Matt Epp and the Amorian Assembly At Dawn

In my time, we did not have graduation ceremonies for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or grade school. There may have been cookies and juice before we went to high school after Grade 8, but we were never gowned, portraited and diploma-ed. I vaguely remember a white poplin dress with a yellow bow somewhere along the way, but it is an image that drifts in and out of focus with a context I can’t verify.

I must have had some ceremony at the end of high school, but as a misfit, plump and bewildered, high school was no picnic and I have brushed away the particulars.

I did not attend my undergraduate university ceremony as I was readying myself for a May wedding my mother was not pleased to design. When I received my doctorate, years later, I had two boys and a husband who understood every one of my misgivings about whether or not I could succeed.

During that last graduation, I opened the manila envelope given to me as I walked across the stage only to find a rather severe notice stating I would not be degreed unless I returned outstanding library books.

In November 2025, Garden Hill Anisininew Nation declared a state of emergency. The threat was not wildfire or flood. The reason was hepatitis A, a vaccine-preventable liver infection spread through contaminated water, food and close contact.

As of July 16, 2026, Manitoba had recorded 898 cases of hepatitis A across the province since September 2024, including 197 hospitalizations and seven deaths.

Manitoba Health says most cases spread from person to person, while inadequate sewage and water infrastructure in remote communities has contributed to ongoing transmission.

The outbreak has spread across all four Anisininew Nations of the Island Lake region — Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake.

Matt Epp and the Amorian Assembly

At Dawn (Independent)

Hard-working local singer-songwriter Matt Epp has shown much promise over the short expanse of his career and with his latest album, At Dawn, he has reached an even higher level of creative achievement.