The Meridian Source looks back at events in October 2025.
An orange sea of remembrance
A sea of orange shirts gathered behind Lloydminster City Hall on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday to recognize the impacts of residential school.
The event was hosted by the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre and was a chance to remember the children who didn’t make it home.
“Traditionally, it’s called Orange Shirt Day or Truth and Reconciliation Day,” said Deborah Munroe, Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre executive director. “It’s a day of awareness to let people know what Indigenous communities faced and the tragedy we went through in regards to the residential school system.
“Today, we are honouring the children that we have lost to residential schools and the children who have survived and their families.”
A community walk took place before refreshments and speeches.
“We’re doing an honour walk today and then we have some speeches. We have two people that will share their personal story of their experience with residential schools,” said Munroe.
The event started with an opening prayer before the walk took place. Support was available for those that might have felt overwhelmed.
“We have elders on hand. If you reach out to us and you’re feeling triggered, we can offer support,” said Munroe.
The day was well-attended, with more than 150 people taking in the event.
Cenovus Energy Hub glitters for grand opening
It was a historic moment in time for the Border City as the Cenovus Energy Hub officially hosted its grand opening on Oct. 1.
The event capped off 25 months of construction and even more planning and advocacy to secure funding.
Funding was obtained through grants from the provincial and federal governments, city funds and fundraising efforts, bringing the $101.3-million facility to life.
“Today marks an important milestone for Lloydminster,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Not only will Cenovus Energy Hub serve as a place for sport, entertainment and community gatherings, it will also attract more visitors to our city, generate new tourism opportunities and create lasting benefits for local businesses.”
The grand opening featured facility tours, public skating and a free barbecue and kicked off with speeches from dignitaries and funding partners.
Foster sentenced to 24 months in jail
Aaron Troy Foster was sentenced to 24 months in jail in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Oct. 15.
On Oct. 1, the former executive with the Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000. Between October 2019 and October 2024, Foster obtained $141,140.24 from the LMHA through 45 fraudulent transactions. In committing 82 thefts, he stole an amount equating to $132,000.
In total, he obtained $273,140.24 illegally.
“I express my deepest remorse for all my actions involving Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association,” said Foster, while addressing the court. “I will live with that regret forever.”
Foster’s attorney, Dan Chivers, asked for a 12-month sentence, noting the harm done to his family, how he’s been ostracized by the community, restitution being paid as mitigating factors and no previous criminal record.
The judge took all the recommendations into account and noted selling the family home might have been because he “bought the home on the backs of little children.”
Onion Lake Cree Nation man receives leadership award
An Onion Lake man was honoured with a leadership award in October.
Vernon Lewis, a senior water treatment operator and resident of Onion Lake Cree Nation, is a recipient of the National First Nations Water
Leadership Award.
The award highlights the critical role of water leadership in supporting
the health and well-being of First Nations Communities.
“Things are moving fast these days, and the future of water treatment is getting more and more advanced, so it’s important for young people to step up and take the lead,” he said.
Lewis is a member of Onion Lake Cree Nation’s infrastructure team and has exceeded criteria for the award, according to Indigenous Services Canada.
Lewis is described as a dedicated mentor and knowledge keeper who works with students.
“I really enjoy helping train young people in my community and keeping them aware of what’s going on —they’re the future, and we need to support them,” he said.
Lewis was honoured at the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association’s annual conference in Saskatoon on Sept. 23.
Read more: Aalbers reflects on successful 2025
