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.
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.
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.
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.
Cree post-secondary students in the Gatineau region were invited to a symposium on safety and well-being on September 21 hosted by the Cree Justice Department in collaboration with the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association (CWEIA) and Maanuuhiikuu, the mental health department of the Cree Health Board.
The Cree School Board’s third Language and Culture Symposium, held August 13-15 in Chisasibi, provided over 150 of the region’s teachers with a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting the Cree language.
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.
