Time spent with family is an opportunity to take care of yourself These uncertain times may lead to negative emotions or anxiety. Regularly engaging in physical activities that you enjoy, especially outdoors, could help you feel better.
QuĂŠbec.ca/gettingbetter Info-Social 811 2 the Nation December 18, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
CONTENTS EDITORIAL
Melly Chlistmas
NEWS
16 10
Eeeyou Istchee’s first Cree language commissioner
Vaccine approved
5
Grande Alliance tour
6
IN BRIEF
9
FEATURES
Wapachee to run CHB again -- 20 years later
4
New health boss
10
Language protector
16
Northern exposure
20
Designated gift buyer
25
Where to give...
29
PUZZLES REZ NOTES
32
The four, then zero, days of Christmas
33
UTNS
20
COTA’s post-pandemic plans
29
25
A southern shopper
Pandemic Christmas 2020 34
Where to give this Christmas Photos provided by the Cree Health Board
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the the Nation Nation 3 3
Editorial
The 12 days of Covid Christmas by Lyle Stewart
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me - A mask On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Two metres of social distance, and a mask On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Five mental breakdowns, four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Six Zoom meetings, five mental breakdowns, four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Seven contact tracings, six Zoom meetings, five mental breakdowns, four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Eight ventilators, seven contact tracings, six Zoom meetings, five mental breakdowns, four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Nine checkpoints, eight ventilators, seven contact tracings, six Zoom meetings, five mental breakdowns, four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Ten-person gatherings, nine checkpoints, eight ventilators, seven contact tracings, six Zoom meetings, five mental breakdowns, four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Eleven cops at my door, ten-person gatherings, nine checkpoints, eight ventilators, seven contact tracings, six Zoom meetings, five mental breakdowns, four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Twelve days of quarantine, eleven cops at my door, ten-person gatherings, nine checkpoints, eight ventilators, seven contact tracings, six Zoom meetings, five mental breakdowns, four latex gloves, three bottles of sanitizer, two metres of social distance, and a mask
Melly Chlistmas by Wil Nicholls
A
nother year comes to an end. The yearly solstice celebration, aka Christmas, is upon us. Then the days get longer, and eventually the sun will once again brighten and warm our souls and bodies. Hope abounds as Covid-19 vaccines promise an end to this grinding pandemic. In the meantime, stay healthy and take care. Even Santa is doing that. Did you know he quit smoking? Apparently, it was bad for his elf. Hardy har har. There are better Christmas jokes but none we can share on these pages. So far, the Cree communities have been lucky, and we all hope it stays that way. Less fortunate are those down south in the red zones. It is almost like being in prison, including, in some cases, in solitary confinement. They haven’t been able to see friends or family for many months. Please remember them at Christmas time and give them a call or FaceTime them. We all know that it’s needed during this holiday season. Don’t forget to include those who may be lonely in your own communities. The holiday is a time of sharing. Sharing of yourself is more important than any other gifts you could give this year. A few people on Facebook are worried about possible side
effects of the Covid-19 vaccine. Indeed, there can be some side effects. A new Pfizer analysis, carried out by the US Food and Drug Administration, said that many volunteers who received the vaccine felt ill in the hours after the second dose. The FDA suggested that people might have to request a day off work and/ or be prepared to rest until the symptoms subside. More than half of recipients aged 16 to 55 developed fatigue, and more than half also reported headaches. Just over a third felt chills, and 37% felt muscle pain. However, people receiving the vaccination should realize that the unpleasant side effects are a sign that the vaccine is working. Those side effects are also temporary. The big picture is that the vaccine is 95% effective against Covid-19. So, don’t be afraid to take it and keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the coming year. My grandmother and many of her generation couldn’t pronounce the ‘r’ used in non-Cree languages so they all said a Melly Chlistmas. That’s why we at the Nation wish you a velly Melly Chlistmas and the best as is possible during this unique holiday season.
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, D. Isaac, P. Quinn, B. Powless DESIGN Matthew Dessner (Kontroller Media) SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse 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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4 the Nation December 18, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
CMCA AUDITED
C O V I D - 1 9 U P D AT E
Vaccine approved Increased restrictions announced while vaccine distribution plans developed by Ben Powless
A
fter a long year, there is some hope for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the world as Canada approved a promising vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was reported to be 95% effective in clinical trials that involved tens of thousands of patients. Canada said that 249,000 doses were expected to be available by the end of the year, to be distributed to provinces on a per-capita basis. Quebec has said that patients and staff in residential and long-term care centres are its priority, followed by healthcare workers and seniors’ homes, and then remote Northern communities. The first vaccines were administered mid-December at longterm care homes in Montreal and Quebec City. “However, it is very important to remember that we may still be a long way away from getting these vaccines for our communities. There are many logistical issues, and we are looking for solutions,” announced Cree Health Board Vice-Chair Christine Petawabano in a radio address. That’s in part because of the logistical challenges with the vaccine, which must be stored between -60 and –80 degrees Celsius and used within five days of thawing. Nunavik public health officials said they don’t anticipate having vaccines available before the new year. An additional six million doses are supposed to be available by March 31, 2021. Quebec said it anticipates
immunizing 650,000 people by that date. That news came as infections increased across Quebec and much of the country and governments imposed new restrictions to try and control infection rates. Cree health authorities urged individuals to limit their travel over the holidays, to limit the number of people travelling, to verify the rules and restrictions at their destination, to be extra careful, and to be honest with health officials at local checkpoints. However, travel between Cree communities is still considered safe. Areas of risk requiring mandatory self-isolation upon returning include every area of Quebec, except Region 8 (Abitibi-Témiscamingue), Region 10 (Nord-du-Québec), Region 17 (Nunavik) and Region 18 (Eeyou Istchee). Chibougamau and Chapais are deemed an area of risk, except for residents of Ouje-Bougoumou, Mistissini, and now, Waswanipi. Waswanipi was moved into Phase 3 of deconfinement, joining OujeBougoumou and Mistissini, meaning that there are limits of 75 people or 10 households for outdoor gatherings and 25 people or three households for indoor gatherings. Cree health officials said that while the situation in Chibougamau and Chapais was improving, they remained in the red zone, and people were asked to only travel there for essential services, school and medical appointments, unless otherwise advised by Wiichihiituwin.
Nunavik public health officials said they don’t anticipate having vaccines available before the new year.
Safety measures introduced at the Chibougamau hospital allow for only one bedside escort per day, while pregnant women giving birth are allowed one friend or family member to accompany them. Region 2 (Saguenay–Lac-SaintJean) saw over 2,000 new cases in the past two weeks, including outbreaks in seniors’ homes, with increasing hospitalizations and deaths. That brought the totals in Region 2 to 5,980 cases and 159 dead. The Cree Health Board said it was working to increase its testing capacity, having completed 1,513 regular tests, 1,943 screening tests and 1,167 tests for Wiichihiituwin patients and escorts travelling south. The Cree School Board said a new academic calendar has classes starting on January 11. Some classes may be online until January 18 to comply with the necessary 14-day isolation period for returning teachers.
Every community must provide a travel and isolation protocol for students returning home for the holidays, with more information to be posted on eeyoueducation.ca. Parents were also reminded to complete the daily health questionnaire on that site. Premier François Legault announced that holiday gatherings will be prohibited in the province’s hardest-hit red zones. Legault urged Quebecers to limit their contacts, saying that too many people were in hospitals, which are being forced to scale back surgeries and other treatments. Quebec hasn’t ruled out imposing wide-scale closures over the holidays to try and lower the rising infection rate and encouraged businesses that can close from December 17 to January 4 to voluntarily do so. Across Canada, there have been over 156,000 cases of Covid-19 and 7,349 deaths.
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 5
But a hunger striker wants to raise of awareness of potential environmental damage by Ben Powless
C Happy Holidays and peace on earth for the coming year! ᒑ ᒥᔪᒥᑯᔖᒌᔑᑭᓂᐦᑖᔮᒄ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᒋᔮᒫᐅᐙᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᐆ ᒑ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ! creetrappers.ca
ree Grand Chief Abel Bosum is on a tour of communities across Eeyou Istchee to provide information and answer questions about the Grande Alliance, a plan in which the Cree Nation Government and the Quebec government would jointly develop and protect areas of Eeyou Istchee. Bosum signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Quebec Premier François Legault last February, outlining objectives for the project over a 30-year period. Included in that proposal are calls for development of a rail network between Matagami and Whapmagoostui, hundreds of kilometres of new or upgraded roads, new power lines, the “electrification of certain industrial projects,” shared infrastructure, labour force training, and an expansion of protected areas. The plan foresees $4.7 billion in investments across the territory, with money coming from the CNG, the governments of Quebec and Canada, and the private sector. Bosum describes the Grande Alliance not as an agreement, but a relationship. “What we have with Quebec is an MOU concerning a sustainable infrastructure program,” he said. “The MOU is a non-binding protocol
that frames collaboration between the Cree Nation and Quebec government that will engage communities in the planning of the territory ahead of promoters and allow us to shape our future with our own priorities in mind.” Though the project was signed in February, it begins with feasibility studies estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars. Bosum says the studies will include community engagement and feedback processes. The goal is to make it easier and cheaper to access valuable minerals located across Eeyou Istchee, including lithium and vanadium, which are increasingly being used in electric vehicles and other renewable technologies. However, that has raised concerns about environmental impacts. Chisasibi community member Heather House was on the 16th day of a hunger strike to raise awareness of the potential problems when she spoke to the Nation. She is concerned about the impact building railway and roads would have on local traplines, and the environmental cost of extracting any minerals and metals. “It would hinder our livelihoods of hunting and living off the land,” House said.
News
Grand Chief on Grande Alliance tour She also feels there’s been a lack of consultation since the agreement was signed. “I say ‘no’ to the agreement already signed. Have it terminated and revoked on the grounds of no consultation, on the grounds that there was no informed consent from the people of Eeyou Istchee,” House wrote in an open letter posted on Facebook. House has consumed only fish, fowl or caribou broth during her campaign. She said that some people only found out about the Grande Alliance through her hunger strike, pointing to a band councillor from another community was only informed of the MOU the day before it was signed. She also called for Cree leadership to consult with Elders and youth. Bosum defended the MOU as an effort to, “promote and consolidate sustainable development and socio-economic collaboration between the Cree and Quebec in order to connect, develop and protect Eeyou Istchee.” He said that it will ultimately be communities that will decide what infrastructure, services and protected areas will be created out of the project. “La Grande Alliance is an approach, a way of planning ahead, locally with community members,
“La Grande Alliance is an approach, a way of planning ahead, locally with community members, land-users, entrepreneurs for the benefit of all” - Grand Chief Abel Bosum
land-users, entrepreneurs for the benefit of all. We, as a nation, will decide on these benefits. One of the first benefits that will come from La Grande Alliance will be a network of protected areas identified by land-users and community members,” Bosum stated. In 2018, the CNG said the goal is to protect 30% of Cree territory. Bosum clarified that any project would still have to comply with the environmental and social protection and impact assessment processes created by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
One of the reasons that Grande Alliance discussions began in 2018, according to Bosum, was to respond to an increasing number of proposed projects to reduce the impacts from increased traffic and to protect woodland caribou. “Seeing that this would continue to be an issue for any future development, we agreed that the Cree Nation should be the one taking the initiative to decide where and how future development would happen in our territory,” Bosum said. For those who have further questions or concerns, Bosum urged them
to participate in future local assemblies that had been postponed by the pandemic, or to visit information offices that are planned for each community. “As the feasibility studies come into play in the new year, there will be many opportunities to learn more and bring the questions or concerns you might have to leadership,” Bosum stated. “But, again, it is important to remind ourselves that there is no actual project or proposal to present as we are still in the very early stages of a feasibility study.”
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 7
ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ Nunavik Starts Here
HUNTING – FISHING – GENERAL STORE ELECTRONICS – APPLIANCES – CANOES ᐃᓂᓕᐅᕐᓃᑦ RESERVATIONS 1 800 361-2965
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nancy@nord-select.qc.ca | Delivery to James Bay - C.O.D.
Happy HHidays!
Peace, love, health and prosperity for the New Year 2021. ᒋᔮᒫᔨᐦᑎᒧᐎᓐ, ᓵᒋᐦᐄᑐᐎᓐ, ᒥᔪᐱᒫᑎᓰᐎᓐ ᑭᔮ ᐱᑳᔅᒋᐦᐅᐎᓐ ᐆ ᒑ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ 2021᙮ - From Chief, Council and staff of the Cree Nation of Mistissini
In Brief Bellegarde won’t seek re-election Perry Bellegarde has been the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations since 2014, but this year will be his last in the role. Bellegarde announced in a series of tweets December 7 that he will not seek re-election when his term ends in the summer of 2021. He addressed AFN Chiefs December 8 during an online assembly originally scheduled for last summer but postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bellegarde won two terms as national chief after succeeding Shawn Atleo, who abruptly resigned from the position in May 2014. Bellegarde said he is satisfied with the work his office has accomplished over the past six years. “Issues and concerns that we used to talk about only among ourselves, around the kitchen table, are now out there in the media every day, at the centre of public debate,” tweeted Bellegarde after making the announcement. “I am joined by people across the country in recognizing and celebrating his years of devoted service to First Nations communities,” commented Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “We will continue to work with the national chief to advance the priorities identified by First Nations, including keeping First Nations communities safe from this pandemic.”
According to one user, Vernon Kejick of Pikangikum First Nation, the satellite internet is “a lot faster.” The service is said to boost some communities’ download speeds from a meagre two megabits per second to 50 mbs. But Kejick told CBC News that his devices have been going much faster than promised, with download speeds topping out at 144 mbs. The recently CRTC-approved internet provider does have drawbacks, however. Stargazing critics complain that the abundance of low-altitude satellites will “ruin the night sky”. Starlink has already put 12,000 satellites into orbit and plans to launch 30,000 more. As satellite internet catches on, competitors in the internet industry are expected to further flood Earth’s orbit with satellite traffic. The price tag for using the internet is also in the stratosphere. The cost of the gear needed to set up a Starlink internet connection is $649 plus tax, with a $129 monthly fee to use the service.
Picard added to McCord Museum Board Assembly of Quebec and Labrador First Nations Regional Chief Ghislain Picard has been added to the
McCord Museum’s board of trustees. The announcement was made on December 7. The McCord Museum hosts over 16,500 Indigenous objects in its Indigenous Cultures Collection. For the past several years, the museum has endeavoured to increase the relevance and accessibility of the collection to Indigenous communities. “I’m proud to contribute to the McCord Stewart Museum in a spirit of collaboration and rapprochement,” said Picard. “As peoples, we are the contemporary repositories of thousands of years of knowledge and understanding from our ancestors.” Picard joins one other Indigenous board member, Innu activist Melissa Mollen Dupuis, who has served since 2019.
UNDRIP reintroduced
when Parliament dissolved for the federal election in 2019. After the new bill was introduced, AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde and others praised Saganash for his tireless work on the previous bill. “I want to personally thank and lift up Romeo Saganash for his extraordinary advocacy on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” tweeted Bellegarde. “Please join me in giving my sincere thanks to Romeo. Thank you, my friend.” If passed, the bill would require Canadian law to align with all 46 articles of the UNDRIP.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. ᒥᓯᐙ ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᒥᑯᔖᒌᔑᑳᒡ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ᙮
On December 3, the Liberal government introduced Bill C-15, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, in the House of Commons. The new bill aligns with its predecessor, NDP MP Romeo Saganash’s private members Bill C-262. That bill was introduced in 2016 and was passed by the House of Commons in 2018. However, it was blocked by Conservative senators in the upper house and died on the order paper
Starlink internet is fast, but not cheap Elon Musk’s Starlink highspeed internet, provided through the US-based Space-X firm, is beta testing in some remote areas of Canada and promises to expand access in early 2021.
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 9
Features
Chisasibi Chief Daisy House with Bertie Wapachee
10 10 the the Nation Nation
NEW HEALTH BOSS
Bertie Wapachee elected chair of Cree Health Board Photos provided by CHB
by Patrick Quinn
F
ollowing a run-off election November 10, Bertie Wapachee was elected the new chairperson of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) with a decisive 72% of the ballots cast. Wapachee won over the incumbent Bella M. Petawabano, who was seeking a third term. Ironically, it was Petawabano who nominated Wapachee for his first term as health board chairperson from 1999 to 2003. In his inauguration speech, Wapachee began by admitting he never intended to return to public life. “I was trying to figure out what would be a good reason to run, other than the usual cliches of voting for change,” Wapachee told the Nation. “What made me really decide to run was when I started to think about doing something about the cycles we’ve seen in the last 40 years, especially alcoholism and now drug addiction. I’ve
been thinking over the years about how sexual abuse continues.” While Wapachee acknowledged larger nation-building initiatives, such as the implementation of last year’s $700 million infrastructure plan, he wanted to raise other issues that are at the root of many health and social problems and disproportionately affect children. “I decided to run to bring those ideas into the open and find ways to deal with them,” said Wapachee. “What better position can there be to bring this issue to the forefront? I think the health board can certainly influence policy at the highest level and push to change the system over time. A full review would give us a better view of where we can improve.” Wapachee suggested changes to the youth protection system, which he said revictimizes children while sheltering predators. He thinks sexual abuse requires a specialized department and
proposed creating a task force to determine the required staff and training to address the issue. During his campaign, he visited nearly every community, which may explain why voter turnout was more than twice that of the last CBHSSJB elections in 2016. Wapachee spoke of shifting mindsets from managing sickness to living healthier, framing his platform within the key issues of health governance, nurturing families and culture as medicine. “In my campaign, it was very clear what the people wanted,” Wapachee stated. “They wanted to see more educated youth get into the health and social services sector, not just in frontlines but in management. That is one of my priorities – I always believe in my own people.” Wapachee expressed dissatisfaction that Cree graduates in healthcare management had yet to achieve job advancement or salary increases. He wants Crees
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 11
to assume important roles in the organization and spoke of bringing Cree healthcare back to the territory as much as possible. “There is a plan to bring more patients North to be treated in the territory, whether it’s for hemodialysis or other specialized services,” said Wapachee. “That’s the intent of the regional hospital coming up. In 2021, we have to find our patients a better place to stay in Montreal and possibly find something else in Val-d’Or. We’re certainly not planning to stay in the same place for the long term.” With the region’s extensive travel restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the necessity for vulnerable patients to stay at Montreal’s Espresso Hotel during treatment is a concern. Wapachee praised the efforts of frontline workers and emphasized collaboration between institutions, regions and governments. “We’ve done pretty well,” he asserted. “It’s been a great nation teamwork. I’m looking forward to sitting down with the Grand Chief and the Cree School Board to see how we can collaborate with our services, to improve for the youth and change legislation where we need to.” Wapachee intends to expand the role of community representatives to promote communication pathways between communities and CBHSSJB leadership. This will include increased support for the Nishiiyuu Miyupimaatisiiun department, ensuring that traditional healing and cultural safety is embedded in all services. “One of the key areas now is how traditional healing methods will be integrated into the current system,” said Wapachee. “The main thing is keeping the nation up to date in our progress – we plan to bring the nation closer to us, and make sure communication goes back and forth.” With such a vast organization, Wapachee’s priority is to better understand operations by conducting an internal functional audit. In addition to patient care, he wants to ensure each department is being managed effectively and compassionately before moving ahead with ambitious projects. During his inauguration in Chisasibi November 27, Wapachee was presented with a vest made from sealskin and deer hide by Nancy and Stephanie Snowboy to wish him strength in his new role. Following speeches by Chisasibi Chief Daisy House, Grand Chief Abel Bosum and CBHSSJB executive director Daniel St-Amour, Wapachee acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors, including Petawabano. Wapachee wants to honour Petawabano’s contribution to the Cree Nation. “I have her to thank for being part of this organization,” shared Wapachee. “She did start me off in my career by that nomination – it really changed my life. Without that confidence, I don’t know where I would be today. Without that experience, I don’t think people would have taken me as a serious option to help change things around in the organization.” He remembers his first board meeting at a time when the organization was chronically underfunded and lacking today’s impressive array of services. “We did a lot of work during that time and prepared the future for the health board,” recalled Wapachee. “The funny thing is I signed the terms of reference which basically started negotiations for [the current board] on November 10, 1999, working with the future Grand Chief. Then 21 years later, I was elected again, and Bella was the one I was running against.”
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 13
For information, reservations, or charters call: 1-800-567-6567 or visit: www.aircreebec.ca
Your Northern Airline of Choice Happy Holidays! Wishing you all peace and joy during this Holiday season. May the New Year bring you health and success.
DENIS LAMOTHE Air Creebec is operating by respecting and exceeding the rules with extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the aircraft, social distancing on board and at all service counters. We encourage everyone to respect the rules and to stay safe.
For the latest Air Creebec updates, please visit aircreebec.ca/covid19
MNA FOR UNGAVA
CHIBOUGAMAU 418 748-6046 LEBEL-SUR-QUÉVILLON 819 755-2506 Denis.lamothe.unga@assnat.qc.ca
Nous vous offrons nos meilleurs vœux de santé, de bonheur et de paix en cette période des fêtes. Que la nouvelle année soit synonyme de succès et de prospérité. We offer you all our best wishes of health, happiness and peace for this holiday season. May the new year be filled with success and prosperity! ᓂᐱᑯᓵᔨᐦᑖᓇᓐ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᒑ ᒌ ᒦᔪᐱᒫᑎᓰᔭᒄᐦ, ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᒧᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᑭᔭᐦ ᒌᔮᒫᔨᐦᑎᒨᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᐆ ᒑ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᒐᒧᒋᒐᔨᐦᑕᑯᐦᒡ᙮ ᑭᒪᐦ ᐆ ᒐ ᐊᑎ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ ᒦᔫᒥᑯᐦᐧᐃᔮᒄᐦ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ᙮
sdbj.gouv.qc.ca ©Mathieu Dupuis / SDBJ
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.
Is your child eligible for Jordan’s Principle?
Current eligibility criteria under Jordan’s Principle are:
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.
• 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.
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 15
Cree Nation names Jamie Moses as its first language commissioner
T
he Cree Nation Government appointed its first-ever Cree Language Commissioner, a result of the Cree Language Act of Eeyou Istchee, passed in September 2019. Jamie Moses of Eastmain was appointed to the fiveyear position and begins his new job in January. The Cree Language Act mandates the establishment of a Cree language commission, sets out a plan to measure the health of the language across Eeyou Istchee and implement revitalization measures. The Act followed an Eeyou Istchee Language Engagement Session in March 2018 that brought together language specialists and knowledge holders from across the territory to discuss ways to preserve and strengthen the use of Cree. Moses says he was unaware of the position when he was first contacted in early 2020 by an Elder who was familiar with his work with youth. “She suggested that I submit my name and encouraged me. She said a young person was needed in there to carry the task for the next generation,” he explained. At first, Moses was hesitant about applying, having unsuccessfully tried for a language-focused job years earlier, but his wife and family encouraged him. When Moses was offered the position in November, he was very surprised. “I didn’t have any expectations seeing that I don’t have a big educational background, so I was amazed. At the same time, somewhere deep down I felt that I could be a good candidate if given the opportunity.”
Moses says he reached out to thank the Elder after he was accepted, and she was incredibly happy that he got the job. With a lifetime of work supporting and promoting Cree culture and language, Moses says his main strength has always been engaging in cultural activities especially with the youth, including snowshoe walks, canoe trips, hunting excursions and other land-based adventures which offer him a chance to teach language specific to those activities. “A lot of the language used in the community is not the same as out on the land, where it’s about the weather, landscape or directions, so it’s a totally different language than the one used at home,” he explained. Moses says he anticipates the job will come with a number of challenges. “We’re in a crucial time where many of our knowledge keepers are slowly disappearing, the ones who lived off the land their entire lives are slowly declining. The next generation of Elders will be ones who went through residential schools and it was forced on them,” Moses said. Many youth today don’t learn the language and have the additional threat of new technology – from cellphones to YouTube – overwhelming them, Moses stated. “We all know how technology has evolved very fast – older generations like to listen to the radio so that’s a good way to reach them. But the younger generation isn’t into radio, so we need creative ways to reach them through iPhones and tablets, because they are the ones who need to be educated about the importance of language.”
16 the Nation December 18, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
Moses says there’s already some good work being done by the Cree School Board and radio stations, that have been recording Elders passing on the language and their knowledge. With the position, Moses says he wants to highlight the efforts being done by educators, teachers and language specialists. “A lot of work has been done, now it’s a matter of working together, collaboratively, with people who are active on the land, with educators who spend day-today with our young ones, to find creative ways to heal our language.” Moses is passionate about land-based learning, especially for young people. “The best way to learn is to be out active on the land. It’s part of who we are and our ways of being,” he explained. “For me, being around leaders all the time, I was always reminded that we need to do our best to learn and practice our culture and transmit it to the next generation.” Moses was relieved to find out he would be able to work from Eastmain and not have to move. “A lot of my energy and strength comes from being active on the land. When I’m home, I’m very happy because my camp is less than an hour away. I also have a young family and it’s a challenge to be away from them.”
Photos provided by Jamie Moses
Language
Protector by Ben Powless
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the the Nation Nation 17 17
Take self-isolation seriously Please follow self-isolation instructions to avoid transmitting COVID-19 to others.
Self-isolation means stay at home Do not go to school or work, to an early childhood or daycare centre, or to any public place such as a stores, supermarkets or pharmacies. If you live in a private home for seniors, remain in your own unit and do not walk around the building. We recommend that you have your meals delivered to you, thus avoiding the need to move around inside the residence.
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North ern future of e h t g n i n n Pla year a n i m s i r u Cree To isitors v t u o h t wi k Quinn by Patric COTA vided by ro p s to o Ph
Expos
ure
T
his year’s absence of tourists from outside the region hasn’t stopped the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA) from continuing to develop Eeyou Istchee’s tourism industry. COTA’s recent annual general meeting – virtual, of course – discussed the organization’s many initiatives despite the pandemic.
“In a regular year, we have a one-day assembly and two days of tourism conference,” explained Robin McGinley, COTA’s executive director. “That’s when we bring in speakers, and have workshops, games and activities. This year that was put aside and it was only half a day. Next fall, we’ll hopefully hold one face-to-face in Mistissini and celebrate the 20th anniversary of COTA.” While COTA has been steadily expanding the region’s vast tourism potential since its incorporation in 2000, its vision was first established in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. McGinley said Covid-19 has altered its upcoming five-year strategy as it has permanently changed the way people travel. “I’d like to point out the great job COTA has done adapting to the Covid situation,” asserted board member Ron Simard, who is also OujeBougoumou’s tourism officer. “It affected us a lot – I miss having visitors. That’s the favourite part of my job, showing tourists how proud we are of our community. It’s a little slow but we’re taking advantage to get ahead on certain projects.” COTA’s strategic plan includes developing winter and summer travel packages for three tourism hubs – inland, southern coastal and northern coastal – while positioning the region as a distinctive snowmobiling destination. Simard has recently been helping develop an innovative snowmobile circuit, which will link Mistissini, Ouje-Bougoumou and Waswanipi by a series of federated trails that will extend to a system connecting parts of southern Quebec. “We’re trying to make a loop so everyone can benefit economically,” Simard told the Nation. “I was excited that Mistissini went ahead and bought a skidozer, a snowmobile trail groomer. Our leadership is very supportive, and they believe in tourism. I’m also developing hiking trails for self-guided tours with interpretational panels and some history.” With Ouje’s location and architectural appeal, Simard believes his community could play a central role in attracting international tourists to the region. He grooms the mountain snowmobile trails every winter and has ideas about developing the surrounding area for hikers and nature lovers.
“There are so many things I want to do up there on that mountain – the potential is just crazy,” exclaimed Simard. “Developing more [attractions] is important to make it worthwhile to come here. There’s a lot here that the youth need to be proud of. The identity, how far we’ve came in our culture, and I really believe we need to reignite that in ourselves.” COTA has actively encouraged interest in the industry’s opportunities through various initiatives, including a free tourism ambassador course available on the creetourism.ca website. With the support of Apatisiiwin Skills Development, it’s also enrolling team members in an Indigenous tourism microprogram at Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue (UQAT) while launching a new diploma program at Cégep de Saint-Félicien in hotel and restaurant management. “We’re taking the time to improve our skills so when the tourists do come back, we’re all on the same page of how we should develop tourism,” said McGinley. “We’re lining up to get the Cree market for next summer because we’re not sure the communities will be open for outsiders. We always travel, right? We should be having our meetings in our communities and supporting our businesses.” While it remains uncertain when visitors will be allowed back in the territory, COTA is working with Tourism Quebec to simplify access to communities via the newly renamed Billy Diamond Highway. Besides adding blue signs to direct motorists to local accommodation and attractions, they hope to designate the highway as a “Nordic route”, similar to the province’s wine and whale routes. To ensure the region remains visible during the current travel restrictions, COTA is promoting tourism offerings on its “Escape Like Never Before” website. The region also gained extensive visibility through this fall’s release of the Northern Flavours cookbook, a celebration of traditional Cree cooking created in partnership with Stéphane Modat, chef at Quebec City’s Château Frontenac. This project embodies COTA’s guiding principles of sustainability and community involvement, which vaunts authentic experiences in protected natural environments. In collaboration with
environmental consultants FaunENord, COTA has developed a sustainability toolkit and guidelines that prioritize low-impact travel and eco-friendly events. Community input is integral to the creation of the Creetopia ready-to-camp tents, inspired by traditional Cree culture and architecture with space for cooking and storytelling. With the prototype launched at last year’s COTA conference, the tents should begin operating throughout the region next summer. “Wiinipaakw Tours will have the first Creetopia site, probably in Waskaganish,” McGinley shared. “Crees can stay at the Creetopia site and take a boat tour with our Cree captains. There will probably be tours leaving out of Wemindji too because the co-op has two boats.” To develop sustainable tourism in the coastal region, COTA is training marine captains for the Cree-owned solidarity cooperative. In Mistissini, COTA has contributed marketing expertise to the Nibiischii Corporation, which manages the community’s wildlife reserve, and developed plans for an écomusée that invites visitors to witness traditional techniques of moose-hide tanning. “Tourists want to meet Cree people, interact with community members,” explained McGinley. “They want to learn something. We’re working with the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association to help artists or community members develop visitor experiences.” Participating in local festivals or the creation of traditional crafts leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation for Cree culture. Grassroots initiatives like “My Mistissini Moments” use this concept by connecting visitors with fish frying or jewelry beading experiences through an interactive web platform. “The part I love is when they feel who we are,” said Simard. “Every time I conduct tours, they feel the love here. Cree people are very giving and warm. When tourists tell me about their experience, it’s always a wow factor.”
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 21
We would like to wish you and your loved ones a joyous and peaceful holiday season, filled with memorable moments. We have been reminded recently of the value of family and community, and of the importance of spending time on the land. ᓂᐱᑯᓵᔨᐦᑖᓈᓐ ᒋᔭ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᒌ ᑳ ᓵᒋᐦᐄᐧᑖᐤ ᒑ ᒌ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᐃᔮᔮᒄ ᒋᔮᒫᔨᐦᑎᒧᐧᐃᓐ ᐆ ᒑ ᐊᑎ ᐅᐦᑎᐦᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᒑ ᒧᒑᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ, ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᐦᒑᐦᒡ ᐊᓂᐦᐄ ᐊᔅᑰ ᒫᓐ ᒑ ᒌ ᒋᔅᒋᔮᒄ ᐋ ᒌ ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ᙮ ᐊᔅᒋᐦᒋᔅᑯᒥᑯᓈᓂᐤ ᐊᓅᐦᒌᒑᐦ ᑕᓐ ᐊᔥᐱᐦ ᒋᔅᑎᒫᐅᓯᔨᒡ ᒋ ᐧᐃᒋᒫᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒫᒃ ᐊᓂᒌ ᐊᔅᑎᐦᑖᐧᐃᓈᐦᒡ ᐋᐦᑖᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᔅᐱᐦ ᒋᔅᑎᒫᐅᐦᒡ ᒑ ᒌ ᑖᓂᐅᒡ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᒥᔪᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐊᔅᒌᐦᒡ᙮
W W W. C R E E J U S T I C E . C A
The Management Team and staff of Newmont, Éléonore, wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season! May 2021 bring you happiness, health and prosperity! ᐊᓂᒌ
ᐧᐋᒋᒫᐧᐃᒡ
ᑭᔮᐦ
ᐊᓂᒌ
ᐊᐱᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᒡ
ᐅᑎᐦ
ᓂᔪᐧᒫᓐᑦ,
ᐃᓕᐧᓅᕐ,
ᒋᐱᑯᓵᔨᒥᑯᐧᐋᐅᒡ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᔪᐱᔨᐧᐋᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᐧᒫᒄ ᐅᔮᔨᐤ ᒑ ᐊᑎ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᒑ ᒧᒋᔨᐦᑖᑯᓂᔨᒡ! ᑭᒫᐦ ᐅᑎᐦ ᐆ ᒑ ᐊᑎ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ 2021 ᐹᐧᑖᑯᔨᓐ ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᒧᐧᐃᓐ, ᒥᔪᐱᒫᑎᓯᐧᐃᓐ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒥᔪᒥᔨᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐄᐙᔒᐅᒌᔑᑳᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ 22 the Nation December 18, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
Politics Community
Designated gift buyer
Viviane Snowboy shops for other people’s presents in Sudbury by Patrick Quinn
T
his year’s holiday season will be different – like pretty much everything since the Covid19 pandemic came into our lives. While ongoing travel restrictions in Eeyou Istchee have resulted in more people shopping locally or online, Viviane Snowboy has a creative alternative.
The former Chisasibi resident has lived in Sudbury for five years, where many Crees go for their annual “big shop”. After noticing that many of her Facebook friends were posting about wanting to go shopping down south, Snowboy realized she could help. “I said to my husband maybe we should shop for people up North,” Snowboy told the Nation. “Since I live in Sudbury, I decided to take the initiative and say I can do this for you. I posted it on the bulletin board and told everybody what I was trying to do – for a small fee we can help each other out.” While Crees usually make several shopping trips to various southern cities each year, Snowboy explained that Sudbury is popular because of its easily accessible big-box stores. By shopping on their behalf, she saves them a 16-hour drive. “It saves them quite a bit of money because coming from up North they have to pay for gas and hotel rooms – and that’s a lot of money in itself,” said Snowboy. “I negotiate what I would charge them – and they pay the shipping. Everyone’s been happy so far. I’m helping them and they’re
helping me, because living in a city adds financial stress sometimes.” Snowboy said she typically charges $60 for a two and a half hour shopping trip, but noted that the price is always negotiable. When Snowboy was younger, her family would do their Christmas shopping in Ottawa, where they eventually moved. About five years ago, her family moved back to Chisasibi while she went to Sudbury to enrol in the Law and Justice program at Laurentian University. She stayed after graduating last year because her husband is from the area and she found a job with the Greater Sudbury Police. While she thinks about returning home, she’s enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with her community and language through this initiative. “It’s nice to talk to community members and speak Cree almost every day, because my husband doesn’t speak Cree,” Snowboy shared. “I miss it a lot and try to visit as much as I can, but Covid is making it difficult to go home.” Snowboy hasn’t been going out much during the pandemic, instead working from home and buying gro-
“I said to my husband maybe we should shop for people up North” ceries online. In early November, there were 60 active Covid cases in Sudbury and the city was shut down. But when the situation quickly improved, she took advantage of the opportunity. She said there has been a safe level of shoppers in the stores she’s asked to frequent, such as Toys ‘R’ Us and Walmart. As her outreach was initially limited to Chisasibi, she had shopped for a manageable seven clients but planned to help a few others via the Mistissini buy-and-sell page before it got too late for packages to arrive in time for Christmas. “I didn’t want to post my service everywhere and have an overwhelming number of clients,” said Snowboy, who balances responsibilities of five children and her job. “It’s worth the
runaround. It makes me feel good because I’m helping others – it’s a win-win.” Snowboy is often seen carrying large boxes or FaceTime-ing people in stores, confirming which products they’re seeking. She’s become a familiar figure at Canada Post, where she sends off her packages. So far, her boxes have all been under the 50-pound limit, but there have been some close calls. “One customer ordered a giant dollhouse, like ‘it-almost-broke-myback’ big,” laughed Snowboy. “I thought, the post office wasn’t going to accept it, but it just made it. The woman at Canada Post said it’s you again and I said you’ll be seeing me a lot.”
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 25
ᒑ ᒥᔪᒥᑯᔖᒌᔑᑭᓂᐦᑖᔮᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ
Wishing you all happy holidays and a prosperous New Year! From all of us at CINI-FM 95.3 & 102.1 FM Mistissini CINI-FM 95.3 FM & 102.1 FM
Mistissini Lake, QC T 418-923-3333 F 418-923-2413 WWW.CINIFM.CA
Osisko Mining: Working Together in the Management of the Covid-19 Osisko Mining values the well-being of our workers and their families. We are grateful for the participation of the numerous Cree workers who have contributed to the success of our Windfall exploration project since we acquired it in 2015. The Covid-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented situation globally, and everyone is learning how best to adapt to the Covid-19 threat. Mining companies in general have very stringent health and safety standards to begin with, it’s a fundamental part of our social license to operate our business. The additional threat of Covid-19 made purchasing and oper ating an on-site testing laboratory an elementary conclusion for us, knowing that it might be impossible to operate a truly safe worksite without the certain knowledge that we could protect the health and safety of all empZloyees and contractors. To accomplish this we needed to provide them with the confidence that we were doing everything possible to p vent the Covid-19 threat. Having the laboratory on site provides a certain peace of mind for all of the people working at Windfall, our local Cree Nation communities, and all of our stakeholders, that we are operating to the best of our abilities in difficult times while maintaining the priority on the safety of our workers and local communities.’
We were fortunate to work collaboratively with the Cree Nation Government (CNG) to develop a very strong Covid-19 protocol. This has led to Osisko being granted an exemption to the CNG’s mandatory self-isolation law for workers returning to their communities after their 14 day work rotation at Windfall. Without this exemption, our workers would have faced a mandatory 14 day isolation on returning to their communities in Eeyou Istchee before returning back to their next shift at Windfall. It essentially meant that during their self-isolation, they would not have been allowed to have any contact with their loved ones – it was heart-breaking. Many of our workers opted for a temporary layoff before we installed the lab and they were granted the exemption. We greatly value our Cree Nation workers and we were thrilled and very grateful that the on-site testing has allowed for the granting of the exemption from the CNG. Following the August 18 exemption from the local self-isolation laws, more than 90 First Nation people are now back working on the Windfall site. It is certain that 2020 will stay in our memories as a challenging year in different domains of our lives, but it was also a year where we proved that by showing solidarity we accomplish great things.
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 27
Happy Holidays everyone! May the Peace and Joy of the holiday season be with you throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us.
2 lakeshore Road, Nemaska, Quebec JOY 3BO
www.niskamoon.org info@niskamoon.org
Where to give
… so everyone can have a happy holiday season by Dan Isaac
W
hile Christmas can be a stressful time of year under normal circumstances, the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the pressures of the season. This year more than ever, those with a little extra should consider donating locally, to ensure everyone can enjoy a happy, less-stressful Christmas. Chisasibi The Gift from the Heart Foundation in Chisasibi will only be distributing gift cards this year instead of the usual wrapped presents and gift cards. A representative from the foundation said that the Covid situation necessitated the change. Donations – cash or cheque – to the foundation can be made at the Community Youth Centre. Distribution of the gift cards will be done on December 17. The Nation also reached out to the local fire department and courthouse. However, at press time, they had not decided whether they would host food and toy drives this year. Eastmain The Fire Department in Eastmain will host its annual toy and food drives in partnership with the community’s Health and Wellness program. Donations can be made at either the Fire Hall or Wellness Centre and while no concrete date had been set for distribution at press time, it will most likely happen the week of December 21. Mistissini For over three decades, Mistissini’s Meechum L’Inter Marché’s Wreath of Hope program has donated food baskets and gift cards to families in need at Christmas. In addition to fundraising efforts at the store, the local band office donated 150 turkeys, and owner Beverly Quinn suspects they will be delivering well over 100 baskets to community members this year.
Quinn commended the work of the local Youth Council, which donated over $10,000 and countless volunteer hours. As this year has been an especially tough for people who’ve lost loved ones, the Wreath of Hope will focus its efforts on families who suffered a loss. Baskets will include all a family needs to make Christmas dinner as well as a gift card from the store ranging between $150-$350 depending on the size of the family. While baskets will be distributed December 19, Quinn told the Nation that Meechum donates around four food baskets to families in need every month throughout the year, and donations for that program are always welcome. Nemaska The Nemaska Fire Department is coordinating the community’s donation drive in partnership with the Nemaska Wellness Centre. Donation boxes have been set up at the local mall where people can drop off donations. A distribution date had not been chosen at press time but when it is, donations will be distributed at the Wellness Centre. Ouje-Bougoumou Donations for Ouje-Bougoumou’s Angel Christmas Tree are being accepted at the community’s Healing Centre. Because of the pandemic, coordination will be done through Facebook. Organizers are asking for either wrapped gifts or cash donations. The gifts as well as a hot plate will be distributed December 18 to youth through the Healing Centre. Waskaganish Christmas donations are being accepted at the Waskaganish Wellness Centre and donation boxes have been set up at businesses around the community. Baskets will be assembled from the donations by the Wellness Centre the week of December 21 and distributed to families.
Waswanipi The Waswanipi Fire Department is accepting donations for its annual food drive. The band office will also distribute ham and turkey baskets throughout the community. Donations for the community’s Angel Christmas Tree (presents for youth aged 13-17) can be made at the band office and Youth Centre. Every present donated to the Angel Tree program will be matched by the local Youth Council. An Elders’ food basket program is also being done through the Waswanipi culture department. Wemindji Wemindji’s Gift of Hope campaign has ensured families don’t go hungry during the holiday season since 2011. And while that entailed hosting an annual food drive, in 2016 they started distributing gift cards instead. According to band councillor Bradley AJ Georgekish, the transition to gift cards was made because food would sometimes go to waste due to the dietary restrictions of the recipients. While much of the money for the gift cards comes from local businesses and government entities, individuals can donate through programs hosted at the community store. Since 2016, the Gift of Hope has raised $81,000 and every dollar has gone to recipients. Whapmagoostui Covid-19 health protocols have forced the Whapmagoostui Band Council to cancel its annual Christmas feast. Instead, they will be distributing turkey baskets to the community members. The local Women’s Association will be donating toys, while breakfast baskets will also be provided. Distribution will take place December 21. If anyone wants to donate toys or food, they should contact the local Women’s Association or band office.
www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 29
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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.
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DOJCS – Department of Justice and Correctional Services creejusticefunds.ca T: 418-923-2661 www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 31
December 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 Very Hard
8 2 7
Previous solution - Tough
9 7 3 5 2 8 6 4 1
6 3 4
6 5 9 5 7 2 3 6 1 7 1 9 8 4
– 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.
5 6
2
9 7 1
6 4 2 9 1 3 7 5 8
5 8 1 4 6 7 3 9 2
2 5 9 6 7 4 8 1 3
7 1 6 8 3 9 4 2 5
4 3 8 1 5 2 9 6 7
1 6 7 3 9 5 2 8 4
3 9 4 2 8 1 5 7 6
8 2 5 7 4 6 1 3 9
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. 266
Medium
3 6 8
Previous solution - Easy
9 7 8 2
8 9 5 7 6 6 7 4 5 4 4 3 1 6 5 2 3
8 9
4 4
1 1 2 5
6
9 1 2
7 7 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Walking stick 14 15 16 6 "Holy cow!" 17 18 19 10 Helps out 14 Worse than bad 20 21 22 15 Canyon call 16 Had no doubt 23 24 25 17 Blue-eyed feline 30 31 19 Not being used 26 27 28 29 20 Fishing spot 32 33 34 35 36 37 21 City dweller 39 40 41 23 Rooming house 38 guest 44 45 42 43 25 Narrow opening 46 47 48 26 Hostess product 30 Gaming cubes 51 52 53 49 50 32 Painless state 35 Cruller's kin 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 38 Get one's goat 61 62 63 39 Diner basketful 41 First rate 64 65 66 42 Trip planner's aid 67 68 69 44 Trite remark 46 Raised Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate 48 Klugman role 49 Jungle swinger DOWN 18 Pipe puffer 40 More than fast 51 Do museum 1 Impudent talk 22 Bone-dry 43 Medieval slave work 2 Blockhead 24 "Belling the Cat" 45 In a perfect 54 Wall scrawl 3 From a distance author world 56 Feudal servant 4 Get really upset 26 "Fame" singer 47 Salt, sometimes 61 Tales and such 5 Sleazy hotel 27 Troop group 49 Radiant 62 Manicotti's 6 Ten C-notes 28 Coffin carrier 50 Sneak preview cousin 7 Come to mind 29 Cloudless 52 Gawk (at) 64 Black cat, to 8 Broken piece 31 Ring-tailed 53 Slight trace some 9 Where the action animal 55 ____ for oneself 65 Therefore is 33 Ind. neighbor 57 Wild plum 66 Barn areas 10 Comparable 34 Texas siege site 58 Crash site? 67 Microsoft 11 Native 36 Edit menu choice 59 Picnic pests product 12 Atlanta-based 37 Many a 60 Shopper's aid Previous solution - 63 Tough No. 68 266 Basket material airline Very Hard "Stranger Auction signal 69 Baker's need 13 Win every game Things" actor 9 6 5 2 7 4 1 3 8
4
You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com
7 5 8 6 4 3 3 2 1 5 2 1 4 7
6 4 3 1 4 5 5 6 3 9 7 7 8 8 9
3 4 3 2 1 7 8 9 6 8 9 6
8 2 7
6 3 4
6 5 8 9 5 7 2 3 6 1 7 1 2 PREVIOUS 9 8 4 SOLUTION: 5 6 9 7 1
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.
32 the Nation December 18, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
7 3 5 2 8 6 4 1
© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles
8
© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles
3 4 3 4 1 3 2 5 1 6 7 8 9 7 6 8 8 9 6 9
No. 266
© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles
Easy
by Margie E. Burke
4 2 9 1 3 7 5 8
8 1 4 6 7 3 9 2
5 9 6 7 4 8 1 3
1 6 8 3 9 4 2 5
3 8 1 5 2 9 6 7
6 7 3 9 5 2 8 4
9 4 2 8 1 5 7 6
2 5 7 4 6 1 3 9
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.
The four, then zero, days of Christmas
W
Rez Notes
by Sonny Orr
e were glued to our screens, waiting for Premier François Legault to announce how we were going to celebrate Christmas during a pandemic. When the news came, groans could be heard from here to Florida. Four days, Legault promised us. Only four days to put out love and quaff eggnog! Then, with record numbers of new Covid cases on succeeding days, the number dropped from four... to zero. This year, that invisible Grinch invading millions of lungs around the world has truly stolen Christmas. So, Santa better be on his toes this year. This might not be the time to celebrate when so many are at risk. Why make this Christmas the one you regret a few months down the road? Besides, it’s for the poor, sick and tired too, who are often the first to feel the effects of any outbreak. Many people are now wishing for an antidote for all of this. Some are wishing for some time off – the frontline workers, the transport people, the growers and sellers, the ones who put themselves at risk to place food on the shelves and make things as available as possible. These
people should be thanked and given some Christmas spirits. Let’s not forget the medical teams, where I can relate to how life can be during the holidays in a big city. One year I had to go and wait it out at the emergency in downtown Montreal. While waiting for my turn, ambulances kept arriving because of accidents, stabbings, falls on icy streets. Plus, there was a noticeable police presence. So, I can imagine why they would want to keep the peace as much as possible during these trying times. Our medics need a break too, so the best gift anyone could give is the solace and gratitude that life continues if we play it smart. Now back to some good old jolly news. Many people have been out white bird hunting and I see that people are still carrying out our way of life despite the new measures. Even the caribou are out enjoying life without the sport hunters. Less stress all around. At least some good things should never change. This leads to something else, like the drop in energy consumption. But the lesser usage of what we normally
consume, like energy, is still something that shouldn’t be ignored. If I remember my physics, the La Grande Complex is one large extended kinetic energy storage basin, which holds water that drives turbines that produce energy for the south. The turbines are not getting their usual demand from the south due to the sharp decrease in economic activities that would normally use a lot of wattage. The water is just bypassing the turbines using the spillways, which is filling up the next reservoir downstream and into the
next and so on. So, if there is too much water why not turn some back into the Rupert River? Just a thought. Then again, the need for electricity just might come from the need to power electric vehicles and there are some very promising prospects out there, a Tesla Roadster anyone? Oh yeah, forgot it passed Mars already. But with four days of Christmas, or none, we should stay focussed on what is really our overall Christmas gift – a vaccine that works for everyone. Let’s get rid of this horrid virus once and for all!
Wishing everyone in Eeyou Istchee James Bay a safe and happy holiday season! ᓂᐱᑯᓵᔨᒫᓈᓂᒡ ᒥᓯᐙ ᐊᐙᓂᒌ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌᐦᒡ ᒑ ᐃᔮᒀᒥᓰᒡ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᒧᒡ ᐋ ᒥᑯᔖᒌᔑᑳᔨᒡ!
Nous souhaitons à tous les gens de Eeyou Istchee Baie James un joyeux temps des fêtes! www.nationnews.ca December 18, 2020 the Nation 33
UTNS
Under the Northern Sky
www.underthenorthernsky.com
Pandemic Christmas 2020 by Xavier Kataquapit
A
Christmas has never been a normal affair for my entire life. This year it seems that no one will be able to call this a normal Christmas. My family’s ideas of Christmas were very far removed from the norm. From the perspective of a young boy, Christmas was a confusing mixture of Catholic ideas, mass-media marketing and commercialization all served to us by our traditionally minded Cree parents who were doing the best they could. We celebrated the birth of Jesus at church, sang praises to a bearded guy in a big red suit at school and decorated a tree in our living room for some reason. No one ever asked why, we just followed what the rest of the country was doing and that was fine by us. The best thing about the holidays was the never-ending spread of food that my mom Susan produced for all of us. My dad Marius worked tirelessly to keep the kitchen stocked, the house warm, the kids busy and he helped with the cooking when he could. We had European foods like turkey, ham, beef, pastas, salads and gravies mixed in with tradition-
al foods like Canada goose, snow goose, moose stew and caribou. While it looked like we were having a Disney-like Christmas, we were also living through some dark periods of chaos and confusion brought about by alcoholism and addictions. Mom and dad did their best to keep these demons at bay, but the chaos was never far away. Christmas in 1990 produced a terrible tragedy for my family. We lost my older brother Philip, who was only 16 at the time. Through a series of unfortunate events on Christmas Day, he became stranded and alone on the winter road between Attawapiskat and Kashechewan. He died alone on the Kapiskau River in the freezing cold and it took my family many years before we felt like celebrating the holidays again. What should be a festive time of the year for me is mired in the memory of my beautiful, witty, humorous and intelligent brother’s passing. This Christmas, a dark pandemic cloud hovers over the holidays. Everyone hoped that our northern region could be spared from the infections, but positive cases of Covid-19
have been slowly creeping into every community. My home community of Attawapiskat has identified positive cases and that is cause for concern for everyone. In a remote northern reserve like Attawapiskat, where many families are forced to live in overcrowded homes, an outbreak is far too easy to occur. Local leadership and medical personnel are doing their best to test and trace cases and to convince everyone to quarantine at home to contain the risks of further spread. Throughout northern Ontario, we consider ourselves lucky that we are not as densely populated as our southern neighbours, but we all still must be careful. We need to practice safe distancing, stay at home as much as possible, frequently wash our hands and wear masks in public. Hope is on the horizon with the announcements of vaccines and we may get them in early spring. Thankfully the federal government is relying on their medical and science experts to ensure the vaccines are safe and that they can be distributed across the country.
Cases in Canada are increasing at an alarming rate as are deaths. After Christmas it is expected there will be a considerable surge. Governments and public-health organizations have claimed from the beginning that the key to managing the pandemic was to test and trace. However, this has not been done to a great extent. I am hopeful that testing in schools will become the norm after Christmas, so we understand just how many cases we are dealing with and conduct the necessary tracing to manage Covid19 until vaccines arrive. The trick is stay healthy so that we can avoid the worst of this pandemic. Stay well so you can tell your children, your grandchildren and hopefully your great-grandchildren what this Christmas was like. Be mindful to protect the Elders around you so that they can share the same stories as well. I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If we follow the rules, stay two metres apart, wear masks in public buildings and wash hands often, we can all enjoy Christmas next year.
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.
34 the Nation December 18, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
A Special Holiday Greeting
As we approach this year’s holiday season, we all understand that this year we will be celebrating the holidays in ways that we have never done before. Our wish for the Cree people of Eeyou Istchee, and our friends beyond, is that we acknowledge with grace and acceptance that our celebrations will be different this year and that we will all find for new ways to give meaning to our celebrations. May this year be a year to focus on the true meaning of the holidays and less so on the frenzy and anxiety that sometimes accompany them. May this year be a time to express our understanding of the true meaning of the holidays with those that are closest to us, knowing that we will all find new and creative ways of communicating and expressing our love and appreciation for those we cannot be with together. May this year be a year of slowing down and being appreciative and thankful for the many things we have to be grateful for—we have all worked hard together, chiyaanuu, to keep our people and our communities safe; we have our own resources and institutions to help us navigate through a global emergency; we have so many people who have sacrificed by putting themselves on the front lines and in harm’s way to help protect us; and we have all, as a Nation, been able to put the health of our people as the highest priority. May our hearts be filled with love, with gratitude and with compassion as we celebrate this year’s holidays in all the different ways we will be doing so.
ᐋ ᒋᔅᑎᒫᐅᐦᒡ ᐊᒨᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᐋ ᐧᐋᒋᔮᒥᑐᓈᓂᐅᒡ ᒥᓐ ᐊᑎ ᐹᐧᓵᐱᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᒥᓐ ᐅ ᐊᓅᐦᒡ ᐧᐹᐳᐦᒡ ᒑ ᐃᐧᐋᓯᓈᓂᐅᒡ ᒑ ᒧᒑᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐅᒡ, ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᒋᓂᔅᑐᐦᑖᓈᓂᐤ ᐆ ᐊᓄᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐸᒋ ᐱᐳᐦᒡ, ᒑ ᒧᒋᒫᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐋᑳ ᒥᓐ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐃᔑ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᒃᐦᐧ ᐊᔅᑯ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᐆᐦᒡ ᑑᑖᑭᓂᐆᒡ ᐹᒋ᙮ ᐊᓂᔫᐦ ᒉᐧᑳᔫᐦ ᐁᑳ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐯᔓᐧᐁᔨᐦᑕᒥᐦᒄ ᒉ ᐃᔅᐸᔨᐧᑳᐤᐦ ᐊᓂᑦᐦ ᐅᐦᒋ ᑳ ᒥᓯᐦᑌᐸᔨᒡ ᔦᐦᔦᐧᐋᔅᐱᓀᐧᐃᓐ ᓅᑯᓐ ᒋᒪᔅᑯᓰᐧᐃᓂᓅ ᐁ ᒫᒨᑳᐴᔨᐦᒄ᙮ ᑖᐧᐯ ᐊᓂᔮ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᐱᑯᓵᔨᐦᑎᒨᒋᐦᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᐅᑎᐦ ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔥᒋᐦᒡ ᒋᐧᐃᒑᐧᐋᑭᓄᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑕᐦ ᐊᔪᐧᐃᒄ ᒥᒄ ᒑᒌ ᐃᑎᐦᑯᒡ ᒥᔪᐦᑳᒑᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᐅᑎᓂᐦᒡ ᐆ ᒑ ᐃᔑ ᐅᑎᐦᑎᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᒑ ᐃᔑ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᐊᔨᐦᒡ ᒑ ᐃᓯᓈᑯᐦᒡ ᐆ ᐊᓄᐦᒡ ᐧᐹᐳᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᔅᑭᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᔨᐦᒡ ᐋ ᐃᔅᒋᐧᓵᒥᑭᐦᒡ ᐆ ᒑ ᐃᔑ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ᙮ ᑭᒫ ᐆ ᐊᓄᐦᒡ ᐧᐹᐳᐦᒡ ᐊᑎᑎᐤ ᑭᓂᐧᐋᐱᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᔅᒋᐧᓵᒥᑭᐦᒡ ᐆ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᒍᐱᔨᒡ ᐊᓐ ᒫᓐ ᓂᔮᓂᑯᑐᐦ ᐊᔅᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᐊᓯᐦᒑᔨᐦᑎᒧᐧᐃᓐ ᐊᑎ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᐆ ᐊᔅᐱᔨᒡ ᒑ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᑯᓂᑯᐱᓈ᙮ ᑭᒫ ᐆ ᐊᓄᐦᒡ ᐧᐹᐳᐦᒡ ᒥᒋᓐ ᒑ ᒌ ᐧᐃᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᔅᑐᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᔅᒌᐧᓵᒥᑭᐦᒡ ᐆ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᑭᓄᒡ ᐊᓂᒌ ᓈᔥᒡ ᐱᔮᓲᑖᐦᑯᒥᐦᑯᒡ, ᐊᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᒑ ᒥᔅᑭᒥᐦᒄ ᐋ ᐅᔅᑳᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᔨᐦᒡ ᒑ ᒌ ᐃᔑ ᐊᔨᒥᐦᐄᑐᔨᐦᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓄᑯᐦᐧᑖᑐᔨᐦᒄ ᒋᓵᒋᐦᐄᐧᐋᐧᐃᓂᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᒋᔅᑖᔨᒥᑐᔨᐦᒄ ᐊᑎ ᐋᑳ ᒫᒨ ᒋᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ᙮ ᑭᒫ ᐆ ᐊᓄᐦᒡ ᐧᐹᐳᐦᒡ, ᒑ ᐱᐳᐦᒡ ᐹᐦᑳᒡ ᒑ ᑐᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᓄᑯᐦᐧᑖᑐᔨᐦᒄ ᐋ ᒋᔅᑖᔨᒥᑐᔨᐦᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᓂᓈᔅᑯᒧᔨᐦᒄ ᐊᓂᐦᐄ ᒥᐦᒑᑐ ᒑᐧᑳᓂᐦᐄ ᒑ ᐅᐦᒋ ᓂᔅᑯᒨᐦᑯᐱᓈᐦ - ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᒥᔅᑎᐦ ᐊᔅᒋᐋᐱᑎᓰᔅᑖᓈᓂᐤ ᑖᐱᑑ, ᒋᔮᓂᐤ, ᐋ ᐧᐃᓈᑭᑎᐧᐋᔨᒥᐦᑰᒡ ᔮᐦᐧᑳ ᐊᔅᑎ ᐃᔨᔨᒥᓂᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᔅᑎᐦᑖᐧᐄᓂᐤ, ᐊᔅᑎᔮᓈᓂᐤ ᒑᐧᑳᓐ ᐊᓐ ᒑ ᐊᐱᒋᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ, ᐊᐱᑎᓯᐅᑭᒥᒄ ᒑ ᒌ ᒋᑎᓄᑎᐦᐄᑯᔨᐦᒄ ᐆ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐋ ᐊᔨᒥᐱᐦᔨᑯᔨᐦᒄ; ᒥᐦᒑᑎᐅᒡ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᓯᐅᒡ ᐊᐱᒋᔅᑎᓂᓲᒡ ᓂᔅᑖᒥᐦᒡ ᐋ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᔅᑖᑎᐦᑯᒡ ᐊᓂᑳᐦᐋᒡ ᐊᓂᔮᔨᐤ ᒑ ᐅᓯᑯᐦᐄᑯᐦᑯᐱᓈᐦ ᐊ ᐧᐃᒥᓈᒋᐦᐄᑎᐦᑯᒡ, ᑭᔮᐦ ᒫᒃ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᐊᔅᑎᔮᓈᓂᐤ, ᐆ ᐋ ᐃᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᔨᐦᒄ, ᐋ ᒌ ᓂᔅᑖᒥᔅᑕᐆᐦᒄ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᔪᐱᒫᑎᓯᒡ ᐊᔅᑎᔨᒥᓂᐅᒡ᙮ ᑭᒫ ᓵᑭᔅᒋᓈᒡ ᐊᔅᑖᐦᐄᓈᐦᒡ ᓵᒋᐦᐄᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ, ᓯᒋᔮᓯᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒋᑎᒫᒑᔨᑎᒧᐧᐋᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᐆ ᒑ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᓅᐦᒡ ᒑ ᐱᐳᐦᒡ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᑭᓅᒑ, ᐊᑎ ᑭᔨᐧᐹᐦ ᐊᔨᐦᒡ ᒑ ᐃᔑ ᑐᑖᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᒥᓯᐧᐋᐦ᙮
Dr. Abel Bosum Grand Chief/Chairperson
Mandy Gull Deputy Grand Chief/Vice-Chairperson
ᐊᔨᐱᓪ ᐳᔑᒻ ᒋᔖᐅᒋᒫᐦᑳᓐ/ᑖᐦᑎᐳᐧᐃᓐ ᐅᒋᒫᐤ
ᒪᓂᑏ ᐧᑳᓪ ᒋᔖᐅᒋᒫᐦᑳᓐ ᑎᔮᐦᒋᔅᑯᐧᐋᑦ/ᑖᐦᑎᐳᐧᐃᓐ ᐅᒋᒫᐤ ᑎᔮᐦᒋᔅᑯᐧᐋᑦ