With 52.7% of the vote, Calvin Blacksmith secured a narrow victory over Thomas Neeposh in Mistissini’s run-off election September 2 to become Chief. Philip Petawabano was elected Deputy Chief, ahead of Kevin-Joseph Mianscum.
Blacksmith said the closely contested race was a reminder to remain disciplined, transparent and accountable. He plans to strengthen unity as Mistissini addresses the rising cost of living while safeguarding the Cree language and culture, along with the community’s land and waters.
The run-off elections were necessary after no candidate secured 50% in first-round voting August 27, which Neeposh led with 33%. Chief candidates Abraham Jolly, John Longchap and John S. Matoush did not advance.
The election generated extraordinary community participation, with 27 candidates vying for the nine councillor positions and Deputy Chief candidates Kitty Irene Mianscum and William Nicholls making a strong impact with their campaigns despite not advancing. A livestream of the run-off election had 46,000 views.
Mistissini’s housing shortage proved to be the top campaign issue. As a former Mistissini Chief, Neeposh’s campaign asserted that housing and job creation must go hand in hand through the development of a modular home-building facility. Deputy Chief candidate Kitty Mianscum argued that “eviction has shifted from a last resort to a normalized harm.”
Claiming a shortage of 800 houses, Blacksmith said there must be consequences when people neglect their rents. He suggested mandatory financial management training for new tenants, budgeting workshops or alcoholism treatment for rent defaults, and raising housing user fees to support future planning.
“We have so many social issues because of the overcrowding,” Blacksmith told the Nation. “A household has to have some peace. We want our young people to graduate to become doctors, lawyers, but with all these distractions it’s hard to become successful.”
Declaring the choices made today will shape the future for generations to come, Blacksmith said that if Mistissini is still facing a housing shortage in 20 years, “we can only blame ourselves. If people don’t do their part, we’re going to face a brick wall in the community.”
Entering local politics in 1994 when elected Youth Chief, Blacksmith said his team cut their $120,000 deficit in half while generating new revenue streams and launching several initiatives.
Blacksmith joined the Mistissini Police Force in 1995, and was later named police director of Nemaska before returning to Mistissini as director, succeeding Michael Petawabano. He helped negotiate the formation of the regional Eeyou Eenou Police Force, which Blacksmith now says has resulted in a loss of control and pride.
“If we only have six officers and are supposed to have 21, you have to make them accountable,” said Blacksmith. “Our people are suffering with drugs, alcohol and street gangs. The CNG took the heart and brains of policing, taking something that we had major pride in, and now we don’t see that pride in our community.”
Blacksmith supports former Chief Petawabano’s efforts to bring back community justice committees, saying it’s unacceptable for drug traffickers or bootleggers to be operating from band units. He’s open to suggestions that certain offenders face banishment, but not for life.
“If you’re banished for 5 or 10 years, I hope that it’s a major reflection, losing out on the cultural element,” said Blacksmith. “Think about the benefits of living in the community. When you try to harm your people, it’s unacceptable. You have to learn from your mistakes with punishment.”
While officially a “dry” community, alcohol use is the subject of a recurring debate in Mistissini and other Cree communities. About 20 years ago, Blacksmith and a friend proposed opening a resto-bar, but the idea was rejected by the Mistissini Band Council after facing opposition in a public meeting.
“There’s a reason why you should have a designated area and only open at certain hours,” Blacksmith asserted. “When you investigate sexual assaults, you realize some house parties are a way of cornering a victim. When you talk to the police chiefs of Kahnawake, Wendake or Pessamit that have bars, they don’t have the same volume of interventions related to alcohol.”
Describing himself as a successful businessman, Blacksmith founded Cree Source for Sports with Elijah Awashish in 2002. As one of the first sporting goods stores in Eeyou Istchee, it is growing into regional operation. As Chief, he wants to support local entrepreneurs and develop a community plan for coming challenges.
“As a businessperson, I have a feeling the hardships will be coming sooner than later,” Blacksmith said. “Everything is becoming very expensive. I thought instead of retiring, I should offer my help to our people.”
Blacksmith wants to maximize the capacity of Mistissini’s sporting facilities and explore investing in a hall or recreation centre. Local athletes increasingly participate in provincial competitions, but games are sometimes cancelled when the only gymnasium is taken over by unexpected events.
He’d like to see more activity and entertainment options and hopes to bring back winter carnivals, summer festivals and traditional games. He suggested tackling diabetes risk early by establishing blood tests and intervention plans at schools.
In the days after the election, Blacksmith spoke with treasurer Richard Shecapio, director general Titus Shecapio and Thomas Neeposh, discussing the importance of all leaders working together for community betterment. As Mistissini faces immense opportunity and complex challenges, he intends to approach other former Chiefs to develop collaborative solutions.
“They fought to protect our rights and established the foundation,” said Blacksmith. “Now that the foundation’s made, let’s bring the walls and the roof so we have a house. My job is to make our community united, so we all succeed and are prosperous.”