Summer is the season for canoe brigades in the Cree Nation: youth journeys embarked throughout July from Nemaska, Mistissini, Waskaganish and other communities. Paddling the waters traversed for time immemorial by Cree ancestors is a rite of passage, forming important connections with fellow youth and the land.
“With every stroke, they carried more than just their paddles,” stated the Nemaska Youth Council. “They carried their history, their strength and their future. The 2025 Canoe Brigade wasn’t just a journey through the waters, but a journey within.”
The departure from Old Nemaska under the leadership of head guide Oliver Jolly and assistant Arthur Esau was delayed by thunderstorms. Once underway, cooks Sherry Ann Matches and Sequin Shecapio kept the participants fed with “love felt in every meal.” Taking the journey were Tristan Swallow, Allen Mianscum, Amira Shecapio, Meeyobin Neeposh, Shyne Spencer and Kayley Bearskin-Visitor.
After a long portage, canoes reached modern Nemaska through the Champion Lake system. The “warriors of the water” were welcomed with a special feast. Youth Grand Chief candidate Jade Mukash, who had been campaigning in the community, was asked to MC the event.
“It’s always emotional to see them arrive,” said Mukash. “When they leave, they’re getting used to being in the canoes and everyone is all over the place. When they come back, they’re very much in a straight line and you can tell they’ve found their coordination with their canoes.”
Families and community members greeted the travellers with hugs and tears of joy. The feast honoured the transformation of participants following this tradition. Some asked Mukash if the Cree Nation Youth Council would bring back regional canoe brigades.
“Before the youth leave, they’re very quiet and shy with each other,” Mukash responded. “Towards the end of the trip, they’re like one big family and they talk about wanting to go back. They’re able to form new connections there that are so strong because it’s all about survival.”
Nemaska director general Jodge Wapachee said canoe brigades were necessary for survival long ago, bringing back sturgeon and other food for the community. He has fond memories of canoeing with his brothers during summers home from residential school.
Wapachee talked about the days when supplies were transported up the Rupert River from Rupert House (now Waskaganish).
“Hearty voyageurs who paddled these canoes were always ready for a good time upon arrival,” he quipped, noting that families would hide their young women on a small island at this time.
Ferrying people between the old and new communities with his wife Charlotte this summer, Wapachee occasionally saw the youth brigade camping and stopped for a visit at one point. Wapachee was enjoying holidays in Old Nemaska following the annual gathering in the community’s original home in late June and early July.
Attendance reached a high of about 200 during the gathering, which ended with a feast and walking-out ceremonies.
“It’s a wonderful time for the community to get together,” said Wapachee. “The families can come here for some peace and tranquility, not to mention good fishing as the Cree name stands for ‘nemiskauu’, plenty of fish.”
Noreen Moar Rabbitskin said the gathering feels like one big family and thanked Innu musicians Maten, Bryan André and Scott-Pien Picard for performing. With 80 people on a waiting list for accommodation in Old Nemaska, 20 cabins are being built this summer.
“We built the cabins to create employment for the young people,” Wapachee said. “They really love it here – getting away from fighting over girls in New Nemaska. Charlotte and I have been cooking traditional food and we invite them over. A lot of them are saying I think I found my home.”
A new church is being built at the same location as the community’s original St. George’s Anglican Church. Wapachee said the church was on the trapline of his uncle Billy Wapachee, who was also its first minister.
Deputy Grand Chief candidates Linden Spencer and John Henry Wapachee both visited Old Nemaska during their campaigns. Spencer commented, “It was a return to the heart of who we are as Eeyouch.”
Jodge Wapachee reflected that their people live in two communities with two separate lives. Away from the distractions of modernity, there are no closed doors in Old Nemaska and people feel more comfortable visiting each other to chat.
“It is a place of relaxation and total freedom, bringing your mind to rest,” said Wapachee. “It’s a way of going back home again. You can feel the effect of how calm it is. People say, ‘Why did you leave this place?’ But that’s another story.”