The Cree Nation Government (CNG) and the Grand Council of the Crees said goodbye to their long-time executive director in December, as Bill Namagoose retired after nearly 35 years in the role. Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty announced that Davey Bobbish would step into the position in January.
The Hudson Bay Summit brought together community representatives, Indigenous organizations and other partners in Montreal November 29 to December 1 to build on the success of the inaugural summit in 2018. With workshops focused on coordinating solutions beyond jurisdictions, an expanded Cree presence highlighted emerging issues around James Bay.
Ouje-Bougoumou held its Annual Youth Recognition Awards November 25 to highlight the positive contributions young people make to the community.
Final community consultations in Eastmain, Waskaganish and Waswanipi raised passionate concerns about the potential impacts of the proposed James Bay Lithium Mine, which would be located approximately 130 km east of Eastmain, 10 km north of the km 381 truck stop along the Billy Diamond Highway.
The Waskaganish Wellness Society’s mobile treatment program began in the fall of 1992 at MacLean’s Camp on an island that sits at the mouths of the Broadback and Nottaway rivers. The island, known locally as Nuuskansh, was once an outfitting camp owned by an eccentric Kentucky gentleman from Louisville.
A group calling itself the Anishnabe Moose Committee (AMC) has released a report raising “alarm” over the decline of moose populations in traditional Algonquin territory across Quebec and Ontario, calling for a moratorium on sport hunting and forestry to protect the large herbivores.
After moving to Gatineau from Chisasibi without a high school diploma in 2016, Tiffany Bearskin started studying at Algonquin College, getting her certificate in Aboriginal Studies in 2017. From there, she enrolled in the Office Administration program, getting that certificate in 2018.
Chisasibi held the second day of its annual general assembly November 2; it had been postponed for a month due to a death of an Elder in the community. For Chief Daisy House, broadcasting these meetings on the radio are a valuable opportunity for community members to learn about important local issues while hearing stories from Elders.
Recognizing the power of sports and recreation to promote healthy lifestyles, Cree communities are unveiling innovative infrastructure projects. Among the most exciting are a BMX pump track in Nemaska and a walking trail in Waskaganish.
Like so many kids, Kurtis Black was dead set on becoming a firefighter when he was in Grade One. Unlike most kids, he followed his dream and is the fire chief of Nemaska. Now he has added a new laurel – being part of the team that won the 2022 National Firefighting Competition organized by the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council Project.
