As the snow melts and the geese return, Eeyou Istchee prepares for one of its most hallowed traditions: Goose Break. This celebration is more than just a hunt – it’s a time of reconnection, intergenerational learning, and youth-driven leadership.
“As we embark on our annual Goose Break, let’s take the time to not only enjoy the hunt but also to share and pass on our Cree traditional knowledge with our children and youth,” said Ouje-Bougoumou Chief Gaston Cooper. “This is a wonderful opportunity to teach them about our customs, respect for the land, and the importance of family.”
Cooper stressed safety during this time, which starts with ensuring everyone is prepared and able to get out on the land in both physical and economic security. From sewing workshops and Cree-speaking contests to youth and young family subsidiary bundles, Goose Break 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic yet.
The combined efforts of youth councils, community departments, and families across Eeyou Istchee show that Goose Break is more than a break. It’s a reawakening of relationships – with each other, the land, and with the knowledge that connects generations.
Youth Councils have launched creative initiatives to support families heading to the bush. The Wemindji Youth Council, in collaboration with Maamuu Uhpichinaausuutaau, provided “Young Families Goose Break Bundles” to assist those spending the entire Goose Break at camp.
Coordinated by Layla Miniquken, the initiative required recipients to submit photos and videos documenting their time on the land.
Mistissini Youth Council echoed this effort, receiving over 150 applications for their Goose Break Bundle initiative – its highest turnout yet.
“Our Youth Council spent nearly six hours reviewing and discussing every single application with careful consideration,” shared one council member. “It’s an honour to support our young families in this way.”
Nemaska and Chisasibi Youth Councils also partnered with Maamuu for youth bundles. Chisasibi launched an “Adopt a Youth” program, coordinated by Ashley Fireman and Shawna Sam. They explained that the program is created “for when a youth would like to experience their Goose Break in a different environment.”
It’s about welcoming youth into a Cree tradition that they have not been able to experience yet. Families are encouraged to “take in youth and treat them like one of their own, sharing food, stories and traditions out on the land.”
In Waswanipi, the Social Development Department through Brighter Futures offered a Goose Break Costco Bundle for children under 12. With 395 children registered, the team added an extra: grocery vouchers worth $100 to the last 10 who registered.
Nathanie Happyjack of the Waswanipi Community Justice Office brought traditional skills with a hands-on sewing workshop for Goose Break hunters. Open to both men and women, the
workshop invited participants to make their own gun case with a matching hunting bag. Or, said Happyjack, “You can come and make one for your hunter.”
Grand Chief Norman A. Wapachee offered an important message.
“As Eeyouch/Eenouch, our deep respect for the land that sustains us guides everything we do,” he said. “It is our home, and we honour it and care for it by keeping it clean after hunting or any outings on the land, preserving it for future generations.”
Wapachee reminded hunters to pick up shell casings and reduce scrap lumber around campsites to help prevent forest fires. “Organizing a family clean-up day at the end of the season is a great way to ensure all is in order and properly stored, ready for our return in the summer,” he stressed.
“Let’s all enjoy a safe and clean Goose Break across Eeyou Istchee. May we be mindful of those around us, respect safe hunting practices, and avoid shooting from the road. At the same time, we can be conscious of the environment – conserve fuel and minimize waste. Most of all, let us all honour the land that has provided for us for millennia.”