From the Northern Express -Janice Depeel

The 2023 northern lights inspirational calendars are now on sale, with sales benefiting a local food bank and charity in Regina this holiday season. Over the years, I've created calendars for a number of purposes. In 2017, I donated 100% of the proceeds to Pinehouse Lake Saskatchewan families in need for Christmas. We were able to put on a community Christmas supper for families in need, complete with free haircuts, free photos with Santa, awards, donations, and gifts for the kids, thanks to the earnings and the workers at the local health center, who cooked and helped arrange! We sold a record number of calendars in 2018, due in part to the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses and the Collage of Nurses for their support of our work with the local youth photography club. And we invested all of the proceeds in the Pinehouse Photography Club. I haven't been able to put together calendars in a few years due to carbon monoxide poisoning, among other things, whilst living in the north. But, happily, I survived to see another day. The past is the past, and I'm pleased to inform that we will be selling calendars again this Christmas. Many hours were spent gathering photos from the thousands collected during the previous year. I had to tweak the graphics and quotes a few times until we got it right. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” - Roald Dahl I sincerely hope you will consider purchasing one of these great calendars that will hopefully inspire you or someone else throughout 2023. FREE delivery across Canada. To place an order, send an EMT of $34.99 Canadian to drerwin@hotmail.com. Simply mention your shipping details. You can also visit the Etsy shop for more products and information. “If you're not making someone else's life better, then you're wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.” -Will Smith Thank you! - Dre

After visiting my sister and her family there a few weeks ago, we fell in love with Victoria. If you plan to travel by air, arrive in Sidney (20 minutes from Victoria), then reserve a rental car at the airport. When seeking tranquilly in or around Victoria, finding an ocean view is one of the most important things to do. Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. -Richie Norton It was oftentimes tough to find the drive to even walk outside and explore when there was an ocean view right outside your back door, but you can do it! You could spend the entire day admiring yachts and boats and even reading about their features online. The best things to do in and around Victoria BC (Haven't done them all yet) Beers and fish at Pier Bistro (Sidney) Tour the British Columbia Parliament Building Walk around Victoria Old Town and Chinatown Enjoy the famous Tea at the Empress Hike around Beacon Hill Park Watch the sunset from the Inner Harbor Visit the Royal BC Museum Stroll around Fishermans’s Wharf Admire Craigdarroch Castle Tour and amazing beaches Take a trip to the Butchart Gardens Go on a Ocean tour/whale watching tour Victoria, a city full of adventure and surrounded by water. The southernmost point of Vancouver Island is home to the coastal capital of British Columbia, which enjoys stunning views of the Salish Sea and the straits of Juan de Fuca and the Haro. I would advise doing it at least once. We had the opportunity to take a boat excursion through the Gulf Islands. After a day on the water, make sure you spend some times walking around downtown Victoria. The territory that makes up Victoria's Old Town is situated between Chatham Street (the northern boundary), Humboldt Street (the southern boundary), Douglas Street (the eastern boundary), the Wharf and Store Streets, and the Waterfront (west border). As Victoria Old Town is a fairly pleasant spot to roam around, you could easily spend the entire afternoon here. It's time to head outside of Victoria's downtown to see the renowned Butchart Gardens. These lovely gardens, which are only 20 km north of Victoria, are a wonderful destination to spend the day. The Butchart Gardens are a National Historic Site of Canada and were created as a consequence of Jenny Butchart's inspiration, fervor, and commitment. There is the Sunken Garden, which Jennie Butchart planted as the very first garden way back in 1904, as well as Japanese, Italian, and Mediterranean gardens as well as the enticing Rose Garden. A coffee shop, restaurant, and gift shop are also there, as well as a lot of seeds. The Rose Carousel, which features 30 hand-carved wooden animals, is another attraction, especially for families with young children. The cost of a carousel ride is merely 2CAD! "The golden hour can be simultaneously shared with the ones we love and care about and lived as a very personal and spiritual occasion" While in Victoria make sure you head to Beacon Hill Park for some of Victoria's best walking trails if you want to burn some calories. The park has a number of hiking trails, a gorgeous pond, a children's zoo, and lovely flowers. A viewpoint overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca may be found here, along with the highest free-standing totem pole in the entire globe. We only stayed for five days, but we were able to enjoy the coast and Victoria's winding roads, paddle boarding, boat tours, and we can't wait to return! Along the ocean in Victoria, there are numerous beaches, cute boutiques, and my favorite pubs that offer the greatest halibut and beer money can buy. When you do decide to leave your current accommodation, though, be sure to stop in Sydney at least once. Victoria, British Columbia is the ideal getaway if you love photography. No matter what there is to see and do, the best part was spending time with friends and family. There is a lot to see, but not enough time! The butterfly gardens sounded interesting to me as well. In Victoria, where would you recommend visiting?

When we need it the most, inspirational and motivational quotations can help us maintain a positive attitude on life and work. They accomplish this by utilizing the power of positive thinking. In order to live a happy and successful life, we must retrain our minds to think positively. A collection of pictures and quotes to help inspire you through the month of April: Stay tuned for next months inspiration!

SASKATCHEWAN -- A Pinehouse nurse captured spectacular live video of the Northern Lights over the village in Saskatchewan. Dre Erwin, who recently lived in the nursing quarters across from the health clinic, in a the village of Pinehouse Lake, captured the Northern Lights with a camera pointed at the sky when it was -50C! While he’s aimed his camera upwards in the night’s sky about a thousand times, Saturday’s light-show was one of the best, he said. "One of the brightest we've ever seen," Erwin added. "During the winter months, it usually gets very excellent, but this night was an exception." Erwin's video has also attracted the attention of a few American television networks, and it may be viewed on his YouTube site.

PINEHOUSE ANNUAL ELDERS GATHERING PINEHOUSE LAKE SASKATCHEWAN Every year at Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan, people from at least 11 distinct communities across Canada converge to honor elders, custom, and culture. Pinehouse Lake is known for bringing people together for family, friends, culture, and tradition. This is one of the reasons why the annual event attracts so many people. Pinehouse is a Metis/Cree community on the western bank of Minahikow­skahikan Shkahikan, commonly known as Pinehouse Lake, with a population of about 1500 people. To the nearby Cree and Metis, the lake was formerly known as Kinpihko-shkahikan (Snake Lake). The majority of the residents in this village of roughly 1,500 people speak Cree and michif as their first language. Pinehouse, like many other northern towns, has a young population, with roughly 55 percent of residents under the age of 20. "We just want all of the northern communities to take part, to bring their elders, and just visit to share stories." -Chris Hansen The community's use of traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping methods was crucial to their survival. This northern village has a strong Metis/Cree worldview, which is ingrained in the local economy and has aided in development. The story of Pinehouse describes a community that was forced into existence, but that has become a real home for so many of its people. Their history is one of belonging and a shared worldview and commitment to their own social, cultural, and economic survival. Pinehouse residents continue a variety of traditional and cultural activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering. Annual Cultural camps for youth and annual Elders Gathering help to educate citizens and preserve the traditional ways of the Pinehouse Métis community. "The elders of the community teach the younger generation the skills of the north, everything from preparation hide to different ways of doing traditional meats to different ways of fish-filleting and preparing those traditional meats, as well as techniques of harvesting." Music, art, dance, food and humour a learning experience at Elders Gathering in northern Sask. Canadian Geographic has taken a special interest in the strong Michif language roots in Pinehouse Lake. Watch some jigging here People are taught to cook, prepare fish, carve wood and boat and paddle making at the gathering as well. Pinehouse Annual Elders gathering 2018 video The week long event is expected to return this year!! For more information: 306-884-2030 Email: nvp@sasktel.net

This was my home for the past three years. Many mixed emotions; it was such an incredible spot to live, with views of the lake and the northern lights visible from my back door! I'll never forget many wonderful memories. Over a three-year period, it was also the site of my carbon monoxide poisoning. I almost died with a CO2 lever of 34 (normal is 0-6), and my dog perished as well. I was flown out to ER in Saskatoon by Air Amb. After that, I travelled to Moose Jaw X 3 for hyperbaric treatment. The whole encounter has left me with a lot of trauma to this day. It gets to the point where I think I've got a nervous twitch simply thinking about it. My anxiety can get so bad that it's difficult for me to work without becoming anxious. What makes it even more difficult is the stigma associated with mental illness. No one wants to be your friend or listen to your story any longer. You don't get flowers, cards, or "get well soon" advice if you have a broken leg. As time passes, I continue to strive to be more positive and to use all of my experiences to grow as a better and stronger person, both for myself and for my new family. It's also highly therapeutic for me to share my tale here. I'm not sure where I'd be right now if it weren't for photography and your support. I know I'll never be disappointed if I have my camera with me. It's my way of getting away from whatever agony I'm experiencing. My camera does not pass judgement on me. Thank you for taking the time to read what I've written.

Gordon Lake/Norbert falls 3 day Youth Retreat Louis Iron is a 16-year-old Pinehouse Photography Club member. "I grew melancholy after my stepfather committed suicide," Louis explains. "I felt sad a lot of the time, didn't want to go outside...we were all miserable." Louis discovered the Pinehouse Photography Club soon after the catastrophe. Pinehouse Photographic Organization (PPC) is a local photography club that encourages children and teenagers to utilize photography as a therapeutic tool. "Learning photography has helped me a lot with my sentiments," Louis adds. "I've met a lot of new people that encourage me and make me happy. Taking photographs allowed me to see things I had never seen before, and I began to feel less depressed." The PPC sponsored a spring/summer event at Gordon Lake and Norbert Falls, thanks to funding from the Youth-led Community Health Grant programme. Vice Present Jon Durocher says, "We only wanted a select youth with whom we could spend some quality time." "Instead, we had a flood of youth who wanted to engage!" The group ended up hosting almost 30 youngsters for the three-day outing, exceeding its initial aim of 15 youth. "We concentrated on photography, teaching the students how to take images and then discussing them afterward," Durocher says. "And we've noticed that once these kids start shooting pictures, they start to open up to one another and to the rest of the group." They begin to converse. Durocher goes on to say, "It was a great time. They camped, swam, fished, went tubing, hiked, and played hide & seek in addition to photography. They watched movies on a projection screen outside. It was a fantastic experience for all of us!" The photography club received a $2000 grant from the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute's Youth-led Community Health Grant program for this event. "We wouldn't have been able to put on this event for the kids without those monies," says Mallory Lariviere, program director. "We couldn't believe how many kids were interested in photography and this event," Lariviere says. "Using photography to initiate a conversation about mental health and feelings helps the youngsters start the conversation." The event was hosted by a non-profit group with a focus on healthy living. "We wanted to have a combination of enjoyment for the kids while also taking the chance to conduct some educating," says Dre Erwin, President. The youth were given a list of activities as well as discussions about addictions and mental health. "Photography is frequently used to assist young people in communicating. It provides them with a means of expressing themselves, which in turn allows for more dialogue ", Erwin says. Morgan Tinker, youth and volunteer at the event says the experience was just a lot of fun. "Everyone was happy and laughing and we did so many activities. No one wanted to leave", says Tinker. The Pinehouse Photography Club focuses on using photography as a means for young people to express themselves without having to say anything. Youth who are at high risk for mental health issues and/or addictions frequently start talking about their feelings and thoughts. For more information, visit their website or join their Facebook page to witness some of the incredible work that the youth are doing.

Photography is more than just a kind of art; it's also a way of expressing oneself and communicating one's sentiments and views. A single snapshot has the ability to communicate a thousand different stories. This is one of the reasons why it has become a hobby for some and a form of therapy for others. The Pinehouse Photography Club's story is told here. Our hopes and mission are to propagate this simple notion and concept to young people all over the world. It's 100% worth it to see how snapping a picture with just a phone may help a child open up about suicidal thoughts.

Keara Tinker is a 17 year old from Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan. Keara joined the Pinehouse Photography Club late last year and has found the club and photography very useful. "Photography changed my life!" says Tinker, "before I didn’t know how to look at life because I was at a that point of depression. I was cutting my arms thinking about suicide often and I was always putting my self down". "Therapeutic photography increases self esteem and self worth" Now an active youth and member in the club, Keara utilizes therapeutic photography techniques to help prevent mental health issues, such as depression and thoughts of suicide. Tinker says that she was scared at first to try something new. "I was to scared to go there until they opened the studio near by my house". "I dont think of my depression anymore. I don’t cut my arms anymore. I don’t think of suicide anymore," Tinker. Therapeutic photography changes the way youth see their lives. Instead of looking down, and focusing on negativity, they begin to see the beauty all around themselves. "I am starting to take pictures of my beautiful home town and now everyone (I see) is beautiful and pretty," Tinker. "I love taking pictures now!" Tinker encourages all youth to be brave and try something new. Photography helps "you see life differently and it's a lot of fun!" Tinker. The Pinehouse Photography Club is a division of the Canadian PhotoHealth Authority, which utilizes therapeutic photography to help prevent and deal with youth mental health problems and/or addiction. Statistically, the non-profit organization engages over 300 youth a month in Pinehouse and is focused on spreading more awareness to other communities and government officials that there is more options that can be explored to even prevent mental health problems before they occur. More more information, you can like Keara's photogoraphy page In the Moment" on Facebook.

In the world today, many youth are left with fear, anxiety and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus is also a serious mental health problem. The stress of the pandemic can exacerbate the symptoms of people who are already suffering from mental illness, as well as trigger mental illnesses such as anxiety in others. While we must maintain physical isolation, we do not need to maintain social distance as a community in modern times because we can safely communicate online. There are still a variety of ways to communicate with one another, including calling, texting, and Facetime. While maintaining social isolation and distancing, there are many other things youth can do to keep occupied. Such as: take pictures, go for a walk, write, read, bake, cook, spend time with family, play games, exercise at home, watch movies, and so on. In northern, rural and remote communities, such as Pinehouse, finding solitude is often fairly easy to do. We recommend youth and people to get outside at least once a day on their own, and go for a walk on the track or out onto the lake while keeping your distance. Try connecting with nature, even taking pictures. Share your pictures with others. Get some exercise and vitamin D as long as you can do it safely, distancing yourself from others, and remembering to wash your hands as directed. Pinehouse Photography Club situated in Pinehouse Lake, uses therapeutic photography. With a studio and a director running the club, youth can use cameras and equipment to have a lot of fun. "Yesterday we started a challenge for Canadians to build their bubble of protection & #StayInsideYourBubble. We need to maintain this zone of protection around us to keep COVID-19 out. Ideally, each of us builds our own 2-metre radius bubble. But couples, families, & other cohabitants can create a bubble with 2, 4 or more people all keeping to one bubble." -Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Medical Health Officer We'd love to see your physical distancing bubbles Saskatchewan! If you are ever feeling sad, confused, anxious, alone, or have any concerns or questions, we encourage you to contact: KIDS HELP PHONE FREE! Call a counsellor: 1-800-668-6868 Text CONNECT to 686868

The Allure of Northern Lights Photography "If you can get beyond some of the dread, heading out on gravel roads or strolling down unbeaten pathways late at night in the middle of nowhere can be such a joy," says Dre Erwin of Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan. "Who can say no when the opportunity to watch 'Lady Aurora' make such a spectacular appearance presents itself?" It's never as scary when you have a companion!" 1. Dancing Northern Lights "There's nothing quite like being beneath an aurora storm, especially when it comes on so quickly," Erwin adds. "It can change from pitch dark to light as day in a matter of seconds - but they don't last long, so you have to be looking and ready at all times!" " 2. No 2 Aurora Geomagnetic Storms are alike “Every night is different so don't be fooled to think seen one you seen them all" Erwin. 3. Eerie Image “It is amazing what you can see when you spend your nights looking at the stars! I've seen everything from angels; strange movements of light; meteors; STEVE; and images of my dog that passed away" - says Erwin 4. Stunning Light Show “I captured this spectacular display of the aurora borealis above Pinehouse Lake a few years ago while we sat back, ate popcorn and drank Tim Hortons. Seems pretty Canadian if you ask me!" - Erwin 5.