The Nation | Vol. 29, No. 12

The CBHSSJB wishes you a

HAPPY GOOSE BREAK

Our traditional practices are an important connection and contribution to our social well-being as well as physical, mental and spiritual health.

We have always held a connection to Mother Earth, being together out on the land and reconnecting with our family values.

The land is healing and it brings us together.

We need resilience during this pandemic; resilience is embedded in our culture. We draw our strength from our ties to the land and water. We are connected to our true being when we are at camp, it’s the essence of who we are.

Public Health continues to encourage you to follow recommendations when being out on the land, and to ensure your family is protected from viruses.

STAY SAFE AND BE WELL THIS GOOSE BREAK

We wish you a good harvest! creehealth.org

CONTENTS 10

EDITORIAL Dealing with life

4

Remaining vigilant

5

Providing for the Nation

6

NEWS

Big night at Bell Centre

BRIEFS FEATURES

Pakesso Mukash performs national anthem

Politics

18

9

At centre ice

10

Papal apology

18

Speed sleddin’

22

Foggy conditions

26

Best in youth

30

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

24 25

Future predictions

Grand Chief Gull-Masty meets Pope Francis

UTNS

Make the world a better place 26

26

La Grande Alliance’s unclear consultation

Community

22

Snowmobile races across Eeyou Istchee

ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ Nunavik Starts Here Nunavik Starts Here

ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ Nunavik Startsᓄᓇᕕᒃ Here Cree Youth Starts Here 30 Nunavik Council winners

Photo provided by

ᐃᓂᓕᐅᕐᓃᑦ RESERVATIONS 1 800 361-2965 ᐃᓂᓕᐅᕐᓃᑦ RESERVATIONS

ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS 1 800 661-5850 ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS

Patrick Quinn

Editorial

Dealing with life

by Will Nicholls

T

here are times in everyone’s lives when they must make difficult decisions. Ones the family don’t want to make but nevertheless must be made.

Such was the decision to place my mother Dorothy at the Royal Brock, a retirement home that offers services she needs at this time in her life. We searched for something closer to home, but it was not possible for the moment.

Mom has Parkinson’s disease, and she now requires special care. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder affecting the brain. While the beginning of the disease is mild, it gets worse over time.

It leads to shaking, stiffness, difficulty with walking, balance and coordination.

People can even have trouble with talking in later stages. It can also lead to cognitive problems such as memory loss.

Mom has had limited mobility in the past year, but it is getting worse. At times she would need assistance to make it to the washroom even with her walker. The medical staff at the Mistissini clinic were amazing in assisting her. Doctor Pépin, nurses Daniel, Alex and Christine helped a lot and even now are looking for a longterm place for her that she would be comfortable in. They are to be commended for the homecare they provided.

At Christmas, when my father passed away, Evadney Coonishish-Blacksmith came over to assist my mom. Initially she refused to take payment for this, saying it was her duty as a Christian. She did such a good job that we asked if we could hire her, and she agreed. She would help my mother to dress and even got her to do some exercises.

My brother Don and I were happy that she arrived on the scene as a home caregiver. Evadney would show up with

Love, caring and hope is a precious thing to receive traditional foods and even taught me how to finally make a decent bannock. She was like part of the family in no time at all.

Her two dogs would accompany her every now and then. Seeing how mom responded to them helped me to understand how much a therapeutic animal can mean to people of all ages when they aren’t feeling well.

The cost of the Royal Brock is expensive, and we didn’t think we could cover it. Fortunately, an old friend of the family, Judy Cummings, came to the rescue. She said she would pay for the first month and more if it was needed. Mom was hesitant about having her pay, but Judy insisted saying that mom had helped so many people in the past and now it was her turn to be helped. We have found out that friends like this aren’t as rare as we might have thought.

There will be other costs, but the burden has been lessened. Mom will have a Parkinson’s physiotherapist who will hopefully help with her mobility. The Royal Brock also has a variety of services that will assist mom in daily living. On site are registered practical nurses and personal support workers. Mom’s needs will be taken care of and hopefully in the future a permanent place will be found

for her closer to Mistissini or near family in Quebec.

We understand that the opening of a new Elders’ residential facility has been delayed in Mistissini but it would be a godsend for Elders like my mother to be able to stay in the community she loves and grew up in. It is essential that we allow our Elders to remain in our communities and our lives.

I would like to honour my brother Don as he has taken care of both my parents for many years. While I have assisted in this occasionally, I understand the burden he took upon himself for all that time and can only say that I love him for his dedication to them.

Shortly before we left for Brockville, mom’s sisters and a niece or two came over to help her pack for her journey.

That’s when we learned that the Cree Health Board is supposed to have a physiotherapist who can help people with these problems like my mother’s. Such a service can help to slow the progress of the disease and should be readily available to any Cree who needs it.

A final thanks to all those who gave their time and efforts to make my mother’s life a better one and made the difficult decision a little easier. Love, caring and hope is a precious thing to receive.

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 Randy Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, B. Powless DESIGN Matthew Dessner 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 | facebook.com/NATIONnewsmagazine | Twitter: @creenation_news

4 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

C O V I D - 1 9 U P D AT E

by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Remaining vigilant

Eeyou Istchee moves to final deconfinement step as another Covid wave looms

C

ree communities moved into Step 3 of the Deconfinement Management Plan March 25, abandoning previous requirements for unvaccinated people returning from areas of risk to follow a “reduced activity protocol” for up to seven days.

Now, individuals who spent more than 72 hours in an area of risk will only need a rapid test on the day of their return, as well as a test on days 3 and 5, regardless of vaccination status. Those in an area of risk for under 72 hours only require a test on days 3 and 5.

Those who test positive are still required to isolate for seven days and conduct contact tracing. The move follows other jurisdictions that have moved toward managing infections caused by the Omicron variant, which is regarded as more contagious but less deadly.

Meanwhile, the checkpoint at the entrance to Mistissini to enforce pandemic restrictions has dismantled after provincial funding ceased and subsequent band council budget to maintain it was exhausted.

Across Eeyou Istchee, there were 369 active Covid cases as of March 28, an increase of over 40 since numbers were last posted March 25. As of March 25, every community had confirmed cases except for Whapmagoostui, with Eastmain having the most cases at 114. There were no new deaths, leaving the total number of deaths from the current outbreak at five.

All of Quebec and Ontario were considered areas of risk apart from Eeyou Istchee and northern Quebec.

Wiichihiituwin clients were informed that a lack of hotel rooms in the Abitibi region, including in Val-d’Or, Rouyn and Amos, meant that they should call Val-d’Or dispatch to arrange lodging in nearby towns.

The Cree School Board announced that vocational and general educational programs resumed in-person instruction after special Covid allowances were

Mistissini Covid checkpoint closed down on March 31, 2022 midnight released to students in early March. Postsecondary staff were also working at full capacity in their offices, as study lounges and areas opened in Montreal and Gatineau.

Quebec’s interim public health director signalled that the province may be heading towards a sixth wave of the coronavirus, driven by a recent spike in cases from Omicron’s BA.2 subvariant, which is more contagious than the previous Omicron strain prevalent since December.

Throughout Quebec, 8,600 healthcare workers were absent between March 21 and 28, a 60% rise in infections among frontline workers. Eastmain announced that due to staff shortages, there would be reduced services at its CMC, including

no home services, while the MSDC was closed except for the meals on wheels program.

Despite the evidence of a new wave, provincial officials said they have no plans to reintroduce containment measures and indicated they still plan to eliminate mask mandates by mid-April. Meanwhile, the Quebec government announced that seniors in long-term care and retirement homes are now eligible for a second booster shot.

An outbreak at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre in Kahnawake was affecting half of the residents and nine staff, but the centre’s executive director said that due to vaccinations the cases were mild.

www.nationnews.ca April 8, 2022 the Nation 5

Department of Justice and Correctional Services ᐧᐃᔮᔅᑯᓂᒑᐧᐃᓐ ᑭᔮ ᑯᔨᔅᑯᓂᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᐧᐃᓐ ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᓈᓈᑭᒋᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ

ᐃᔨᔨᐤ CAVAC ᐋ ᐱᒥᐱᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ (ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᐦᑑᑎᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᐧᐋᓂᒌ ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ) ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᐦᑑᑎᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᐧᐋᓂᒌ ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒌ ᐅᔑᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᐤ ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓂᒌ ᐊᐧᐋᓂᒌ ᐋᒌ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐅᔮᐧᐋᐦᒡ, ᐅᒥᑐᓈᔨᒋᑭᓂᐧᐋᐦᒡ ᑭᔮ ᐅᐱᒫᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐦᒡ ᐊᓂᔨᐤ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᒌ ᐲᑯᓂᑭᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᐧᐃᔨᔑᐧᐋᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮ ᒫᒃ ᐋ ᐊᔨᒦᔥᑎᐧᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒑᒌ ᐱᑯᐦᑖᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᒌ ᐋᐦᑯᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ᙮ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᑖᑯᔨᓈ ᓈᔥᑦ ᐋᒌ ᐧᐋᐱᐦᑎᒥᓐ ᐋ ᐲᑯᓂᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐧᐃᔨᔑᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ, ᓃᔑᓐᐦ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ CAVAC ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᔥᑎᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐃᔨᔨᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌᐦᒡ᙮ ᓂᓈᐦᑭᐤ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᐧᐋᔨᐤᐦ ᐊᓂᒌ CAVAC ᐋᐱᑎᓰᓯᐧᐃ, ᒋᒡ: ᐋᐦᐧᑳᒡ ᐋᒌ ᐃᔅᐱᔨᑦ ᐊᐧᐋᓐ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐹᒋ ᑭᔮ ᒥᑐᓈᔨᐦᒋᑭᓐ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᓯᐧᐃᓐ ᐋ ᓂᑎᐧᐃᒋᔅᒑᔨᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᑎᐧᐋᔑᐦᑎᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᐄᐧᐋᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᐃᔮᒡ ᑭᔅᒋᐦᐆᐧᐃᓐᐦ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓇᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑭᔮ ᑖᓐ ᒑᒌ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐋᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋᐧᐃᒄ ᑭᔮ ᐅᔥᑭᒡ ᐋ ᐊᑎ ᐱᒥᐱᔨᒡ ᐋ ᑎᐹᔅᑯᓂᒑᓂᐧᐃᒡ

Providing for the Nation

ᓂᓈᐦᑭᐤ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒑᒌ ᐃᐦᑑᑎᐦᒃ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᑎᐧᐋᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᒥᓯᓂᐄᑭᓐᐦ ᐋ ᐧᐄᐦᑎᒧᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑖᓂᑖ ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐱᑯᓂᒑ ᑯᔨᔅᒃ ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐧᐃᔮᑯᓂᒑᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᓂᑐᐦᑯᔨᓐ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᐱᒫᑎᓰᐤᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᓯᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋ ᐃᐦᑎᑯᓂᔨᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᒑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐃᐦᑖᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᒋᔥᑭᐦᒃ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᐧᐋᔥᑖᐱᔨᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐋ ᐧᐄᒑᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᑦ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᓂᒋᔥᑭᐦᒡ ᓂᑐᐦᑯᔨᓐ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮ ᐋ ᐃᐦᑎᑯᓂᔨᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᒑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐃᐦᑖᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᔒᑐᔥᑯᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᐱᒥᐱᔨᔨᒡ ᐋ ᑎᐹᔅᑯᓂᒑᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᐃᔥᑯᑎᒃ ᐋ ᒋᐦᒋᐱᔨᔨᒡ ᓂᒧᔨ ᑎᐱᐦᐄᒑᓂᐧᐃᐤ ᑭᔮ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᒑᐧᑳᓐ ᒋᑭ ᑯᔨᔅᒃ ᑭᓂᐧᐋᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᐤ ᑖᓐ ᒑ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᔨᓐ᙮

CREE CAVAC SERVICES

(Crime Victims Assistance Centre) CAVAC or crime victims assistance centre, have been created to help victims overcome the physical, psychological and social consequences of a crime, and to advocate on their behalf to help them obtain compensation for the harm suffered. If you are a victim or witness to a crime, then there are three Cree CAVAC offices that have been established to serve you in the Cree Nation.

CAVAC officers provide a wide range of assistance services, including: POST-TRAUMA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION, to assess the needs of victims of crime INFORMATION ON THE RIGHTS CRIME VICTIMS HAVE AND THE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO THEM, which encompasses the main stages of judicial process TECHNICAL SERVICES, to assist crime victims in filling out required forms REFERRING VICTIMS TO SPECIALIZED SERVICES, such as appropriate legal, medical, social and community resources capable of assisting victims as they attempt to deal with problems they face ACCOMPANYING CRIME VICTIMS, through their dealings with medical and community resources, and providing sustained support throughout je judicial process as the case proceeds Our front-line services are free of charge and strictly confidential with you.

Community

ᐄᐦᑖᐧᐃᓐᐦ

Toll Free Number

ᓇᒧᔨ ᑎᐸᐦᐄᑲᓂᐧᐃᐤ

Whapmagoostui, Wemindji / ᐧᐋᐱᒫᑯᔥᑐᐃ, ᐧᐄᒥᓂᒌ 855-603-6136 855-603-0009 Chisasibi / ᒋᓵᓰᐲ Waskaganish, Eastmain, Nemaska / ᐧᐋᔅᑳᐦᐃᑭᓂᔥ, Federal compensation deal for 855-603-6168

ᐄᓯᒫᓐ, ᓂᒫᔅᑳᐤ

First Nations affected by water855-603-6137 crisis Mistissini / ᒥᔅᑎᓯᓃ 855-603-0044 Ouje-Bougoumou, Waswanipi / ᐅᒋᐳᑭᒨ, ᐧᐋᐧᓵᓂᐲ cavacinfo@creejustice.ca

www.creejustice.ca

T

he Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) announced March 9 that Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company Inc. (Creeco) is the 2022 recipient of their national Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation Award.

“Celebrating 40 years since its inception, Creeco continues to expand,” said Tabatha Bull, CCAB president and CEO. “They are an inspiration and their perpetual search for new opportunities to create strong communities and economic independence is a testament to their dedication to a prosperous Indigenous economy.”

A subsidiary of the Cree Nation Government that acts through the Board of Compensation, Creeco has grown steadily in diverse economic sectors since its incorporation in 1982. It is the parent organization of successful Cree companies, such as Air Creebec, Cree Construction, Valpiro, Gestion ADC and Quality Inn & Suites Val-d’Or. “The timing couldn’t be better because we’re celebrating 40 years this year of creating employment and development opportunities for our fellow Cree,” said Creeco president Derrick Neeposh. “We owe the subsidiaries our sincere gratitude and congratulate them for this collective recognition – it gives us motivation to strive for more ambitious goals. The award is truly an honour.”

Looking back on Creeco’s history, Neeposh believes the Cree Nation has much to be proud of, not only as business leaders but also as a people.

“The diversity of our structure is a real advantage to have,” asserted Neeposh. “When some companies struggle, others have created opportunities so there’s a balance. If there’s a slowdown in one industry, another one picks up.

Editorial News

Photo provided by Creeco

by Patrick Quinn,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

by Patrick Quinn,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Profitability is, of course, a major factor, but also longevity, stability and quality.”

Profits are redistributed annually to communities as dividends in a market-based disbursement, with additional funding to various Cree entities.

“Being transparent with our shareholders trickles down to creating employment and business opportunities for the Cree,” Neeposh told the Nation. “We have a common value – to ensure our people are employed on a long-term basis.”

While Neepsosh said most of its companies are a natural extension of northern development priorities, the organization is investing outside Eeyou Istchee – now in the $100 million Odea office and condo tower under construction on the site of the Grand Council bureau in downtown Montreal.

“When we see an opportunity, we go for it,” explained Neeposh. “The Odea project is something new and we’re learning the real estate industry quite rapidly. It’s been a very interesting time at Creeco, generating wealth from the south.”

Although Eeyou Eenou Realty Properties doesn’t yet have staff, one of Creeco’s board members is “giving flight”

| Photo provided by Neskantaga First Nation

Creeco earns Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation Award

to the company as it studies options for further investments. There are emerging opportunities to contribute to expanding infrastructure for entities like the Cree Health Board and Cree School Board.

“In the past, there was always this concept of working in silos,” shared Neeposh. “We want to break those down and contribute to the greater good of our Nation.”

For instance, Neeposh looks forward to expanding services at the Espresso Hotel, where Gestion ADC began meal and catering services in November.

“That’s a nice project for us because patients are getting good quality meals,” Neeposh observed. “It also gives them a new level of comfort staying there, being served by Cree companies. We look forward to other projects with the Cree Health Board – Val-d’Or, for example.

There’s always going to be a need for people to see specialists in the south.”

With its growing focus on the real estate industry, Neeposh believes that Creeco could play an important role in addressing the longstanding housing shortage in Eeyou Istchee, whether it is through private ownership or affordable community housing.

“We’re not saying we’re going to build high-rises in the communities,” said Neeposh. “It’s time we take a business approach to the housing situation and find common solutions that would be feasible and quick.”

Neeposh suggested that joint ventures with communities, currently focused primarily on mining camp services, could be leveraged towards housing solutions. One example is the recent creation of a project management team for the economic development fund to simplify access for Cree entrepreneurs.

He also revealed that Eeyou Power, a partnership with six communities founded in 2010, is considering wind power and other renewable energy.

“These joint ventures are key in keeping the financial resources within the communities instead of having outside companies creating leakage,” Neeposh asserted. “We’ve developed such a vast network of expertise in different fields that we want to bring back to the communities for their benefit.”

Creeco will accept its award at the East Coast Business Forum in Halifax April 28.

www.nationnews.ca April 8, 2022

the Nation 7

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

Is your child eligible for

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.

Jordan’s Principle?

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

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.

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.

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Fax: 819-978-3834

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E-mail: youceflarbi@creenet.com

In Brief Chisasibi snowmobile race incident One person was reported lost and later recovered during the first night of the Chisasibi Snowmobile Challenge.

According to social media posts, Jeremy Jolly reported that he became lost and disoriented following a storm during his third lap, which also knocked down some of the racing ribbons.

Later in the race, Jolly said he ended up following a trail for 10km before realizing it was not the official racing trail, and he ended up about 15km southwest of Chisasibi, near the bay. After posting his location online and calling his sister, rescuers were able to locate him and bring him back to the community after 90 minutes.

Other commenters online noted that the trail had been changed at the last minute because there was open water, and that Jolly, of Waswanipi, did not have a chance to view the trail beforehand. He also reported that the extreme weather had already blown away his tracks by the time he realized he was lost.

Mistissini governance project gets funding

ing Mistissini Iinuuch ChisaWiisuuwehwun (a Mistissini constitution), a Governance Law, a Hunting Law, a Development Law, and a Lake Law. These efforts will be supported by a $499,000 commitment over four years from the federal Justice Department.

“Through this Governance Project, the Cree Nation of Mistissini is working to develop fundamental laws that will capture in written form the heart of our Cree worldview – our understanding of good governance, of accountability and of how we relate to each other and to our lands and our waters,” Chief Thomas Neeposh said in a press release.

“These laws will set forth traditional Cree knowledge and authority in the form of legislation that clearly describes how our Iinou Iidouwun – our laws and legal systems, values, principles and practices – apply today.”

Federal Justice Minister David Lametti said the support responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 50, which emphasizes revitalizing Indigenous legal traditions.

“The revitalization of Indigenous laws in Quebec, through partnership with Indigenous peoples, is a critical step in strengthening communities, advancing self-determination and increasing

access to justice,” Lametti commented.

The TRC’s Call to Action 50 recommends the federal government fund the development of Indigenous laws.

Neeposh told the Nation that he became aware of the federal funding to establish and codify laws in writing and applied for it over a year ago.

He said that for generations, these laws were passed down orally.

“Now it’s important we write them down for future generations, of how our hunters and trappers managed their affairs,” he explained.

Neeposh said Mistissini will consult with Elders, youth, hunters, trappers and community members. He said the process could take several years and may lead to a change in how things are done in the community.

“We want to include as much as we can of tradition-

al Cree knowledge and laws.

That’s the main tenet, not to forget our culture and traditions as a nation,” he said, referring to developing a hunting law as an example. “The law will set out parameters of how we manage and resolve trapline disputes that happen in every nation.”

“We’re also looking at ways to protect the lake from anything that could damage it permanently, like forestry or mining,” he added. “We’re trying to protect our customs and way of life.”

Mistissini can use the funding according to what the community chooses, if it meets government expectations.

“We are grateful for the funding. It will help our community develop these laws, and protect our culture, language and traditions,” Neeposh said.

In Brief

Thomas Neeposh, Chief

The Canadian government and the Cree Nation of Mistissini launched the Mistissini Governance Project March 17 to revitalize “Cree legal principles and traditions within their community.”

The project aims to create five overarching laws for the community, includwww.nationnews.ca April 8, 2022

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Features

Pakesso Mukash performs national anthem partly in Cree before MontrealToronto match

by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

F

or anyone who has ever loved hockey, attending a Montreal Canadiens game against the arch-rival Toronto Maple Leafs on a Saturday night is a thrilling experience. The game played March 26 held special significance for Pakesso Mukash – he was singing the national anthem in Cree, French and English for the team’s inaugural Indigenous Celebration Night.

10 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Photos provided by Patrick Quinn

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“I couldn’t backtrack if I go down the wrong path of lyrics,” explained Mukash. “When I heard the crowd chime in on the melody even though the words were in Cree, I was like here we go. Then the roar that erupts when I went into that last note, it was an incredible feeling. I don’t think that could be compared to anything.”

For the occasion, Mukash wore a beaded pin with the Habs logo encircled in tiny orange leaves that he asked his niece Nalakwsis to make for him. He was supported by a large contingent of Cree at the game, including his father, former Grand Chief Matthew Mukash, who made the long trip from his home in Whapmagoostui.

Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee attended on behalf of the Cree Nation in place of Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, who was at the Vatican to meet Pope Francis.

“Being here is a great honour for me,” Wapachee told the Nation. “It’s a good gesture inviting all Indigenous leaders. It’s nice to see brothers and sisters from other Indigenous groups. I look forward to seeing Pakesso Mukash sing – he makes the Cree Nation proud.”

Wapachee was pleased that team owner Geoff Molson mentioned the idea of hosting a First Nations hockey tournament in Montreal with the final 12 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

“The fact that one of the most storied franchises in all of sports opened the door for us to gently walk through is incredibly meaningful,” Mukash told the Nation. “It’s not even about me.

It’s a small step for me as an artist but it’s a huge stride for the Canadiens organization and for Indigenous people.”

While Mukash has performed on many stages as co-founder of the Juno-winning group CerAmony, it’s safe to say that nothing quite prepared him for this. The nervous energy of 21,000 excited fans was palpable as the pre-game music of Anishinaabe DJ Boogey The Beat subsided and Mukash was introduced.

“When I stepped on the ice, I had my daughter’s rattle,” shared Mukash. “It was to honour the children but also to calm myself and call in the ancestors, so to speak. As soon as I hit the first note, I knew we’re going to be all right. I don’t know if I could have envisioned it any better.”

During the previous three weeks, he had been singing O Canada as a lullaby for his baby girl to help memorize this version.

As he fluidly shifted between languages with all eyes on him, this preparation ensured he properly honoured his translated lyrics and didn’t accidentally slide back into French.

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14 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

“It’s nice to see brothers and sisters from other Indigenous groups.

I look forward to seeing Pakesso Mukash sing – he makes the Cree Nation proud” -Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee

game at the Bell Centre. Before this season started, the Canadiens committed to the reconciliation process and consulted with the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre to develop a territorial land acknowledgement that has been presented before each home game.

“Through our actions, we want to inspire positive change in terms of diversity and equity within our sport, both on and off the ice, as well as in the community, in order to provide all players and fans an inclusive and welcoming environment, free from any form of racism or discrimination,” stated Molson.

A few days before the game, the Montreal Canadiens Childrens’ Foundation and former Habs’ right-winger Georges Laraque joined Val-d’Or’s annual march against racism. While some hoped that star goaltender Carey Price from the Ulkatcho First Nation might suit up for this game, Price instead delivered a special video message welcoming everyone “to celebrate not only our past but our future.”

Chiefs and Elders representing several Nations seemed genuinely touched by the team’s gesture of reconciliation.

Kahnawake Chief Jessica Lazare said that “if more big organizations create these opportunities, we’re making small steps to make the big step.”

Kahnawake artist Thomas Deer designed the special orange warmup jerseys that players wore before the game. They featured a two-row wampum, a symbol of coexistence and mutual respect between Indigenous and European peoples, along with several

other symbols paying homage to his community.

“I wish I could tell my six-year-old self that I would be asked to do design work for the Montreal Canadiens,” Deer stated. “Indigenous peoples’ connection to hockey is strong, at least in my community. After being fans of hockey for so long, to get that kind of acknowledgement is going to be a powerful thing for Indigenous fans.”

Funds raised through merchandise sales will be donated to the New Pathways Foundation and Puamun Meshkenu, two organizations working with Indigenous youth in Quebec. Two young Puamun Meshkenu ambassadors presented the game’s starting line-up and gave radio interviews.

For regional Assembly of First Nations Chief Ghislain Picard, the event represented a valuable space for dialogue and harmony, bringing the territory’s history into the present. He appreciated the opportunity to form new allies and engage in something beyond the political process.

“This evening holds a very special meaning for all of us because for once we’re all on the same team and we’re all trying to promote rapprochement between peoples,” said Picard. “No matter what the outcome of the game is, in my mind and heart, Montreal Canadiens are winners tonight.”

In the end, the Canadiens were 4-2 winners, despite being outshot 51-18. The crowd was respectful and Indigenous people were well represented. People who came to town couldn’t have asked for a better game – a close battle until the end with the home side emerging victorious.

“There were so many things in the air for people to be proud of,” said Mukash.

“I heard people screaming and cheering while I was singing and thought those are probably people I know. It helped boost me. All in all, just fantastic.” www.nationnews.ca April 8, 2022

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WACHIYA! First of all, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank Cheminduu for all the strength given for another challenging year. We'd also like to take the time to recognize all EeYouth who continue to push through everyday battles and strive to be their best selves.

This year, we are proud to congratulate all of our 2nd Inspire Hope Awards nominees! We'd like to thank all Eenouch who nominated each and every one of this year's 135 youth nominees for their inspiration and courage. You all inspire us to reach higher and further!

We would like to thank all the leaders who provided a message to our youth, all the videographers who made it happen (Gerardo Salazar, Patricio Caceres, Benjamin Masty), the crew at JBCCS, Theresa MacLeod Loon who provided us with graphic design, Ezekiel Mianscum for his powerful performance and the Heart of the Land (Taauskimikuapaau) for their beautiful drum songs to open and close our event.

Finally, we would like to thank The Cree Nation Youth Council board members and staff for their hard work to make this recognition possible once again.

Meegwetch and see you all next year!

ADRIAN N. GUNNER Youth Grand Chief

JORDAN MASTY Deputy Youth Grand Chief

THE OATH TO INSPIRE I declare my promise that from this day on, I will do all in my power to daily inspire those around me and realize that in lifting others, I lift myself.

I will inspire hope through my actions, words, and good deeds. I will inspire and lift the hearts of my family, friends, co-workers, youth, elders, leaders and anyone that I see may be in need of hope and inspiration in their lives.

I will speak words of encouragement rather than discouragement; display acts of kindness; motivate someone to make a change; overcome an obstacle or fight harder to achieve a dream.

One person can make a difference, and I vow on this day to be that person.

So help me GOD.

INITIATIVE BY THE CREE NATION YOUTH COUNCIL

www.creenationyouthcouncil.ca

16 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS ARTS & EXPRESSION

EDUCATION

CHANTAL BOSUM

CASSANDRA WEAPENICAPPO STEPHEN

TINA BROWN

MARIAH SHECAPIO-LACROIX

DARWIN SAM

EZEKIEL MIANSCUM

Student of the Year – High School OUJE-BOUGOUMOU

Student of the Year – College EASTMAIN

Student of the Year – University EASTMAIN

Digital Visual Arts OUJE-BOUGOUMOU

Visual Arts CHISASIBI

Music MISTISSINI

NORMAN AWASHISH

ADRIAN RABBITSKIN-BULLFROG

DAKOTA GUNNER

CHARITY LACROIX

Student of the Year – Vocational MISTISSINI

Student of the Year – Adult Education CHISASIBI

Culinary Arts MISTISSINI

Dance OUJE-BOUGOUMOU

PARENTHOOD

COMMUNITY SERVICE & CONTRIBUTION

SAMMY MATCHES

CANDICE BOSUM

ZACHARY OTTEREYES

MERVINA CHEEZO

JULIA GILPIN

RAYMOND JOLLY

Parental Figure of the Year NEMASKA

Mother of the Year OUJE-BOUGOUMOU

Father of the Year WASWANIPI

Frontline Worker of the Year EASTMAIN

Employee of the Year WEMINDJI

Entrepreneur of the Year WASKAGANISH

LEADERSHIP

HEALTH & ACTIVE LIVING

KAITLYNN HESTER MOSES

ANDREA MCLEOD

JULIA GILPIN

STACY ANDERSON

JAYDEN SHECAPIO-BLACKSMITH

MERVINA CHEEZO

CANDICE BOSUM

MELISSA GILPIN

Dr. Billy Diamond Award WASKAGANISH

James A. Shecapio Award WASKAGANISH

Mentorship WEMINDJI

Advocacy MISTISSINI

Athlete of the Year OUJE-BOUGOUMOU

Sobriety EASTMAIN

Perseverance OUJE-BOUGOUMOU

Holistic Health WASKAGANISH

INSPIRING YOUTH AWARDS

CREE CULTURE

FREDDIE DIXON

ADRIAN COONISHISH

KATIE-JOY SEALHUNTER-MATOUSH

CARRIE-LYNN BEARSKIN

ROBIN GULL-SAGANASH

KAITLYNN HESTER MOSES

Cree Language WASWANIPI

Cree Culture MISTISSINI

Cree Arts CHISASIBI

Cree Cook of the Year CHISASIBI

Inspiring Youth Award – Inland WASWANIPI

Inspiring Youth Award – Coastal WASKAGANISH

T

he journey towards healing and reconciliation brought 30 Indigenous delegates to the Vatican for meetings with Pope Francis March 28 to April 1. The delegation is seeking justice for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools, including an official apology during his planned trip to Canada later this year.

The gathering included separate meetings with First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups before the Pope was to formally respond to all delegates the final day. After expressing pain at the discovery of unmarked graves at the Kamloops residential school last June, Pope Francis agreed to visit Canada to contribute to reconciliation efforts.

“I think that event created an openness,” said Grand Chief Mandy GullMasty. “I look at this as the first step in the reconciliation process, as somebody

who is asking to connect. I have every intention of treating him as somebody who has a willingness to address what has happened and make things right. Is he going to do that? I guess we’ll find out.”

The Assembly of First Nations chose Gull-Masty to address the issue of reparations. She told the Nation that the delegation had met virtually for months to develop a message about the impact of residential schools, including testimonies from survivors, and pathways towards reconciliation.

“My section deals with our expectations about having practical support and viable solutions to implement,” explained Gull-Masty. “My statement is to ensure reparations are made to intergenerational survivors, but also to start up a reconciliation fund so we can ensure that other Canadians can support this process as well.”

While Cree survivors discuss a proposed investigation of residential school sites on Fort George Island, there is hope the Vatican will shed light on what happened there. There is little to no information about survivors or those responsible for abuses they encountered.

“The message that came over and over again is having access to student records for the school in Chisasibi,” said Gull-Masty. “There’s a lot of questions around what happened to students, who were the teachers, who were making the decisions to send staff there. This has to be addressed.”

Gull-Masty believes the community will announce whether they will proceed with ground-penetrating radar in April, and she fully supports whichever direction they pursue. However, just as some survivors oppose investigating the source of their traumatic experience, several Cree

APOL

Grand Chief delivers residential School message to Pope 18 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

have publicly expressed their opposition to seeking an apology from the Pope.

“The Indigenous delegation travelling to the Vatican is kind of robbing me of my dignity,” posted Maïtée LabrecqueSaganash on Facebook. “I don’t think that performing trauma for the Pope and begging for a half-assed apology is repairing the harm caused to my family, and it doesn’t make me feel empowered at all.”

Her statement generated a flurry of discussion. Gull-Masty commented that, despite conflicted feelings of some survivors, the delegation prepared “a strong message of accountability.”

“I felt very conflicted at one point, and I had to seek advice,” Gull-Masty added.

“On speaking with residential school survivors, I haven’t had one say, ‘Don’t do it’. One stated when you’re going on a journey of healing, a big part is looking at forgiveness. Forgiveness provides clo-

sure – if we can complete that process for them, that’s a significant part of my duty here.”

Gull-Masty believes the youth are pivotal in taking this healing to the next stage and appreciates that Youth Grand Chief Adrian Gunner accompanied her to Rome.

“It’s the youth who are going to bring this forward and break that chain,” asserted Gull-Masty. “I don’t want to see the next generation after Adrian still carrying the need for reconciliation. I want them to talk about how they have achieved healing from the historical impact of residential schools if that’s possible.”

Gunner admitted he’s trying to process complex feelings. Before going, his grandfather George showed him the scars he still bears from residential school and told him he’d prefer the Pope apologize in Canada.

“They shared the tip of the iceberg of their stories and it’s a lot to process,” Gunner said. “I have all these mixed emotions – I’m angry with what happened but trying to figure it out on the inside.”

Gunner’s other grandfather, the late Grand Chief Billy Diamond, met Pope John Paul II in 1984. Gunner says Diamond talked about the mistreatment and presented traditional snowshoes as a gift. Gunner presented a similar gift to Pope Francis during this trip “to show the appreciation there’s an open door.”

“Sometimes I wish I could call my late grandfather and ask him what I should expect – any pointers?” reflected Gunner.

“With him being gone, that’s the part of the trip that’s very touchy for me. I never thought I’d be doing this – I could have only dreamed about it.”

LOGY

by Patrick Quinn

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

www.nationnews.ca April 8, 2022

the Nation 19

Your Northern Airline of Choice

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 20 the Nation March 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

The vaccine isn’t effective against this,

but it’s very effective against COVID-19.

Québec.ca/COVIDvaccine Vaccination remains the best protection.

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

snow

22 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

SPEED

sleddin’

Hundreds turn out for snowmobile races in Mistissini and Waswanipi

by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

M

istissini and Waswanipi recently hosted end-of-season snowmobile races – the Mistissini Snowmobile Challenge March 11-13, and the Waswanipi Cross Country Challenge March 19-20.

Waswanipi Leisure and Sports Coordinator Joy Blacksmith-Kitchen said her community’s event went off without a hitch. “The weather was right on. The snow melted last year, but this year everything went really well. No complaints so far. It was hectic, but we pulled it off.”

She credits her team of 32, including Leisure and Sports Department and community members, for organizing the competition in just two weeks. After starting the race three years ago and having to restrict the racers by region due to Covid last year BlacksmithKitchen said this year was their biggest event yet – with 169 registered racers.

That allowed Kent Careen to come all the way from Labrador to win in the Sport category. Blacksmith-Kitchen estimated a few hundred more people came from across Eeyou Istchee just to watch the race.

“It was great to see people there; we’ve been dealing with Covid and lots of restrictions were lifted. It was great to almost be normal,” she said, adding that people respected their bubbles and wore masks.

Next year, if conditions permit, she hopes to open the race to other regions, after receiving messages from people in British Columbia and New Hampshire who wanted to participate. Waswanipi, as a more southern community, hopes to hold next year’s event in February to ensure good conditions.

A highlight for Blacksmith-Kitchen was seeing Silas Neeposh once again win the Professional category, while his sister Jewel Neeposh also repeated as champion in the Women’s category.

Other Waswanipi winners included George Shecapio in both the Beginner’s and Youth Boys categories, and Jewel Neeposh in the Youth Girls’ category. Jayden Shecapio-Blacksmith took home the prize for Cross Country Sport, fresh after winning the Men’s Professional category in Ouje-Bougoumou.

In Mistissini, Elijah Matoush won the Professional Cross Country championship, along with a $10,000 prize. Andrew Neeposh won both the Cross-Country Champion award and the Sport category. Destiny Coon Come won the Women’s Cross-Country award, while Morgan Mianscum won the Beginner/Amateur category.

Among the youth, Destiny Coon-Come won the Junior Girls 16-17 prize, while Kenyon Coon was the winner in Junior Boys 16-17. Nian Coonishish won for Junior Girls 13-15, while Jarome P. Jolly won for Junior Boys 13-15. In the 200cc category, Kenny Dixon grabbed first place, while Shadrack Shecapio was first in the 120cc category.

www.nationnews.ca April 8, 2022

the Nation 23

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Politics

Foggy conditions La Grande Alliance begins unclear consultation process as it fails to meet timeline

by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

C Public online meetin held February 11

Photo by Sarah Shem

26 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

ommunity engagement sessions surrounding the Grande Alliance project are underway in several communities, with further plans for community engagement expected in the next few weeks. The delayed engagement projects virtually ensure the project won’t meet its own timeline. The Cree Development Corporation announced a $4.4 million contract for a 12-month process in April 2021 to involve stakeholders in the co-design of the project.

La Grande Alliance was first announced as a $4.7 billion infrastructure agreement signed between the Cree Nation and the province of Quebec in 2020. It includes several proposals for a new 700-kilometre highway and other roads, a deep-sea port, a series of protected areas, electrical lines, among other infrastructure and upgrades.

The Cree Development Corporation also committed to hiring 10 community information officers (CIO) to organize consultations with community members for each of the Cree communities, including Washaw Sibi.

In Nemaska, CIO Bran Mianscum said that he had been meeting with tallymen to conduct studies, and the week of March 28 would be hosting interviews with tallymen to look at culturally important areas along traplines.

He said that while the community originally planned to hold engagement sessions before the Christmas break, those were postponed due to Covid outbreaks. Now, the plan is to wait until after goose break, because past engagement sessions held during moose break or goose break have had low engagement.

In Chisasibi, CIO Christopher Herodier said that a youth engagement session was organized, but nobody showed up. No more engagement sessions were currently planned. In Whapmagoostui, CIO John Shem said that they planned to hold engagement sessions during the community’s business conference the week of March 28.

In the remaining seven communities, CIOs either have not been hired or did not respond to inquiries from the Nation about their plans for community engagement.

Speaking on behalf of the Grande Alliance, Samuel

CBHSSJB_GooseBreak-Ads-NationMag_20220329_v5FINAL.pdf

Lessard said they were developing a calendar of events for the spring, which would be posted to the newsletter section of their website, www.lagrandealliance.quebec.

Newsletters posted to the site also indicate that Cree Development Corporation President Davey Bobbish met with Waswanipi tallymen and land users on March 16 to answer questions about infrastructure under study, and it was agreed that a follow-up meeting would be held in the next few months.

According to the Grande Alliance’s Facebook profile, a public online meeting was also held February 11 for residents of Matagami, where they received a presentation on the ongoing process and Phase I feasibility studies, as well as Phase II and III pre-feasibility studies.

The project was criticized when it was launched, with nearly 900 people signing a petition launched by Cree youth, saying there was a lack of consultation by Cree leaders and chiefs.

On the Grande Alliance website, it is indicated that Phase I feasibility studies and Phase II and II pre-feasibility studies are to be finished by the end of 2022, with funding estimated to start in 2023 for individual projects, and environmental and social impact assessments for individual projects estimated to start in 2025.

3

2022-03

Iyiyimiichim is healthy but lead shot is not!

LEAD SHOT IS TOXIC

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The Cree Development Corporation also committed to hiring 10 community information officers (CIO) to organize consultations with community members for each of the Cree communities, including Washaw Sibi

CY

CMY

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Let’s keep our families and environment healthy by using lead-free ammunition.

Make sure your gun can handle non-lead shot.

It’s time to switch!

For more information

creehealth.org/leadfree www.nationnews.ca April 8, 2022

the Nation 27

28 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

A TRUSTED PROVIDER OF NEWS TO THE CREES OF EEYOU ISTCHEE SINCE 1993

Community Raymond Jolly, an Entrepreneur of the Year nominee

Best in Youth Cree Youth Council announces Inspire Hope winners

by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he Cree Nation Youth Council presented the second annual Inspire Hope Awards via livestream March 25, handing out 30 awards to youth out of 135 nominees in a range of categories, including sports, education, culture, parenthood and leadership.

“There are no limits for any of our young people. Our ability to make choices within our nation to pursue an education is one of our greatest tools in nation building and in building our own future as a self-determining, self-governing nation,” said Cree School Board Chairperson Sarah Pash during her opening remarks.

“It is really evident you are all very accomplished and that you will all become part of building our great nation and to contributing to your communities in meaningful ways. We all look forward to everything you will accomplish in your future,” she added.

The awards ceremony was co-hosted by Freddie Dixon and Steven Tapiatic, along with Youth Grand Chief Adrian Gunner, and featured musical performances and speeches by Cree leaders, including Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, Bertie Wapachee and former Youth Grand Chief Kaitlynn Hester Moses. Winners in each category received a recognition plaque and a $1,000 cash prize.

Raymond Jolly, an Entrepreneur of the Year nominee, said he was watching the stream on Facebook and was getting nervous as they approached his category. When his name announced as winner, Jolly said, “I felt happy, but I was pretty shocked.”

“I was proud for myself, but I also acknowledged the people who helped me through my entrepreneurship journey,” he added.

“I’m very thankful to those who nominated and voted for me, without the support I’ve been getting I wouldn’t be able to accomplish such things,” Jolly said. “I want to congratulate all the award winners, and all the people who got nominated in every category.”

Tania Lariviere, Special Projects Technician for the Cree Nation Youth Council, said that the awards aren’t about winning: “Some people think nobody sees what they are doing, and these awards will motivate them to keep going. The cash isn’t the prize – it’s the recognition.”

Lariviere said while some people nominate themselves, 95% of the nominations come from neighbours, teachers, friends and those who want to highlight the efforts of youth. “Communities took time to highlight youth in their communities,” she added.

While the ceremony was conducted online, Lariviere hopes the gala will be incorporated into the Inspire Hope

30 the Nation April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

conference next year. Still, there were live gatherings in several communities at youth centres – serving snacks, refreshments and “swag bags” as well as the new Inspire Hope book.

Winners this year included Chantal Bosum (Ouje-Bougoumou) for Student of the Year: High School; Freddie Dixon (Waswanipi) for Cree Language; KatieJoy Sealhunter-Matoush (Chisasibi) for the Cree Arts award; and Ezekiel Mianscum (Mistissini) for the Music award.

Kaitlynn Hester Moses (Waskaganish) took home the Dr. Billy Diamond Award and the Inspiring Youth Award: Coastal; Robin Gull-Saganash (Waswanipi) won the Inspiring Youth Award: Inland; and Andrea McLeod (Waskaganish) won the James A. Shecapio Award.

Jayden Shecapio-Blacksmith (OujeBougoumou) took home the Athlete of the Year award, while Mervina Cheezo (Eastmain) won the Frontline Worker of the Year award. Candice Bosum (OujeBougoumou) picked up the Mother of the Year award, while Father of the Year went to Zachary Ottereyes (Waswanipi).

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the Nation 31

Puzzles Crossword 1 2 3 4 5 ACROSS 1 Equestrian gear 13 14 5 Say further 18 17 8 Part of REM 13 Medicinal herb 20 21 14 Fedora feature 16 Battery terminal 24 25 17 Buddhist leader 26 27 18 Spanish wine 19 Hollywood VIP 31 32 20 Makes a scarf, 36 37 say 22 60's sitcom, 41 "_____ Junction" 45 46 47 24 Venomous snake 50 26 Having no key, in music 52 53 54 28 Barricade 58 31 Sassy talk 32 Jobs for Perry 62 Mason 65 34 Pulled apart 36 Periodic Table entry 38 Called for a 64 Kind of flute pizza 65 Billy goat feature 41 Desertlike 66 Wall St. locale 42 "Lou Grant" 67 College bigwig portrayer 44 Sister of Amy, DOWN Beth and Jo 1 Kind of radio 45 Shine brightly 2 Turing of math 48 Mock 3 Gilbert & Sullivan 50 Under the genre weather 4 1989 "Batman" 52 Spotted horse portrayer 55 Killed, as a 5 CBS competitor dragon 6 Cover, in a way 58 Indian condiment 7 Widely varied 59 Simone of jazz 8 Like some 61 Reed instrument profiling 62 Torch job 9 Personal 63 Fair to middling account

PREVIOUS SOLUTION:

Solution to Crossword: A X E D

L A R D

G N A W

G R E B E

S A S S

A L E E

R E A L E S T A T E

I M M E D I A T E T U M I D

T A L C O P A L I N A T E C E A D O P E R L L C A S E G U N B I R C E N D E H I S S E A L V R N I N E N A R O G I G N S L E

STR8TS

No. 587

6 4

S M S E U L N T S H A R D A E I T R A O D

S T O L E L A M I N A T E D

W A T E R T O W E R

A G E S

G E L S

A G O N Y

M E L T

R I V E

O V E N

T E N T

SUDOKU

Medium

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

1 7 8 8 9 4 5

1

8 3

7

4 1 4

5

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

© 2022 Syndicated Puzzles

1 5

No. 587

Previous solution - Easy

2 3 9 7 6 8

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

5 1 2 3 4 7 9 8

2 1 3 8 7

6

7

9

10

11

29

30

12

16 19

22

23

28 33

34 38

42

39

35

40

43

44 48

49

51 55 59

56

60

57

61

63

64 66

67

Copyright 2022 by The Puzzle Syndicate

10 Ralph Lauren label 11 Notion 12 Creditor's concern 15 Tim of "Virgin River" 21 Part of NASA 23 Tetley product 25 Scheme 26 Stein fillers 27 Flooring pro 29 Daunting 30 Shackled no more 33 Penn and Union, e.g.

35 Advantage 37 Dispute referee

Very Hard

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

39 Overhaul 40 Boutique buy 43 Legislative period 46 Away from the sea 47 Big fuss 49 Browser action 51 Spring bloomer 52 Kuwaiti, e.g.

53 Cut back 54 Leaning Tower city 56 Shred 57 Gas light 60 NYC rep since 2019

Previous solution - Tough

4 5 9 2 3 1 6 7 8

2

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 April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

8 15

© 2022 Syndicated Puzzles

H

ere’s another edition of the Nation’s puzzle page.

Try your hand at Sudoku or Str8ts or our Crossword, or better yet, solve all three and send us a photo!* As always, the answers from last issue are here for you to check your work. Happy hunting.

B E T A

by Margie E. Burke

8 6 2 4 7 5 1 9 3

3 1 7 6 9 8 2 4 5

6 7 1 5 2 4 3 8 9

5 2 8 3 1 9 7 6 4

9 3 4 8 6 7 5 2 1

2 9 5 1 8 6 4 3 7

1 8 3 7 4 2 9 5 6

7 4 6 9 5 3 8 1 2

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

Future predictions

by Sonny Orr

T

he last time I wrote about anything earth shaking concerned the long, drawn-out affair with the pandemic, the woes and lows of living faceless and remote, the cough our greatest fear, the needle our only salvation.

And then someone decided to invade another country in the name of history.

Well, in the name of fake news, the modern-day propaganda machine spitting out every kind of version of a twisted war, live via feeds on cellphones and social media.

Now, one of the world’s largest countries is attacking its smaller neighbour, once tightly nestled in the realm of the USSR. Yes, the social-media-powered war against an invading country is occupying everyone’s feeds and splattered across the news networks, a real war where people’s lives are lost in real time. I try not to watch too much but it seems that those high-tech weapons can’t stand up against people’s resilience.

As we complain that fuel now costs more per litre than beer, it just goes to show that how one self-deluded dictator with so much power at hand can change the way we live. Today, our bragging rights to having the most expensive fuel in our territory is now being challenged by southern gas stations.

I sit back and wonder how much more we can take when it comes the world’s madness at our virtual doorstep. I like to slink off to my little corner and wish that watching movies was okay again. That’s because, in today’s world of short clips on Facebook, we see only the choice scenes and the rest of the story is shortened to

Snowmobiles are a way of life around here – it’s just getting a little expensive for people to use them for hobbies.

the chases and fights or anything that involves action and no talking.

That brings us to this week of action in Eeyou Istchee. Yes, it’s the end of the fiscal year and once again spending the leftover budget is needed or else there’ll be fewer funds for you next year. In general, as not everyone has budget surpluses, it feels better to have funds to spend than none at all.

March is an extreme month of activity, with weather warm enough to stand outside and watch snowmobile racers zoom by and the sun rise higher in the sky. Is that the smell of spring in the air, or is it just another snowstorm on the way?

Who can tell these days? Most people don’t care anymore, as long as the next breath of fresh air doesn’t need to be filtered through some worn-out mask.

Yes, winter is on its way out, and I’m seriously thinking of getting a snowblower just because I already have every

snow removal hand tool there is, so making noise and showing off to the neighbours might be my mantra next winter. I’m thinking of making an outdoor rink, that is, if the water doesn’t freeze in the hose before it reaches the goalie area. Street hockey anyone?

Speaking of hockey, our own Pakesso sang for all of us to the whole country, well at least the national anthem to Habs fans and haters – that’s something that doesn’t happen every Saturday night.

Other action-worthy mentions are the numerous camp sites offering a resort and healthy lifestyle based on our culture, which is good to see. Nothing like a term in the bush to get things unrattled in our cluttered internet-fed brains. As for summer, I’m looking forward to heat waves we can complain about, wishing winter was back already.

Signing off from the thawing North…

LET’S DRIVE!!!

LEARN HOW TO DRIVE WITH US

| S TA R T T R A I N I N G I M M E D I AT E LY

Don’t be a backseat driver anymore! Experience the freedom of the road and we’ll make it happen in no time at all.

Contact Voyageur Driving School at 418-770-3699 or check out our Facebook page. Still on foot? Then just come and see us at 203 Mistissini Blvd. The course is available for everyone in Mistissini.

SO DON’T DELAY! Come and sign up to expand your horizons

www.nationnews.ca April 8, 2022

the Nation 33

UTNS

www.underthenorthernsky.com

Under the Northern Sky

Make the world a better place

by Xavier Kataquapit

W

hat if you found out that your life was at an end and tomorrow you would die? What would that mean to you? How would that change your perception of your life? What would be important to you, now that you knew your time was up?

My guess is that most of us would think about our loved ones, families, friends and those who made life better for us. Maybe you would recall people who you had failed or disappointed in some way? Perhaps you would remember the beautiful, artful or majestic images you saw or created? Could it be that you would feel intensely the pain of losing life, of breathing air, tasting food, quenching your thirst or saying goodbye to your most treasured and best loved person.

One thing I am quite sure of is that you won’t be thinking of how much money you have, the material possessions you collected or petty daily worries. It is a good guess that you won’t be focusing on anything trivial. You would probably think of the good you did in your life, the people you helped on your journey, the wonderful times you celebrated with others – the music, dance and beauty you experienced together.

At the end, perhaps you’d wish you had done more to make the world a better place. There are so many negative things happening on our planet today. We see wars, inequality, racism, hate, right-wing fascism, the oppression of people, the never-ending expansion of the corporate world and slavery of people for the benefit

We are not helpless, we have a voice of the wealthy. Fifty billionaires now control most of the world’s wealth and more or less run the planet.

What if you could have done more to make the world a better place? At the end of the line would you realize that you could have done more, in your local sphere of influence, in your town, your city, your province and your country?

You could have provided more time and energy to making sure that good things happened. You could have helped good, honest and positive people to get voted into government at all levels. You could have helped to ensure that programs were put forward to have decent public health for everyone, a free public education for anyone wanting it, the guarantee of a social safety net to make sure everyone is taken care of and has a roof over their heads, clean water to drink and enough food to eat.

You might realize that you could have played a more important role in making the world a better place. In fact, you had the energy, the intelligence, the motivation and the capacity to help do that, but you might have been so wrapped up in a million other things while building your life that those opportunities were missed.

What a shame it would be to find out at the very end of your life that you could have done more to change this world for

all its peoples in a better way. Imagine if you had realized that if you had done your best to identify the things you wanted to see happen for the good of everyone and then you worked with others to make that happen.

As an Indigenous person from the James Bay coast, I was always aware of death in many ways. As a young boy and teen, I attended funerals every year of people I knew or was closely related to from the time I was born. My parents and Elders always reminded me of the limited length and quick passage of a lifetime. I have always sensed that life was precious and could be short. In my own simple way, my motivation to write is driven by that reality.

We are not helpless, we have a voice, and we can make choices to make sure that hateful, right-wing governments and ideologies are not allowed to grow. We can pressure all our leaders to make sure that the time has come for finding solutions to any conflict that does not end in war and violence. We can make the world a more equitable and fairer place.

Every one of us has this ability. It would be great to understand this while we are alive and well rather than at the last minute when our time has run out. Every one of us has the power to make the world a better place.

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 April 8, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Y D A E GET R S FOR T H E BU

H

Reduce your risk of infections while you’re in the bush during Goose Break. Make sure your vaccines are up-to-date.

GOOSE BREAK VACCINATION CHECKLIST: Call the CMC to update your vaccines COVID-19 vaccines Get all the doses you're eligible for, including booster dose(s)

Flu vaccine

Make sure you had your annual flu shot

Other vaccines Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date

EAK E BR GOOS li s t check

Vaccines reduce the risk of severe complications from COVID-19 infections or seasonal flu.

SHOT

FLU

D- 1 9

COVI

SHOTS

ES R A B IT S SHO

FOR

YOUR

DOGS

DOGS NEED VACCINES TOO. Make sure your dogs’ rabies vaccine is up to date.

s help u s e n i er Vacc h oth c a e ct prote WE WISH YOU A SAFE GOOSE BREAK AND A GOOD HARVEST

ᐄᓅᒡ / ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᐋᐦ ᑭᓂᐧᐋᐱᐦᑎᐦᒡ ᐊᓂᔮ ᒑ ᒌᐦ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒥᔪᐱᔨᓈᓂᐧᐃᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᐋᐦ ᐹᔨᑯᑖᐅᓰᓈᓂᐧᐃᐧᐃᔨᒡ

2022 Eeyou/Eenou Family Values

GOOSE BREAK CALENDAR

Our family values originate from our Eeyou/Eenou philosophy/Iiyiyiuiyihtuwin (Eeyou/Eenou way of life), traditional values and customs that come from the land, birds, fish and animals we harvested for food.

ᓂᐦᐄ

ᐄ ᔑ ᐧᐋᐧᐄᒋ

ᐦᐄ

ᐦ

ᒋᔅᑯ

ᑎ ᒫᒑ ᓂᐧᐃ

ᒡ

-

ᐃᓐ

ᒥᑐᐧ

ᐧᐃ

ᓐ

ᑐᑖ

D ᐧᐃᓐ

ᐃᓐ

ᒧᐧ

-

ᐱ

ᓘᐧ

ᐹᐃ

ᒌᐦ ᐅ ᔑ

Contact your local Community Organizer at the CMC to get a copy of the Eeyou/Eenou Family Values book.

ᑭ ᓐ ᓂ ᔅ ᒋᐦ

John Blueboy and the Tamarack Decoy Pages 42-43

ᑳᓐ

ᑖᐧ ᐹ ᐅ ᒑ

Eeyou/Eenou family values guide and steer you in the direction of healthy living Visit creehealth.org to learn more:

Page 30

ᒋᓈ

ᐹᔮ

FAITH

Page 40

TRUTH

ᐧᐋ

Page 38

ᓐ

14 AY

ᔨ ᐦ ᑎ ᒧᐧ ᐃ ᓐ

TEACHING

ᐋ

ᐦ ᐄ ᑎ ᒧᐧ ᐃ

D

13 AY

ᑖᐧ

ᓂᐧ ᑐ

ᓈ

ᓐ

ᐧᐃ

ᐧᐋ

ᐋᐦ

ᓂᓂ

ᐧᒑᓐ

ᒥᓯ

ᐋ

Page 36

ᐋ

ᓰ

10 AY

ᓰᐲ

ᓐ

ᐃ

D

ᐄᐧ

THANKFULNESS ᒧᐧ

Page 28

ᐧ

ᐅ

ᐧᐋ ᓰ

PATIENCE

ᓐ ᐧᐃ ᐃᒡ ᓂᔅᑯᒧ

Page 32

ᐃ ᔮᐧᑳ

SHARING

ᑖᐧ ᐹ

Page 26

ᓵᒋᐦ

Page 34

SAFETY

-

ᔥ ᑳ ᑐᐧᐃ ᓐ

9 AY

ᐃᒡ

12 AY

Page 16

OBEDIENCE

ᓂᐧ

11 AY

ᔨ

HONESTY

ᐅ

ᓂ

Page 24

ᒥᑐ

D

D

ᓐ - ᒥ ᐧᔮ ᔨ ᐦ ᑎ ᒧᐧ ᐃ

Page 14

ᒡ

ᒋᓈᐅᓱᓈ

ᓈ

ᐋᐦ ᒋᔥᑖ

D

ᔨ

ᐦ - ᑯ ᐃ ᔅᒄ ᐋ

D

KINSHIP

LOVE

Page 22

ᐄ

ᐹ

ᐃᓐ

Page 12

ᐧ

8 AY

RESPECT

ᐦᑐ

ᐊᔅ

Page 20

ᐅᐦᐱ

5 AY

HARMONY

D

D

7 AY

Page 10

4 AY

ᐃ

ᐱᐦ ᑎ

ᔨᐦ ᑎ ᒧᐧᐃ ᓐ

HAPPINESS

ᒥᔫ

-

ᑎ ᐧᐋ

KINDNESS

D

ᓐ

HOPE

Page 18

ᒧᐧ

ᓲᐦᒑ

ᐋ

D

6 AY

ᐅ

Page 8

ᑖᔨᒧ

HUMILITY

ᒋᔅ

ᔨ ᐤ ᒋ ᔖ ᔨ ᔨᐤ

ᐧᐃ ᓐ

Page 4 Page 6

ᐧ ᑭ ᓂᐧᐃᑦ ᐊ

ᐄᔨ

GOOD CHILD REARING

ᐋᐦ

Read Cree Elder Teachings on the inside cover and pages 1-2

3 AY

COURAGE

ᒫ ᒑᐧᐃ ᓐ

know the Eeyou/Eenou Family Values book

2 AY

D

D

1 AY Get to

ᑯᑎ

D

This Goose Break, we invite you to read through the Eeyou/Eenou Family Values book and reflect with your family:

ᐦᐋ

ᐤ

ᔨᐦ

ᑎ