Tears flowed and a standing ovation followed the Canadian government’s long-awaited apology for the slaughter of sled dogs in Nunavik during the 1950s and 1960s. On November 23, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree asked Inuit in a crowded community centre in Kangiqsujuaq for forgiveness.
Land-based healing has become increasingly prominent throughout the Cree Nation, with demand for recent wellness retreats overwhelming available places. These holistic programs deliver numerous benefits, including cultural reconnection, intergenerational knowledge and identity empowerment.
The second Cree Knowledge Festival held in Ouje-Bougoumou December 6-7 showcased the Nation’s wealth of talented artists, gifted storytellers and passionate land defenders. With the theme “Bringing People Together.” this year’s event was divided into three segments spotlighting Cree culture, nature as an intrinsic part of Cree identity and the people’s adventurous spirit.
We should honour and respect those in our family or circle of friends who don’t drink. If you do imbibe, we should really try to keep them close at this time of year, when the police are at their most vigilant for intoxicated drivers. Most importantly, we should show designated drivers extra love in the hope they help save us sinners from harming or killing others on the road, not to mention ourselves.
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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
