As construction projects expand throughout Eeyou Istchee, Cree truck drivers are increasingly uniting to improve their business opportunities.
In April, Chisasibi’s Adam Gates became the first Cree to become president of a trucking association, with which he hopes to prioritize local truck owners and drivers. A heavy equipment mechanic by trade, Gates bought an old dump truck to fix up in 2012. That led him to launch Mithamin Transport and Construction the following year.
With Mithamin growing to five 12-wheeler dump trucks alongside other vehicles, about four years ago Gates acquired majority ownership of Eenou Eeyou Construction and partnered with Hardy Construction for bigger projects like Chisasibi’s new Sabtuan Learning Centre.
Working closely with the Radisson Baie-James Substation since its establishment in 2024, Gates became a board member after securing a permit from Quebec’s Commission des transports last fall. He believes this summer could exceed last year’s milestone, when about 20 Cree truckers earned almost half of the association’s $9 million in revenue.
“Before Radisson was established, trucks were dispatched from Chibougamau and Matagami associations and Crees were left behind,” Gates said. “The goal was to prioritize local truck owners and I think we’ve really hit it out of the ballpark.”
Because the Commission long ago stopped issuing new permits, new truckers must purchase someone’s existing permit. While only three Crees in the association currently hold permits, the association is still able to dispatch a majority of Cree drivers coming from several communities as it helps more locals secure permits.
Last year, the Cree Nation Government’s Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) hosted open forums to discuss emerging opportunities and barriers in this growing field. With the Commission planning to open truck registration in the region to anyone in 2027, Gates consulted DCI and Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch about negotiating more favourable arrangements for Cree drivers.
“We want to put a stop to that and ask if we can have new permits issued specifically for Crees that can’t be resold,” explained Gates. “My goal for now is to funnel all the Cree trucks through the Radisson association.”
There have long been calls for a Cree trucking association, but little progress has been made. However, Gates said the Radisson association has the advantage of being already established and legally certified to govern the region. Even with every Cree trucker working, the abundance of projects would require contracting non-Native drivers.
Self-employed truck driver Jamie Gunner has been trying to start an association for inland Cree communities, which he said is slowly gaining ground in Mistissini. He said he’s struggled to find enough work in Mistissini since buying his truck in 2022 with grants from the CNG, Mistissini band and former employer Stornoway Diamonds.
“I had to leave the community because of too many trucks and I wasn’t rotated,” said Gunner. “I worked in Ouje and Waswanipi the first year, then I went back home. They called me. It was kind of hard being out there without your family, especially when you have little ones.”
Cree construction companies told Gunner that they go through trucking associations. So, he called the associations in Matagami, Quevillon, Chibougamau and Radisson. With Radisson the only one to respond, he went to Chisasibi last summer but was frustrated after waiting three months for payment.
Although Gunner said mining companies generally work with the francophone associations, he’s accepted a job at Waswanipi’s new Windfall mine. After 25 years, Gunner still loves driving trucks. Trucking was his father’s dream job but his training in Quebec City was abandoned when the family needed him.
“He had to quit and come back home because my mom was the only provider at that time,” shared Gunner. “I wanted to show him I could do it. When I owned my own truck, he was happy for me. He paid for my business plan to support me.”
Chisasibi-based driver Chris Sam was working at the local radio station before trading the office for the open road 11 years ago. After getting his Class 3 license, he was recruited to work underground at the Eleonore mine with various machinery and 55-ton trucks. He’s currently making repairs to the Billy Diamond Highway following a winter plowing snow.
“We worked on the LG-3 dam on the Trans-Taiga highway,” said Sam. “I’d wake up early and see the sunrise – those moments are priceless. When the first snowstorm hit in November, it was crazy. Hydro-Québec workers got stuck and I had to pull out five of them.”
Sam loves making friends on the job and clearing his head during those long hauls. As a guitarist and singer for Cree Rising, the truck is a great place for listening to music and practicing his vocals ahead of summertime gigs. He said truckers are a supportive community and he enjoyed helping out fellow snowplow driver Mary-Jane Rabbitskin this winter.
“We’re all like a family,” said Rabbitskin. “I feel safe and comfortable working with other drivers teaching me and looking out for me, as I’m the only woman truck driver here. It’s so nice waving when I see the other drivers. It’s like an adventure going to work sites.”
Rabbitskin got her start working for the Eleonore mine but prefers driving above ground enjoying the natural scenery and listening to music. Recalling challenges in her early days backing uphill to make a road, she’s proud of her contributions when she passes that site.
Now working her second summer with the Radisson trucking association, Rabbitskin learned how to operate the loader on the highway – co-workers say she’s a natural. She’s happy to see Cree drivers prioritized with the association and looks forward to learning the concrete truck when it’s her turn to work towards a permit.
Working alongside 18-wheelers in her community sparked an interest in pursuing her Class 1 license. Incorporated in 1987 by the Chisasibi and Wemindji communities, Kepa Transport provides freight service between Eeyou Istchee and other parts of the continent. Rabbitskin imagines driving a Kepa truck through the US, an offer rejected by one of her friends.
“Every time I see him, I give him that disappointed look and we laugh about it,” said Rabbitskin. “Seeing people on the road, they’re so proud, giving me thumbs up. I still have a lot to learn but I’m glad I have support. I can’t wait to have a woman truck driver as a co-worker one day.”