DAUPHIN, Man. — A solemn crowd gathered at CN Park in Dauphin on Saturday afternoon to witness the unveiling of a monument commemorating the victims and survivors of a devastating bus crash that occurred on June 15, 2023.
The memorial service drew over 200 attendees, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak, Dauphin Reeve Ernie Sirski, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services Chief Terry Parlow, members of the Dauphin Ministerial Association, various dignitaries and first responders’ family and friends.
The monument was revealed by Parlow, Dauphin Fire Chief Cameron Abrey and Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire Deputy Chief Grady Stephenson. The ceremony served as both a memorial and a tribute to the resilience and strength of the Dauphin community and the selfless actions of first responders.
The large, black monument bears a written description of the events of June 15, 2023, along with a list of the people killed and those who survived. A large grey heart with two sketches of clasped hands accompanies the written text. The space also includes a black bench inscribed with the victims’ names.
Premier Kinew emphasized the significance of the day, reflecting on the courage and compassion exhibited by Manitobans in the face of tragedy.
“To show respect, that’s what it’s all about,” Kinew told the Sun. “People here have been through so much; their lives have been changed. To be here with the first responders to show our respect for those folks is extremely important. We’re here to remember those we lost and honour those who survived.”
Kinew announced that the first responders involved in the aftermath of the crash would be inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, the highest honour Manitoba can bestow.
Over the past few months, he said, it became evident that first responders and other helpers from the tragic day had a profound impact.
“I think it’s important that we find a way to pay tribute to the people who stepped up that day to save lives and to show dignity,” he said. “There’s a lot that they’re dealing with and we as a province need to say thanks. As you saw here today, it is a large group of people and it just gives you that insight into how many people stepped up in a very, very difficult time.”
Reflecting on the outpouring of support, Kinew noted the strength shown by the people of Dauphin throughout the past year.
Bosiak said the community’s healing journey continues.
“It’s been a different year, obviously. This event is hopefully another page in the process of healing,” Bosiak told the Sun. “This monument will help us remember the people, not the accident.”
Bosiak also highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the creation of the monument, acknowledging the support from the Province of Manitoba, the Dauphin District Community Foundation and the Rural Municipality of Dauphin.
“I would like to commend the volunteer family group that presented the idea of a permanent monument to us,” he said. “I can attest that the city fully supported the project and assisted where necessary to help the group achieve their desired outcomes and the city will continue with support by ensuring its site is well maintained and cared for forever.”
Sirski echoed these sentiments, noting the enduring impact of the tragedy.
“As we gather here in remembrance, let us take a moment to reflect and give thanks for their contributions to our lives. The memories of our loved ones will never fade,” he said.
“They are the ones that sacrificed so we may have a better life and their attempt to capture some of the fruits of their labour ended on that tragic date. This is the first anniversary of many that would be held in years to come.”
Families and friends of the ones involved, he said, will reflect and remember every year, adding he hopes and prays that the monument will serve as a remembrance as to how precious life really is.
Oleg Bednarski, representing the Dauphin & District Ministerial Association, offered spiritual solace and encouraged the community to find strength through their faith and shared humanity.
“Time is a precious commodity and together as a community and a nation, we are able to shoulder one another’s pain and grief,” he told the audience. “Time is a fluid reality that you cannot hoard, nor can you create more of it; you are however able to use it for the best and most profitable expenditure.”
“Time is gifted and always invested. So that you are able to make someone else’s life better and, in turn, make the value of your efforts a representation of what is written upon your heart. That is the law of God which says that I will love my neighbour as myself,” he said
The event also included tributes from RCMP Supt. Jeff Asmundson, Dauphin Fire Chief Cameron Abrey and others who acknowledged the profound impact on first responders.
“No one enters emergency services thinking they’ll encounter the things they do,” Abrey said. “Many lives intertwined as a result of this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with you all.”
Among the attendees was Lorna Cowan, who lost her sister Catherine Day in the crash.
“It was an emotional and nice tribute, and the monument is very fitting. I especially liked the black and the bench,” she said.
“Cathy Day was my baby sister and I miss her; it’s hard to believe she’s not here anymore.”
Josephine Stokotelny, an 86-year-old survivor, expressed gratitude for the support shown.
“I feel very proud to be alive and to be among all these people honouring us. I thank God for all my blessings,” she said.
That intersection, about a half-hour from the Sand Hills Casino just south of Carberry, is where the bus left a stop sign and was hit by a semi-trailer that RCMP said had the right of way.
The bus exploded and the crash killed 17 of the seniors who were on the outing.
— Brandon Sun