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.
With an ever-increasing number of Indigenous post-secondary students, colleges and universities are developing inclusiveness initiatives to address systemic inequities. In Quebec, 25% of non-Indigenous people have university degrees, compared to 8% of Indigenous people.
Schools across Eeyou Istchee marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 with several activities.
As summer delivered its last blast of warmth over a sunny mid-September weekend, Mistissini was bustling with cultural celebration and healing gatherings. Following an action-packed powwow weekend, the community hosted the Nishiiyuu Council of Elders’ 10th annual cultural gathering September 19-22.
This year’s annual general assembly, held in Waskaganish August 30 to September 1, was an occasion to recognize the outstanding lifelong contributions of Cree Nation members while making space for the leaders of tomorrow.
A youth healing retreat in Eastmain opened a powerful gateway to traditional teachings and ceremonies August 30 to September 2. Nearly 200 Cree youth aged primarily between 13 and 35 came from across Eeyou Istchee to this inaugural event organized by the Cree Health Board’s Nishiiyuu Miyupimaatisiiun department.
Anna Bosum still remembers the last time she visited Mistissini Point as a child of five or six, around 1970. The location, across from Mistissini, was a place Ouje-Bougoumou members would travel to in August before heading to their bush camps by canoe.
