The Great Christmas Market spreads the spirit of the season
One of my favourite times of the year has to be Christmas. The trees, the ornaments, the colours are all very festive and joyful. It grants everyone great joy and I’m happy it exists.
Community
ᐄᐦᑖᐧᐃᓐ
Nibiischii National Park created as protected areas expand
Cree and Quebec governments announced the creation of Nibiischii National Park November 29. Located near Mistissini, the province’s first national park to be operated by a Cree community is a significant milestone for Eeyou Istchee’s protected areas.
Gull family reunites for Remembrance Day
Among the thousands gathered at Canada’s National War Memorial in Ottawa for Remembrance Day November 11 was a Cree family who had travelled from Waswanipi to cheer on Officer Cadet Zakia Gull. Gull was part of a delegation enrolled in the Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year at Kingston’s Royal Military College (RMC).
Concordia offers webinars to build awareness of Indigenous realities
Pîkiskwêtân, which means “let’s talk” in Cree, is a free series of anti-racist training and professional development webinars for Concordia University staff, faculty, students and alumni. Over 200 people attend each of these Indigenous Learning workshops at Concordia held throughout the academic year.
Tallyman tensions are stoked at Waswanipi AGA
Tallyman tensions boiled over on the second day of Waswanipi’s annual general assembly October 23. In the Cree community most impacted by industrial development, several tallymen delivered passionate statements following Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty's presentation on wildlife directives.
Innovative nurse treats mental health issues during pottery workshops
Pottery workshops organized by Eastmain’s Maanuuhiikuu (mental health) department are giving community members a new way of connecting with the land. Mental health nurse Nathalie Mai Duong began hosting workshops at the Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centre (CMC) last November with clay from the Eastmain River.
Celebrating 50 Years of the Grand Council of the Crees
August 8 marked 50 years since the official establishment of the Grand Council of the Crees, emerging from the turmoil surrounding Quebec’s James Bay hydroelectric project to become the driving force uniting the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee.
Eulogy for Juliette
My name is Juliet Sarah Rabbitskin Loon, daughter of Kathleen Rabbitskin and Jacques Filion. I wanted to share the story about my late aunt Juliette Rabbitskin and the process of bringing her home to Mistissini.
Juliette Rabbitskin’s story a reminder that Every Child Matters
The fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was honoured in the Cree Nation with two moving events in Mistissini. With Cree and provincial leaders in attendance, Chief Michael Petawabano announced the future location of a monument to honour community members who attended residential school.
Ouje-Bougoumou breaks ground on new land-based camp
A groundbreaking ceremony was held October 1 for a new land-based camp to be built on an island in Lake Opataca, about a 45-minute drive from Ouje-Bougoumou. Water taxis made the 20-minute trip from “Gerry’s Camp,” where guest speakers, storytellers and a delicious lunch awaited community members.