The Cree First Nation of Waswanipi celebrated its 50th anniversary with fun-filled activities for all ages June 9-12. The historic occasion was also an opportunity to reflect on Waswanipi’s evolution into a vibrant community.
“Celebrating this milestone is really special for us so we tried our best to make it as big as we could,” said Valerie Neeposh of the local Social Development department. “We had about a month of planning. What really matters is we gathered as a community. It was a space of remembering how Waswanipi came together as one.”
On the opening day, former Chiefs were recognized for their contributions while drum songs and a fiddle dance highlighted community traditions. Walking-out ceremonies throughout the week initiated the next generation in Cree culture. Kids enjoyed exciting rides and inflatables on the youth centre parking lot alongside face painting, food and prizes.
“We prioritized the youth with games and activities throughout the week,” said Neeposh. “Fiddle dancing was huge back in the day, which we’re trying to revive. It was a great outcome, a reminder we should come back to fiddle dancing again.”
Several community departments and organizations contributed to the event. Brighter Futures organized children’s activities and refreshment giveaways while Mishtuk’s annual BBQ distributed 96 steaks, 250 hot dogs and 325 burgers. Cree Horizon gave away cotton candy, popcorn and slushies.
A comedy show by Deadly Uncle and a celebrity look-a-like impersonation contest delivered lots of laughter on June 11. There was also a homerun derby and golf contest, ribfest and vendor booths. An open mic night and huge dance party brought people together through music.
“It has been an incredibly busy and unforgettable week,” shared primary event coordinator Lucius Gull. “Seeing the community come together and enjoy themselves made every moment worth it. The turnout was amazing, and it was great to see so many people having fun and celebrating together.”
Summer gatherings like this have always been an important part of Cree culture, a chance to catch up with old friends, connect with distant relatives and reminisce on times gone by. The community’s history reflects both the impacts of colonialism and its people’s determination to preserve its unique heritage.
While the area’s first fur trading post was established in 1763, there weren’t more than a few nomadic family groups visiting it at the same time, even into the early 20th century. As new mines and sawmills in the territory attracted outside workers in the 1950s, Waswanipi band members scattered to surrounding communities for work.
“A favourite pastime for the Waswanipi Eenooch at the old Waswanipi post during the summer was sitting outside on a sunny day sharing stories and playing cards,” said Allan Saganash. “I learned a lot listening to their stories – no wonder people knew each other so well and what their plans were for the next trapping season in the coming fall.”
As the community’s children had been taken away for 10 months of residential school every year since Indian agents first arrived by floatplane in the mid-1940s, Saganash would stay close to his father every chance he had during July and August.
When the Hudson Bay Company’s post on Waswanipi Lake closed in 1965, most who remained near the Old Post soon moved away. In the 1970s, families in the area were told to leave their homes immediately or they would be flooded because Hydro-Québec was damming nearby rivers.
Band members had very different opinions about where to establish a village site and it wasn’t until the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement in 1975 that the community landed on its present site at the headwaters of Waswanipi River. Meaning “light on the water,” the name Waswanipi refers to the past practice of spearing sturgeon at night by torch light.
“You have to talk to your Elders to hear the history of Waswanipi,” Neeposh said. “We had members from outside communities like Miquelon, Desmaraisville and Chapais who moved into the settlement and became one as a community.”
Late former Chief Peter Gull secured government funding to build a new community in 1974, with the initial 13 homes growing to about 80 houses within seven years. As there was little employment for members at the time, Gull was the first to start talking about creating a community-owned forestry company, eventually founded as Mishtuk Corporation.
As a southern gateway into Eeyou Istchee, Waswanipi has grown into a thriving community rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. Light on the Water Tourism focuses on cultivating harmony with Cree traditions, highlighting its cultural village and annual Old Post Fishing Derby.
“I love my community because it’s always welcomed me back home,” said Neeposh, who moved to Ottawa for high school and post-secondary studies. “I have a really big family and know I belong here. Serving my community and watching out for our youth is something I love to do.”