubs in 200 countries, Tamboline says they have many other mandates. Some apply to certain areas, some to certain communities, as well as worldwide concerns. At their last international convention in Singapore, with 20,000 attendees, mental health was a hot topic.
Tamboline says after their needs assessment, the Rotary Club partnered with the HCC to come up with strategies to help connect people in need to professional resources in the community. The symposium was their solution.
The Rotary Club hopes to make the symposium an annual event that can reverberate throughout the community. Tamboline says they will be watching to see how it has affected the community and if they have achieved any of the outcomes they were hoping for.
Tamboline says the organizers are grateful to all the organizations that came together to make the symposium a reality.
“[We have] gratitude and appreciation for the generous support and donations, and volunteers who believed this is important.”
“What I find most rewarding about this organization is that it delivers. Toastmasters tagline is Where Leaders are Made. This past year has brought home to me that if one does the work and overcomes perceived and actual obstacles you definitely become a confident, communicative leader,” she says.
First funding for replacement school
St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division (STAR Catholic) received planning funding from the Government of Alberta to support the future replacement of the school.
Loving where you live
Do we have what it takes to be a tourist destination?
I spent the last week in Canmore with the intent to ski. However a bout of flu and cough plagued our travel party and we didn’t venture too far from the condo.
Colouring contest builds connections
After combing through hundreds of colourful pictures, Drayton Valley Enforcement Services gave the four winners a special prize for their efforts on St. Patrick’s Day.
Charter school draws attention
The Roots of Resilience Charter School has been receiving attention from education and indigenous authorities, as educators hope to learn from their model.
Charlene Bearhead, the principal of the school, says she has been receiving phone calls from indigenous groups and school divisions that wish to visit the school.
