As the geese begin their migration north, it marks the beginning of our annual Goose Harvest. Goose Break is an exciting time that brings our families together across Iiyiyuu Aschii to practice our culture and traditions on our beautiful and vast territory. From Walking Out Ceremonies to First Harvests, let us remember the importance of transferring our traditional teachings from one generation to the next.
With the signing of the James Bay Northern and Quebec Agreement over 50 years ago, our inherent rights to hunt, fish and trap on our own territory were reaffirmed. This agreement also established organizations such as the Cree Trappers’ Association which supports our people in sustaining our Iiyiyuu way of life.
As Iiyiyuuch, it is an opportunity to uphold our values and share our harvests with those in need. We encourage everyone to do their part in teaching our children the importance of the safe handling of firearms during this harvest season.
Being out on the land rejuvenates us in a special way, strengthening our connection to our values and roots as Iiyiyuuch of Iiyiyuu Aschii.
On behalf of the Grand Council of the Crees and Cree Nation Government, we wish you a wonderful and safe Goose Break!
Paul John Murdoch
Grand Chief/Chairperson
Linden Spencer
Deputy Grand Chief/Vice-Chairperson
Myths and legends tell us that mankind has long looked beyond simply walking on Mother Earth. For instance, we have legends of a Cree trapper setting snares for rabbits on the moon.
Other cultures talk about interactions with the moon. One of my favourites is the story of Nightingale.
Nightingale was so beautiful that all the other birds were jealous and would torment it. So, it would hide and only come out at night. One night the Moon looked at Nightingale and said, “How beautiful you are.” She replied, “Please be quiet.”
The Moon asked why and out of desperation Nightingale asked the Moon if she could help. “Yes, I can.” Then Nightingale became a simple brown bird, but when she opened her beak one of the most beautiful songs ever heard was sung.
“What it is this?” she asked. Moon replied that beauty could never be destroyed, only changed.
Mankind has always dreamed of reaching the moon. As a child, I remember watching the rst moon landing in 1969. I was fascinated watching a grainy image of the Apollo 11 mission live on television. With the static, we could barely make anything out, probably because the signal was weak that far north.
Nevertheless, it was a moment that those of us who could understand it will never forget. It was a
triumph of humanity and fed our dreams about the possibilities in the future. This in the time of the Cold War, when we feared that nuclear war would end us all. Now we had hope –the hope of not having all eggs in the basket of Earth.
Then the space race seemed to lose momentum after the Apollo mis sions. Yes, there is the international space station and the beginning of Elon Musk’s space tourism business, but until now they never caught the enthusiasm of previous generations.
NASA’s latest Artemis II launch of the Orion space capsule did not include a landing on our lunar neigh bour. It was just a yby that took astronauts – including Canadian Space Agency Colonel Jeremy Hansen – further into space than has ever been attempted before, while giving us never-before-seen glimpses of the moon’s backside. But we are once again fascinated by space travel.
One task of this mission was to check out the life support systems necessary to generate breathable air, in preparation for establishing a per manent manned station on the sur face of the moon.
Perhaps, like Nightingale, we can nd beauty in this new song. It’s a dream that recalls Neil Armstrong’s immortal words: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
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After decades of service, Michael Jolly has taken the helm of MoCreebec, continuing a legacy of resilience and advocacy for the community’s future.
In a delayed election process that concluded March 12, Jolly became the chief of MoCreebec, bringing with him experience in leadership roles in IT and community economic development.
“I’m looking forward to embracing the new role and responsibilities that the people have given me,” Jolly said.
Established in Moose Factory and Moosonee in 1980 to support Cree bene ciaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, MoCreebec adopted its constitution in 1993. Today, MoCreebec manages numerous programs, services and economic initiatives, while continuing to advocate for formal recognition as a First Nation.
Jolly’s path to leadership has been closely tied to the community’s history, working alongside his father Alan Jolly, a former chief and one of the key gures in MoCreebec’s development.
“I got to work with my father for 27 years,” Jolly stated. “It’s been an interesting journey. I travelled with him for various meetings in Ontario, and throughout Eeyou Istchee. I was at his side, learning about how things are done over in Eeyou Istchee.”
Jolly intends to continue a family legacy, as his father was among those who founded MoCreebec over 40 years ago.
“The ongoing challenge is that we’re not able to access certain funds,” he explained. “We don’t have access to infrastructure funding, like housing and developing new lands or lots. We don’t have funding for some of the social issues and helping families with some of the challenges they have, along with Elders.”
Although there are funds for the health department and some health services for the youth, Jolly said, “It’s important we look after our Elders
and provide them the basic needs for healthy living.”
Looking ahead, Jolly identi es MoCreebec’s o cial recognition as a key priority, alongside securing access to infrastructure funding, housing and essential social services for community members.
“I need to meet and sit with my council, with the plans that have been laid down in front of us,” he said. “Formal recognition of the 11th Cree community is important, that was the work that was initiated by past leaders.”
Jolly described the community’s long history of self-organization. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, families took matters into their own hands to improve living conditions at a time when many were in overcrowded housing.
“They mobilize themselves in order to do what needed to be done,” he said. “This is the legacy of our people and our Elders.”
In a statement, the Grand Council of the Crees extended its congratulations to Jolly and expressed condence in his potential to serve the community e ectively, adding that they “look forward to seeing your leadership in action.”
Community member Hattie Bosum also shared a celebratory message following Jolly’s election, re ecting on her personal ties to his family and expressing hope that he will carry forward the qualities of his father, who she remembered as “a good friend of mine.”
Mistissini is considering installing surveillance cameras and a community gate following a gang-related shooting January 28 that left two local men dead in a bullet-riddled vehicle. Two teenaged boys were arrested in connection to the killings two days later.
At the Reducing Violence and Crime Forum in Mistissini held March 6, community members suggested and debated a variety of e orts to address violence, drugs and bootlegging in the community. Locals felt that short-term priorities were most important and should be completed within the next year or two.
Mistissini Chief Michael Petawabano said that one immediate goal is a sta ed entrance gate, even though this could be an expensive proposition for the community.
“There are people from the outside who are bringing drugs into our community,” said Petawabano. “It’s not about searching vehicles but rather to monitor who is coming in.”
The installation of cameras in strategic locations is also being seriously evaluated. Petawabano said Mistissini’s IT department is investigating how this could be implemented.
“We’ll be working with the police on where to strategically place the cameras,” the Chief noted.
The Eeyou Eenou Police Force participated in the forum, for instance, providing information sessions about crime rates and their responses.
Petawabano said Neighbourhood Watch has been in place for years, but that it’s di cult to maintain in a sustained fashion.
“There are people who are connecting via social media and discussing how they can protect their neighbourhood,” he said. “That was one of the action items we wanted to improve on because I believe getting people to do this will help out with the cause.”
Mistissini is also looking at First Nation banishment laws. Although Petawabano believes the band council has the authority to enact such measures, “we have to approach this carefully. It has to be thought through and should not be the rst option. We have to make sure that using these types of things are defendable.”
Petawabano feels that people who commit major crimes should change their behaviour before returning to the community. “We feel there’s too much leniency with the courts. It’s almost like it’s only First Nations people.”
The forum identi ed several other priorities. They included youth engagement and protection, land-based activities, school awareness campaigns, and healing and treatment centres. One proposal would enforce a 9pm curfew for youth under 13.
Members also suggested creating women and men’s shelters, parenting workshops and safe homes.
Each community requires its own solutions, the Chief insisted.
“It has to be built from the ground level speci c to a community and at the regional level you can look at common issues and learn what are the best practices to solve certain problems,” Petawabano said.
Petawabano added that council will look for new sources of funding for these measures.
“We have all the resources in my opinion, but the problem is we don’t work together,” he observed. “Why are we meeting down south when the problems are in the communities? There should be leaders, community members and frontline workers working on these issues together.”
In the end, Petawabano concluded, “It’s about protecting the people and giving them peace of mind.”
The Cree-Inuit communities of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuarapik are grieving the loss of Reverend Tom Martin, his wife Marianne Martin and their eight-year-old grandson Rowan Martin Tookalook in a tragic house re Easter Sunday morning.
The couple had lived in the community since the early 1980s and played a signi cant role in local life. Reverend Martin led the local Anglican church, where services were held in two languages to bring Cree and Inuit worshippers together. In his nal days, he was preparing for the Easter Monday service.
Many remember a welcoming home where they felt safe. Marianne Martin had just returned from Montreal, where she had been receiving treatment for cancer. Their grandson Rowan was the son of Judy Tookalook, a well-respected Inuk woman in her community.
“Reverend Tom Martin devoted much of his life to serving many churches across Nunavik,” shared community member Linda Kowcharlie.
“His faith was not only something he spoke about, but something he lived –through kindness, guidance and a quiet strength that touched countless lives. Marianne dedicated herself to helping many young children in Nunavik, guiding them with care and compassion toward a better future. Rowan brought light and joy to those around him, a young life so deeply cherished.”
Emergency services were called to the Whapmagoostui residence at 3:30am on April 5. While the cause of the re is under investigation, there has been no evidence of foul play. Community members have been asked for patience
with the resulting rubble on the corner of Whapmakw and Nisk streets until the site is assessed for insurance.
“In this time of unimaginable loss and tragedy, it is vital that we stand together as one community to o er our unwavering support and compassion to the grieving family,” said Whapmagoostui Chief Robbie Kawapit. “We ask that you join us in honouring the legacy of Tom and Marianne, remembering the lifelong dedication, service and unconditional love they gave our community.”
There is wide support for a hunting moratorium, but some believe a limited harvest is necessary to ensure food security.
“People feel that it’s infringing on their right to provide food for their families,” said Adamie Delisle Alaku of Nunavik’s Makkivik Corporation. “But for certain, we cannot have everyone harvest from the herds when they’re in a major decline.”
Cree tallymen at the event recalled how the beaver population recovered following hunting restraint and emphasized that restoring and protecting the herd’s habitat was critical for its health.
lence and its impact in Eeyou Istchee. Discussions during the day helped groups draft projects and campaigns to address the issue locally.
Rita Sheshamush shared results of a regional GBV survey, revealing gaps in understanding. Josephine Sheshamush’s presentation spread awareness about the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+. Guukuum Marjorie Mark closed the day by reminding attendees that collaborative e orts can break cycles of violence.
Cree, Naskapi and Inuit leaders met with researchers and provincial representatives in Montreal March 24-26 to discuss declining caribou populations. Participants debated hunting limits and habitat protection while balancing Indigenous rights and traditions.
“We know how to harvest, but also know how to limit,” said Cree Nation Government Deputy Grand Chief Linden Spencer. “We need to show the next generation that we still have these practices and be the frontrunners on how we preserve caribou.”
This winter, the CNG called for a pause on caribou hunting in the face of plunging numbers of the Leaf River herd – from over 650,000 in 2003 to about 136,000 today.
“The hard truth is you do not rebuild the herd by just focusing on the animal,” said Matthew Rabbitskin. “You rebuild it by xing the land rst. I made the personal choice to stop caribou hunting and give them a chance to grow again.”
At an Ottawa news conference April 8, Indigenous women’s organizations called on the federal government to ensure long-term equitable funding for MMIWG2S+ programs. The organizations want to be involved in decision-making and implementing the national inquiry’s 231 Calls to Justice.
The Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association (CWEIA) hosted the Gender-Based Violence Roundtable in Vald’Or March 27. CWEIA sta , representatives from Cree entities, local women’s associations and other organizations shared insights on how to spark change.
CWEIA president Tina Mark Ottereyes explained the roots of gender-based vio -
“The cost of this violence is measured in lives lost, families shattered, and hundreds of millions of dollars every year,” said National Family and Survivors Circle president Hilda Anderson-Pyrz. “This lack of sustained support is a signi cant barrier to making real progress in combating this crisis.”
On behalf of the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, we would like to wish everyone a wonderful and bountiful harvest in your corner of the world!
Goose break is more than a seasonal activity, it’s a reflection of traditions and values passed down through generations. It teaches patience, respect for nature, and responsibility in harvesting wildlife sustainably. Upholding these values while spending time at camp helps preserve our cultural heritage, strengthens bonds, and ensures that future generations can continue to experience and learn from the land in a meaningful way.
Wishing you a successful hunt - stay safe, and take care out there.
Goose Break is Approaching!
This is the time of year when Cree families gather to enjoy family time, practice their traditions, and go out on the land for renewal and sustenance. At this time of the year this is when young children learn to harvest their first goose, which is always exciting for them and a proud moment for their families. In Cree tradition, this is another milestone in a child’s life.
As you look forward to the Goosebreak and for everyone’s safety, please keep in mind the precautionary measures of handling firearms as well as storing them in a safe place.
We, the Cree Nation Government’s Department of Justice and Correctional Services, would like to wish everyone a wonderful and safe Goosebreak.
Fostering Future the
Over 250 young leaders attended the Youth Councils of Eeyou Istchee Summit in Quebec City for an action-packed Easter long weekend April 4-6.
“We de nitely turned a page this weekend,” said Youth Grand Chief Jade Mukash. “This was the event we were hoping to do. It showed the youth we’re dedicated and can make amazing things happen for them.”
Oji-Cree host Brent Edwards, aka “Moose Legs”, kept the proceedings lively. Joni Boudrias performed a fancy shawl dance for the opening prayer while traditional healers were available in a quiet space for those a little overwhelmed by the crowds.
Along with Cree Nation Government leaders, speakers included Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, former Grand Chief Matthew Mukash, Anishinaabe water activist Autumn Peltier, and in uential First Nations leader Chief Clarence Louie.
“[Louie] put forward a challenge to everybody in the room to take hold of their own future, realizing that’s building the future for all of us,” said Cree School Board chairperson Sarah Pash.
Three years ago, former Youth Grand Chief Adrian Gunner approached Pash about partnering to bringing local youth councils together with student councils, reviving post-pandemic morale in Cree secondary schools and demonstrating leadership opportunities after graduation.
“In Ouje-Bougoumou, the youth council mentored student council candidates in their elections to develop their platforms and campaign materials,” said Pash. “They even had a joint inauguration in Wemindji – what a wonderful way to show the power and potential of youth.”
Witnessing the student and youth councils creating relations with peers from other communities, Pash was reminded of the young Cree leaders of the
1970s who came together to “speak with one voice and rise together as one Nation” in the battle that led to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
Guests included young leaders from the Innu and Mushkegowuk First Nations. The CNYC held meetings with the Mushkegowuk Youth Council, Nunavik’s Qarjuit Youth Council and Jay Launière-Mathias, executive director of the First Nations Quebec Labrador Youth Network.
“All of them are in di erent stages of implementing youth leadership in their communities or Nations,” Mukash explained. “We’re going to be connecting with each of them to ensure the knowledge we have from the CNYC is being transferred to them and also to learn from other Nations.”
Touched by the turnout for her education workshop with Wemindji school commissioner Gillian Blackned, Pash told youth to pursue whichever path they feel called towards.
“I’m hoping the youth found clarity in what they want to do for their future,” said Mukash. “The whole point was to get people in leadership roles from so many di erent walks of life so the youth could understand there are many paths they can take.”
Gull-Masty’s keynote speech challenged youth to step into spaces where First Nations voices have historically been ignored to represent those who need it most.
Meanwhile, Gull-Masty’s daughter Esquay Masty joined Carol-Ann Tanoush for the “justice-driven trailblazers” panel to remind attendees not to take a path where it leads but to go where there’s no path and lead. Before heading to law school next fall, Masty is participating in this summer’s Miss Indigenous Canada pageant.
With dozens of Cree organizations present, participants could choose from workshops in everything from entrepreneurship to climate change, con ict resolution and money smarts. Besides his keynote speech, Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch organized four workshops over the three days.
“The conversations were so stimulating, I kept running out of time,” said Murdoch. “I was struck by how generous and engaged our youth are. Even though it was a lot of work, man, was it stimulating to talk with them.”
In his rst workshop about protecting Eeyou Istchee, Murdoch led a deep dive into the JBNQA’s Section 22 to emphasize the power of Cree treaty rights and the importance of defending them. Another workshop began by listing racist Indigenous stereotypes to explore Cree history and the sacri ces that no other people in Canada are asked to make.
“We have some really bright youth so I’m coming out of Easter weekend pretty high,” concluded Murdoch. “They got that there’s opportunities for them to help at every level. I’m extremely optimistic about the future of the Cree Nation.”
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CREE TRAPPERS’ ASSOCIATION
Goose Break
unting afety
Share your location, avoid hunting alone, and always practice gun safety. ring am afety
Watch ice/water conditions and keep your campsite clean.
Enjoy this tradition with loved ones, connect with nature, and preserve Cree culture!
Wishing you all a Happy
In Eeyou Istchee, where nature’s beauty shines, the Board of Compensation and CREECO wishes everyone a successful Goose Break Season.
With safety foremost in our minds and heart we wish you well. Respect the land, the wildlife, and cherish each moment with family and friends. As we gather, let’s also focus on transmitting our rich culture and traditions to the younger generations, ensuring our heritage thrives for years to come.
Growing your own
With some community members facing food insecurity, Waswanipi recently established a working group to coordinate nutrition initiatives from various organizations and develop collaborative solutions.
“Doctors from our CMC [clinic] reported to me that we have members who have no food,” said Chief Irene Neeposh. “That hits hard. You know how the universe provides? Other people joined that meeting with the doctor and they formed a local working group on food security.”
Food security is a problem in many northern Indigenous communities, with short growing seasons and limited infrastructure compounded by colonial policies that have created a reliance on expensive and ine cient grocery supply chains. Rising food and fuel prices have made the situation even more challenging.
“We’re far too dependent on imported goods,” asserted Neeposh. “People in poverty conditions have to decide about gas prices if they have access to a vehicle or being forced to buy in bulk and reducing what they buy in fresh foods. Hence, we aggravate the health conditions.”
With the local grocery store o ering only a small fridge of costly fresh produce, Neeposh asked the Cree Nation Government to investigate a potential food distribution monopoly and explore supply chain alternatives. Nutrition deciencies contribute to diabetes, hypertension and other health issues.
“In treating chronic illnesses, our concern is that not everyone has access to basic nutritious foods, especially if there are no hunters or trappers in the household,” explained Dr. Fhameeda Adam. “The rest of the medicine is built on that foundation. We’re gathering information to see what’s already been done and what projects might need support to continue.”
At the CNG’s recent CONNECT Leadership Forum, leaders discussing food security, addictions and youth violence. Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch was impressed by Chiefs’ commitment to making sacri ces now that may only see results in 15 years.
“It’s not just a question of not having enough food,” said Murdoch. “There are economic development issues at the
bottom of it. We need to create jobs without harming our identity and be more targeted in how we help people. There’s a stigma with o ering and asking for help that we need to change.”
Waswanipi’s working group includes public health o cer Lianne Wabanonik, health board organizer Edith Gull, nutritionist Cheryse Houndonougbo, Miyupimaatisiiun coordinator Melanie Neeposh and wellness worker Helen Porada. Neeposh hopes to add representation from the Cree Trappers’ Association and the Pentecostal church, which runs a local food bank.
Neeposh is aiming to secure the sustainability of recently launched food-related projects and develop a local food pantry. A large greenhouse proposed by previous leadership was deemed excessive for Waswanipi’s needs, but simpler greenhouses will expand a community garden initiated last summer.
“We purchased two long greenhouses I already have in my garage, made to withstand our winters,” said project leader Frances Roy. “We had a cold summer last year and our tomatoes always took a hit from the frost. Once the greenhouses come up, the garden is going to ourish.”
After proposing the project to Neeposh in 2023, Roy said they broke ground last year despite delays in funding and con rming the garden’s location. By summer’s end, she and volunteers successfully harvested a variety of vegetables and herbs.
Having already grown lettuce, peppers and berries, Roy looks forward to collecting apples, pears, plums, cherries and grapes from new fruit trees. While community members ask for potatoes, carrots and onions, Roy said they’re also focused on creating a medicinal garden and encouraging a more diverse vegetable diet.
“It’s my passion to show people you can grow and preserve your own produce,” Roy said. “You don’t just eat tomatoes in a salad. You can make spaghetti sauce and make it shelf stable by canning it. I also wanted to show the Elders how to incorporate vegetables into their meals.”
The garden is already a gathering place, with children amazed that food can grow there and Elders sharing stories from the old post. Chief Neeposh was delighted to have young volunteers
deliver fresh veggies to her door. This summer, some Elders will have gardens installed at their cabins.
Roy envisions expanding the project to include year-round preservation, seeding and education activities. Eventually she’d like to see gardens throughout the community, grow towers for the winter months, hydroponics at the schools and a à space that includes orchards, compost piles and even chickens.
“I was recently told there was no funding for this year’s garden, which is really sad because a garden takes years,” shared Roy. “I’ve been applying for grant, but if I have to, I will do it for free because that’s how much I want this to work out.”
Waswanipi is also working on a sh-canning initiative with Université Laval that could align with a pilot project to develop new revenues for Cree trappers on the income security program (ISP). Recognizing that the program provides insu cient compensation, this project would identify markets for landbased activities like cutting wood, setting snares and netting sh.
“If they put up a sh net, we could buy their sh under the sh-canning project,” suggested Neeposh. “The ISP’s purpose is wonderful, but it’s outdated, forcing our masters of traditional knowledge to live in poverty conditions. Providing them access to a market could make them at least double what they make.”
While Breakfast Club Canada approached Waswanipi about the possibility of mass-producing traditional food for children in all Cree schools, Neeposh said that they’re not getting ahead of themselves. A more likely prospect for advancing food sovereignty is partnering with neighbouring towns to exchange goods.
“I’m in talks with Chapais so if we grow strawberries they grow raspberries,” explained Neeposh. “The sustainability of these projects is key. There is local interest to diversify what we eat – why not a cooking workshop on how you can use each vegetable?
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We all have things we carry around with us, just in case we need them. Like 9-8-8, the number for Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline. Anyone can call or text 9-8-8, for free, confidential support, anytime.
Eeyou Mobile is in the nal stages of expanding communication coverage to the access roads of every Cree community. It’s part of a longstanding mission to connect Eeyou Istchee’s many dead zones to cell service, addressing safety concerns and empowering economic growth.
Now with the most extensive mobile network in the region, the Cree-led telecommunications company is completing about 100 new cellular towers along the length of the Billy Diamond Highway and other roads, providing service from Amos to Radisson.
“For the past two years, all the municipalities have been hooked up and we’ve been working on developing the highway network,” explained Eeyou Mobile president Henry Gull. “We’ve even built towers close to some of the coastal communities so people can have cell service out in the bay.”
It’s been a rapid development for the company, formed in 2019 with an initial $24 million investment by the James Bay Eeyou Corporation (JBEC), Eeyou Communications Network (ECN) and Yellowknife-based SSi Canada. Gull is also president of the JBEC Cree investment fund.
Leveraging the not-for-pro t ECN’s territory-wide bre optic network and SSi’s expertise in delivering mobile wireless service across Canada’s North, Eeyou Mobile rst launched in 2021. It has since established its network in the Cree communities, the rest stop at Km 381 and ve Jamesian towns: Chapais, Chibougamau, Lebel-Sur-Quevillon, Matagami and Radisson.
“We’re able to get the bands to allow us to install our equipment on their buildings,” said Gull. “Sometimes we ask them if we can use one of their towers in the community or we’ll install a pole to boost the service.”
In 2023, provincial and federal governments announced a $57 million project to implement cellular service across Eeyou Istchee’s highways and roads in three phases. O cials said the funding would “bridge the digital divide” and
contribute to greater safety for residents and motorists.
The lack of cell service was heavily criticized after Waswanipi resident Caleb Brien was hit and killed by a car along Highway 113 in 2021. The driver was forced to leave the scene to call for help. During the forest res of 2023, many evacuees were stuck in tra c for hours without service.
In the project’s nal phase, coverage will expand along the Route du Nord from Chibougamau, as well as a busy forestry road between Matagami and Quevillon, and the road from Billy Diamond Highway to the Eleonore Mine.
“We will have coverage on about 5 km on each side of the highway too,” Gull said. “We are using the VoLTE 4G technology, meant for distance. One lady from Waswanipi said she still had service heading to her camp in Lac Madeleine.”
Expanding mobile connectivity to remote areas provides a potential life line in the event of emergencies. Gull said that people from the Jamesian towns have appreciated having new service at their cottages.
About half of the new towers will be solar-powered, backed up with diesel generators. Having implemented mobile coverage across Nunavut, SSi has developed innovative tools like the Land Life Link, a portable shelter with o -grid connectivity powered by solar panels (or even a bicycle pump, if necessary) that can support rst responders or communities in distress.
“We developed solar panels that can generate enough electricity to keep these towers warm in the winter and cool in the summer,” said Gull. “We discovered the technology we used is bifacial so when the sun hits the snow and bounces back up it generates energy on the backside also. We don’t need much diesel fuel.”
In addition to SSi’s network across Nunavut, roaming agreements with Rogers, Videotron and AT&T provide
Eeyou Mobile customers with coverage throughout Canada, the United States and even Mexico. As the company pursues further arrangements around the world, Gull emphasized that their reliable service is built for northern realities.
“Prior to being with Eeyou Mobile, I was with Bell Canada and every day when the school would close, we’d have very poor service because I guess all the students were taking over the network,” recalled Gull. “Because of the bre backbone we use, there’s no issues.”
While Eeyou Mobile currently has fewer than 2,000 customers, Gull said that number is rising steadily as it targets a clientele of over 6,000 to reach profitability. Along with customer service in communities like Whapmagoostui, where the company is the only cell provider, it has recently employed local entrepreneurs to spread the word.
Eeyou Mobile enables people to bring their own phones and pay monthly without contracts, easily reactivating service without losing their phone number. Family plans connect ve phones for $99 per month while individual plans start at $25 monthly.
While customers face roaming charges outside Eeyou Istchee, Gull said that people are nding they have ample data for internet use on even the most basic plan. Gull highlighted the company’s community support, sponsoring local artists and sports teams.
Eeyou Mobile provides employment and training opportunities for community members and plans to launch an internship program for Cree youth. Gull emphasizes that the company belongs to the Cree, with eventual pro ts reinvested in the Cree economy.
“We are here for the long haul and will be supporting a lot of di erent organizations in the community into the future,” asserted Gull. “I know it’s di cult to change your provider but give us a chance and we’ll prove this is the better service for the Cree Nation.”
Goose Break is here!
As families across iiyiyiu aschii head out on the land for Goose Break, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful time with family, culture, and tradition.
This is a special time of the year when many reconnect with the land, share knowledge between generations, and take part in the spring goose hunt — an important part of iiyiyiu life.
Enjoy the time outdoors, travel safely, and make the most of these moments with loved ones.
Travel safely and enjoy your time together.
C’est la saison de la chasse à l’oie!
Les familles de tout iiyiyiu aschii partent en pleine nature pour célébrer la chasse à l’oie, et nous tenons à vous souhaiter de passer un moment agréable et enrichissant en famille, dans le respect de la culture et des traditions.
C’est une période particulière de l’année où plusieurs renouent avec la terre, transmettent leur savoir de génération en génération et participent à la chasse printanière à l’oie — un élément important de la vie iiyiyiu.
Profitez du plein air, voyagez en sécurité et savourez ces moments avec vos proches.
Et surtout, profitez pleinement de ces moments passés ensemble.
Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum Chairperson
Caroline Mark Director General
I’m happy to see the ongoing support to help our people cope with lifelong and generational issues, trauma and pain. It took me many years to understand that these programs are not a one-stop service that will provide instant resolutions for the issues that plague our people.
These are issues that stem from generations of systemic racism in our communities, where being Indigenous was considered something negative. That culture of looking down on a people is what led to the residential school system and the 60s Scoop, where Indigenous children were swept into the foster-care system.
There are many more issues that Indigenous people face. Some past harms may have stopped, but when people su er those di culties as children, it is a pain they carry with them for a lifetime.
So, if these issues are born of years, decades or generations, it stands to reason that it will take a great deal of time, or even lifetimes, to deal with them in a positive and healing way.
It is good to know that in Attawapiskat, the Crisis Mental Health Support program has provided much-needed help over the past few years. Traditional and mental health
counsellors are available to those in crisis, those who are grieving or those who need trauma support. They provide group assistance and one-on-one counselling at all hours.
Many trained counsellors are community members who can speak to those they assist in our Inineemoon (Cree language). Community members say that it’s reassuring that counsellors are able to speak Cree.
Attawapiskat also supports a Peacekeeping program that aims to prevent or reduce the amount of alcohol and illegal substances in the community. In a recent public post by Joe Louttit, an organizer of the Peacekeeping program, an estimated $3.5 million in the street value of drugs and alcohol were prevented from entering Attawapiskat this past year. Louttit admitted that it did not fully stop all harmful substances, but it did reduce the harm that could have been caused.
This is reminiscent of the issues we faced with alcohol in the 1970s and 1980s. At the time, it felt like alcohol abuse was choking the life out of people. Airports had just been introduced, and regular ights brought in a steady supply of alcohol. Back then, as a child, I remember always feeling a sense of
dread of what would happen as there was a constant barrage of tragic events involving alcohol abuse that led to injuries, destruction and death.
Community Elders and leaders instituted a ban on alcohol and illegal substances because they saw what alcohol and drug abuse were doing to our people. They never completely stopped these activities, but they reduced the harm. I can also remember the feeling of security that returned to the community once we knew that our Elders and leaders were working to protect our people.
In many ways, the current opioid crisis feels like the alcohol abuse crisis in Attawapiskat in the 1980s. There are many new street drugs that make it far too easy to fall into the deadly trap of addiction.
This is why I am hopeful about the work the Crisis Mental Health Support and the Peacekeeping programs are providing. In the face of overwhelming odds, the community is ghting back against a wave of alcohol and drug abuse.
It may feel like these programs are ghting against impossible odds, but every step we take to save anyone we can, in any small way, contributes to greater rewards in life in the future.
The Cree IELCC Fund is designed to fund projects/activities that foster the education, Cree culture and language, as well as health and wellbeing of children 0 to 6 and their families.
The Cree IELCC Fund is designed to fund projects/activities that foster the education, Cree culture and language, as well as health and wellbeing of children 0 to 6 and their families.
The Cree IELCC Fund is designed to fund projects/activities that foster the education, Cree culture and language, as well as health and wellbeing of children 0 to 6 and their families.
projects/activities that foster the education, Cree culture
The Cree IELCC Fund is designed to fund projects/activities that foster the education, Cree culture and language, as well as health and wellbeing of children 0 to 6 and their families.
their level of ability or special
All projects and activities must also ensure that no children are left behind: activities must be accessible to all children, no matter their level of ability or special need.
All projects and activities must also ensure that no children are left behind: activities must be accessible to all children, no matter their level of ability or special need.
activities must be accessible their level of ability or special
All projects and activities must also ensure that no children are left behind: activities must be accessible to all children, no matter their level of ability or special need.
All projects and activities must also ensure that no children are left behind: activities must be accessible to all children, no matter their level of ability or special need.
