Molson Community Award in memory of Mary Knowles

Dennis and Jackie Smyk have, for more than 40 years, owned and published the only newspaper in the remote township of Ignace, Ontario. Where’s Ignace, you ask? Get to Thunder Bay in northern Ontario, and drive about 3 hours northwest.

In a community with a declining population, Dennis and Jackie are passionate about local personalities, business, youth, educating others about local history, and various community events. They continue to make it a priority to promote their community through both their newspaper and as active volunteers for a list of local organizations so long it would be impossible to name them all.

Dennis’ years of involvement in the community include a wide range of roles from politics, to youth leadership, to local business development. He has been mayor and a councilor of Ignace, fire chief, held various executive positions as a member of the Ignace Kinsmen, is involved with Scouts Canada, the Ignace Venturers, Friends of the White Otter Castle, the township’s 125th Year Celebration, and numerous other local youth clubs, as well as a founding member of the Ignace Business Association, Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Dennis, in his private avocation is an archaeologist and spends his free time exploring, uncovering and cataloging many rock paintings, aboriginal camp sites and area wildlife, and leads historical tours of the area. His expertise was sought by novelists chronicling historical data for a book on Ignace for the town’s Centennial celebration.

Dennis is but one half of this amazing team, as his wife Jackie is equally as committed to their newspaper and community. In addition to actively assisting Dennis in his activities, particularly his archaeological excursions and the Friends of White Otter Castle, Jackie spends time working with many local committees such as the Ignace Recreation Committee, Library Board, Nursery School and Figure Skating Club. She is involved with Scouts Canada, and serves on the board of the Mary Berglund Community Health Centre, while supporting many other local sports, literacy, civic, cultural and fraternal organizations through membership. Well known for her impressive quilting ability, Jackie has donated many of her beautiful quilts to local ambulances or fundraising efforts for those in need. She throws herself wholeheartedly into her chosen activities without expectation of praise or compensation.

The Smyk’s passion for local art and artists spurred their joint involvement in founding the Treasure Chest Artisans Market, which features many talented artists in the Ignace community and helps attract tourists and much-needed revenue to the area.

Dennis and Jackie appear to have endless energy as their involvement in the many and varied activities continues undaunted while the two of them alone manage all phases of the Ignace Driftwood, which they publish from a home-based office, often late into the night. Over the years they have pursued other employment in order to sustain the newspaper for the community.

It is no wonder that the Smyks are such an integral part of the Ignace community. They epitomize the qualities of commitment and true leadership. We can think of no other more deserving of the 2009 Molson Award in Memory of Mary Knowles.

Congratulations Dennis and Jackie!

About the Molson Community Award

The Molson Community Award in Memory of Mary Knowles was created by the Ontario Community Newspapers Foundation, the charitable division of OCNA which provides funding for industry and educational endeavours, and is sponsored by Molson Coors Canada.

 

Mary Knowles was a dedicated newspaper person, and active community member who died from breast cancer in November of 1996. This award recognizes both the contributions of individuals, and the intimate connection community newspapers have with their communities.