The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Three adopted citizens received a unique northern welcome over the weekend when they glided over the frozen surface of Amisk Lake by dog sled. Ilze Vikse, Abdalla Salih and Saeed Atin got their first taste of the traditional mode of transportation with a handful of friends and family on hand Sunday afternoon. "It's a very Canadian experience," said Vikse after her 15-minute ride. Vikse, who moved to Flin Flon in 2003, wasn't familiar with dog sleds in her homeland of Latvia, a European republic known for its mild climate. "I do believe for even Canadian-born people this is probably a very impressive experience, and for any other cultured people, it's even more exciting," she said. Salih, a Sudanese pharmacist who came to Flin Flon last year to work at Extra Foods, called his ride "a very exciting experience." "When the dogs ran I thought they would never stop," he said. Salih looks forward to sharing photos of his first time mushing with family and friends back home. "They only see that in the movies," he said. Equally impressed was Atin, who is originally from Iran and came to Flin Flon just last month when his wife, Nazila, landed a job at HBMS. "It was amazing," he said, adding that he had never taken part in anything like it. See 'It's' P.# Con't from P.# The informal, internationally flavoured event was organized by local landlord Greg East, who saw dog sled rides as a perfect way to complement Salih's receiving his Canadian citizenship last Friday. So East called on his friend Jimmy Custer, a well-known dog musher in Denare Beach, to turn the idea into reality. Custer was more than happy to share his longtime passion with the adopted residents. "It's not like turning a key and going somewhere. It's so peaceful and different," said Custer. "All you hear is the panting of the dogs. It's so peaceful it seems like your troubles go away." Not only did Vikse, Salih and Atin enjoy the sled dog experience, they are all proud to call Flin Flon their home. "I was surprised when I came here. The people here are very friendly," commented Salih.
