The Nation | Vol. 27, No. 18

Enjoy summer, but continue to protect yourself!

Information and advice inside.

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20-06-23 14:27

www.nationnews.ca July 3, 2020 the Nation 1

To stand up to the virus, wear a mask: at the grocery store, in shops, on public transit.

Let’s keep at it.

Let’s continue to protect ourselves.

Québec.ca/mask 1 877 644-4545 2 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

CONTENTS EDITORIAL Lucky 13

4

NEWS

5

Easing restrictions

7

Arrest in Fleming death

Re-opening, phase 2

5

Break in Fleming case

7

IN BRIEF FEATURES

9

Screening Indigenous Day 10 Precautions pay off

16

Investigating the cops

20

Golden age danger

22

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

24

The summertime blues

25

UTNS Here comes the rain again 26

16

Covid communications

We can gradually restart normal activities while protecting ourselves!

Information and advice inside.

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Updates

10

Indigenous Peoples Day online

20

20-05-07 08:20

Health

Photo of Cris Derksen, Photo provided by APTN

Police killings in NB

22

Elder abuse awareness

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Editorial Editorial

A

lot of people think 13 is an verifiable facts to back them up. That unlucky number but here at the is part of our mission statement and Nation we know better, at least is in keeping with journalism ethics. this year. That’s because we took The more than 200 awards we home 13 awards from the Quebec have earned during 26 years of pubCommunity Newspapers Association lishing are a testament to the devofor our efforts in 2019. tion to bringing the news to our readNow I’ve been asked to do some- ers in a responsible manner. thing a little different this year instead And yes, the owners and editorial of just patting everyone on the back board are proud of our work. We are and congratulating them as I usually gratified that so many people have do, so I’ll save that for a little ways made this possible because they down the road so to speak. believe in the Nation and that the I have seen posts claiming the Cree people need this publication and Nation is nothing more than a mouth- other Cree-operated media. piece for Cree leadership. That Now for the awards. demeans what we The Nation won do here. If we were best website overnothing more than all. Amy German We interview, that we would not took home third consistently win place for Best research and awards for our Feature Story. fact check work. There are Patrick Quinn won many in print media third place in the everything who do not even Best Business that goes in the see one award for Story category.

Nation to the years let alone that He did better in number we take Best Investigative best of our home every year.

Reporting, takabilities This is a testaing second place. ment to our profesQuinn got another sionalism and the third place in Best fact that we do not distort the facts in Sports Story category but was beat order to please people. We interview, out by the Nation’s Julie McIntosh research and fact check everything who took first in the category. that goes in the Nation to the best of That wasn’t the only category to our abilities. If we are wrong, we fully see two of the Nation’s writers batadmit to it and do our best to correct tling it out. Best Arts & Entertainment our errors. We do not print gossip Story saw copy editor and occasion or allegations of wrongdoing without Nation writer Martin Siberok win

Lucky 13

by Will Nicholls

first while third place went to Andre Simoneau.

Yet another category had two Nation writers winning recognition.

Ben Powless came second in the Best Business Column or Feature while Patrick Quinn came third.

Andre Simoneau won third place win for Best Agricultural Story – a category we don’t have many opportunities to compete.

After years of trying, Lyle Stewart, Martin Siberok, Will Nicholls and Dan

Isaac got third place for the Best Headline Writing.

And finally, not to toot my own horn too loudly, but this year’s Bob Philips Award for Best Editorial was awarded to yours truly.

Thanks to the whole team here at the Nation for making this possible. It requires many people to do what we do. I congratulate you all for another successful year. Your dedication to the Nation and our readers makes me proud.

the Nation is published every two weeks by Beesum Communications EDITORIAL BOARD L. Stewart, W. Nicholls, M. Siberok, Mr. N. Diamond, E. Webb EDITOR IN CHIEF Will Nicholls DIRECTOR OF FINANCES Linda Ludwick EDITORS Lyle Stewart, Martin Siberok PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AND MANAGING EDITOR Dan Isaac CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, B. Powless DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse, Melissa Juliette THANKS TO: Air Creebec CONTACT US: The Nation, 4529 CLARK, #403, Montreal, QC., H2T 2T3 EDITORIAL & ADS: Tel.: 514-272-3077, Fax: 514-278-9914 HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 151, Chisasibi, QC. J0M 1E0 www.nationnews.ca EDITORIAL: will@nationnews.ca news@ nationnews.ca ADS: Danielle Valade: ads@nationnews.ca; Donna Malthouse: donna@beesum.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: $60 plus taxes, US: $90, Abroad: $110, Payable to beesum communications, all rights reserved, publication mail #40015005, issn #1206-2642 The Nation is a member of: The James Bay Cree Communications Society, Circle Of Aboriginal Controlled Publishers, Magazines Canada Quebec Community Newspaper Assn. Canadian Newspapers Assn. Les Hebdos Sélect Du Québec. Funded [in part] by the Government of Canada. | www.nationnews.ca |

facebook.com/NATIONnewsmagazine | Twitter: @creenation_news

4 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

News

Re-opening, phase 2

by Ben Powless

Cree Health Board eases and lifts several restrictions

T

he Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay announced on June 23 that Eeyou Istchee was ready to enter Phase 2 of deconfinement, as Covid19 cases remained static in the region.

Announcing the change in Covid19 measures, Board Chairperson Bella Moses Petawabano noted on the Cree Radio Network that there are “no new cases, and we want to keep it this way.”

She cautioned, however, that, “The reopening will be slow and gradual.”

This means that several previous restrictions have been lifted, some have been altered, while others remain in place.

Larger social gatherings of up to five households will be permitted outside, if there is adequate space for ventilation and physical distancing – including avoiding direct contact, sharing food or utensils, and team sports. Individual sports, like walking, jogging or biking, are allowed.

Indoor social gatherings can resume for up to two households, ideally with the same families as during Goose Break.

All local businesses and public services can reopen, providing pre-

cautionary measures are in place.

These include screening for symptomatic workers, self-isolation for those who have travelled to an at-risk area and ensuring physical distancing between clients and staff. The services may reopen at different times in different communities, so it’s important to check with local authorities.

Non-essential healthcare services, such as dentists or other specialists, are also able to return to work.

Daycares are set to slowly increase capacity, and in Phase 3 will be allowed to have 75% of their normal capacity. Day camps will remain closed until Phase 3 is implemented.

The childcare program by the Cree School Board is set to end June 26. Secondary 4 and 5 students are to receive their results by early July, with summer school to begin for those students July 13.

The decision to move to Phase 2 was based on three factors, Petawabano said. They include the results of previous phases, the overall situation with Covid-19 in the region and across Quebec, and the ability of communities to deal with health challenges.

Overall, 533 tests have been conducted for the public in Eeyou Istchee, with 516 coming back negative, 10

Indoor social gatherings can resume for up to two households positive results having recovered, and seven still waiting for results.

There were 438 tests done for healthcare workers and other high-risk workers with no positive results, and 15 are still awaiting results. Nearly two months have passed since the last positive case in Eeyou Istchee.

Petawabano stressed that hygiene measures remain in place: regular handwashing, proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, maintaining a two-metre distance from others, and limiting trips outside the home – especially for those with fragile health, while children should be left at home as much is possible. She also strongly recommended that masks be used when distancing can’t be maintained, such as in stores.

Non-essential travel is still permitted within Eeyou Istchee, Nunavik and Region 10. But anyone travelling outside of these areas or to any mine site, forestry camp or Hydro-Québec site is required to undergo 14 days of self-isolation upon returning.

Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean, Region 2, has declared nine cases in the past few weeks, with dozens of others under contact-tracing investigation.

The number of new cases declined to 53 across the province June 24, the lowest daily number since March. However, Quebec’s public health director, Dr. Horacio Arruda, warned in a CBC interview that Quebec is likely to see a second deadly wave of infections as early as mid-August.

“Covid-19 has presented many challenges for our Cree Nation, our communities and our people. The situation we’ve been living in this spring has left many people feeling worried, anxious and down,” Petawabano stressed on her radio announcement.

“We can help each other by talking about this. If you would like to talk to someone, we invite you to call Wiichihiiwaauwin, the Cree Health Board’s phone line. You can speak to someone in Cree and ask to speak with a traditional healer.”

That number is 1-833-632-4357.

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For more info...

Jordan’s Principle Office Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) 418-923-3355 x42186 18tcr.jordans.principle@ssss.gouv.qc.ca creehealth.org/jp

Individual Applications for Eeyou Istchee

The legacy of Jordan River Anderson

Jordan was born in Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba in 1999, with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. When he was 2 years old, doctors said he could move to a special home for his medical needs. However, the federal and provincial governments could not agree on who should pay for his home-based care. Jordan passed away in the hospital at the age of 5.

In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in memory of Jordan. Today, Jordan’s Principle is a legal obligation, which means it has no end date—it will support First Nations children for generations to come.

Is your child eligible for Jordan’s Principle?

Current eligibility criteria under Jordan’s Principle are: • 0 to 18 years old • Must have a band number (or parents’ band number, if not yet assigned)

24-hour Jordan’s Principle Helpline

1-855-572-4453 Your child does not have to have a disability to be covered under Jordan’s Principle.

I WISH YOU A GREAT SUMMER while still following these instructions.

Denis Lamothe MNA for Ungava 418 748-6046 (Chibougamau) 819 755-2506 (Lebel-sur-Quévillon) denis.lamothe.unga@assnat.qc.ca

6 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Break in Fleming case

by Patrick Quinn

Police make arrest in suspicious death of popular Resto-Pub employee in Whapmagoostui

A

n investigation into the November 9 death of a Cree woman in Whapmagoostui, Mary Fleming, has resulted in an arrest. Joseph Audlarock, an 18-yearold Whapmagoostui man, appeared in criminal court June 10 and was charged with aggravated assault.

According to the information report provided by Sergeant Jean Raphael Drolet of the Sureté du Québec, Audlarock did “wound, maim, disfigure, committing thereby the indictable offence provided by Section 268 of the Criminal Code.”

“I think they’re waiting for DNA results,” said Sidney Orr, Fleming’s cousin. “It takes a couple of weeks for the results to confirm all of that so they can actually lay a real charge. I don’t know how she actually died – the beating, exposure, freezing? They didn’t find her until the morning. They know there was a sexual assault.”

Whapmagoostui Chief Louisa Wynne announced on public radio that the SQ had been conducting outstanding investigations in the area, including into Fleming’s case. Orr said that the SQ flew to Whapmagoostui to pick up someone around June 6, which he believes was related to the case.

Fleming’s family is still deeply impacted by her death and have decided to wait until the court hearing in September before making any statements to media. At the time of her passing, Fleming was 47. She is survived by her children and grandchildren.

Her family was originally from the Fort George area and relocated with the community to present-day Chisasibi when Fleming was a young girl. Nearly 20 years ago, she moved to Whapmagoostui, working odd jobs to support her family as a single mother.

She became one of the main servers

She left the social club just like any other night. There was no drama, nothing extraordinary, everybody in good spirits - Sidney Orr

“She was a very nice person,” Orr told the Nation. “She looked after her family. She loved to dance; she loved the music. She was always friendly, a loving person, a good friend to many people. She was full of good cheer the last time I saw her.”

at Whapmagoostui’s Resto-Pub and was well known in the community for her extroverted personality.

At 2:22 am November 9, Fleming left the local social club with a young man who apparently returned a half hour later saying he had been

attacked, though nobody paid much attention at the time. Kativik Regional Police Force received a call the following day after Fleming was found unconscious outside a residence in Kuujjuarapik, the Inuit side of the community.

“The last time I saw her was on the video surveillance camera the following day,” recalled Orr. “There were other people there, probably her friends. It wasn’t a busy night.

She left the social club just like any other night. There was no drama, nothing extraordinary, everybody in good spirits.”

Orr had never seen the suspect before seeing that video footage but couldn’t help noting that he looked like a kid. Despite the shock of his cousin’s passing, he believes the arrest will provide the community some relief.

“I know if they didn’t catch anybody, there was still that uncertainty there could be somebody out there doing this,” explained Orr. “Mary’s not the only one who has died up here. There were others killed. Some have been caught already and there are others nobody knows what happened to them. There are two women they’ve never found.”

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In Brief Atikamekw protest Hydro-Québec project Demonstrators from the Atikamekw community of Wemotaci descended on the Rapide-Blanc generating station on the Saint-Maurice River June 23 to protest Hydro-Québec projects built without their consent – or compensation.

“We have ancestral rights over this territory. Throughout its history, Hydro-Québec has flouted these rights,” said Wemotaci Chief François Néashit. “Hydro-Québec has, however, caused serious and permanent damage to our nation. Even if we have made progress in recent years, Hydro-Québec is still far from having fully accommodated and compensated the Atikamekw of Wemotaci for the extent of the damage suffered.”

The Atikamekw Council of Wemotaci wants a meeting with the crown corporation to work out a new partnership.

However, Hydro-Québec says the ongoing work targeted by the protest is a repair and rejuvenation project that was presented to the Atikamekw over a year ago. The Rapide-Blanc generating station was completed in 1934 by the Shawinigan Water & Power Company.

Even so, a representative from Hydro-Québec told La Presse that the public utility is willing to meet with the

community and remains sensitive to their concerns.

Laptops for adult learners Ahead of what will be an online semester, students at Sabtuan Adult Education Services (SAES) will be equipped for distance learning thanks to a generous donation.

The Eeyou-Eenou Community Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation donated $352,890 to the Cree School Board to help purchase student laptops for the adult sector.

“We owe it to [our adult education students] to ensure they have the right tools to access digital learning,” noted CSB Director General Abraham Jolly. “We are all so grateful that the Eeyou-Eenou Foundation and Mastercard Foundation are investing in their potential.”

The donation will also help the SAES expand student support during the 2020 school year, enabling full-time adult education students to apply for student allowances from the CSB. “Supporting adult education and vocational training is key to capacity development,” said CSB Chairperson Sarah Pash. “This initiative shows our adult students are supported and just how important they are to all of us.”

Buyers for Nemaska Lithium?

The troubled mining company Nemaska Lithium received several proposals from perspective buyers in early June, according to a recent report by PricewaterhouseCooper.

The company, which received creditor protection last December, was subsequently delisted from the TSX and saw its CEO step down in February.

In all, 13 letters of intent were submitted. Of those, eight are regarded as qualified bidders, and more offers are expected to be submitted before the June 30 deadline.

However, there is little clarity for shareholders as to how the purchase of Nemaska Lithium will affect its capital structure.

The Nemaska ​​Shareholder Group (NSG), which represents 1700 investors holding 130 million shares of the company, is attempting to ensure shareholders don’t lose their stake in the event of a buyout and privatization.

“It is hoped that the outcome will end in a merger where the shareholders could get money or shares from the new company,” NSG board chairman Alain Clavet told La Presse.

Clavet went on to say that the number of interested buyers was promising, but also acknowledged

that interests of Nemaska Lithium’s creditors will take priority in the sale.

Representatives of Nemaska Lithium did not respond to interview requests from the Nation.

NWAC wants action on police violence The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is calling for immediate action from federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as police forces across Canada and the RCMP to end police violence against Indigenous people.

The recent killings of Chantal Moore by police in Edmunston, New Brunswick, and of Rodney Levi by an RCMP officer, as well as the brutal use of force against Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam by RCMP in northern Alberta, have prompted demands for reform to the policing of Indigenous people.

On June 23, NWAC President Lorraine Whitman made three immediate calls to action that were outlined in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

The three measures recommend that all frontline police officers be equipped with body cameras, to use non-violent arrests when suspects are unarmed, and to conduct better de-escalation training. The report also recommends turning over some duties currently performed by police to social workers, health professionals or Elders.

Whitman plans to meet with RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki in July. She hopes the measures will be implemented prior to that meeting.

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Features

Performances, dances and speeches move online

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by Ben Powless

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A by G.R. Gritt 10 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

W

hen Cody Coyote was asked to participate in the online celebrations of National Indigenous Peoples Day this year, he knew it would be unlike any other performance.

But he also saw it as a learning opportunity. “Our people have always adapted and survived, and this is yet another thing as an Indigenous person I’m learning,” Coyote told the Nation. “I’m trying to do my best to connect to people and share my art and messages of hope.”

Coyote, whose family is from Matachewan First Nation, Ontario, was one of a number of Indigenous artists and leaders who participated in the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, normally an outdoor festival and powwow held in Ottawa.

Instead, Coyote and others in the Ottawa area pre-recorded their performances at an Ottawa bar with the help of a local TV channel. For the powwow portion, singers and dancers from across North America sent in their own videos, which were broadcast on YouTube and Facebook to thousands of viewers around the world, with a powwow emcee officiating from home.

Instead of the usual feedback from the crowd, artists read comments posted by sometimes anonymous viewers, sometimes by friends.

“It was phenomenal seeing people from all over the world,” recounted Coyote. “I saw friends from Australia and northern Ontario. We got people’s feedback, and that was cool.”

“Way to go Cody!”, “Rocking it Cody!” and “Very inspirational” were just some of the comments to come in during Coyote’s hip hop performance.

Many of the drum groups were set up in their backyards, filming from places like Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan.

Dancer Tony Bellegarde sent in a video filmed from atop a mountain looking over a lake in White Bear First Nation, Saskatchewan. Taylor Jishie, a jingle dress dancer from Lukachukai, Arizona, submitted a video dancing in a vast, arid desert, while

Leela Gilday www.nationnews.ca July 3, 2020 the Nation 11

Marceline Williams sent in a video dancing under a waterfall in a forest.

In Vancouver, Shantae King competed as a children’s hoop dancer in front of the brightly lit Science World dome on the waterfront.

There were a few hiccups – as portions of the songs were taken down due to copyright infringements – but overall, the event went smoothly.

Coyote said that with the coronavirus, he’s ended up converting his laundry room into a space for live performances – including a banner and sound equipment, which he says has already led to other opportunities.

He wants other Indigenous artists to know that they can do the same thing with minimal investment. “You don’t need a solid camera,” he noted.

“You can use your phone, but the audio isn’t always the best. If you can, get a good camera or a phone with good audio, and play around with what you have.”

APTN likewise had to change many of its plans for the day, which originally involved live concerts in Winnipeg, Whitehorse and Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia. Instead, APTN invited several artists to record their own performances, which aired June 21.

“National Indigenous Day is about celebrating Indigenous culture, about Indigenous People getting together to honour the wisdom of the Elders, to inspire the youth and invite all Canadians to learn about Indigenous culture,” said APTN Chief Operating Officer Sky Bridges.

Performers included Susan Aglukark, Carolina East, Cris Derksen and the Twin Flames.

“It went really well, we’re very happy with the final product,” Bridges said of the two-hour English performance and one-hour French ver-

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sion. “It inspired us with this new format of programming, we’re looking to develop ongoing music programming.”

He said the artists had a lot of fun with the project and noted how important it was to support artists who are now without work.

APTN hopes to still stage those performances as early as August, with Halifax replacing Membertou First Nation as host site, and with a broadcast date of December 21, the winter equinox. The June 21 performance is available through APTN’s video-on-demand service on its website.

In Montreal, the LandInSight group organized a livestream of a sunrise ceremony hosted by a local Mohawk Elder, inviting viewers to join in and burn tobacco from home.

The group also released a video with remarks

by Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plant, federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller, as well as performances by Moe Clark and Kathia Rock.

The Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre had originally planned a virtual Indigenous Day event, but had to cancel at the last moment.

Tw i n F l a m e s www.nationnews.ca July 3, 2020 the Nation 13

Enjoy summer, but continue to protect yourself!

Summer has just begun and like other vacationers, you are likely looking for things to do. To know what is allowed, click on this link: Québec.ca/relance The success of reopening depends on everyone’s commitment to rigorously implementing public health recommendations at all times.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, remain at home, call 1 877 644‑4545 and take care of yourself.

Exploring/rediscovering Québec To safely explore Québec, plan your trips and stays in advance and learn which public health measures have been put in place in the areas you intend to visit.

Check BonjourQuebec.com to learn about the attractions you can discover in the regions of the province and take advantage of 25% off package pricing for overnight getaways when you use Explore Québec on the road.

All that’s left to do is to choose your destination, and off you go to explore a paradise that awaits you so close to home!

Finding lodging Various types of tourist lodging are available for rent, such as chalets, ready-to-use campers, yurts and rustic shelters. If you prefer hotels, they are available throughout Québec. Those who wish to sleep under the stars can choose from a variety of camping grounds or outfitters.

Remember how important it is to always follow all public health recommendations, including the ones that apply to gatherings and physical distancing.

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Enjoying the water

What’s available this summer?

Enjoy the bounty of nature If you feel the need to chill in the great outdoors, why not take the trail less travelled by hiking, canoeing or cycling?

If you enjoy fishing, you can tease the beasts all day long, no problem. Check the list of Sépaq and other Québec trails and lakes—you won’t regret it. For more details about available activities and public health recommendations visit sepaq.com/covid-19

Enjoy summer with your family Are you looking for fun things to do with the family? Try discovering the wild and wonderful animal life at Québec zoos or walk among the plants and flowers in the fabulous public gardens of the province. Whether you are looking to discover the most popular attractions in Québec or little hidden treasures in your own region, don’t miss out on savings of 20, 30 or even 40% with the Attractions Passport. Visit Quebecvacances.com to get one.

If your desire is to take a one-day cruise ship excursion, you will be able to do this as of July 1, 2020.

Are you a “culture vulture?”

Québec offers many museums and exhibitions for art lovers. Go to musees.qc.ca/en/museums/ to locate your ideal museum and visiting hours.

Are you looking for a great place for a tan and a dip in the water? The endless Québec beaches are now available to you—don’t miss out! Fine sand, loungers and multi-coloured beach umbrellas combine to offer you so many paradise experiences for the great days of summer.

If exploring lakes and rivers is your thing, you can try paddleboards, kayaks or windsurfing. But always remember to be careful and abide by applicable safety measures. You don’t want to risk drowning!

Staying active outdoors and indoors Do you like to move your body and stay active? Both individual and group sports are now allowed whether they are practised indoors or outdoors. Just put on your sneakers and get moving!

Spending time with friends and family From now on you can invite guests to your home, on condition of abiding by all public health recommendations. Gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people and a distance of at least 2 metres must be kept between people who are not from the same household. Furthermore, it is requested that they include people from no more than 3 households.

We are counting on everyone to find solutions that keep the danger of the virus spreading as low as possible. This could include writing the name of each guest on their personal glass and serving in plates or bowls that are unique to each household. Be creative!

Enjoy summer!

Being watchful will help the good times stay safe.

Savouring local products If you have a taste for discovering local products, you can visit craft food makers and tourism farms near you.

But you will be able to feast on local products on restaurant patios. In open restaurants, 2 metres physical distancing measures or physical barriers between customers (except for people who live under the same roof) have been put in place to limit contagion.

This fact sheet is based on information that was available on June 25, 2020. The situation can evolve quickly and changes may occur, so please visit the following website to be sure you have the latest available information: Québec.ca/relance

Québec.ca/coronavirus 1 877 644-4545

www.nationnews.ca July 3, 2020 the Nation 15 20-06-25 07:53

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ith the lowest rate of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Quebec, Eeyou Istchee can be proud of its quick and comprehensive pandemic response. As we move into Phase 2 of the deconfinement plan, the Nation is looking at how healthcare teams and communities have responded to this unprecedented challenge.

“Everything happened so fast,” recalled Maïtée LabrecqueSaganash, who works for the Cree Health Board’s regional communications team. “We were neck deep in it not long after the World Health Organization announced there was a pandemic. I was happy our leadership took that very seriously and that everyone was working well together.”

Clear and consistent communications from Cree leadership has flowed regularly since mid-March from multiple channels. The CHB immediately launched a Covid-19 phone line and website, with frequent livestreams and radio broadcasts to present public safety information and stem rumours.

“We tried every tool in our box to make sure we would reach every age range possible,” LabrecqueSaganash told the Nation. “It’s always more difficult to reach the youth, so we worked with the Cree

Youth Council. I made memes on the Cree Health Board page. We tried a lot of things and still do. It forced us to be creative but also deliver information really fast.”

Labrecque-Saganash has been busy adapting government communications for Cree audiences with the help of English and Cree translators. She also clarifies information for communications leads in each community, which have had in-depth meetings with public health director Dr. Faisca Richer to better understand deconfinement details.

“It gives them a little background, so they are empowered to be the main source of information in their community,” explained LabrecqueSaganash. “A lot of them go on the radio and answer community members’ questions. They’re the best to communicate with their own community, not only in terms of dialect but also to better address concerns.”

16 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

In Wemindji, a weekly radio show with the community lead, a local doctor and a psychosocial worker has been exploring various pandemic-related topics, such as addiction or youth initiatives. In the latter broadcast, callers were given prizes for asking the panelists questions.

Although many have adapted admirably to recent public health measures, it’s safe to say everyone is craving a return to normal times.

Elders have been disconnected from their families, children are missing their friends and restrictions on gatherings have suppressed vital cultural ceremonies.

“My heart aches for everyone who lost someone they love during the pandemic,” said LabrecqueSaganash. “The protocols around burials and the church were really different. A lot of people are still suffering. I’ve heard teenagers in my own community say for once in their lives they miss school.”

Youth who have defiantly continued gatherings are being blamed for Mistissini’s reinstatement of a curfew bylaw on June 19, which had been lifted for two weeks. The bylaw restricting community members to their residences between 11:30 pm and 5 am has fuelled tensions between age groups.

“It seems like they’re still not listening or taking it seriously,” said Jeraldene Coon, Mistissini’s local lead for pandemic communications.

“There was vandalism, breaking the windows in the public health. We noticed there were a lot of youth out there drinking – because of that, the curfew must be enforced again.

People are mad at the youth, taking that freedom away.”

Coon is part of the local emergency operational committee, which also includes partners from the Cree School Board, the Cree Health Board and the band office. As communities transition to the next phase of decon-

Precautions pay off Inside the Cree Health Board’s pandemic response

by Patrick Quinn

finement, the committee is responsible for reviewing recommendations from leadership to determine which services and organizations can safely reopen.

Dentistry has already reopened in Mistissini and all other non-essential healthcare services are now permitted to resume, according to local clinic capacity. All local businesses and public services can reopen if precautionary measures are respected. Outdoor social gatherings with up to five households and individual sports are also allowed.

“Supervised individual groups like yoga, individual training or boot camp are just starting,” Coon explained.

“Non-contact sports with training mode only are limited to 10 people.

They’re working on how they can get people physically active to run recreation programs. The beach was closed but they reopened it on June 20.”

Although the situation remains situation even more challenging. stable in Eeyou Istchee, its proxim- Nurses coming from high-risk areas ity to areas with a much less con- can complete seven days of isolation servative approach to the pandemic at home and another week of remote means precautionary measures are work when they arrive, monitoring as necessary as ever. Sudden chang- their temperature until they’re safe to es to regions defined as areas of risk see clients.

“The clinic is always adapting to demonstrate how precarious the sitnew changes,” uation still is. explained Coon.

“When they How nuhkum sleeps knowing I’m washing my hands and staying home “Our nurses are opened Region 2 overworked – [Saguenay–Lacthat’s the reality.

Saint-Jean], it Community memwas safe for two days and then bers have to call considered a before coming in high-risk zone,” – that part was Coon recounted. stressful at the “That was realbeginning, but people got used ly stressful. The to it. The doors same happened in the Abitibi region – for one week were locked for a while, but now they it was considered safe, now it’s not.” are reopened.”

To segregate patients with potenWith numerous nurses coming from outside the territory, these tial symptoms, clinic visitors are given changes make an already complex a questionnaire to determine which

door they can enter. If all answers are negative, they enter through door one to the green zone. Those with symptoms come through the main entrance or yellow door.

Clinics are limiting visits in-person by expanding tele-health services and making home pharmacy deliveries. In Mistissini and Waswanipi, information packages were delivered door-to-door to ensure clinics could correctly administer pre-triage. Clinic waiting rooms are cleaned frequently to minimize risk of infection.

“There was a lot of hard work for everyone,” said LabrecqueSaganash. “Everyone came together to make sure our communities were safe. A lot of stuff was new, like the masks and measures, but we’ve done a great job.”

www.nationnews.ca July 3, 2020 the Nation 17

COVID-19

ᔦᐦᔦᐙᔅᐱᓀᐎᓐ ᐁ ᐋᔔᒦᑐᓈᓅᒡ

WALKING OUT CEREMONY RECOMMENDATIONS DURING COVID-19 Host a smaller ceremony, with close family only.

Remain 6 feet apart from people that you don’t live with.

Elders should be protected from having contact with other people.

Limit the number of people inside the teepee to people of the same household.

Families should take turns if more than one child is involved.

Only immediate family should be in the teepee to see the child walk out, and to receive the child back in the teepee or tent.

Those outside the teepee should not stand close to people they don’t live with. Maintain the 6 feet of distance between people who do not live together.

Have hand sanitizer available for everyone attending the ceremony, to keep their hands clean.

Wear a cloth mask protects other people in case you have COVID-19 without knowing it. People are encouraged to wear a mask if they need to stand close to other people they don’t live with.

No one who is in self-isolation or feeling sick should attend any type of family gathering. Doing so may put their vulnerable family members at risk.

For more information : EEYOUISTCHEECOVID19.ORG or 1 866 855-2811

Updates

Investigating the cops New Brunswick shootings spark calls for inquiries and police reform

by Ben Powless

T

he police killings of two Indigenous people in New Brunswick last month has led to demands for investigations and reform of armed interventions by police, at a time when officer conduct is under increased scrutiny across the world.

Chantel Moore, 26, was shot and killed by police June 4 in Edmunston, New Brunswick. Police said that they were responding to a request to undertake a wellness check on Moore and shot her when they encountered her with a knife making threats.

Rodney Levi, 48, was shot and killed June 12 after RCMP officers were called to a barbeque at a local pastor’s house near Miramichi, New Brunswick. The RCMP said they responded to a call of an “unwanted man” and said that Levi was carrying knives, and they were unable to subdue him with a stun gun before shooting him when he charged at police.

Family members and Indigenous leaders have criticized the actions of the police and investigators.

Speaking in front of the British Colombia Legislature in Victoria, Moore’s mother said she wanted justice for her daughter.

Martha Martin said she wants to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to talk about her daughter’s killing, as well as race relations and police shootings of Indigenous people in general.

Several Maliseet First Nations are calling for an independent probe into

the New Brunswick justice system.

Moore’s home community, Tla-oqui-aht First Nation, also released a statement on behalf of its hereditary and elected leadership, calling for a murder charge against the police officer who killed Moore.

They allege that there were no attempts at de-escalation nor an attempt to use non-lethal force. They also pointed out that the officer who responded, “was approximately

Approximately 100 members of Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation in New Brunswick, where Levi is from, marched from a field in the community to the church where his funeral was held.

Rodney Levi’s uncle, Ken Levi, told the CBC that the community has been supporting the family, and that he’s been in touch with the RCMP, the coroner and the investigation team.

Metepenagiag Chief Bill Ward

There were no attempts at de-escalation nor an attempt to use non-lethal force

6’3” and weighed approximately 300 pounds” – while Chantel measured only 5’4” and weighed 130 pounds.

New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart stated that Quebec’s Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes would be investigating the incident. They will recommend if charges against officers in the incident are warranted or not.

20 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

said that he met with members of the New Brunswick government June 17 to talk about systemic racism and an inquiry into the justice system, but told the CBC it was “more of the same” from the government.

GoFundMe fundraisers were set up for both families.

Roger Augustine, Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief for New

Brunswick and PEI, was quick to call for changes in the way police deal with mental health issues for First Nations.

He says there needs to be major changes in police training, in learning about First Nations cultures and languages, and that First Nations need to be involved in training police. But he warned that the problem goes deeper than just the police.

“Some people are losing patience with us as leaders, saying we need action now,” Augustine told the Nation. “What I want to see is legislation.”

Augustine also says that First Nations should establish their own police forces.

Meanwhile, he’s seen the New Brunswick government rule out an inquiry. He also expressed doubt that the Quebec investigators would find criminal activity against their fellow police force.

“I sound frustrated and hopeless but I’m not. I know something is going to happen. You’re going to see a strong political movement,” he said, pointing to frustration with police practices across Canada.

Judith Sayers, a spokesperson for the Moore family, said that there

“We have to raise our voices in unison across this country”

needs to be alternatives to dealing with mental health issues.

“You need some sort of response team with specialized training who are trauma-informed,” Sayers said.

“We need sensitivity training, to find and root out any racist officers. We could avoid these deaths if we had different ways of doing policing.”

She says Moore had a six-year old daughter. Family has described her as a happy young woman with a lot of plans.

“There are solutions we can implement now – before waiting for more people to be murdered,” Sayers insisted.

The killings came while police brutality and systemic racism are in focus across North America, sparked by the brutal police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Floyd’s death lead to weeks of protests in over 500 cities in the US, sparking a wave of changes to police policies and procedures.

In Canada, it sparked questions to RCMP Chief Commissioner Brenda Lucki, who initially stated she did not believe there were issues of “systemic racism” in the RCMP. An uproar led her to finally acknowledge that systemic racism is part of RCMP culture.

“Throughout our history and today, we have not always treated racial-

ized and Indigenous people fairly,” Lucki said.

For Senator Lillian Dyck, whose family is part Cree from Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, it was too little, too late.

Dyck called on the commissioner to either step down or be removed immediately, stating her initial comments show she doesn’t have the “necessary knowledge or skills” to continue as commissioner.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde joined the calls for police reform, saying that there needs to be fundamental reforms across the country and for the federal government to support and fund Indigenous police forces.

Bellegarde also said there should be a zero-tolerance policy within the RCMP against excessive use of force.

Videos of Indigenous people facing police brutality across the country have continued to emerge, including against Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam in Alberta.

Sayers remains hopeful that things might change this time. “We have to raise our voices in unison across this country – First Nations leaders, not just one or two families,” she observed. “It’s been happening off and on but never gets resolved so we have to work together and get something done this time.”

Photo taken in Whapmagoostui, Eeyou Istchee

- Judith Sayers

Congratulations to Emma Saganash Congratulations to Emma Saganash for her Lifetime Achievement Award from RTDNA Canada!

From the early days of hosting Maamuitaau to leading the CBC North Cree Unit, the unequivocal respect for our language and people of Eeyou Istchee combined with your commitment to quality journalism have made us proud to watch as our our stories came to life on television and heard on the radio for all to learn from.

behal of the Cree Nation, thank you for always shining a On behalf light on our politics, community life, unique culture and way of life. A well-deserved recognition for an exemplary career blazing the trail for Indigenous journalism.

www.nationnews.ca July 3, 2020 the Nation 21

Health

Golden Age danger

Eeyou Istchee commemorates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

by Patrick Quinn | Photo provided by Cree Justice | www.creejustice.ca

T

he important role that Elders play in Cree culture – as respected knowledge keepers of language, experiences and traditions – is well known. Less known is that many of these Elders are at risk of being harmed physically, emotionally or financially by someone they trust.

As communities and nations across the globe marked June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Grand Chief Abel Bosum issued a proclamation to recognize the significance of this issue in Eeyou Istchee.

“Elders and vulnerable adults deserve to be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and vital participating members of our communities,” stated Bosum. “The Cree Nation is committed to taking measures to eradicate and prevent the abuse of our Elders.”

The United Nations commemorated the day to draw attention to this global problem, which is often underestimated and ignored. The Canadian government estimates that only one in five cases are ever reported, partly due to the stigma associated with the issue.

“It’s not an easy topic to discuss if you’re vulnerable, being abused by someone you trust and care about,” said Brenda House, who became the Cree Health Board’s Elder Abuse specialist last September. “It could be the Elder’s only contact to their grandchildren or their sole depend-

ent. Some people won’t even be aware that they’re going through Elder abuse, so when people start talking about it, they might realize this is happening to me.”

Elder abuse can take numerous forms, including humiliation, manipulation, emotional blackmail and force-feeding. Denying social rights and freedoms or failing to provide reasonable comfort and safety are also considered abuse. However, the most reported form of abuse is financial.

“Financial exploitation is definitely what I hear most often,” House told

the Nation. “People taking advantage of the Elder’s debit card or bank account, co-signing a loan and then the Elder is financially responsible.”

House believes spreading awareness about this issue goes beyond preventing abuse – it’s also to initiate wider discussions about aging well.

Planning to establish wills and power of attorney – who will make decisions about your health and property – can provide peace of mind as we transition into our golden years, particularly for those with a family history of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

We have been present since 1939. All members of the large Deshaies' family are by your side today and will also be for the better days to come.

22 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

The construction delay of Elders’ homes in Waskaganish, Mistissini and Chisasibi due to pandemic precautionary measures means that specialized services in these regional hubs will have to wait until summer or fall of 2022. The homes will alleviate the need for Elders to live in long-term facilities in the south, where three Cree have already died of Covid-19.

“Having the new Elders’ homes in the future will definitely alleviate pressures from caregivers,” House added. “Caregivers are under a lot of pressure. There are challenges of illness or physical decline, early onset of dementia. The stress of that can be a contributing factor to abuse.”

Although Elder abuse is a global phenomenon, Eeyou Istchee and other First Nations face unique challenges related to overcrowding, past trauma and alcohol or substance abuse. These contributing factors must be taken into consideration when developing intervention procedures. Bosum’s proclamation also named social isolation and ageism as major causes.

“It’s an emotional subject linked with trauma that the community has experienced,” asserted Maude Ostiguy-Lauzon, Elder Wellness Coordinator for the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Services Commission. “Speaking about that in the community is the first step to raising awareness. Elders are not necessarily aware of their rights, how to protect [themselves] and the right to say no.”

By establishing secure spaces with appropriate services, Elders could speak more openly about their situations and work collaboratively towards a solution to abuse. This kind of restorative justice approach mitigates punitive measures by involving both the victim and the accused in healing circles.

“Elder mistreatment could be unintentional because the person does not express how they are feeling,”

Ostiguy-Lauzon said. “If the community put some resources for them to heal, Elders can speak more about their emotions and put their own limits.

If they can’t count on their families, they will have other community services to answer their needs.”

Several initiatives are currently being implemented in Eeyou Istchee to help answer this call, including abuse assessment and detection tools for frontline workers. A policy regarding the mistreatment of vulnerable adults is also in the process of being approved by the Cree Health Board.

Since House assumed her current role, she has been meeting with community workers and various organizations that work with Elders, such as the Chisasibi Elder Council and the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee.

She is in the process of forming a regional committee consisting of key representatives that provide services responding to the impacts of Elder abuse.

“Working with these different organizations is an important part of a coordinated community response, which is necessary because each situation is so unique that there isn’t one way to handle it,” House said.

Although Covid-19 disrupted plans to create a bigger campaign around Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the pandemic has expedited efforts in other ways. To help counter pandemic-related mental health issues, psychosocial leads were swiftly established in each community – an idea that will be leveraged to address Elder abuse.

“As a result of Covid, we had to put things in place really quickly,” House explained. “It led us to think about why we don’t have an Elder abuse lead in each of the communities. We’re just working on the transition plan now.”

Anyone in Eeyou Istchee who wishes to share their thoughts or ask advice about Elder abuse are encouraged to call this confidential helpline: 1-833-632-4357 (HELP).

www.nationnews.ca July 3, 2020 the Nation 23

July 2020 - Issue 1

Puzzles

Crossword

SUDOKU 7 8 9 5 6 4

8 9 6 7

5 2 4 1 3

Easy

2 6

9 3 4 8 2 1 7 5 6

3 7 2 4

9 7

9 3

Previous solution - Very Hard

6 3 2 3 5 7 1 3 7 1 6 8 9 4 1 3 7 8

– ngle number can r column. But... are divided by black artments. These with numbers that t’. A straight is a set gaps but can be in ,5]. Clues in black umber as an option umn, and are not part nce at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. are formed.

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

9 7 6 4 8 5 3 1 2

No. 255

1 5 2 6 3 7 9 8 4

7 6 8 4 5 9 1 3 2

5 2 7 9 1 6 8 4 3

8 1 3 5 4 2 6 7 9

4 9 6 7 8 3 2 1 5

3 8 9 2 7 5 4 6 1

2 7 5 1 6 4 3 9 8

6 4 1 3 9 8 5 2 7

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

STR8TS

SUDOKU

No. 255

Tough

4

Previous solution - Medium

2 4 3 4 2 3 5 7 8 6 7 6

8 1

5 6 1

9

4 8 4 3

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

Medium

5 4 3 1 2 9 8 7 6

6 5 6 7 2 8 3 4 1 3 2 8 7

8 7 2 1 3 4

9 7 6 4 8 5 3 1 2

7 8 9 5 6 4

8 9 6 7

5 2 4 1 3

1

2

3

5

14 17

7

21

27

24

28

34

42

43

46

50 54

13

30

31

32

33

59

60

36

37

40

41 44

48

47

12

25

35 39

11

22

29

38

10

19

23

53

9 16

20

26

8

18

45

49

51

52

55

56

57

58

61

62

64

65

66

67

68

69

63

Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate

65 Unwanted look 66 Virus in 2003 news 67 Mythical goatman 68 Nervous 69 Sitter's charge

7 Outfitted 33 Eden fruit 8 Big name in 36 Lend a hand beauty products 40 Take the helm 9 Bit of parsley 45 Recliner part 10 Shake 47 That is to say 11 Santa ___, Calif. 49 Old-school 12 Skip over phone 13 Southern side?

51 Phony DOWN 18 Childhood illness 53 Pastoral sounds 1 Coin in Cancún 22 Mustard family 54 Soprano solo 2 Chooses, with plant 55 Lean to one side "for" 24 Non-essential 56 Served up a 3 South Beach, 26 Stated further whopper for one 27 Small jar 58 Carhop's load Previous solution Very Hard Easy 4 Surgeon's blade 28 Autumn drink 59 Carefree adven1 7 5 8 4 3 2 6 5 Remains of a 29 Swell9 up ture 3 5 6 2 1 9 8 7 4 wreck 31 Suspect's out 60 Ultimatum ender 4 2 8 7 3 6 9 5 1 6 U.N. workers' 32 Bond-Bond link? 63 Journey seg8 6 4 9 5 7 2 1 3 grp. ment 2 3 5 1 4 8 7 6 9

9 7

3 7 2 4

1 7 9 6 2 3 5 4 8 7 9 1 8 to 6 Crossword: 2 4 3 5 Solution

5 8 3 4 7 1 6 9 2 6 3 2 T I N T V A T S S A L S A 6 4 2 3 9 5 1 8 7 O D O R E R I E C L E A N 3 5 Sudoku, R A To V complete E N O N C fill H the A L A N T 9 G E C H board A S by T entering I S E numbers O N 1Eto D each 7 1 3 O D and Y H O such S P that I C E row,Bcolumn 3x3 box contains every number C A R E P A R A S I T E 7 1 6 8 9P R Ouniquely.

S E P E D A L M I D PREVIOUS L O For T SmanyDstrategies, I N G hints Y and A P E D SOLUTION: visit A L tips, I S www.sudokuwiki.org I N C E E V E R Y 4 1 O V E R T E A M M A T E If you O like O PStr8ts S check O VoutEour R A C T 3 7 8 books, iPhone/iPad Apps and

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

24 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

6

15

2 6

9 3

4

E T A L

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

H

ere’s another edition of the Nation’s puzzle page. Try your hand at Sudoku or Str8ts or our Crossword, or better yet, solve all three and send us a photo! As always, the answers from last issue are here for you to check your work. Happy hunting.

ACROSS 1 Whale groups 5 They may be loaded 9 Razor sharpener 14 Grand tale 15 Corner pieces 16 TV teaser 17 Disney's Willie 19 Varnish ingredient 20 Horse handler 21 Nearly wipe out 23 Picked up the tab 25 For that reason 26 Wheelchairfriendly 30 Indian dignitary 34 Carpentry tool 35 Web address punctuation 37 Napkin's place 38 Fizzled firecracker 39 Champion, as a cause 41 Little devil 42 Suffix with legal 43 Home addition?

44 Record company 46 "Nebraska" actor Bruce 48 Kirk's ship 50 Big galoots 52 Motel offering 53 Scottish castle 57 Shelled slowmover No. 255 61 First sign of spring 62 Two-sided 64 Path to the altar

by Margie E. Burke

N A G A

O P E R A T O A B L E much more on our store.

G I V X I D R I V E R M A R L E V E I L E P L A Y S E N S E R

R E N D

Rez Notes

The summertime blues

by Sonny Orr

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Distributor of petroleum products and lubricants in the James Bay Territory, and Abitibi-Temiscamingue

B

ack in the day, summertime blues meant endless days of sunshine and blue skies, with nothing to pass time with other than running around and playing games with rocks and sticks. The rock was more than just a stone. It was a projectile, slingshot fodder, and a way to fine-tune your throwing skills.

The stick, in the meantime, was a hockey stick, a spear, a sword, a gun and – during the Buck Rogers days – a phaser gun, comparable to today’s lightsaber but much more utilitarian. It also doubled as a fishing rod or a bow. The girls had the swings and seesaws and stuff like that. Hopscotch and skipping ropes were common.

But it wasn’t all fun as the days didn’t go by without chores to do, the most arduous being to fetch water.

Chores during summer would be done early as often the days would be too hot for us northerners. Nobody liked working up a sweat hauling bath water. Usually, we would head to the beach and wash up there.

The river made life a lot more bearable for everyone. It flowed forever pure and cooled down our summer days. The nouchimi people had mosquito-resilient skin, which hardly or never got bitten.

Today, summertime blues is more often about not having internet access or poor cellphone signals. Or it’s about waiting for your mail order to arrive.

I like the windy days, except when you live in a dusty town, so going outside is still an option. Today going outside is highly recommended as we comply with the latest rules on how to stay safe and healthy as opposed to staying inside where

more chances for disease growth are growing more apparent. So… if Canada is nine million square kilometres and has a population of nearly 38 million, people can each live comfortably and anti-sociably.

Why couldn’t we spread out more?

Technically, a quarter million people could fit into a square kilometre and still abide by social-distancing rules.

Canada’s population actually could fit in under 200 square kilometres, give or take a few rivers and ponds.

My general reaction to everything in the summer is to go fishing, as the real meaning of summertime blues is to return home empty handed after fishing for a dozen or more hours.

I must remind our readers that our people subsisted on fish, a lot of fish.

This meant that our ancestors spent a lot of time setting and checking nets, as this is the only real means to catch fish at the same time as doing everything else during the day, like cleaning fish guts and drying and smoking fish.

It may seem like an idyllic way of catching fish, but when you can’t spend an entire day out fishing, nets are invaluable time savers. Also, you tend to have more bragging rights and can pshaw to anyone who dares question the use of nets versus the rod.

I can say a lot about the good times I had as a kid during summer days. But there is a nightlife that comes with summer fun. Yes, I mean dancing and summer games, today, I guess close-contact dancing is out of the picture. This means that this inconvenient pandemic is still spoiling our short summer season. I guess it will be the summer for singles who are too shy to mingle.

www.nationnews.ca July 3, 2020 the Nation 25

&

Under the Northern Sky

T B UTNS

www.underthenorthernsky.com

Here comes the rain again

by Xavier Kataquapit

I

t is raining. It will be raining most of this week and that puts my plans on hold as Mother Earth reminds me that my notions don’t mean much in the big picture. At times I feel helpless amid this Covid-19 pandemic, and a few rainy days in a row really drives home the fact that nature rules all.

No matter how smart or powerful we think we are, we are at the mercy of Mother Earth. As human beings we have come to understand much of what life and the universe is all about. Scientists tell us we are just a tiny bit of time in the grand picture of existence. Amazingly, we have come to a point where we have a

wealth of knowledge and the capacity to do many things, yet we are on a destructive path. We have fallen into a system that allows a few wealthy billionaires to control almost all the wealth on this planet. This pandemic has reminded us that there should be a better way.

Luckily, every now and then someone comes along who makes us think about what the real purpose of life might be. People like Carl Sagan, John F. Kennedy, Victor Hugo, Martin Luther King and Leonardo Da Vinci arrive on this good earth and in their short lives make us all think. By raising us up with their insight they in fact

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26 the Nation July 3, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Elder John Mattinas with Ron & Xavier Kataquapit

count for change in the direction of humanity.

These special, good-natured and wise people are all around us. They live and work in our own communities. We all know a special person who is kind, wise and positive and many of us have been lucky enough to be able to turn to these people for strength, guidance and hope.

In Attawapiskat recently, we lost one such special Elder by the name of John Mattinas. He lived to be 95 years of age. When I last saw him back home years ago, he was aged and feeble but still had a strong spirit and the kindness burned brightly in his eyes. John grew up on the land and held so many cultural teachings that centred on kindness, openness and love. He had so much traditional knowledge and curiosity and wonder kept him current. He was also worldly beyond his location in life. He was open to new ideas, he wanted young people to understand who they were and where they came from and, most importantly, he wanted them to heal and move on in life to do good things.

John supported traditional learning and encouraged young people to deal with drug and alcohol addictions. He was a quiet, powerful figure in my community and his advice and

actions helped many discover a more peaceful and sober life.

John was always happy to meet with anyone and he had the gift of making everyone who came to visit him feel important. He was a good listener and could identify very quickly where a person was coming from.

When he talked with someone, they knew they were being heard. He cared so much for Attawapiskat and for his family, friends and neighbours.

John never rose to the prominence of those famous people I admire on the world stage through history, but he was indeed one of them in nature. Many of us who encountered him benefited from his wise words and unconditional love for his fellow humans.

Today, with the rain drumming on my roof I give thanks for having had the opportunity to spend a little time in the presence of a bright light and beacon of hope who now shines on in many memories. Those memories carry many of us down a better path and hopefully we will pay his good nature forward. Meegwetch John Mattinas for being there for so many and know that you are well loved and will be missed.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER AND ENGAGED COMMUNITIES

You have a project that could help make your community a better place?

Apply now CREE JUSTICE FUNDS

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FUND

CRIME PREVENTION FUND

Through these funds, the DOJCS (Department of Justice and Correctional Services) provides financial assistance to community members willing to implement initiatives that facilitate and improve the administration of justice for the Crees across Eeyou Istchee.

Be engaged.

Make a difference.

DOJCS – Department of Justice and Correctional Services creejusticefunds.ca T: 418-923-2661

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We encourage everyone to respect the rules and to stay safe.

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