The Nation | Vol. 30, No. 19

Photo of Robbie Matthew Sr.

As of July 5, there are still 100 or more forest fires burning in Quebec. Only 67 of them are in the SOFEU “intensive protection zone”, where all fires are fought at once. As a result, only three of them are considered out of control and are in the Chibougamau region.

In Eeyou Istchee there are 44 fires going but most of them aren’t even being fought. This is because in that region they only fight fires that threaten communities or “strategic infrastructures”, such as mining, forestry or hydro facilities.

When you consider that the forest fires started in early June, it seems beyond belief that they are still burning. This despite there are somewhere between 1300-1400 firefighters working to stop them. Over 10 countries have contributed firefighters to assist in the problem. A problem that has affected more than Quebec and Canada as smoke has even reached Europe, let alone the US in terms of smoke pollution.

While the rains helped to lessen the threats a heat wave is hitting Eeyou Istchee and that combined with dry conditions could lead to fires intensifying.

There’s an old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That means it is easier to take small steps to prevent something from happening than dealing with a problem once it exists. Another way to look at that is it’s easier to avert a problem than try to repair one.

Something Quebec has never learned from the past it seems. There were problem forest fires in Eeyou Istchee and elsewhere before this, but the political will to address them has been sadly lacking.

Canadian wildland fire ecologist Robert Grey told CNN the lack of resources is due to funding. “(Governments)

don’t typically appropriate a lot of money upfront for firefighting, but once the fires break out (they) can certainly find all the money necessary to supress them.”

Grey went on to say, “It’s ridiculous. We spend billions of dollars once the fire breaks out, but we don’t invest the money upfront to mitigate the fires from happening in the first place.”

And the sad truth is right there in front of our eyes and coughs from our throats. The damage from the fires have destroyed forests, animal habitats and the animals themselves. Many camps have been lost at great cost to the Cree hunters, fishers and gathers. The Cree are the largest group of sustainable Indigenous Peoples still practicing traditional lifestyles. Given the losses of the land it is doubtful if this can continue in some areas.

by Will Nicholls

Financial losses are heavy as well. Talking to a person in Mistissini, he said he and a friend estimated their losses at over $100,000 each. That’s the homes they built, generators, snowmobiles, ATVs, furniture, stoves, fridges, chainsaws, boats and motors and more. Replacing them will take years as most of the Cree don’t have insurance and even if they do the fires might be considered an Act of God and they wouldn’t be able to get anything.

Perhaps a court case against Canada and Quebec as they guaranteed the Cree Way of Life. The lack of prevention and resources to fight these fires could be seen as not fulfilling that provision. Watching your connection to the land go up in flames is not within the “Cree Way of Life.”

Donna Malthouse THANKS TO: Air Creebec CONTACT US: The Nation News, 918-4200 St. Laurent, Montreal, QC., H2W 2R2

Blazing a trail

make their mark

by Sakib Hossain

John Abbott College held a special graduation ceremony June 27 to celebrate the achievements of 10 recent graduates of the Iyeskuwiiu Springboard to CEGEP program.

A collaboration of the Cree School Board and John Abbott College, this oneyear preparatory program is tailored to equip Cree students for their future educational endeavours.

With online courses, students can continue their studies in their home communities in Eeyou Istchee. This helps students pursue their education without sacrificing their cultural identity and support systems.

The curriculum incorporates a unique physical education component that takes students out on the land to engage in traditional activities. From learning the intricacies of setting fishnets to mastering the art of preparing traditional foods, these experiences not only enrich their understanding of their heritage but also allow them to develop essential life skills. For many of the graduates, this was their first opportunity to partake in these mean-

ingful cultural practices, fostering a stronger connection to their roots and identity.

The success of the Iyeskuwiiu program can be attributed to its holistic approach, driven by the collaboration of various stakeholders. John Abbott College engaged with youth and Elder councils to develop a curriculum that reflects the Cree experience. Drawing upon knowledge provided by the Cree Cultural Institute, courses were crafted to embody the history, traditions and worldview of the Cree people.

Nian Matoush, the director of Sabtuan Adult Education Services (SAES), emphasized the significance of the program in reinforcing Cree identity.

“A critical part of being successful in post-secondary is being confident about who you are and where you come from,” said Matoush. By offering courses such as Cree Language, Power and Influence in Eeyou Istchee and Sub-Arctic Literature, the program prepares students academically while embracing their culture.

The impact of the Iyeskuwiiu program extends beyond the classroom walls.

Students receive comprehensive support, including an allowance, loaned laptops, counselling, study space and tutoring. Furthermore, the program fosters a sense of community by inviting guest lecturers from Cree communities to lead life-skills workshops.

Among the 10 graduates, there were stories of personal growth, resilience and determination. “I really enjoyed it because I got to connect with my culture,” said graduate Shanelle Moar.

The Cree School Board is contemplating expanding Iyeskuwiiu to encompass a broader range of courses such as engineering, with a focus on higher-level math and science courses to provide a variety of opportunities.

The 10 Iyeskuwiiu graduates are pioneers, blazing a trail for future generations of Cree students, demonstrating that with determination, support and a strong connection to their cultural heritage, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Photo provided by the CSB

WE ARE HIRING

CCDC - AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Founded in 1976, Cree Construction and Development Company, Ltd. is the first Canadian company owned by First Nations to earn and maintain ISO certification from the International Organization for Standardization.

Today, with more than 45 years of experience and expertise, Cree Construction and Development Company, Ltd. is the largest Cree-owned company in Canada. Operating primarily in northern Quebec, the company is fully owned by the Nine Cree Nations of James Bay.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

To complete our team, we are looking for new members to fill certain positions:

Buyer

Construction

estimator

Financial Director

Project Manager

Office clerk

Surveyor

Foreman

Heavy equipment mechanics

Truck driver

Employees for the concrete plant, asphalt plant, crushing plant

Electrician

Plumber

For more information...

Call us: 450-661-1102, ext. 216 or 514-249-3539

Come visit us: 3, Aahppisaach in Chisasibi.

Ask for Rebecca Matches.

Send your CV: by email to: agrosu@ccdc.qc.ca by fax at: 819-855-1701

ccdc.qc.ca

After an extremely dry June, rains in early July helped contain many of the large blazes still raging across much of Quebec. Although three fires remained out of control in Eeyou Istchee, firefighting crews were making steady progress as barriers ensured communities were not currently at danger.

“The fires we have now haven’t really progressed,” explained Lee-Roy Blacksmith, the Cree Nation Government’s regional fire marshal. “We know many people want to check if their camps are still there. The vegetation is still dry so they’re putting 40 km restricted areas around the contour of the fires.”

At press time, SOPFEU teams were tackling fire 379 southeast of Waconichi Lake from the northwest side while fire 344 northeast of Ouje-Bougoumou was contained nearly 200 km on its south side. After the reopening of roads 167 and 113, Blacksmith hoped expected rains might enable the Route du Nord to open after a long closure.

“We need like a week of constant rain,” said Blacksmith. “The trees are absorbing water as soon as it hits the ground so underground it’s all dry. Rekindled hot spots are still going up due to the dryness of the roots. If lighting comes in, another fire could appear.”

The outlook was significantly better than a few weeks earlier, when advancing fires that threatened Mistissini’s power substation and highway access forced the second largest Cree community to be evacuated before heavy smoke prevented further departures. After around 600 vulnerable residents were evacuated June 20, the remainder left June 23.

Community members were evacuated to Jonquière and Quebec City while military stationed in Mistissini were relocated to Chibougamau. With boats prepared at the last evacuation route of Mistassini Lake, about 60 volunteers stayed to protect the community. Sprinklers were installed at the community’s entrance, fire breaks were expanded, and a secondary road was improved as an alternative exit for future emergencies.

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Photos provided by Allan Saganash

Northern inferno

Cree refugees of a climate emergency

Most community members began returning home June 28 while more vulnerable members returned progressively as clinical services were restored at the Mistissini CMC, which resumed regular services on July 3. Dialysis patients gradually returned as their treatments in Montreal were completed while hemodialysis treatments resumed in Chibougamau on July 6.

Prolonged exposure to heavy smoke also forced the evacuation of “phase one” vulnerable members from Waswanipi and Ouje-Bougoumou. North winds united smoke from raging fires in the TransTaiga area with southern blazes to create a huge bulk over the Cree Nation that spread throughout the hemisphere, giving Montreal the world’s worst air quality on June 25.

“When you left your home, it felt like standing in front of an open flame,” Blacksmith told the Nation. “We had droplets of ashes. Waswanipi’s Old Post was a concern where their summer gatherings are, then the winds shifted from north to south and the fire stopped near the river.”

Although some Waswanipi residents refused to leave, evacuation was triggered after its last access road was threatened and the Chibougamau hospital had been closed. With hazardous air quality, emergency workers determined which public facilities had appropriate air filters, made home inspections to optimize air exchangers and distributed protective masks.

“We had constant issues with communication, phones going down,” explained

Chief Irene Neeposh. “A power outage triggered something with our water pressure, so our clinic flooded. We had four feet of water in the basement, so the generator was submerged and it was a mess. I could make a movie series.”

Waswanipi’s CMC services are expected to resume by late August, with all services offered at the MSDC until further notice, except for dental services that are currently offered in Mistissini. Ouje-Bougoumou also opened services at its MSDC, which has an air filtering system that is safer for Elders.

Although mitigation efforts were hindered by numerous obstacles and general inexperience enacting emergency measures, Neeposh credited her “amazing” team and the cooperation of community members. With all residents allowed to return by June 30, it was still too early to assess the wider impacts in the surrounding areas.

“We’re trying hard to get back to normal as soon as possible,” said Neeposh. “I’m pretty sure it hasn’t sunk in yet, the depth of the impact. I’m preparing myself for that. These are not just cottages – these camps go way back. These are their traditional homes.”

Elders emphasized that the unprecedented intensity of fires, scorching 1.5 million hectares in Eeyou Istchee and 8 million across Canada, meant that natural regeneration wouldn’t occur as it had in past times. Cree leadership is discussing how to support its “refugees of a climate emergency,” land users who have lost their camps and resources necessary to hunt, fish and trap.

“I want to reassure the members that we are looking at this,” said Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty. “It’s not enough to give us support in the community. We must address the concerns of those land users and those tallymen. I really want the government to understand that these areas are not just vast open spaces.”

Gull-Masty said there is no specific funding to help those who aren’t insured nor provisions in federal and provincial agreements to manage losses of this magnitude. She hopes to consult with government leaders to plan for long-term impacts.

While restrictions on forest access began to be relaxed in some regions, much of Eeyou Istchee remained off limits with open fires still prohibited. Temporary heliports were being established in Mistissini to accommodate large helicopters contracted by SOPFEU to fight fires and assist in heavy lift operations.

With Cree resources stretched to assist evacuees and SOPFEU requesting international reinforcements, community volunteers and organizations like the Red Cross have been valuable resources. Caught off guard this year, Cree communities are eager to become more involved in firefighting efforts, so this disaster doesn’t happen again.

“This was an eye-opener for everyone,” said Blacksmith. “This is the first time in Quebec we’ve encountered so many fires at one time. We’ve been in contact with SOPFEU upper management asking if we can get training for our Cree Nation members.”

AFN turfs Archibald

The Assembly of First Nations passed a resolution during a Special Chiefs Assembly June 28 to remove National Chief RoseAnne Archibald following a human resources investigation into staff complaints.

The resolution directs the Executive Committee to select an interim National Chief from among themselves and schedule an election at the December 2023 Special Chiefs Assembly. AFN Nova Scotia Regional Chief Paul Prosper stated that Archibald violated the Whistleblower Policy and the Executive Committee’s Code of Conduct.

The position of National Chief will remain vacant until an interim replacement is chosen. The resolution was approved with 163 in favor, 62 opposed, and 6 abstaining.

Order of Canada

Governor-General Mary Simon appointed musician Tom Wilson to the Order of Canada in early July.

Wilson, a Canadian music legend, has won three Juno Awards and written songs for renowned artists. His 2017 autobiography, Beautiful Scars, shares his journey of discovering and exploring his Mohawk ancestry.

Wilson aims to use this appointment to support Indigenous education and foster a deeper understanding of Canada’s history.

Potential Postmedia and Nordstar

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. and Nordstar Capital LP,

the owner of Metroland Media Group and the Toronto Star, are in talks to merge, aiming to address the “existential threat” faced by the Canadian newspaper industry.

If the merger proceeds, voting rights would be evenly divided, with Postmedia shareholders holding a 56% economic interest and Nordstar holding 44%. Nordstar would

retain a 65% interest in the Star.

Nordstar owner Jordan Bitove would become chairman of the merged entity, and Andrew MacLeod, CEO of Postmedia, would be the CEO.

The proposed merger seeks to reduce debt, achieve national digital scale, and compete with global technology giants.

Critics express doubts about its ability to improve coverage, however. The newspaper industry in Canada has faced declining ad revenues and audience numbers. Postmedia has reported financial struggles and implemented cost-cutting measures.

RoseAnne Archibald

On his journey home.

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Leaders from across the Cree Nation paid tribute to Elder Robbie Matthew Sr., who left this world at sunset on Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21. Some reflected that the timing of his passing was just one more reason to honour how significant his life had been, even until his last day.

“This momentous loss serves as an opportunity to reflect and celebrate his life achievements and remember the generous, passionate, intelligent man he was,” stated Chisasibi Chief Daisy House. “We are all privileged to have known someone who has truly dedicated an entire lifetime to better the lives of others. Simply put, he was a gift.”

Matthew’s leadership was evident throughout a lifetime of contributions to the Cree Nation and international Indigenous rights. When honoured by the Nishiyu Council of Elders last year, the Cree Health Board said that Matthew and his late wife Sally had been recognized as the Nation’s patriarch and matriarch for at least three decades.

“Today the Cree Nation mourns the loss of its greatest spiritual guide, most tireless cultural advocate and guardian, and wisest mentor to generations of Cree leaders,” stated the Cree Health Board. “Elder Robbie Matthew’s contributions to the wellbeing of Eeyouch will echo for generations to come.”

Born on Fort George Island at sunrise on September 3, 1934, to parents Hannah Head and William Matthew, Richard Robert Matthew had six sisters and three brothers. He entered a residential school in 1941 until it burnt down one and a half years later, then returned for about five years when the new one opened in 1944.

In 1957, he married Sally Neacappo, with whom he raised 10 children and had 53 happy years until she passed away in 2010. Working with the Cree School Board over several decades, the couple taught survival and life skills to youth on their trapline.

Influencing generations of youth to trust and believe in their own culture, their commitment and dedication to helping troubled youth turn their lives around were recognized by the United Nations.

Acclaimed Anishinaabe journalist Duncan McCue wrote his first book, The Shoe Boy, about one winter spent with Matthew at his trapline as a teenager, witnessing “how a culture that is alive can give youth a sense of purpose and self.” During a convocation address in 2018, he told university graduates how Matthew’s ancient songs to beaver and other rituals of gratitude taught him the importance of giving back to the land.

The Matthews regularly travelled across Eeyou Istchee to assist communities with social issues and share teachings on Cree culture, traditions and history. As committed defenders of Eeyou rights, the couple were frequently invited to international gatherings to advocate for environmental protections, youth empowerment and spirituality.

Celebrating the legacy of the late Robbie Matthew Sr.

“He’s probably the only Elder I know who has travelled all over the world fighting for Cree rights,” Stella Mistayabimiko told the Nation. “When Europe wanted to end the fur trade, he educated them that everything is harvested with love and respect with nothing going to waste. I think it really changed the tone and perception of all those organizations.”

Matthew campaigned against the Great Whale River project in New York City in 1991 and was inducted into the International Indigenous Circle of Spiritual Elders during a visit to New Zealand in 1993. He was invited by the United Nations for UNDRIP consultations in Geneva and to make a presen-

tation about Indigenous knowledge at an International Scientific Conference in Hungary.

“Robbie artfully showed the world what Eeyou diplomacy truly is,” the Cree Health Board asserted. “He carried his message of empowerment, compassion and justice everywhere he went. He will continue to be an example of what it means to lead with love and humility, while standing strong and speaking one’s truth.”

Calling him “an activist for the human soul,” Wayne Rabbitskin suggested that Matthew was as inspirational as the likes of Chief Dan George or Mahatma Gandhi. Rabbitskin said, “When he spoke, every-

one listened and just by his words alone it could heal a broken soul and mend a broken heart.”

Matthew served as the Cree Trappers’ Association’s president from 1982 to 1985, when he became Chief of Chisasibi. He was named Elder advisor for the Cree Nation Youth Council in the 1990s and remained a respected cultural teacher at gatherings until the end of his life.

“Men were given strength in their hands and arms to help and protect women and children,” Matthew would teach, passing forward wisdom from his grandmother. “Never use that strength or your words to hurt the woman you will eventually marry and any children you

will have. Protect them, support them, care for them.”

During the 1990s, the Matthews became members and spokespersons for what’s now called the Nishiiyuu Council of Elders (NCOE). After being appointed to the Cree Health Board’s Council of Chishâyîyû, Matthew was the chief advocate for the development of the Nishîyû Miyupimâtisîun Department, which was founded in 2015 to develop traditional healing pathways and strengthen cultural safety in all aspects of the health board’s services.

“Truth has power, it has the ability to touch the soul,” said the Nishîyû team when Matthew was honoured last year for his lifelong service. “He shows us that our journeys are so much

more than our accomplishments and more about how we love and treat each other.”

After his wife passed away, Matthew continued to be a regular presence on local and regional radio, sharing Cree legends and life teachings. As he prepared for “his journey home,” he reminded the NCOE that he didn’t want special recognition, noting “we should honour each other every living day, not just in death but in life as well.”

“We, as a nation, are just starting to get back to our roots and knowing our legends through storytelling shared by our Elders,” Matthew once said. “We are beginning our journey of decolonization and returning to our grassroots that have been patiently waiting for our return.”

Celebrating our Nations

Top left and bottom middle photos by Jean-Louis Régis

Indigenous Peoples Day

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

National Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated with a diverse array of events across the country June 21, with the summer solstice signifying an important occasion for renewal among numerous cultures.

“It is a time for us to praise our heritage, applaud all that we have accomplished and honour our ancestors who gave us the strength, knowledge and resilience to keep our nation strong,” stated the Grand Council of Crees. “It’s when Cree people would historically return from their ancestral hunting grounds to gather with friends and family and to commemorate life through feasts and traditional ceremonies.”

This season’s extraordinary forest fires forced some celebrations to be postponed or adapted. Evacuations had occurred to varying extents in Mistissini, Waswanipi and Ouje-Bougoumou, prompting some to reflect on the significance of this year’s events.

“It makes you wonder, if you’re not trying to make things happen, and suddenly things are happening anyway – it’s time to quieten your spirit and listen deeply,” posted Mistissini’s Kenny Blacksmith on June 21 after arriving in Quebec City and being sent to Mont-Sainte-Anne.

In his Indigenous Day message, Ouje-Bougoumou Chief Curtis Bosum noted that the fires brought into clear focus a collective need “to work together in a spirit of reconciliation and under common threat to protect the planet for future generations.”

This year’s Kwe! Meet with Indigenous Peoples festival culminated its five days of programming with a bigger celebration on Indigenous Peoples Day in the heart of Quebec City. With a third more activities offered than last year, executive director Mélanie Vincent expected attendance to top last year’s 20,000 visitors.

“Kwe is the vehicle offered to our nations to show how proud they are and at the same time create a better relationship with the people around us,” Vincent told the Nation. “Sometimes people don’t even know they have a

neighbour who has been there for thousands of years. It’s like a trip through all our 11 nations in Quebec in three or four days.”

With school groups from across the province visiting the festival, expanded activities for children included dances, demonstrations, movies and crafts workshops like making medicine pouches. A new biodiversity and environment space highlighted Indigenous land knowledge while honorary president Dr. Stanley Vollant’s Puamun Meshkenu foundation organized its annual 4-km reconciliation walk, called “The Path of a Thousand Dreams.”

“Every year we have the ‘Let’s talk about it’ space where dialogues are created with guest speakers,” explained Vincent. “This space is emotional – people cry sometimes when we talk about the impact colonization has had on our peoples. People are really interested in learning about not only the history but also the contemporary point of view.”

Montreal’s Cabot Square, long a gathering place for the city’s Indigenous community, hosted its usual concerts and activities organized by the nearby Native Women’s Shelter, in collaboration with Resilience Montreal and POP Montreal. Performers included Beatrice Deer Band, Mattmac, Shauit, Cris Derksen and Buffalo Hat Singers.

World champion hoop dancer Scott Sixkiller Sinquah delivered an impressive performance, this time with his young son Sonny, while the popular soapstone carving workshop connected visitors with the traditional Inuit practice dating back 7,500 years.

While celebrations in Waswanipi were postponed – “We’re not cancelling them, we will celebrate,” insisted Chief Irene Neeposh – most Cree communities held gatherings with music, feasts and family-friendly cultural activities. Whapmagoostui’s local women’s association organized its first traditional fashion show for both Cree and Inuit community members.

In Wemindji, the day began with a sunrise ceremony at 6 am, followed by walking out ceremonies, traditional games, a community feast and a concert by Kevin Boudrias. Among the many events throughout the community,

a small powwow was held for the first time in four years.

“Next year we’ll have the main one for sure,” said April Dawn GeorgekishGull. “It was the busiest Indigenous Day ever in Wemindji. Everybody was hopping around – I think there were boat races, and the school had their year-end events with tons of games and food everywhere.”

With few dancers in regalia, the powwow featured mostly inter-tribal dances with music from Chisasibi’s Heart of the Land, head dancer Lindsay Visitor, flag carrier Sean Blackned and Elders Earl and Nancy Danyluk and Charlie Louttit. Cassandra Danyluk and the Wemindji Youth Council were instrumental behind the scenes, as t-shirts and Indian tacos were given away.

Waskaganish’s celebrations kicked off with a walking-out ceremony for 16 children. Older kids were thrilled to play on the bouncy castles and carnival ride, alongside the traditional games and displays. The day was an opportunity to greet recently elected Chief Greta Cheechoo and to enjoy a large community feast.

“One of the best things about this community is the family vibe that people have for celebrations,” said organizer Vanessa Stephen. “Everyone was way too excited at the feast – they just wanted to dig into the meal. Everybody brought their own plates to take whatever they wanted back home with them.”

Stephen was among the local talent performing at the closing concert, along with Bob Diamond, Queenie Stephen and James Jonah. Earlier in the day, people enjoyed boat rides on the bay and Flora Weistche unveiled a powerful new beadwork creation called “Remember Us”, dedicated to MMIWG2S.

“Thanks to the wisdom and foresight of our leaders past and present, we enjoy the freedom to exercise our inherent rights and liberties on Eeyou Istchee,” posted Charles J. Hester. “As we commemorate the summer solstice, we not only celebrate our rich culture and heritage, but we also acknowledge the numerous contributions our people have made in building this great nation.”

lying eyes

the Nation visits the Museum on Illusions

by Will Nicholls

What you see is not necessarily real. Your eyes can lie to you. In fact, that’s what magicians and illusionists depend on to thrill and amaze you. But there are simpler ways to do so and that is what Renne Gjoni, CEO of the Museum on Illusions, banks on. And it’s a good bank considering there are over 40 of his museums around the world.

Declan started to panic but I got him through and showed him the people coming behind us were doing the same thing as the walkway wasn’t actually turning. Then it was Declan’s turn to drag me through the vortex another four times and he wanted to do more. It was like a carnival ride for him.

Another illusion had a swinging door that would close behind you. The inside was a hexagon with mirrored walls that made an infinity of the images surrounding you and whoever else was in the room. I had Declan close his eyes and spun him around, set him down and told him to find the way out. It took him two tries.

We were in the museum for about an hour and a half, though the tour usually takes 45- 60 minutes. Tickets are $20 for ages 3-15 and $26 for 16 years and up. The Montreal museum, located at 54 St. Antoine W, near the Place d’Armes metro station, is a truly enjoyable experience.

If you’re hoping to get a taste of lying eyes, and can’t afford an Eagles ticket, head over to one of the museums near you. There’s one in Montreal that the Nation took a tour of with seven-and-a-half-year-old Declan Nicholls. Though there were people without children enjoying the illusions having a kid with you just added to the experience.

Declan was amazed at everything and at times had to be pulled away from a particular illusion so that others could enjoy it as much as he did. His personal favourite (and mine) was the vortex. A stable platform with rails and a rotating cylinder. By the time you reach the middle, it felt like the walkway was rotating and everyone was grabbing onto the side rails.

Hot

The Nation’s Powwow and Festival Guide for Quebec

by Sakib Hossain

Get ready for adventure as we look at this summer’s lineup of powwows and festivals in Quebec. From mesmerizing dance performances to rhythmic drumming, delicious cuisine and vibrant art, these gatherings and events offer a great opportunity to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable summer experience.

POWWOWS

Lac Simon Powwow

July 15-16

Enjoy the rich Algonquin culture at the Lac Simon Powwow, where drumming, singing and dance performances take centre stage, showcasing the beauty of their traditions.

Powwow Odanak

July 21-23

Experience the warm hospitality of the Abenaki people at the Odanak Powwow, featuring artisan booths, smoked fish, ash beating and sagamite, as well as basket-weaving demonstrations and fabrication.

Pessamit Traditional Powwow

July 28-30

Immerse yourself in Innu culture at the Pessamit Powwow, featuring dance competitions, traditional food and cultural workshops.

Manawan Powwow

July 28-30

The Manawan Powwow provides a welcoming experience with diverse ceremonies, drumming and singing groups, and a variety of food and craft vendors, making it an ideal destination in late July.

30th Annual Gesgapegiag Mawiomi

Powwow

July 29-30

Join the Mi’kmaq community of Gesgapegiag for their milestone powwow, honouring the drum and their

roots, and featuring their All Around the Drum contest.

Listuguj Annual Traditional Powwow

August 5-6

Enjoy the energy of the Mi’gmaq community at Listuguj along with a sacred fire and sunrise ceremony at 6 am each morning, which promises to be a memorable experience for all.

Timiskaming First Nation Powwow

August 12-13

Journey to Timiskaming First Nation for a vibrant celebration of Anishinaabe

culture, including drumming, dance, traditional regalia and delicious cuisine.

Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam Powwow

August 12-13

Join the community in Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam for their annual powwow, and experience the cultural richness of the Innu people through dance, music and art.

Cacouna Powwow

August 19-20

Join us for continuous performances by two powwow drum groups, Muskrat Singers and Redtail Spirit Singers, along with dancers, diverse food services, and a variety of workshops and demonstrations.

Kanesatake Powwow

August 25-27

With on-site craft vendors, food counters and great entertainment, you can celebrate Mohawk culture at Kanesatake. This event highlights Mohawk culture through dance, song and fine crafts.

Wôlinak Powwow

August 25-27

An annual family event featuring a wide range of activities including dances, songs, legends, crafts and musical performances, offering a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of Abenaki and North American Amerindian cultures in special moments of celebration.

Wemotaci Powwow

September 2-3

Celebrate the rich traditions of the Atikamekw community at the Wemotaci Powwow, featuring traditional dances, drumming and cultural exhibits.

Akwesasne International Powwow

September 9-10

Stay tuned for details about this international powwow, which brings together diverse Indigenous cultures for a spectacular showcase of dance, music and cultural exchange.

Otsenhákta Student Centre Powwow

September 15

People from all backgrounds are welcome to join the Otsenhákta Student Centre’s Powwow, a celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students at Concordia University. Here diverse Indigenous cultures come together through singing, dancing, performances and the opportunity to connect, learn and support Indigenous entrepreneurs by purchasing handmade crafts and natural products, in a child-friendly environment.

McGill Annual Powwow

September 22

McGill University’s Annual Powwow is a lively celebration featuring Aboriginal music, dancing, arts and crafts, information kiosks and Lacrosse demonstrations. The Montreal urban Aboriginal community, McGill community, and Aboriginal youth from the Greater Montreal area are invited to attend this day of sharing and celebration in late September.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Atalukan Tales and Legends Festival

August 1-31

Taking place mainly on the shores of LacSaint-Jean in the Saguenay, this festival also travels to several neighbouring communities. It is a space for exchange and sharing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Innu Nikamu Festival

August 1-6

Founded in 1984, the Innu Nikamu Festival celebrates Indigenous music, art and creativity, and fosters connections between different Indigenous nations. It welcomes non-Indigenous attendees to participate in the festivities, making it one of the largest Indigenous music and art festivals in North America.

Montreal First Peoples’ Festival

August 8-17

An emblematic event celebrating the artistic revival and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples from the Americas and around the globe, this 10-day multidisciplinary festival transforms Montreal’s Place des Festivals into a vibrant hub of artistic activities, featuring Indigenous films, captivating concerts and a diverse array of Aboriginal art forms.

Innucadie Stories and Legends Festival

August 10-13

Set amidst a backdrop of taiga, rivers, beaches and swim-friendly waters in Natashquan-Nutashkuan, this event celebrates the work of Gilles Vigneault, Acadian culture, Joséphine Bacon’s contributions, and the artistic creations of the Innu people, who prioritize oral tradition in knowledge transmission.

Kwahiatonhk: Salon du Livre des Premières Nations

November 16-19

The only event of its kind in Canada, the First Nations Book Fair in Quebec City showcases the talents of Indigenous authors, featuring panel discussions, public interviews, workshops, poetry breakfasts and literary performances. So, grab your calendar and cultural richness and excitement. Whether you’re a passionate dancer, music enthusiast or food lover, these powwows and festivals have something for everyone. From Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean to Montreal, Gaspesie to AbitibiTémiscamingue, the beat of the drum is calling you to join in.

Rain on

Living under the threat of forest fires in Mistissini

It was interesting to watch events unfold in Mistissini as the forest fires threatened the community in June.

I recently visited my family up north. Within the first few days of arriving, a forest fire threatened the community. It sent Mistissini into “Alert Mode” –meaning get ready in case of an evacuation order.

I spent my two weeks at home watching helicopters come and go. Smoke got thicker and thinner depending on the winds that day. It was hard to keep calm, but seeing community members adding laughter to any situa-

tion eased some of the stress that came with the alert.

I ended up having to leave Mistissini for my own health. As hard as it was to leave my family during a time like this, separation anxiety really had its hold on me. Anxiety that I know a lot of families

had to go through. Not just in Mistissini, but among our neighbours too.

While Mistissini did not immediately need to evacuate, we watched people from Chibougamau, Ouje-Bougoumou, Waswanipi and Chapais flee their homes. It was touching to see so many of our Quebec neighbours opening their homes to make room for our people to rest and wait out the fires. All the help going to the evacuees certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

Mistissini was under no imminent threat at the time, but Premier Legault must have thought otherwise when he grouped us with the rest of our neighbours. This created an unnerving day with people gassing up and panic buying. It reminded me of the toilet-paper crisis during the first Covid lockdown.

If it wasn’t for Chief Michael Petawabano, I think we would’ve remained in panic mode. The grace with which I watched this man work must have made a lot of community members happy to have elected him. If I

Then I received a live video of my hometown covered in rain.

Miigwetch Chimendou is all I could say as I cried.

get the chance to meet him, I’ll thank him for taking care of us during the forest fires of 2023.

It’s hard to think that with global warming this will become a norm for a lot of countries. Forest fires will have their own seasons and more and more people will be needed to become forest firefighters to combat them.

A lot of tension came with the Canadian Armed Forces being stationed at the high school in Mistissini. People couldn’t understand that the army is not only being trained for wars but for the situations created by global warming. I remember several years ago when soldiers were stationed near Ottawa to help with the floods. It is comforting to know that Canadian service people are being trained to take global warming seriously.

I spent my two weeks in Mistissini trying to get my eight hours of sleep every day, which was hard. I always had to look out my window before and after bed. Then I would wake up and check the Mistissini Facebook page to see if it was time to evacuate. If not, then I continued trying to keep myself busy despite the nerve-wracking reality outside.

It was interesting to see Chibougamau so empty. People in Mistissini made land-back jokes that even Chibougamau folks enjoyed.

I’ll never get over someone saying, “I’ll take over Coq Rôti and name it Nisk Roti.” Or someone else saying he’d “take over the Indian Friendship Centre and change it to the Cowboy Friendship Centre.” That was

the comic relief everyone needed. Although Mistissini was in a tough situation, people always made room for humour.

After I returned to Montreal, the Mistissini Clinic called to tell me to evacuate. I realized that a full evacuation was coming. Then it happened. Many families were dispersed throughout Quebec waiting for the okay to return.

After a few days passed and the population of Mistissini fell to 60. These were people who I saw working hard in case of the worst-case scenario. I felt I couldn’t move without checking in on them. As usual, they were in good spirits and ready for anything.

Then I received a live video of my hometown covered in rain. Miigwetch Chimendou is all I could say as I cried. May we have more rain so that our emergency workers can rest with their families – so the celebrations of walking-out ceremonies and weddings can start taking place again. Miigwetch to our volunteers and emergency workers for taking care of our homes and our dogs – as well as to those taking care of our evacuees.

As I write, I learned that the evacuation has been lifted in Mistissini. Many families will be reunited and that brings me so much joy after what felt like an eternity of praying for rain. I’m not sure when my next visit to Mistissini will be, but I hope this time I’ll have time to see more of my loved ones.

Here’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.

PREVIOUS

Solution to

For

Crossword

Heat stroking

Ilook at the tiny patch of yellowing grass I call a backyard, then look up at a yellowish haze full of horse flies buzzing about the smoky skies. The sun’s heat is in the high 20s, as the ashy dust cakes your skin. Aaahhh, the summer weather this year.

The weather is the least of anyone’s worries. It’s the urge to splurge on downtime, holidays and hopefully forgetting about life for a while to enjoy it. As for summer events in the communities, there’s a long list of them and it looks like it’s going to be a festive season. As usual, there are fishing contests, berry picking, log splitting and other great outdoor stuff (which we used to call daily living) to keep our spirits alive with tradition. Plus, the annual gatherings and summer weddings, so people can lighten up and have a good time before returning to the workplace in the fall.

However, any trip out of the community calls for intensive planning and backup plans, just in case the unexpected happens, like a flat tire in the middle of nowhere or the only time it rains like hell during the entire summer. I even remembered to carry some spare Covidera masks to fend off pesky ashes and smoke. I admit that using a mask again was a lot easier because I didn’t have to taste the acrid smoke on my tongue.

Indoors is a safe haven. But as many know, leaving their homes is a concern.

the ball, the ball stings you

Luckily, most of the communities were spared in this early summer fire season from any major damage aside from out-of-community camps. Slowly communities are coming together to assess any losses and prepare for a hot summer. Yes, summer is just starting with 90 days of swelter or shelter in the forecast.

Now, if I were an ice cream vendor, I’d go bankrupt just paying the electric bill to keep it frozen long enough to serve to my sweaty customers. I’d probably make a bundle selling water sprinklers and anti-mosquito sprays. Heck, I bought a fly swapper that gives a satisfying jolt of electricity and a tiny wisp of smoke when it encounters my deadly forearm swing. Think of it as a game of tennis where if you don’t hit the ball, the ball stings you. So, building up muscle mass in that forearm will come naturally with this new hi-tech bug zapper.

This summer may just be a way to sit back and relax with some good TV. Lately, my better half and my daughter binge watched a great First Nations television series. At some point, I heard a guy speaking Cree in the background and ask, “Hey, is that guy a Cree?”

Then I’m told it’s one of my childhood buddies from back on the island, someone I know very well. I’m proud of him and his crew as they broadcast childhood memories of those who are now adults or have passed on. I’m very proud that this series is broadcast everywhere, plus you can stream it online anywhere with decent enough broadband.

Thankfully, the North is catching up with that dream too. One day, just about everyone will be like me, working hard while hardly working, from home.

Grieving the land

It wasn’t easy watching our territory burn while I had to stay indoors because the heavy smoke was a tough experience. Like many, I felt hopeless while frantically looking at the forest-fire maps online to see how they were progressing.

The smoke got so bad during an extended period that I had to go get Ventolin puffers at the clinic even though I am not asthmatic. The physical symptoms I developed were somehow more manageable than the grief I still experience from witnessing such a big natural disaster unfold.

I have grieved the Land many times in my life because of resource extraction and theft. The forest fires in our region and across Canada this year add another layer to this grief. While forest fires are a completely natural occurrence, having so many big fires raging simultaneously isn’t.

More than 1,25 million hectares burned since June, roughly 1-2% of Quebec’s forests. The scientific community warns that fires of this magnitude will happen more often because of climate change and, unfortunately, the North gets warmer faster than the South in this climate crisis.

If scientists are right and this keeps happening more often, it will cost our communities and their members a lot. Emergency responses are expensive both for the administration and the people. Many families lost their camps and other expensive belongings. Meanwhile, insur-

ance is likely going to get much more expensive.

I also hear a lot of people saying that this will all grow back in a few years, but studies show that forests don’t regenerate as well as they usually do after fires of this magnitude.

Massive resource extraction is known to contribute to climate change. Year after year, federal and provincial governments keep missing their targets to address the climate crisis. In the next few years, it will be important to hold them accountable for their inaction and neglect in environmental files, not only in terms of resource extraction but also the impacts of climate change in the North.

I find it heartbreaking that the Quebec government displaced my family from our land to put my relatives in residential schools. Now we are displaced because of natural disasters caused by the same institutions.

It is heartbreaking for us youth who might have to deal with this more often in the future. The uncertainty in which young people live in nowadays is hard to cope with. Watching everything burn made my ecoanxiety much more tangible and distressing.

For now, I rest and try to recuperate. But the only way I will have to cope with that anxiety in the future will be to fight harder for the Land.