The Nation | Vol. 30, No. 20

Powwow fever

by Will Nicholls

The Kahnawake Echoes of a Proud Nation Powwow returned July 8-9 after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Powwows are a powerful gathering where multiple communities and generations of people come together to witness the pride of Indigenous dancers, drummers and singers. And this year it seemed that there were more dancers, more vendors, more drummers and certainly more people attending than I have ever seen in the past.

This is the 31st anniversary for Echoes of a Proud Nation. It began in order to combat the negative stereotypes after the 1990 Oka Crisis; a way for Mohawks to connect not only with each other and other First Nations but with mainstream society in a positive manner that shared Indigenous traditions and ways of life.

Something special is how many old friends I see at powwows. I ran into one friend while walking around the vendors’ stalls (and having to drag my two sons away from many of them). She introduced herself to my sons, saying she knew me as a friend. “He never seems to remember all our names, but we never forget his,” she said with a laugh.

I thanked the Great Spirit they didn’t probe for details, as those stories might not be age appropriate. They asked how much the necklaces cost they were looking at. “Only five dollars,” the vendor said. They quickly chose one apiece after much consideration. As I paid for them, I knew she was gifting a greater part of the actual cost of each necklace but that’s the way it is in a powwow. Yes, you have to make money, but you take care of friends and especially the kids. It’s that aspect of sharing that is special especial-

ly as it is done without consideration of payback or obligation.

I did remember a few names here and there. One was Patricia as you can’t forget a woman wearing a beaver top hat with a beaded band and feather. Her husband, who passed away a few years ago, was nicknamed the Indian Conan. He took a ragtag bunch of misfits who had alcohol and substance abuse problems and straightened them out in order to smuggle food to Kahnawake residents during the Oka Crisis.

It makes you think that this is something that we need to do for other Indigenous people in those circumstances. Give them something meaningful to do with their lives and make them feel valued.

Powwows are coming back to the Cree communities as well. I remember our past ones. The tumpline contests to see how much you could carry are a highlight. Smally Petawabano was the champion in one carrying almost a ton at

one point. Then there was the fox draw leaving you with a sore neck.

I almost became the arm-wrestling champion of Mistissini one time. When they called for participants no one got up. My cousin George Matoush said, “Will, let’s go up. I’ll let you win.” Up we went and I guess we broke the ice because a lot of guys suddenly became interested. I guess they didn’t want to see a skinny kid get those bragging rights.

My all-time favourite contest was war canoes. You had a guy to paddle while you stood on a plank at the front of the canoe armed with a mop. You had to wear your normal clothes. When the other canoe got close you would swing your mop at the opponent hoping to knock him into the water. Usually, because the balancing act is tricky, both ended up in the water. A few paddlers joined you. The laughter was contagious.

That is what a powwow is all about –laughter, sharing, pride, seeing old friends and making new ones.

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 S. Orr, X. Kataquapit, P. Quinn, S. Hossain DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse THANKS TO: Air Creebec

CONTACT US: The Nation News, 918-4200 St. Laurent, Montreal, QC., H2W 2R2 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

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In a moment that sent shockwaves through Indigenous communities across Canada, RoseAnne Archibald was removed as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations June 29. The decision, reached through a non-confidence motion, raised questions about accountability, transparency and the path forward for the AFN.

It all began with Archibald’s spirited celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21. Little did she know that a week later, the First Nations-inAssembly would pass a resolution calling for her removal as the national chief. The resolution was a culmination of a human resources investigation and Resolution 03/2022 passed in July 2022, which mandated a review of the AFN’s financial policies and practices.

Archibald’s removal stemmed from allegations she violated the Whistleblower Policy and breached the Executive Committee’s Code of Conduct. The resolution was passed with 163 out of a total of 231 votes. Chiefs Irene Kells and Kyra Wilson were instrumental in advancing the motion, although some chiefs viewed the potential impeachment of the first woman national chief as an extreme measure.

Archibald’s loud affirmations about fighting corruption garnered both support and opposition within the AFN. Judith Sayers, the president of the Nuu-Chan-

Archibald goes down

by Sakib Hossain

nulth Tribal Council in BC, voiced her concerns, stating, “There was just a moment when we knew that things just weren’t going to change with her... Her need to go to the media, her need to be fighting in a public space, as opposed to working, trying to work together with the regional chiefs, with the chiefs across the country.”

Dr. Cathy Martin of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation expressed her disappointment. “It’s a sad day for Indigenous people across Canada,” Martin said. “We’re the victims of a situation that couldn’t be resolved.”

However, AFN Nova Scotia Regional Chief Paul Prosper stood by the resolution. “It was a tough decision,” Prosper observed. “But frankly, it was the only decision we had. This will sort of reinvigorate us to come together and to work together, and to create that positive change that we all need, that renewed sense of optimism.”

Archibald, who wasn’t present at the meeting, took to social media to express her thoughts, voicing her desire to be reinstated. She accused the AFN chiefs of carrying out “one of the most violent acts against an Indigenous, First Nation woman leader ever.”

Archibald also called for a forensic audit and claimed that the human resources investigations were a distraction from

the corruption she had been fighting since October 2020.

Interim National Chief Joanna Bernard, who assumed the role following Archibald’s removal, expressed her commitment to the AFN’s mission and the advancement of First Nations’ priorities. She emphasized the need to address concerns, uphold transparency and restore confidence in the organization.

“Our financial statements have been independently audited every year over the past decade, and in every one of those years, auditors verified the statements as accurate,” Bernard noted.

The aftermath of Archibald’s removal raised questions about the credibility and future direction of the AFN. The forensic audit demanded by Archibald looked unlikely. But Russ Diabo, a former adviser to Archibald, expressed his concerns. “The AFN had poor credibility among grassroots people, and I think this is only going to worsen that.”

As the AFN moves forward, it faces challenges and opportunities for growth. The organization’s focus on healing, collaboration and addressing grassroots issues will shape its future as it aims to restore unity. Only time will tell how the AFN rebuilds its reputation, heals divisions and continues to advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples across Canada.

The ousting of the national chief is a turning point for the AFN

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by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On May 29, Moose Cree First Nation served its legal defence against claims made by the Grand Council of Crees of Quebec (“GCC”) in a lawsuit filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2016. The GCC is seeking recognition of the Cree Nation’s Aboriginal title and rights over certain lands located in Ontario, as well as $495 million in damages for alleged past breaches of rights.

The governments of Canada and Ontario, along with several Ontario First Nations – including Moose Cree First Nation – are defending against the GCC’s claims. At issue are 48,000 square kilometres of territory south of James Bay west of the Ontario-Quebec border, where the Cree of MoCreebec live amid the Moose Cree homeland.

“This was a necessary step to protect our rights and the stewardship over our homeland that Moose Cree people have exercised for thousands of years,” said former Moose Cree First Nation Chief Mervin Cheechoo. “Unfortunately, it was also a sad day. It was the day that we had to call out our neighbours and fellow Cree nations for trying to take what isn’t theirs, while also failing to share the many resources that they do have with their own people.”

The lawsuit stems from unresolved territorial rights around the Quebec-Ontario northern border drawn in 1912 that divided Eeyou Istchee’s traditional lands. Many Cree from eastern James Bay had moved to the Moose Factory area in Ontario over the years as it grew into a regional hub for employment, education and healthcare.

When the Moose Cree and other First Nations in northeast Ontario entered the James Bay Treaty (Treaty 9) in 1905 and 1906 with the governments of Canada and Ontario, MoCreebec families were excluded due to their ancestry in Quebec. As Quebec pursued different policies that didn’t recognize Indigenous rights, Cree people in Quebec experienced substandard conditions for many years.

The signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) in 1975 dramatically shifted the economic prospects of the Quebec Crees, but MoCreebec was again excluded as Quebec wouldn’t discuss any land issues beyond its border. Rectifying this situation was one of the aims of the Matthew Coon Come #3 lawsuit, filed in 1989.

Land litigation

Moose Cree defend against Quebec Cree legal claims

“Our lawsuit expressly recognizes that other Aboriginal peoples also used and occupied these lands, in the past and through to the present,” explained former Grand Chief Coon Come in 2016. “The Cree Nation’s claim does not aim to affect the rights of other Aboriginal peoples in these lands, but rather seeks to achieve recognition of the Cree Nation’s rights.”

The claim asserted that MoCreebec is the 11th community of the contemporary Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee. Although the community itself is not named as a plaintiff, Coon Come said all MoCreebec members are represented in the proceedings. Last September, the GCC reached an understanding with the federal government to explore options for the recognition of the MoCreebec Eeyoud as a distinct Cree community in Ontario.

After parts of that lawsuit were eventually settled, the GCC re-filed in the Ontario Superior Court in 2016 to oppose the position of Canada and Ontario that their rights and title were extinguished by Treaty 9. The GCC was taken aback by the immediately scathing response from the Moose Cree First Nation, which filed a motion supporting the federal and provincial governments.

“Why would you defend that treaty?” asked GCC executive director Bill Namagoose at the time, noting that Treaty 9 extinguished the Ontario Crees’ rights and title for land rights that are already federally protected at only $4 a year per member. “If I were the Moose Cree, I would be standing with the Quebec Cree, and using this as an opportunity to modernize their treaty.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Mushkegowuk Council and other First Nation Chiefs along the southwestern James Bay shore also affirmed their united resolve to assert their jurisdiction over their homelands.

In a press release addressing the Moose Cree’s recent legal defence, Chief Cheechoo called the lawsuit hurtful because the land distinctions between Cree neighbours had been respected for millennia. “We were shocked and disappointed that the Quebec Cree rejected our past history of respect for each other’s territories and instead went to court to lay claim to Moose Cree’s lands,” Cheechoo said.

With the election of Chief Peter Wesley and a new Moose Cree Council June 22, GCC Grand Chief Mandy GullMasty hopes to establish a new era of respectful nation-to-nation dialogue. Acknowledging the strong statements made by past Moose Cree leadership, she believes there are misconceptions that can be cleared up through communication.

“I look forward to working with Chief Wesley and hope we can sit down and have a dialogue in the near future,” GullMasty told the Nation. “The provincial borders are not the cultural borders of Eeyou Istchee. For us to understand the intention between one another’s position, there has to be that sit-down.”

GCC executive director Davey Bobbish also hopes a mutual solution can be reached. Bobbish noted that they’re gathering anthropological evidence for an eventual court case in collaboration

with MoCreebec and Washaw Sibi, which is similarly recognized as a Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee but excluded from the JBNQA.

As beneficiaries without most of the benefits, MoCreebec has long asked for a more inclusive interpretation of the “10year clause”, which holds that Crees must live in Eeyou Istchee for a six-month period every 10 years to be entitled to JBNQA benefits. Although no such amendments to the JBNQA appear to be on the horizon, the GCC is providing certain services to its two Ontario communities and hopes to one day build permanent settlements.

Bobbish insisted the GCC isn’t fighting the Moose Cree First Nation, acknowledging that “they hold these rights to these same lands.” He thinks a sharing agreement is possible, like one reached in the 2018 agreement with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Innu Nation.

That agreement recognizes both the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Aboriginal title and the ancestral rights of Cree families in a shared area located in Nitassinan, Mashteuiatsh. It also contains shared commitments on economic development and employment, forestry and traditional activities.

“We have a very good example on our side with Mashteuiatsh, where there were always overlap issues between nations,” explained Bobbish. “We sat down together and said let’s not divide the land. We worked out an agreement that was mutually acceptable and we signed a treaty with them. We didn’t need Quebec on that one.”

Air Creebec’s first female president

Tanya Pash has made history as the first woman to be appointed president of Air Creebec, the Cree-owned airline in northern Quebec.

Pash had been serving as the company’s chief operating officer for the past 10 years. A registered PA, and former Cree Nation Government member, Pash expressed her sense of being honoured and excitement about leading the 40-year-old airline.

Pash aims to promote the company’s growth and encourage Cree youth to pursue careers in aviation. The chairman of Air Creebec, Derrick Neeposh, commended Pash’s leadership skills and thanked outgoing president Matthew Happyjack for his contributions.

North American Indigenous Games in Halifax

The 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony in Halifax, celebrating the rich language, traditions, wisdom, and culture of the host Mi’kmaq Nation.

Presented by Destination Indigenous, the ceremony featured over a dozen performers who welcomed more than 4,800 athletes, coaches, and

staff from 756 Nations participating in 16 different sports. As the largest multi-sport and cultural gathering in Atlantic Canada’s history, NAIG promises a 50-50 balance between sports and culture.

The cultural village on the Halifax Common offers mainstage performances, an Indigenous marketplace, and cultural demonstrations. CBC Sports and NAIG2023.com will provide extensive coverage

of the games, which run until July 21.

Dwindling polar bear population

The polar bear population in Canada is being significantly affected by climate change, particularly in relation to the availability of sea ice.

Hudson Bay, an important habitat for polar bears, experiences a complete freeze-over

in winter and becomes icefree during the summer and autumn months. However, the timing and extent of ice breakup and freeze-up are changing due to rising temperatures.

In June 2023, warm weather caused accelerated ice breakup in Hudson Bay, leaving much of the bay with less ice than usual. As a result, polar bears are returning to land earlier, with some bears still on the diminishing ice despite the limited availability.

These changes in ice dynamics pose challenges for polar bears’ access to food, reproduction, and overall survival. Scientists warn that a longer ice-free season and reduced sea ice threaten the sustainability of the polar bear population in the region.

RoseAnne Archibald

Screening indigenous stories

by Sakib Hossain

Experience the vibrant celebration of Indigenous art and culture at Montreal’s premier showcase of the artistic prowess and cultural renaissance of Indigenous peoples around the world. August 8-17, the First Peoples’ Festival will be a hub for the rich heritage and diverse narratives of Indigenous communities, offering an array of audiovisual works, immersive exhibitions and live performances.

The epicentre of this artistic extravaganza is the Place des Festivals in downtown Montreal, where a towering teepee sets the stage for a vibrant tapestry of Indigenous culture.

The festival’s films feature an intriguing selection of recent works that highlight the perspectives, struggles and triumphs of Indigenous peoples globally. The festival recognizes the talents of these filmmakers by presenting numerous prizes and bursaries to honour their contributions.

Here are some of the films this year: Twice Colonized

(Documentary) by Lin aLLuna, 92m, canaDaDenmark-GreenLanD

The festival’s opening film is a feature-length documentary that focusses on Aaju Peter, a renowned Inuit lawyer and activist from Greenland. While fighting for Indigenous rights, Aaju embarks on a deeply personal quest for healing and reconciliation. Director Lin Alluna captures Aaju’s spirit and determination to confront the effects of colonization.

ture at Montreal’s premier showcase of the artistic prowess and cultural renaissance of Indigenous peoples around the world. August 8-17, the First Peoples’ Festival will be a hub for the rich heritage and diverse narratives of Indigenous communities, offering an array of audiovisual works, immersive exhibitions and

The epicentre of this artistic extravaganza is the Place des Festivals in downtown Montreal, where a towering teepee sets

The festival’s films feature an intriguing selection of recent works that highlight the perspectives, struggles and triumphs of Indigenous peoples globally. The festival recognizes the talents of these filmmakers by presenting numerous prizes and bursaries to

(Documentary) by Lin Alluna, 92m, Canada-Denmark-Greenland

The festival’s opening film is a feature-length documentary that focusses on Aaju Peter, a renowned Inuit lawyer and activist from Greenland. While fighting for Indigenous rights, Aaju embarks on a deeply personal quest for healing and reconciliation. Director Lin Alluna captures Aaju’s spirit and determination to confront the

exploring contradictions, recognizing each other, and reflecting

A dialogue between a Mexican Tzotzil son and his mother,

Montreal hosts the 33rd International First Peoples’ Festival

(Left) Aaju Peter in Twice Colonized, (Right) Scene from The Voyager’s Legacy

(Left) Siwane from Kanak, (Right) A Boy Called Piano

Mamá

(Documentary) by Xun Sero, 80m, meXico

A dialogue between a Mexican Tzotzil son and his mother, exploring contradictions, recognizing each other, and reflecting on naturalized violence.

Un pont au-dessus de l’Océan

(Documentary) by FranciS Fourcou, 105m, France

Two journeys, one by an Occitan singer and the other by an Osage poet, intertwine to preserve their cultures and languages.

A Boy Called Piano

(Documentary) by nina nawaLowaLo, 57m, Fiji-Samoa-new ZeaLanD

Fa’amoana John Luafutu’s story as a state ward in New Zealand in the 1960s and the intergenerational impacts of this experience.

KanaK

(Fiction) by Gino Pitarch, 21m, France

Siwane, a Kanak from New Caledonia, struggles with reactions to his culture backstage at a Parisian theatre.

Kanatenhs - When the Pine needles Fall

(Documentary) by eLLen GabrieL, 21m, canaDa

The story of the Kanesatake Mohawk community fighting to protect their homeland during the 78-day siege of the Oka Crisis.

Better at texting

(Fiction) by mary GaLLoway, 11m, canaDa

Trinity, a radical Indigenous feminist, and Addison, a devout Black Mormon, find common ground while working on a school project.

savage / Future

(eXPerimentaL) by terry j joneS, 22 min, uSa

Seneca filmmaker Terry Jones uses personal and historic still images to connect his family and the American Indian Boarding School experience.

nhaKPoti

(Fiction) by Pat-i kayaPó, PauL chiLSen, 14m, braZiL

This short film tells the legend of how agriculture came to the MêbêngôkreKayapó in the Brazilian Amazon.

the voyager’s

legacy

(Fiction) by baiLey PochinG, 10m, new ZeaLanD

Set during the Dawn Raids in New Zealand in the 1970s, three Samoan children imagine their home as a fairytale world despite a reality of racial discrimination.

Beyond the cinematic screen, the festival will also feature an impressive number of performers who will grace the stage. Attendees can look forward to performances by musical talents Moe Clark, Joseph Sarnhes and Laura Niquay

More than just a festival, this event creates a platform for cultural exchange, dialogue and celebration. It attracts an array of artists, activists and filmmakers from around the world, fostering connections and building bridges of understanding.

This unique festival highlights the power of art and culture to unite, inspire and foster positive change, thus making it an unforgettable experience.

C H O K E D

Wildfire smoke closes access roads and prompts more evacuations

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As relentless forest fires continued to blaze across Eeyou Istchee, access roads blocked by heavy smoke in mid-July forced at least five Cree communities to evacuate some of their members.

“We saw everything evolving in the southern part of Eeyou Istchee in the last couple of weeks then other fires started in the north and impacted all of the coastal communities so nobody in Eeyou Istchee has been spared,” explained Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty.

Over 1,000 Crees were in Gatineau for the Every Child Matters hockey and broomball tournament before wildfire smoke blanketed several community access roads and major routes early in the week of July 10. With fires approaching the roads and smoke reducing visibility to almost zero, some returning to the territory were forced to turn back.

While emergency teams were able to organize convoys for those heading north, the visibility was soon too bad to allow any road access. Emergency shelters were established in Matagami, Pikogan and a service centre at km 381 of the Billy Diamond Highway.

“It was a scary experience,” said Betty Tomatuk. “At km 66 to 68 in Eastmain access road, we drove through a very big thick black smoke and at one point it looked like it was nighttime.”

Eastmain declared a state of emergency July 13 and prepared for a full evacuation. Radisson also declared a local state of emergency on that day while Nemaska, Waskaganish and Wemindji evacuated their most vulnerable residents. Canadian Rangers were deployed to support departures as various levels of government worked to establish an “air bridge” for delivering essential goods and medical supplies.

Four Chinook helicopters transported 344 Eastmain residents to Matagami on July 14, the most they had ever moved in one day, with more transported the following days. Eastmain animal control weren’t able to airlift the community’s pets as planned after military helicopters were called away for an urgent evacuation in Wemindji but kept them safely centralized in the arena.

As the Billy Diamond Highway and several community access roads were restricted, an operational committee composed of regional stakeholders was established to ensure the safety and basic needs of impacted citizens. Chisasibi’s grocery shelves emptied, and gas was rationed while com-

Photos provided by Allan Saganash

munity members awaited a Hercules military plane to deliver necessary supplies.

Smoky conditions that brought darkness at 5pm some days prompted the installation of safe air shelters at Chisasibi’s community banquet hall, auditorium and youth centre. With Air Creebec involved in several evacuations and supply deliveries, President Tanya Pash commended crews for their “phenomenal effort” and volunteering overtime.

On July 16, the first cohort of auxiliary firefighters from Waswanipi and OujeBougoumou completed basic training in Mont-Tremblant to be integrated with SOPFEU ground crews inland. A second group of 30 began a session in Chisasibi a few days later with a trainer who flew up from Maniwaki.

Rains and humidity in the following days helped stall the fire’s progress, providing a brief window for the Billy Diamond Highway to reopen for essen-

tial services, humanitarian reasons and residents returning home. As fires were still present on both sides of the road, this status was to be regularly reassessed according to the latest conditions.

“We have local fire departments who are ‘boots on the ground’ to do daily checks on the access roads and give information to SOPFEU,” added regional fire marshal Lee-Roy Blacksmith. “They put checkpoints on some access roads so community members can reach their local PSO as they get closer to the community.”

The heavy rains had yet to extinguish the fires as hoped and hot spots remained on access roads where the flames had crossed. Firefighting reinforcements from the US had arrived in Radisson and water bombers were waiting for better visibility to conduct operations. Blacksmith said decisions were coordinated through daily meetings with deputy executive director

Melissa Saganash, local PSOs, community leaders and provincial agencies.

Eastmain was planning internally for a gradual return according to step-bystep guidelines from the health board and other authorities, however, essential services such as the health clinic and grocery availability needed to first be in place.

Bush access remained prohibited from Matagami up to the Trans-Taiga Road, where a fire had grown to become the biggest in Canada. It was one of 11 fires out of control in the province’s northern zone at press time, as blazes had consumed over 2.8 million hectares of forest.

While news outlets report the wildfires haven’t touched any homes, Cree land users may have a different story. Keith Bearskin’s large cabin went up in flames along with the family’s boats, ATV and other gear. Like many others,

the Chisasibi Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA) president was uninsured.

Only 262 cabins were insured under CTA’s program, which is hindered by the challenges of gathering building details in the deep bush. Cree Board of Compensation chairman Derrick Neeposh suggested the fires will likely increase premiums or even prevent insurance coverage.

Waswanipi forestry consultant Allan Saganash is aware of some traplines that have been completely lost. Evacuated multiple times, Saganash has struggled with asthma exacerbated by the wildfire smoke and sickness from being away from traditional food. However, that doesn’t compare to the heartbreak of witnessing the forest fire’s devastating aftermath.

“As I stood towards the charred land along the highway, sadness and a deathly silence fell upon me,” Saganash shared.

“What was once a forest bustling of wildlife, the foliage making familiar sounds that only a hunter can understand, was all gone. Not only our traplines are lost but many of our camps which many of us consider our real homes.”

Gull-Masty said that she’s in discussions with the CTA to determine the impacts and next steps for securing potential recovery resources. She said this season has brought hard lessons for both governments and land users that will inform fire prevention strategies.

“It is absolutely necessary to address the concerns of the land users,” GullMasty told the Nation. “We’re basically almost in a refugee status from the impact of climate, which creates obligations for government to respond to our needs. This isn’t just empty forests catching on fire – one tallyman told me this is cultural infrastructure.”

As I stood towards the charred land along the highway, sadness and a deathly silence fell upon me

- Waswanipi forestry consultant Allan Saganash

Saving the lake monsters

Lake sturgeon conservation agreement blazes new path

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On June 27, the Cree Nation Government and Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the signing of a landmark conservation agreement to protect the lake sturgeon of the Southern Hudson Bay-James Bay, a species of special concern under the country’s Species at Risk Act (SARA).

The agreement is the first of its kind in Canada, providing a collaborative framework for the development of a Cree-led management plan that will identify conservation targets and threats to the species and its habitat, establishing concrete actions for the sturgeon’s long-term survival.

“This is a first for an Indigenous group to take lead of a management plan in collaboration with the government,” explained Tina Petawabano, CNG director of federal and Indigenous relations. “Other First Nations have been involved in the past, however more in the implementation. We’re pleased we could take part in putting this plan together.”

Cree communities have long had concerns about the impact of harvesting and industrial activities, particularly around the Rupert River and its diversion bays. In 2010, an environmental team began closely monitoring spawning grounds and stocked 5,000 sturgeon fry in places where the river habitat is more favourable.

When DFO separated lake sturgeon management according to watershed, the Cree Nation was eager to help manage the Southern Hudson Bay-James Bay population, mostly covering where the JBNQA provides exclusive wildlife use to Cree. While SARA mandated the DFO to prepare management plans when lake sturgeon was designated a species of special concern, the CNG asked to work closely with them from the beginning.

After an operational working group consisting of CNG, DFO and Cree Trappers’ Association members was formed, interviews were conducted with 76 community members from nine Cree communities. Workshops then helped to validate the traditional knowledge and first-hand observations that will guide the threat management plan currently being drafted.

Known in Cree as Nameu or Nimaau, the lake sturgeon has long been valued in Eeyou Istchee and other First Nations as an important food source. It is Canada’s largest freshwater fish, capable of growing over 2 metres and 180 kg and living more than 100 years. They’re often referred to as a living

fossil, as the species dates to the time of dinosaurs over 200 million years ago.

“The lake sturgeon is a significant species for our people and communities as our cultural practices and livelihoods are closely tied to the fish,” said CTA regional president Arden Visitor. “It is our responsibility to protect and conserve this species for future generations to come and we welcome the collaborative framework to identify conservation actions.”

When the International Union for the Conservation of Nature declared the lake sturgeon endangered last December, it was believed that rivers flowing into Hudson and James Bay were home to its last remaining abundant populations globally. However, many are concerned that mining and hydroelectric activity threaten its survival.

“You can tell by how they look on the other side of the dams, they don’t look as healthy,” observed Jennifer Simard of Moose Cree First Nation earlier this year. “Some of them have big heads and really small bodies. We know it’s having an impact, and, for us, that warrants enough to start taking action.”

Moose Cree and the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada have created a partnership to research these impacts and hope to work with Ontario Power Generation to identify potential solutions, such as alternating operating hours of the dams to reduce disruption to the fish’s migration patterns.

As sturgeon in Eeyou Istchee’s rivers can be over 30 years old when they spawn for the first time and only spawn every five to nine years, they are particularly sensitive to fishing pressure and changes in breeding habitat. There are concerns that overexploitation, water pollution and dam construction are depleting their populations, although not to the extent of the Great Lakes, where the once abundant species now number less than 1% of historical numbers.

The working group will hold discussions this fall with Hydro-Québec along with the provincial environment department, Anishinaabe communities, industrial proponents and other stakeholders. As conservation measures aren’t enforceable, finding common ground can identify specific mitigation steps that each partner could apply.

“The major threats we are addressing are differences in hydrology, water temperature, the flow of water, deforestation and over-exploitation,” said Alain Guitard, the DFO’s director of planning and conservation. “Barriers can impinge the free passage of sturgeon and dams can change the hydrology of the habitat.”

Lake sturgeon will also be impacted by recent forest fires, which increase stream flow due to vegetation loss while leading to higher water temperatures and quantities of debris and sediment.

Guitard said the DFO sees the nation-to-nation partnership as beneficial for both groups. Reconciling federal conservation measures with the Cree way of doing things supports better informed strategies.

“It’s a pleasure to work with our CNG colleagues,” said Guitard. “We recognize the leadership role of the Cree to bring their knowledge to protect this important species and its habitat. Our collaboration brings strong support from the Cree communities for the implementation of future management measures.”

The CNG is overseeing some work that the DFO would normally undertake. During monthly meetings, the project’s steering committee discusses updates from consultations in the field and progresses towards the plan’s expected completion a year from now. There will then be a public process to gather public input.

“We’re setting a precedent now with the lake sturgeon and we’re doing well in the work we’re doing,” asserted Petawabano. “I don’t see why we couldn’t do something similar with other species identified in the future. We’re setting precedent not just for the Cree but to inspire other Indigenous groups. We’re paving the way once again.”

by Margie E. Burke

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.

How

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 see how ‘straights’ are formed.

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

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store. The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

Crossword

Recovery mode

by Sonny Orr

As the fires wreak havoc with our summer plans and ceaseless smoke clogs our nostrils, we know that at some point the forests will yield and the wood that fueled this natural catastrophe is spent and deposited into a huge carbon footprint. I guess Mother Nature has its way to save any residual energy it has in its biomass and expending it with formidable fury. As any Elder has tried to explain before, just stay safely out of its way and let the rejuvenation begin its beautiful cycle.

As for the destruction left in the aftermath, many people have lost their camps and lands to these fires. Not to mention the many people who had to leave their homes for safer places and hope for, no, pray for, the rain to pour down and end this cleansing process.

My hope is that no one panics as we try to regain our normal lives again. For the ones who stayed behind to protect and keep their homes safe, rest assured that everyone is grateful for your perseverance.

Usually, I poke fun at many different topics, but I draw the line when emergencies occur and sometimes life takes unexpected turns for the worse. It’s during times like these though, that a sense of humour is all that’s left to relieve some of the stress we’ve had to endure this summer. Perhaps I shall demonstrate.

When you have to board a military aircraft to leave town for the nearest safe haven, it makes you wonder whether this

type of exercise might be a little fun taking off and a little more exciting when the parachutes get pulled out.

Or being flown around in our country’s pride and envy of other nations, the Chinook, named after the warm Alberta winds, that tell us change is on the way. Much nicer than a groundhog that pops out of the ground once a year. This February it should have popped up with an emergency flare to warn us that the year was going to be a hot one.

As with these types of phased emergency plans, the Elders, patients and those susceptible to bad air in general leave first. Kudos to them if they got to ride in a military aircraft.

But after the plane departs, it’s the waiting part that gets to you. Basic shelter and food come to mind immediately. Hamburgers and poutine can only sustain you for so long, and the need to consume home-cooked foods and to rest in your own bed tells you that life is good, when

emergencies aren’t there to point that out to us. Sometimes the best things are the ones that you don’t notice until you don’t have them anymore. Maybe this is all a lifelong lesson on life and living.

Lessons aside, remember that summer is halfway over and there may be more calamities on the way. But we’ve had great experiences that we have learnt from and have all pulled together to fight them, like Covid. We learnt to work together and communicate and understand things like freedom and quality of life, things we take for granted.

Today, we still need to band together, this time to save homes and people and in a highly organized way. As far as emergency management goes, we seem to have this pretty well in hand.

Finally, stay safe and listen to what the authorities have to say. They are tasked with keeping you all safe and sound, with your cooperation of course.

Hamburgers and poutine can only sustain you for so long, and the need to consume home-cooked food

Making great things happen

by Xavier Kataquapit

It takes people to make change for the better in our society. Happily, I have known many people over the past few decades who have devoted their energy to making life better for Indigenous people. One effort I have experienced really stands out.

Sixteen years ago, the Wabun Tribal Council developed its first Wabun Youth Gathering to bring together the young people of the Wabun First Nations. I was there early on documenting the event and I have been following it over the years. As is the case with all good ideas it took some amazing people to find the funding, develop the concept and put the effort together to make this annual gathering happen.

It all started when Jean Lemieux, Wabun’s health director at the time, met with the late Elder Thomas Saunders of Brunswick House FN. He asked Jean to put in place a gathering dedicated to helping Wabun youth learn the cultural and traditional teachings of the Indigenous peoples of the area. That plea struck a chord with Jean and she decided to move ahead with the idea.

The Chiefs of the Wabun First Nations all agreed this was a necessary and important idea and then Executive Director Shawn Batise supported the project. With the help of staff, First Nation members and Elders, Lemieux dedicated

much time and effort in producing the first Wabun Youth Gathering which was held in Mattagami FN in August 2007.

The Wabun leadership, community members, Elders and participating youth all knew this gathering with its teachings and healing message was something everyone needed. The pathway for continuation came from hard work by people with a variety of skills. And that’s how the gathering became an annual event.

Wabun was one of the first organizations to develop this type of annual youth event focused on cultural and traditional teachings. Over the years many skilled Indigenous facilitators devoted to passing on healing and life strategies attended these gatherings. The results were positive right away. I was amazed at how much the youth learned new skills at these gatherings while gaining vital knowledge of who they were as Indigenous people.

The Wabun Elders were a huge part of what made these events a success. Every year I was so happy to see Elder Vina Hendrix of Matachewan FN, who has the special distinction of having attended every single Wabun Youth Gathering. She was always a magnet for the youth, who were drawn to her kind and strong personality. Another important figure was the late Elder Marie Boucher of Matachewan FN.

I was reminded of how important our Elders and traditional teachers are and I had the pleasure of meeting many of them from the Wabun territory over the years. Community support was always important, and chaperones made sure to invest their time and energy to accompany the youth and assist the organizers.

The Wabun Youth Gathering has spawned others across the country. That’s a wonderful thing as I see more and more young Indigenous people proud to discover their traditions and culture as well as life skills that help them on their journeys.

New generations of Wabun youth keep showing up on the land where they forge bonds with young people from other communities. These bonds last forever. Over the years I see Wabun people who were just kids when I first encountered them at the Wabun Youth Gatherings. They are doing great things, working and assisting their communities.

These great things are the result of the ideas, commitment and dedication of great people. So, Meegwetch to Jean, Shawn, Jason, Angie, Faye, Josee, Vina, Marie, all the chaperones, facilitators and Chiefs of Wabun for being the great people that created such a positive force in the lives of Indigenous youth.