In August, an Ultramarine polar ship set sail on an extraordinary journey that traversed the icy realms of Greenland and Nunavut. Organized by the Students on Ice (SOI) Foundation, this three-week expedition brought together 20 diverse youth and educators for an immersive experience centered on community, climate change and intergenerational knowledge.
It was a beautiful sunny day August 6 when Watchiya officially opened its doors in Old Montreal. Cree Grand Chief Mandy Gull was proud to be there for this special event. “I know our Cree artists are going to have a place where they can showcase their work,” she said.
Be prepared to be challenged. Be prepared to be empowered. Be prepared to change the way you see yourself! That’s the Camp Molly motto and it measured up as they executed their first firefighting camp in Chisasibi July 24-27.
Every summer, the people of Chisasibi gather on the Island of Fort George, where the community was originally located. It’s the 36th year of Mamoweedow where Chisasibi community members celebrate Cree culture, language and history from July 26 to August 4. Mamoweedow committee members organized activities including square dancing, bingo and pillow fights for the kids.
It wasn’t a dark and stormy night but rather a hot and muggy Friday morning when I picked up my sons Hunter and Declan to attend Montreal Comiccon 2024.
Community gardens and greenhouse projects are taking root in Eeyou Istchee, fortifying local food security and revitalizing traditional harvesting practices despite the challenges posed by climate change. The boreal climate profoundly shapes daily life and traditional activities, presenting significant challenges for agriculture and garden sustainability. These initiatives provide fresh produce and cultural connections in Eeyou Istchee. Greenhouses in Chisasibi, Wemindji and Whapmagoostui are extending the growing season, yielding vegetables that include zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and broccoli. “During challenging times, such as when grocery prices soar, these activities are invaluable,” emphasized one community member on Facebook. There are workshops and other initiatives like gardening with students, which educate and engage community members of all ages in sustainable gardening practices. People are sharing photos of their gardens and tips on social media, spreading awareness and inspiring others to participate in these practices. A community member excitedly posted during the grand opening of the Wemindji greenhouse last October: “Look how full of life it is! They are growing zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, pumpkin, snow peas, jalapeños, lettuce, peppers, flowers… and more!” Traditional harvesting practices like berry picking and mushroom foraging also play a role. These activities not only supplement diets but strengthen the bond between people and nature. The rich biodiversity of Eeyou Istchee, including boreal forests and wetlands, supports these practices. However, the boreal climate faces numerous challenges. Increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and ecological disruptions such as wildfires threaten local food systems and has had severe consequences for wildlife in the region. Furthermore, the warming climate is altering the distribution of various animal and plant species. For example, eelgrass, crucial for migrating geese, has been declining along the coast, impacting hunting opportunities. This decline has also led to seals venturing ashore less frequently. Many community members have highlighted that unpredictable weather is already disturbing hunting activities. These shifts disrupt ecosystems and pose significant challenges for wildlife conservation efforts. In response, adaptation strategies are being developed to safeguard local food security. These include identifying climate change impacts on key food species, enhancing resilience through diverse agricultural practices, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern adaptation strategies. Researchers point out that understanding these impacts and developing informed predictions are critical to the sustainability of northern communities.
Consultations for the National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) feasibility study recently wrapped up in Cree coastal communities. Two-day focus groups were held in Waskaganish, Eastmain, Wemindji and Chisasibi after Goose Break, concluding with an information session in Whapmagoostui.
Cree graduates of the first full-time in-community teaching program in Eeyou Istchee recently celebrated their convocation at Montreal’s Bell Centre, the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Cree School Board (CSB) and McGill University.
Marking the beginning of spring and the reawakening of Eeyou Istchee, Goose Break was once again an opportunity to reconnect with the land, family and friends. The Cree Nation Government honoured the annual tradition with a special acknowledgement of land users affected by last summer’s forest fires.
