The Nation | Vol. 27, No. 23

www.nationnews.ca September 11, 2020 the Nation 1

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CONTENTS EDITORIAL

Catching the spirit

5

NEWS

More services returning

Air Creebec flies again

5

Renewed energy

6

IN BRIEF FEATURES

6

Quebec’s battery puzzle

10

4

9

House rules

10

Viral inspirations

14

Reduce the garbage

18

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

20

Fall colours

21

T&B

Newly elected Chief House

Monumental debate

22

Community

Photo provided by Daisy House

14

Pandemic masks become art

18

Waskaganish Eco-Patrol

www.nationnews.ca September 11, 2020 the the Nation Nation 3 3

Editorial

Catching the spirit

by Will Nicholls

Editorial

M

any of us are watching more television now due to Covid-induced inactivity.

Personally, I am often disappointed in the programming that regular broadcast stations offer these days.

Most fictional series recycle ideas we’ve seen too many times, only with changes in the cast and settings. I haven’t even watched much of the NHL playoffs. Hockey in the summer just seems like a money grab rather than what the sport means to all of us. We always like to share in the experience but can’t.

I’ve started watching reality shows such as, How’s It’s Made. I try to get my kids interested in it. They like some and hate others. Another is Forged in Fire, a show about making knives and other implements. I’ve made my own knives and even a sword. The sword lost 4-5 inches after I bashed it on a post. Guess my heat treat wasn’t up to par.

I still enjoy Jeopardy to test my knowledge while learning a few things.

But most time is spent surfing channels fruitlessly searching for something enjoyable or meaningful. On September 1, however, I was pleasantly surprised by the Discovery Channel show, Chasing Monsters, a fishing show. To my delight, the episode followed host Cyril Chauquat as he trolled for monster pike in Mistassini Lake. I called my brother Donald in Mistissini to tell him about it. He changed the channel to

Chauquat enjoyed the back and forth with Mianscum. He presented an openness that showed he was not only there for the fishing but to learn about the Cree.

Discovery and our dad sat down with him to enjoy the show as I watched in Montreal.

Like many Cree stuck in the south, I miss being on the land, or in this case, on the lake. For an hour this episode brought me right back home.

Other fishing shows have featured Mistassini Lake. Hell, Bob Iszumi broke a few world records there.

While it was nice to see the lake and the fishing in them, they didn’t touch me in the way Chasing Monsters did.

First, most shows tend to make the guide secondary and only give

them a small part at best. Chauquat, however, made legendary guide Stanley Mianscum a real part of the show. Mianscum even teased him at one point, offering to toss in a line himself during a dry spell. It wouldn’t be the only time that happened. Chauquat enjoyed the back and forth with Mianscum. He presented an openness that showed he was not only there for the fishing but to learn about the Cree.

It is nothing new for us to share the Cree way of life with others.

This is something that is needed if

we are ever to protect the land and our bond with it. It is easy to fear or ignore the problems of strangers.

Mianscum was more than a fishing guide, he was a Cree who showed that we befriend outsiders and show them who we are. Chauquat presented that side of us. No doubt we’ll eventually get some tourism business from the episode. More importantly, we’ll be seen as people who others would like to know, not only as a militant people holding back the march of progress.

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 M. Labrecque-Saganash, 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 |

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CMCA AUDITED

News

Air Creebec flies again

...while schools reopen, and specialists return to Eeyou Istchee

by Ben Powless

A

s more services across Eeyou Istchee slowly reemerge, Air Creebec has also resumed regular passenger service in late August between Montreal, Val-d’Or, Chibougamou, Chisasibi and in northern Ontario.

Operating out of a private terminal in Dorval, the airline emphasizes that all health precautions are being implemented. Passengers must submit to a health check and fill out a questionnaire. All passengers over two years old are required to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. No meals, snacks or beverages will be served, nor will in-flight magazines be available. All in-service aircraft will be disinfected daily.

Flights 921 and 922 offer service between Montreal, Val-d’Or and Chisasibi while flights 927 and 928 fly between Montreal, Chibougamau and Chisasibi. In Ontario, a limited flight schedule between Timmins and Moosonee is also available, and to Peawanuck when demand warrants.

“The health and safety of our passengers, clients and employees is Air Creebec’s primary goal and we are not willing to sacrifice this for financial reasons,” Air Creebec President Matthew Happyjack said in a statement.

Happyjack told the Nation that the airline returned to the skies based on requests from community members asking about regular flights. They followed the provincial and Cree deconfinement plans, while also consulting with band chiefs on when to resume service.

Still, Happyjack understands that it will take a while to return to normal.

“People will be afraid of flying,” he observed. As demand picks up, the

airline aims to expand back to other communities.

To that end, Air Creebec will release a video demonstrating how safety protocols are handled on the plane, from disinfecting to social distancing, so that people feel more comfortable aboard the aircraft.

Since the start of the pandemic, planes have been used for medical transportation. Even then, Air Creebec was forced to lay off about 160 of its 400 employees. While the flights are currently subsidized by the government, that funding ends in October.

“We’re slowly going to bring back flight crews, attendants, mechanics, customer service,” Happyjack said.

“But it’s going to take two or three years to return to normal. We’ll do it safely and slowly.”

The news comes as a Cree Health Board and Social Services of James Bay (CHBJSSJB) memo states that, “All indications are that a second wave of Covid-19 is beginning.”

Some parts of Quebec and nationally are seeing infection rates increase, although there have been no new cases in Eeyou Istchee since May. The memo credits the success that the Cree communities have had in limiting the spread of the virus to people’s commitment to physical distancing and precautionary measures along with forceful leadership in insulating communities from outside infection.

This has allowed Cree communities to remain in Phase 4. Schools in every community have reopened classes, except for Whapmagoostui, where they will open after Labour Day. The Cree School Board hired 21 more teachers to meet class-size

restrictions, as well as more janitors and maintenance staff.

Parents are asked to bring their children to school if possible, as school-bus seating is limited because of distancing precautions. Parents are also asked to complete a daily health checklist on eeyoueducation. ca, and to keep children home if they present any symptoms.

Public health authorities have developed protocols for case detection and contact tracing in schools in case they become necessary, while also setting up a school support team able to respond to any emergency.

The team includes nurses, nurse counselors, and planning, programming and research officers.

The Cree Health Board will also be working to bring back health specialists into the community, stating that it will be easier to coordinate their travel under strict screening and precautionary measures that are part of their job than to have patients head south.

To date, 913 tests have been conducted in the communities, with 894 negative results and 9 still pending.

As well, 1,077 screening tests have been completed, with 1,070 negative and 7 awaiting results.

While Quebec recently announced a 10-day isolation policy, the CHBSSJB emphasized that this is distinct from the 14-day mandatory isolation order in Eeyou Istchee.

Quebec’s isolation order is only given out by doctors to individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19, while the 14-day isolation period in Eeyou Istchee includes extra time during which someone may not have symptoms.

Those isolation orders apply to anyone who has come into contact

with someone who tests positive, anyone who has travelled outside of Quebec, or those who have travelled to Region 6 (Montreal), Region 13 (Laval), Region 14 (Lanaudière), Region 15 (Laurentians) or Region 16 (Montérégie).

It also applies to anyone who has visited any Hydro-Québec site, mine site (except for Osisko or Stornaway with proper documentation), or forestry camp (apart from the km 105 camp, again with proper documentation).

There continue to be several no-shows on medical charter flights, while the CHBSSJB has urged those who decide to drive or not travel to inform the health authorities so they can offer their spots to others.

In recent days Quebec has reported more than 100 new cases per day, with around half of those cases being in Montreal. Canada has hovered between 300 and 600 new cases per day in recent weeks. Over 9,000 people in Canada have died due to the virus.

Health Canada announced that it may allow for testing of Covid-19 using home tests, which many doctors and health experts have urged the government to consider. This would allow for generalized screening even among those without symptoms, which the Cree Health Board has been doing.

In the United States, the total amount of infections is now more than six million, with over 40,000 new cases a day being reported. Over 184,000 people have died in the US alone, with currently more than 1,000 people deaths per day. Across the globe, more than 25 million have been infected, with over 850,000 deaths.

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www.creejustice.com If you need more information or have additional questions, contact our office in Val-d”Or.

By phone: 819-874-2600 By email: justicevaldor@cngov.ca 6 the Nation September 11, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

N

emaska Lithium has accepted a sales proposal that would reorganize the company into a new entity, called New Nemaska Lithium, giving new hope for the Whabouchi Mine located 30 km east of Nemaska. It had filed for creditor protection in December after failing to find investors to continue operations.

The sale is structured as a credit bid from its largest secured creditor, Orion Mine Finance, along with Investissement Québec (IQ) and the Pallinghurst Group.

Orion would retain its share of the secured debt, about $135 million, while the other two entities would split remaining control of “New Nemaska Lithium” 50-50.

Based on the terms of the bid, the company will no longer be listed on the stock exchange and current shareholders will be

left with nothing. A shareholders’ group upset with this restructuring will likely be heard when Quebec’s Superior Court determines whether to approve the sale in mid-September.

“I’m sad on one end because people have lost money with the financial restructuring,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec’s Minister of Economy and Innovation. “It involves some risk so that’s why we’re doing it with some partnerships. We’ve got the right partner and the right sequence. The project is very important for Quebec.”

Although eight potential buyers had emerged earlier this year, all eventually withdrew except for Pallinghurst and IQ, which is the entrepreneurial arm of the provincial government. According to a shareholder spokesperson, this is a result of political interference from

Renewed energy

by Patrick Quinn

Will New Nemaska Lithium solve Quebec’s battery puzzle?

Minister Fitzgibbon, who was publicly critical of Nemaska Lithium’s funding structure.

“The minister has failed in his duties,” shareholder spokesperson Alain Clavet told La Presse.

“If you are a foreign investor and you hear the Minister of the Economy talking about a company like that, that does not make you want to invest.”

The company declined comment until the sale is approved, which is expected to close on October 15.

After laying off most workers last fall, the Whabouchi Mine has been continuing basic maintenance activities with a small crew.

Pending sale approval, current employees will transition to New Nemaska Lithium and the company’s obligations with the Crees under the Chinuchi Agreement will continue to be honoured.

“There is no reason for us to depart from it,” Fitzgibbon told the Nation. “It was well negotiated, and we will respect it. I expect the Cree community to be enthusiastic about the project, to help us bring the project home.”

Fitzgibbon has called the company the first piece of a puzzle for Quebec to develop its own batteries.

High quality lithium-ion, which the Whabouchi Mine intends to produce, is an essential component for the burgeoning electric vehicle market.

“I think Quebec has a chance to be a world leader, especially for the North American market, in that supply chain,” said Fitzgibbon. “I hope to be involved in every piece of the chain. The first piece of that puzzle has been placed with Pallinghurst but we’re working on numerous other parts.”

The challenge, as expressed by Nemaska’s economic development officer Robert Kitchen last autumn, is that ultimate success depends on a viable conversion technology.

Nemaska Lithium had planned to perform this processing at a separate electrochemical plant in Shawinigan but struggled to raise the significant funding required.

Pallinghurst had been expected to contribute $600 million but was apparently concerned about the company’s presence on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with its inherent pressure to deliver short-term dividends. Under the new deal, Pallinghurst and IQ will immediately inject $95 million each into the company, which will increase up to $300 million each.

“It’s a very comprehensive process,” said Fitzgibbon. “That’s why I went to China in December, because

the project is so big in terms of financial resources and expertise. I want to make sure we have the proper analysis.”

He expects operations at the Whabouchi Mine won’t resume until a thorough analysis into the various mining, extraction and conversion activities are conducted over at least a few months. As Pallinghurst is a renowned international investor in the mining sector, their experts will be heavily involved in determining the next steps.

“They have a team that will be working with us,” Fitzgibbon explained. “Obviously the sooner the better, but it will be done in the right order. We have to really do our homework. This is a restart on a solvent and well-established foundation.

That’s the most important message.”

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Nation

In Brief Youth Council appoints Interim Deputy The Board of Directors of the Cree Nation Youth Council named Stacy Anderson as CNYC vice-chairperson and Interim Deputy Youth Grand Chief during a video conference meeting August 12.

The appointment will remain in effect until the ratification of results of the upcoming 2021 elections of the chairperson and vice-chairperson.

Anderson replaces Samantha Awashish, who had held the position since last October. Her mandate ended after the recent Mistissini Youth Council elections.

In a statement, the CNYC thanked Awashish “for her service and involvement to the organization and wishes her best in her future endeavours.”

According to CNYC guidelines, the interim appointment ended when Awashish was replaced by the new Mistissini Youth Chief on the Board of Directors. A new appointment was also required for the vacant vice-chairperson position.

Anderson is the coordinator of youth programs and development in Mistissini, and holds an advanced diploma in child and youth work from Algonquin College, and a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University in

psychology with a focus on children and youth.

“My vision for the duration as your Interim Deputy Youth Grand Chief is to empower individuals who are working with our youth to further develop their ideas and approaches to create a new and positive future for the youth in our communities,” Anderson said in a statement.

Stornoway invests in testing lab The Stornoway Diamond Corporation says it is developing a testing capacity protocol, laboratory and health providers that will assist in detecting the presence of Covid-19 at the Renard mine site.

The company says the investment will help Cree workers after their 14-day shift as they are currently required to remain in isolation for two weeks after they return home.

Cree Grand Chief Abel Bosum thanked workers at the mine “for their patience and sacrifice as these protocols were being developed.”

“They are our first priority and getting it right is critical,” he added.

Bosum also commended Stornoway for its collaboration and for placing importance on the health and safety of their staff.

“Partnerships should go beyond just natural resources and consider the human resources necessary to our success. Stornoway is exemplary,” he said.

As of September 8, workers returning to their community after their shift at Stornoway’s Renard site, with appropriate documentation, may be exempt from the Mandatory SelfIsolation Law adopted by local governments.

Mistissini Chief Thomas Neeposh said in a statement that “the Cree Nation of Mistissini wishes to thank the management of Stornoway for doing everything they can to assure the safety of all workers and working with the Cree Nation of Mistissini in the true spirit of partnership.”

Chicken farms popular in Covid era Bethanie Blacksmith has long been attracted to the farming lifestyle.

“I always knew that I wanted to try this,” said Blacksmith. “I knew I was going to like it. I’ve always loved the farm life. Then the whole Covid thing happened, and just at that same time one of my friends mentioned that she knew a lady in Chibougamau who was selling some chickens.”

Blacksmith says she and her husband started getting ready for their new project as soon as the snow melted. They transformed their small shed into an indoor chicken coop, and built an outdoor chicken run, where the chickens could spend their days outside.

“Then in May we ended up getting seven of them,” she said.

Blacksmith says several neighbours are curious about her project.

She suggests more people might begin similar projects considering the isolation measures during the pandemic.

“It’s definitely generated a lot of interest in the community,” Blacksmith observed. “You have a feeling of accomplishment when you go out every morning and there’s seven fresh eggs. It’s pretty cool.”

www.nationnews.ca September 11, 2020 the Nation 9

Features

House

rules

Newly elected Chief House opens up to the Nation

by Ben Powless | Photo provided by Daisy House

W

hen Daisy House drove to Gatineau in August, she had a lot to think about. She was there to help her son set up for college, navigating the new realities for students and city life. She was initially worried she might have to isolate when she got back home until she found out Gatineau was removed from mandatory isolation orders. But she was also waiting to hear back about the elections in Chisasibi – where she was running for both chief and deputy chief.

When Daisy House drove to Gatineau in August, she had a lot to think about. She was there to help her son set up for college while navigating the new realities for students and city life. She was initially worried she might have to isolate when she returned home until she found out Gatineau was removed from mandatory isolation orders.

But she was also waiting to hear back about the

10 the Nation September 11, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

elections in Chisasibi – where she was running for both chief and deputy chief.

That’s where she received a phone call just before midnight, August 21. Accompanied by her two sons, 17 and 13 (her husband had stayed home), she put the call on speakerphone. It was the community’s electoral officer, informing her she had been elected Chief of Chisasibi with 83% of the vote. She was told she would have the weekend to think about it.

The electoral officer then called back, saying they had to notify the community about the deputy chief position – she could only accept one position. She decided to accept the position as Chief and leave behind her former position as Deputy Chief.

Chief Daisy House says she was relieved. “It was surreal,” she admitted in an interview. “I’m still not used to it after a week. I have to remind myself I’m the Chief after being the Deputy Chief for 13 years.”

Still, it had not been an easy decision to originally run for chief.

“I knew what the job entailed, working with three chiefs, including Chief Bobbish for eight years. I saw the ins and outs of being a chief, so I didn’t take it lightly,” she said.

People had asked her to run for the top post. She initially resisted but ended up entering the race after then-Chief Davey Bobbish announced he would not seek another term.

Bobbish, the son of former Chief Charles Bobbish, was first elected in 2012 to complete a five-year term that began in 2010. He was re-elected in 2015.

Though it isn’t the first time a woman has been as Chisasibi Chief, it is the first time that two women serve as Chief and Deputy Chief, with Paula Napash having been elected to fill House’s former role.

Asked about her plans for her five-year mandate, Chief House says she wants to maintain the course set by the previous band council. She

plans to implement the five-year plan developed by the community, as well as the existing housing and economic development strategies, as well as the land and development plans.

“I don’t have a personal agenda, it’s going to be what the community direction is and continue moving those forward,” she said. “We have quarterly general meetings where their voices will always be heard, and we decide from there.”

Prior to her 13 years as Deputy Chief, House also had jobs as director of a local daycare centre, student-affairs technician, teacher, student life animator and academic advisor – in addition to serving as the Youth President, before that became known as the Youth Chief.

The purpose of community meetings wasn’t always clear to House – she says that many people see them as just a place for people to come with complaints.

“Over time I understood why we have those meetings,” she said, however. “It’s a time to listen to community members’ concerns and questions and listen to their stories. People teach you stuff

Her family has been supportive through the whole process. She’s in touch with her 17-year-old more over the phone now, coaching him about not eating out too often. With her 13-year-old starting Secondary 2 soon, she counts on her husband a lot.

Still, this is nothing new to her. “My baby was six months old when I got elected as Deputy Chief.

If I can breastfeed him as Deputy Chief, I can do anything!” she laughed.

For House, the biggest challenge she anticipates is dealing with social issues, since she feels it’s something that the chief can’t solve alone, but requires a collective approach.

She says that each family and institution has a role to play – from schools, to the health board, to police: “We’re all in this together and have to do our part. We all have a role to play as individuals and entities.”

Even when there are frustrations, House wants community members to know that the council is still listening.

“We can’t always do everything because of

“We’re all in this together and have to do our part.

We all have a role to play as individuals and entities” from our history in meetings, I cherish those stories because they tell us where we came from, where we’re at, and where we want to go.”

That’s where she learned about the principles of respect and civility – listening to stories of how community meetings and gatherings used to be.

“They said we used to say whatever we wanted to each other, that there were shouting matches at council meetings. But the next day everybody would be civil and forgive each other and leave business there.”

House says that was an important lesson about understanding the role of leadership: “If someone yells at me, I forgive them the next day. You can’t hold grudges in a leadership role.”

Her days now are similar – just busier. They begin at 6 am and often end at 1 am as she juggles family and new roles and responsibilities in leadership while managing meetings, emails and time.

“Everyone seems to want to speak to the chief, or have a meeting with the chief,” she explained.

budget constraints, some things take time to plan, while other things can be resolved in a day. Be patient with us we can do our best to resolve concerns. We’re all human.”

While there are challenges, House says that her reward is uniting the community.

“It’s working with everyone, collaborating with different groups, with the health board, housing, seeing these ideas come to fruition, building on cooperation and collaboration,” she described.

Asked what she would say to young people who are considering getting involved in leadership, House is quick to push them forward. “I say go for it. I was the shyest person in high school.”

“In 1995, it was the first time I got elected, fresh out of college… learning as much as I could just asking questions non-stop. The older members said to keep asking those questions,” she recounted. “It’s all about listening, people sharing stories, people teaching you.”

www.nationnews.ca September 11, 2020 the Nation 11

PDF/X-1a:2003

Have a child in school or educational childcare?

Staying alert will help slow the spread of COVID-19 Every year, fall in Québec is marked by a change from lazy summer days to a new routine.

This year, we all need to stay alert to protect our kids while letting them attend school and educational childcare services.

Working together, we can give them the chance to succeed!

It’s important to follow the health and safety guidelines • Keep a distance of 2 metres between adults and children.

Watch for symptoms

Fever Children ages 5 or under:

• Rectal temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) or higher Children ages 6 years and older:

• Oral temperature of 38.1°C (100.6°F) or higher

General symptoms

• Sudden loss of sense of smell

without nasal congestion, with or without a loss of taste

• Major fatigue • Significant loss of appetite • General muscle pain (not related to physical exertion)

• Wear a face covering when taking

public transit and when indoors in closed spaces.

• Wash hands often.

• Follow the guidelines provided for

educational childcare services and for schools, including school daycares.

Respiratory symptoms

• Cough (new or worse) • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

• Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose

Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Stomach aches

If your child shows one or more of these symptoms for more than 24 hours or if you believe that a family member was exposed to COVID-19, use the COVID-19 Symptom Self Assessment Tool available at:

Québec.ca/decisioncovid19 to get a recommendation on the next steps to take.

If in doubt, stay home Any child showing symptoms should remain at home and limit contact with others. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, use the Self-Assessment Tool or call 1 877 644-4545 to find out what to do.

Your child should not go to school if:

• Your local public health authority has told you to self-isolate.

• There is a risk of the child being infected

or if you believe they may have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.

• You are self-isolating for 14 days after travelling outside Canada.

Children who are self-isolating at home may still be able to access distance learning support. Contact the staff at your child’s school for more information.

Be careful at school, in daycare and in educational childcare services If your child shows symptoms, you will be asked to come and pick them up immediately.

Call 1 877 644-4545 and follow the guidelines that will be provided.

Safely restarting activities Even when it is possible to resume activities, you must follow all of the relevant public health guidelines, including those provided by a health professional. Never end an isolation period early.

Parents and staff will be informed if a child that is part of the same class group tests positive for COVID-19. Anyone determined by the public health authorities to be at moderate or high risk will be contacted, removed from the school, daycare or childcare service, and tested.

Parents and staff will be quickly notified if regional public health authorities deem it necessary to close down a facility or group.

Québec.ca/coronavirus 1 877 644-4545

l a r i V che

tos by F lora Weist

| Pho

by Patrick Quinn

s n o i t a r i insp Artist’s flowery beadwork turns pandemic masks into art

I

n mid-August, Eeyou Istchee became the latest region to require masks in public indoor places to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 among people without symptoms. While their principal purpose is to contain infectious respiratory droplets, a growing number of artists have turned masks into a platform for creative expression.

Cree artist Flora Weistche recently unveiled a particularly magnificent beaded mask on Facebook, which has already been shared over 170 times. She has also accepted a request by the Museum of Indigenous People in Prescott, Arizona to display photographs of her creation.

In mid-August Eeyou Istchee became the latest region to require masks in public indoor places to prevent the potential spread of Covid-19. While their principal purpose is to contain infectious respiratory droplets, a growing number of artists have turned masks into a platform for creative expression.

Cree artist Flora Weistche recently unveiled a particularly magnificent beaded mask in a Facebook post that has already been shared over 170 times. She has also accepted a request by the Museum of Indigenous People in Prescott, Arizona, to display photographs of her creation.

“It was actually my son who convinced me to bead the mask,” Weistche told the Nation. “I was looking for a project to do and my son said everyone is making masks, you should bead an epic one.”

Living away from Waskaganish in suburban Montreal, she sees beading as an act of decolonization and a deeply symbolic tribute to the land and people she loves. “It’s a way for me to connect with my culture,” she explained.

14 the Nation September 11, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

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Matagami – 4 rue Nottaway | 819-739-3883 alexandre@nord-select.qc.ca | DELIVERY TO JAMES BAY – C.O.D.

Weistche’s son Tristan poses wearing the mask

While developing the mask over about 50 hours during the last few months, she was inspired by the courage and integrity of Cree leadership.

“I was thinking about all the people trying to prevent the virus from entering Cree communities,” explained Weistche.

“Bella Petawabano [chairperson of the Cree Health Board] kept coming to my mind. I was so amazed she was still working diligently even though her husband caught the virus – I decided to name the mask after Bella.”

The mask’s 10 floral patterns represent the 10 Cree communities, including three “forget-me-not” flowers dedicated to families who lost loved ones to the virus – the late Emma Trapper from Mistissini, George Masty from Whapmagoostui and former chief Fred Blackned from Wemindji.

This intricate symbolism was conceived during the brainstorming process when she sketched floral patterns inspired by nature and online research.

After carefully measuring the materials purchased from nearby Kahnawake, she beaded directly onto tanned deer hide, guiding the flowery outlines by initially placing her paper drawings over top.

“I really like using floral, maybe because my name is Flora,” reflected Weistche, who is a self-described slow beader because of a missing knuckle.

“Doing that mask was hard for my hand but I kept going. When I start something, I have to finish it.”

Weistche has watched her mother bead and sew clothing throughout her life and remembers first threading coloured beads into a bracelet at the age of three. However, after beading avidly in high school she stopped completely for 20 years until an idea for beading her father’s last caribou hide arose from a dream.

This was the seed for “My Grandmother’s Garden” (Nuuhkum Unihtaauchihchikin), an immense project that gained her national attention two years ago. After years immersed in that creation, she felt a sense of disconnection until her 16-year-old son Tristan, nicknamed “Dutch”, encouraged her to get back to beading.

“It was a fun project with my son, although he didn’t bead with me,” said Weistche. “He takes the photos and models. When I did the mask, it helped me a lot. Beadwork kept me busy, away from the TV – it kind of healed my mind.”

As the pandemic forced her to convert her sewing room into an office for her full-time job, she made a workspace upstairs where she worked on the mask at lunchtime, after supper and on weekends. When it was finally ready, she shared it first with the families to whom she paid tribute before making it public.

While Weistche has resisted posting on beadwork pages because of negative messages from anti-maskers, she is considering adding her artwork to websites selling custom-made masks. There is a burgeoning market for such personalized items printed with uploaded photos, providing wearers an opportunity to stay stylish yet socially responsible.

Although she has been lately wandering the house looking for things to sew in that familiar stage between projects, Weistche is already preparing for her next big undertaking. She recently took out a hide she had stored and is now consulting with other artists to determine how to best sketch on it.

“Contacting other artists is very helpful,” Weistche shared. “Natasia Mukash from Whapmagoostui gave really good tips for starting my project. My dress is going to be dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.”

www.nationnews.ca September 11, 2020 the Nation 17

Community

Reduce the garbage Waskaganish Eco-Patrol spreads recycling message

by Patrick Quinn | Photos provided by Andrea McLeod

E

nvironmental sustainability has long been an integral part of Cree culture in Eeyou Istchee, where people would traditionally gather for feasts with a reusable muukshaan bundle. It’s a concept that a growing movement of Eco-Patrollers would like to see a return to.

Several Cree communities are striving to improve their waste-management systems by building eco-centres that recycle a wide range of materials while expanding the life of landfill sites. In Waskaganish, EcoPatrol officers Elliott Stevens, Calvin Happyjack and Andrea McLeod are busy promoting cleaner and greener environmental practices.

“As Eco-Patrollers we’re here to inform and raise awareness about waste management, recycling, composting and protecting the environment,” McLeod told the Nation. “To do that, we made a Facebook page, our own posters and awareness videos, and had a radio broadcast. It’s trying to get the message out, keeping the community clean and treating our land a whole lot better.”

The initiative is funded by the local band council, with support from the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute. The FNQLSDI supports and

“As Eco-Patrollers we’re here to inform and raise awareness about waste management, recycling, composting and protecting the environment” - Andrea McLeod

guides the implementation of projects contributing to sustainable development in 43 First Nations communities throughout the region. Another EcoPatrol started in Nemaska last year.

While many sustainable waste management strategies have emerged since Indigenous Services Canada announced significant funding for these types of infrastructure in

18 the Nation September 11, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

2016, Waskaganish was already planning for a new eco-centre. As with similar communities, its dumpsite was created decades ago with little thought for long-term development.

“The dumpsite is very hazardous – it’s been an issue for the past 40 years,” said Stevens. “It’s never been changed or cleaned. You’re burning hazardous stuff like mercury light

bulbs, used oil, car batteries even – you can smell that from far away. This eco-centre could really help out.”

Incineration has long been adopted as the easier solution for isolated northern communities, although Waskaganish’s dumpsite location 18 km from town doesn’t cause residents the extent of toxic smoke experienced by closer sites as in

Whapmagoostui. According to environmental documents, batteries are collected for storage and eventual shipping for recycling, fluorescent light bulbs are crushed for future shipment, and aerosol cans are punctured and contained.

The new eco-centre will be located at Kilometre 4 of Access Road, with the first phase of construction expected to begin in the next few months – pandemic permitting. When it opens in 2021 or 2022, residents will be responsible for bringing in their materials to the free service, following the staff’s instructions to properly sort their recyclables.

“For sure, it will be a huge difference,” Stevens told the Nation.

“The dumpsite will be so much emptier. The eco-centre is accepting hazardous waste that is harmful to the environment. Hopefully when people start getting into the habit of recycling, possibly we can start recycling household plastics, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes into new products.”

The Eco-Patrol was created in recognition that the success of eco-centres and other environmental initiatives often hinge on the level of community awareness and acceptance. The FNQLSDI provided four days of training and the band council gave the team an office and support-

ing information to help nurture community relationships.

“We had a meeting with Kaitlynn Hester Moses, the Youth Grand Chief,” explained McLeod. “We also want to contact the school here and be a part of our local youth week.

One of the videos we made for our Facebook page was how easy it is to throw your garbage in the trash.”

The video addresses littering with the idea of “passing it on”, which applies as much to the transformative power of recycling as it does to traditional knowledge sharing.

Waskaganish’s Eco-Patrol made

a presentation at the local Cree Trappers’ Association annual meeting and is seeking to spread their message to other community organizations.

It is part of a wider environmental movement gaining momentum in Eeyou Istchee, including last year’s resolution to reduce single-use Styrofoam products. Deputy Grand Chief Mandy Gull led this action to encourage more environmentally friendly gatherings, which was followed by Chisasibi’s decision last fall to ban Styrofoam containers and plastic shopping bags.

“It’s important for us to realize that we’re coming to a point in our territory and as global citizens where we have to be aware of the impact that we have” - Deputy Grand Chief Mandy Gull

“It’s important for us to realize that we’re coming to a point in our territory and as global citizens where we have to be aware of the impact that we have,” Gull told the CBC at the time. “I really think it will be easy for us as a Cree Nation to move back to these traditional habits that were good for the environment.”

Elders have long lamented the excess of garbage on the territory, especially that left behind on Fort George Island following the community’s relocation. Although the Waskaganish Eco-Patrol has a limited budget and timeline – about 350 hours over 10 to 14 weeks – it hopes to inspire changes that keep Eeyou Istchee beautiful long into the future.

“We’re not the only community that has that problem,” McLeod asserted. “It’s our land, it’s our home, so we should respect it like we treat our home. We don’t throw garbage on the ground at our home. We only have this one land, we might as well treat it right.”

www.nationnews.ca September 11, 2020 the Nation 19

September 2020 - Issue 2

Puzzles

Crossword

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.

SUDOKU Previous solution - Easy

1 2 8 3 6 9 4 5 7

8 7 5

6 1 2 2 5

4 6

5

– 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.

3 4

8

1 9 9 8 2 1 7

9 7 8

7 6 4 5 2 8 1 9 3

9 3 5 1 4 7 8 2 6

6 9 7 8 1 2 3 4 5

2 5 3 4 7 6 9 8 1

8 4 1 9 3 5 7 6 2

5 1 2 7 8 4 6 3 9

3 8 9 6 5 1 2 7 4

4 7 6 2 9 3 5 1 8

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Lauren of 14 15 16 fashion 17 18 19 6 Tread-bare 10 "Tip" or "rip" 20 21 22 finish 23 24 25 26 14 Honda's luxury line 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 15 Not home 16 Steak prefer34 35 36 ence 37 38 39 40 17 Gene carrier 19 Singer Campbell 41 43 44 42 20 Castle part 46 47 45 21 Loathsome 22 Scouted for a 48 49 50 heist 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 23 Roll call calls 25 Go on and on 59 60 61 27 One with a hand 62 63 64 out 30 Sword fight 65 66 67 31 Chic getaway 34 "Fringe" coCopyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate creator J.J. 35 Not taboo 60 Hobo's ride 8 Defeated incum- 30 "Homeland" 37 Gravy dish 62 Kind of wolf bent actress 38 _____-panky 63 Monthly budget 9 Salon service 32 Kind of code 40 McNally partner item 10 Church fixture 33 Throw for a loop 41 Letter holder 64 It comes from 11 Sprinter's 36 Guardian 43 Like "Glee" the heart infraction 39 Popped up music 65 Washstand 12 Complimentary 42 Rich soil 45 Caustic vessel 13 Mail away 44 Big success substance 66 Bookie's quote 18 Go beyond, as 49 Radio knob 46 Blunder follower 67 Do a host's job a target 50 Entices 47 Pint-sized 22 Porter who 51 Something to 48 Mental condition DOWN wrote "Night spin 50 Angler's hope 1 Billiards need and Day" 52 Acknowledge 51 Ryan's "Paper 2 Masseur's target 24 Holiday veggie 54 Extend credit Previous solution - Easy No. 260 Medium Moon" co-star 3 Tackle box item 26 Earth-friendly 56 "Race" anagram 1 7 9 6 2 8 57 5 Overdue 3 4 53 Arkin or Alda 4 Breed plants activity 2 6 3 9 5 4 1 8 7 55 Young yak 5 Lunch meat 27 Biblical tower 58 Campus house 8 4 5 7 3 1 2 9 6 59 Shakespeare's 6 Rationale 28 Dark wood 60 To and ___ 3 5 1 8 4 9 7 6 2 stream 7 Military no-show 29 Cemetery sight 61 Old witch

SUDOKU

No. 260

Medium

3

Previous solution - Tough

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

8 9 8 7 5 1 4

3 1 2 9

3 6

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

2 1 4 3 5 6

1 2 5 4

8 9 6 8 7

5 4

6 1 2 2 5

6

7 5

2

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

20 the Nation September 11, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

6 9 4 5 7

4 6

5

8

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 PREVIOUS need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set SOLUTION: 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.

3 4

3

8 7 5

9 7 8

1 9 9 8 2 1 7

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

5 4

Medium

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

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

No. 260

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

Tough

by Margie E. Burke

2 8 1 9 3

4 7 8 2 6

1 2 3 4 5

7 6 9 8 1

3 5 7 6 2

8 4 6 3 9

5 1 2 7 4

9 3 5 1 8

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.

Rez Notes

Fall colours

by Sonny Orr

A

iiyaayaa! Summer is gone already! And 2020 is about 75% gone! How time flies when you’re having fun! Though this year has seemed slow, the days run by relentlessly. Line-ups are part of our daily lives now, while crowding is no more. Life seems to be somewhat safer for now and things aren’t too bad, as distancing is a lot easier than crowding together for social pleasure and seeing that you are not alone.

The posters urging us to stay clean and sober have now been replaced with those ordering us to stay clean and apart. Somehow, having an endless supply of land that is empty of people tends to help us with keeping our distance.

More populated countries and cities are hardest hit, since there are a lot more people per square kilometre than here, where we might be one person every 50 square klicks on average. You do the math: there are more people in space than in most of remote northern Quebec.

Talking about space, Space-X launches are causing some wonderment again, but soon that will be a normal sight too. Like I said, there’s more hardware in space than in our local junkyard, which is saying something. Yes, one day rockets will literally have to blast their way through

all the floating debris, but Space X Starlink satellites already have avoidance programs to keep them out of the way of the space garbage. They are cool little satellites powered by Kryptonite – yes, Superman couldn’t even take them down.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, we tend to be happier when we worry about avoiding catching anything that will make us sniffle. Over the last few weeks, however, the annual berry picking harvests have produced an amazing amount of large berries.

Some would say that we are lucky, but it’s nature’s way of telling us to prepare for a nasty winter. That aside, Halloween will be interesting this year, like how will you dress up with a mask? Isn’t that a moot point or something?

So, would the Mummy costume have to be used just for the irony?

How about the pirate’s eye patch combo? Could you use a snorkel and go as a scuba diver? Or maybe just wear the plain mask of a nurse?

No one should make fun of nurses, though. So, even though baring your face is illegal unless you are alone, so might trick or treating be out of order by the end of October. Still, I wonder with some faint hope, can the virus withstand the cold?

Back home, the logistics of opening schools have proven to be a little more challenging. Keeping a school germ-free does need a lot of manpower. Kids have a great adaptability when it comes to learning. As for adults, well that’s another story. Who

knew it would take us all our lives to grow up?

Since we started deconfining, there have been a few DEFCONs – I have no idea what that means but it’s used a lot in end-of-the-world scenarios in movies and sounds cool.

People have been allowed to wander about until they reach some hot zone.

This means stay the hell away from everyone, especially from those back home in isolation who have some comfort in knowing that they are still healthy and safe.

Elections are allowed now, and Facebook is filled with posts of political contests in many communities.

Good luck to all those who dare take the challenge in these times. Aside from all that, summer was pleasant and I’m hoping for a glorious autumn.

Halloween will be interesting this year, like how would you dress up with a mask?

Isn’t that like moot point or something?

www.nationnews.ca September 11, 2020 the Nation 21

&

&B

Tea Bannock Monumental debate

T

by Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash

I

enjoyed the magnificent footage of protesters toppling the statue of John A. Macdonald. Now, if you have been reading me for a while, you know what I think of this mass murderer, but many people would like Montreal to return the statue to its pedestal.

The main argument brought by those who disagree with the protesters – and with those who are trying to remove these symbols of oppression across the world – puzzles me. Apparently, getting rid of statues would mean that we are erasing history, and that it should remain to remind people about the good and bad things certain characters have done in their life.

To that argument I respond that firstly, Macdonald’s name will not magically vanish from history books if his likeness is not preserved in bronze in downtown Montreal. Secondly, my general understanding was that statues are meant to honour someone, not to remind people what not to do.

“Let it be a reminder of our awful past.” No. Reserves, intergenerational trauma, the Indian Act and the high suicide rates in Indigenous communi-

ties are painful enough as reminders of Macdonald’s legacy. We do not need another one. What also puzzles me is that there are many Quebecers who want the statue restored, probably without knowing that Macdonald alienated and hated francophones.

Erin O’Toole, the newly elected leader of the federal Conservative Party, tweeted that without Macdonald there would be no Canada. What’s funny is that it’s exactly what he is being blamed for. Canada was built on institutionalized racism and the goal is acknowledge and break those systems.

If reconciliation was truly a priority in this country, we would not be advocating so fiercely to continue honouring such violent historical figures. To me, seeing Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante calling the incident “an act of vandalism” is baffling, considering her usual stance on so-called reconciliation. “It’s better to put them in context rather than remove them,” Plante said in a press release.

To the contrary, I think that toppling the statue was perfectly fine in this contextual setting.

It reminds me of when Queen Victoria’s head was blown off its stat-

ue in 1963, also in Montreal, by the Front de libération du Québec. That statue remains in a museum – where it exists in a proper contextual setting.

I wonder why the City of Montreal does not follow suit. Simply adding a plaque next to his statue that mentions the horrors Macdonald conducted as Canada’s first prime minister would still be an insult. It is healthy for a society to reflect on its past.

Values have changed and it should show in the monuments we put up in our cities. Plante missed a good opportunity to stand on the progressive side of history.

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 September 11, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

PUBLIC NOTICE TO ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS RESPECTING THE ELECTION FOR CBHSSJB CHAIRPERSON Notice is hereby given that the election for the office of the Chairperson of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020.

The CBHSSJB Chairperson is the Cree representative on the CBHSSJB Board of Directors elected by and from among the members of the Cree Nation Government for a term of four years.

The present notice is in accordance with CBHSSJB “Consolidated By law No 9: By-law respecting the Procedure for the Election of the Cree Representative of the Members of the Cree Nation Government and Chairperson of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay. Qualifications to Vote • The qualifications to vote in the election of the CBHSSJB Chair person are as follows: • To be a member of the Cree Nation Government (enrolled or en titled to be enrolled as a Cree beneficiary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement); • To be of the age of majority on the date of the election (18 years of age on October 19, 2020); and • Not to be affected by any legal incapacity.

Qualifications to be a Candidate The qualifications to vote also apply to candidates for the office of the Chairperson. In addition, no one who is an employee or practices a profession with the CBHSSJB may be elected as the Chairperson unless that person resigns or ceases to practice upon election. Any person who acts as a Returning Officer or Local Returning Officer for the election cannot be a candidate.

Nomination Procedures Only persons who meet the candidate qualifications and who are nominated by ten (10) eligible voters on the applicable nomination form may be candidates for Chairperson.

The nomination period for candidates will start on Friday, September 4, 2020 and will CLOSE on Friday, September 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Completed nomination forms must be submitted to the Returning Officer in person, by mail, by fax or by email by this deadline. Any nomination received after this deadline will NOT be accepted. The original of any nomination form sent by electronic means must be filed with the Returning Officer by September 24, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

A nominated candidate must confirm in writing to the Returning Officer that he/she accepts the nomination by Monday, September 28, 2020 at 5:00 p.m., failing which his/her name will be removed from the list of candidates.

The nomination form may be obtained from the Returning Officer or a Local Returning Officer appointed by him. The nomination form may also be downloaded here or from the website of the CBHSSJB at: www.creehealth.org.

Polls This election poll will be held in person, as set out below.

Howeve in order to ensure that the election poll is carried out However, safely in view of the on-going public health emergency, the Returning Officer may authorize certain voters to participate in the poll by telephone where he deems it appropriate, such as for eligible voters located in “COVID-19 Areas of Risk” determined by the Cree authorities.

ADVANCE POLL: Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

MAIN ELECTION POLL: Monday, October 19, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Please check future Public Notices for the locations of the polling station(s) in each community and other locations, and for information regarding authorization to participate in the poll by telephone where deemed appropriate by the Returning Officer.

For further information or to request or submit a nomination form, please contact Returning Officer John Henry Wapachee at: jhwapachee@nemaska.ca; [mailing address: 6 Bear Trail, PO Box 131, Nemaska, QC J0Y 3B0]; or call 514-601-4607. For information, please also contact Robin Pachanos, Deputy Returning Officer at robinpachanos@gmail.com.

NOTICE GIVEN ON THIS 28th DAY OF AUGUST, 2020 BY ORDER OF THE RETURNING OFFICER.

John Henry Wapachee, Returning Officer, CBHSSJB Chairperson Election 2020

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

For the latest Air Creebec updates, please visit aircreebec.ca/covid19