The Nation | Vol. 30, No. 26

USEFUL. USEFUL. USEFUL. UNIQUE. UNIQUE. UNIQUE. UNSURPASSED...

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A WEALTH OF INFORMATION A WEALTH OF INFORMATION FORAANYONE IN WEALTHLIVING OF INFORMATION FOR ANYONE LIVING IN EEYOU FORISTCHEE ANYONE LIVING IN EEYOU ISTCHEE ISTCHEE All yourEEYOU local numbers in one place!

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MORE MORE MORE EFFICIENT THAN EFFICIENT THAN EFFICIENT THAN THE INTERNET! THE INTERNET! THE INTERNET! UNIQUE LAYOUT WITH TABS, UNIQUE LAYOUT WITH TABS, MAKING IT ALAYOUT BREEZEWITH TO TABS, UNIQUE MAKING IT A BREEZE TO FIND WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKING IT A BREEZE FIND WHAT YOU NEED FIND WHAT YOU NEED Each Cree community has its own

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Mandy Gull-Masty Gull-Masty Grand Mandy Chief/Chairperson Gull-Masty GrandMandy Chief/Chairperson Grand Chief/Chairperson

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CONTENTS 10 The harvest is here Chisasibi’s Musuutaau celebrates the blueberry harvest

EDITORIAL Never without consent

4

Cascading hazards

5

Team power

6

BRIEFS FEATURES

9

NEWS

Berry, berry good

10

History matters

16

Competitive edge

22

PUZZLES REZ NOTES As the season changes

UTNS Community

16

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Kitchi-Meegwetch Wab Kinew

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Editorial

Never without consent

by Will Nicholls

I

n 1998, the Grand Council of the Crees published a book titled Never Without Consent: James Bay Crees Stand Against Forcible Inclusion into an Independent Quebec. This book looked the referendum on October 24, 1995, asking whether the Crees would join an independent Quebec if the province voted yes in the provincial referendum to be held a week later.

Over 77% of Crees voted and 96.3% of them gave a resounding no to the idea of allowing Quebec to take them and their territory out of Canada if there was a yes vote. Helicopters traveled to bush camps to ensure that any Cree who wanted to vote in the Cree referendum would be able to do so.

Premier Jacques Parizeau blamed his narrow loss in the referendum on the rich and people of a different ethnic background. Even up to the Quebec referendum the separatists continued to refuse to recognize that the Cree had the same right to self-determination that they claimed for themselves.

This wasn’t the first time that Quebec has not accorded the Cree the same rights as they enjoy. When fighting the Great Whale hydro-electric project they accused the Cree of waging “judicial guerrilla warfare.” Using the courts, peaceful protests and trying to get public opinion on your side is not acceptable, it seems, if you are Indigenous. When the Cree addressed the European Parliament in 1994 about their objections to the separatist movement in Quebec, noted separatist David Cliché called it “an act of treason.”

Quebec had a questionable right to separation. It was ruled illegal by the

courts, but the referendum was allowed so people could express themselves. But then Quebec denied self-determination for Indigenous Peoples even while claiming it for the francophone majority.

But when it came to threats of outright warfare, the separatist movement was at the forefront. Security Minister Jacques Brassard said an independent Quebec would resort to force to defend its territory and enforce its laws. Brassard added that this would be needed “particularly against Aboriginal peoples and other dissident groups.”

Bloc Québécois MP Marc Jacob sent a request to francophone members of the Canadian Armed Forces asking them to transfer their alliance to the proposed new state of Quebec. Université Laval professor Albert Legault said the military installations in Montreal and Valcartier would allow Quebec to equip itself with the means to respond to Aboriginal crises. That would be a reaction to the idea of “effective control” of Eeyou Istchee that international law requires for statehood.

It might also be the reason why the Cree were asked to acknowledge “effective control” over the territory in the Paix des Braves agreement. However, effective control isn’t something that lasts forever. Also, international law doesn’t grant recognition to a state when it violates the right of self-determination, which takes precedence over the concept of “effective control.”

During that time, Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come said any attempt by the PQ to remove Eeyou Istchee from Canada would amount to “kidnapping” and would be resisted. “This would be hijacking of a

whole people and their lands. This we will not allow the separatists to do.”

Not all separatists were on board with the government’s attitude like law professor Daniel Turp (a former Bloc MP and PQ MNA). He said in a paper that the government should recognize that it is “not the Aboriginal people who occupy our territory, but rather we who are attempting to occupy THEIRS.” Never Without Consent documents both the Cree and Quebec referendums, the hopes, the dreams, the rhetoric of the Quebec and Cree politicians and their supporters, and the legal challenges. It is a piece of history that is still applicable to this day. Twenty-five years later, Never Without Consent is worth reading to understand a part of history that continues to affect our lives.

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 S. Orr, X. Kataquapit, P. Quinn, R. Mair 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 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

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CMCA AUDITED

Cascading hazards

Editorial News

Steamy September sparks flareups on Wemindji’s access road | by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

W

hile cooler and rainy October weather is dampening the remaining blazes in Eeyou Istchee, an exceptionally hot and dry September sparked flareups near Wemindji’s access road and forced it to close again as the month ended.

A road maintenance crew determined the fire had crossed the access road at km 90 while visibility and air quality were very poor from km 88 to 94. While the access road was closed September 30 and October 1, the fires also caused frightening conditions for drivers on that stretch of the Billy Diamond Highway.

“Smoke was thick at times on the road home to Chisasibi and at one point there were ashes falling, which at first we thought were raindrops but it wasn’t wet,” said Angela Gates. “We saw three fires. The far ones looked scary because it was night and we saw a lot of orange in the distance. My kids and I were shocked that they had reignited.”

Although the road reopened the following Monday, drivers were cautioned that shifting winds could continue to cause flareups. Regional fire marshal LeeRoy Blacksmith told the Nation that these blazes didn’t require firefighter response and that SOPFEU is monitoring the area.

As the fire season winds down, Blacksmith is organizing debriefing sessions with SOPFEU and his working group to begin planning for next year. In coming talks with SOPFEU, he’s looking to secure training for Cree firefighters in the spring and information on how to define damages for cabin insurance.

“They want us to provide a fire report through SOPFEU,” said Blacksmith. “We’ll be working with SOPFEU on these cabin fires – where they were, and causes.”

The Cree Nation Government launched a cabin damage registry in September to help document the impact of this summer’s forest fires on Cree cabins and equipment. The simple online form asks owners to submit their cabin’s location, size, type of infrastructure, funding source and estimated damage value.

Owners are asked if their cabin was insured and whether they’re on the Economic Security Program, describing

the damage in words and pictures. The survey is not an offer of financial aid.

Local Cree Trappers’ Associations or Niskamoon officers are available to assist with filling out the form.

“This is a very, very large undertaking for the Cree Nation Government because the territory is huge,” explained Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty. “We want to find solutions to assist our members. We want to justify those solutions. This is your opportunity to participate in finding an outcome for the Cree Nation in terms of what happened this summer.”

Among the more than 10,000 cabins in Eeyou Istchee, only 262 had insurance.

The CTA’s Thomas Stevens estimated that included less than 10% of Cree cabins that burned down. While it isn’t yet clear how Cree insurance rates will be impacted by this year’s wildfires, some homeowners in British Columbia found their rates had more than doubled by late summer.

According to Craig Stewart of the Insurance Bureau of Canada, insurers are assessing premiums for vulnerable communities based on existing protection and forest management practices. He said the insurance industry is in “intensive” talks with Natural Resources Canada to find solutions encouraging consumers to adopt wildfire mitigation practices.

BC is currently the only province offering an intensive FireSmart program, which certifies property owners who complete recommendations following a risk assessment. Program lead Rachel Woodhurst said houses with a non-combustible roof in good condition and flammable material cleared about one-and-a-half metres around the perimeter have a 90% chance of survival.

With less forest to absorb rainfall and moderate snowfall, areas impacted by fires may be at risk of flooding, infrastructure damage and other “cascading hazards,” according to Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan.

The months of June, July and August were the warmest on record for the planet.

Then September exceeded these broken records unprecedented margins. While Canadian wildfires are typically slow by late August and fade away by October,

many of this year’s fires grew at their fastest rates throughout late September, particularly in western Canada.

On September 27, the last day that the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported numbers for the year, 798 fires were still burning, with 382 out of control.

Over 6,400 wildfires scorched almost 18 million hectares across the country, and close to 4 million hectares in northern Quebec, much of it in Cree territory.

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution initiative found that humancaused climate change made Quebec’s wildfires through the end of July at least seven times more likely to occur – and at least 50% more intense. Although these fires were unprecedented, the report’s authors concluded “they are no longer extremely unusual.”

The substantial losses to forests, wildlife and cultural infrastructure have disturbed Indigenous communities’ balance with their surrounding nature. The Anishinabe community of Lac Simon has held several ceremonies to mourn the deaths of wildlife trapped in the blazes.

“The forest that protects us has disappeared,” lamented the community’s former leader, Adrienne Jérôme. “Our pantry has disappeared. There are no more small game animals, no hares, no partridges. All the medicinal plants have burned.”

While Cree land users like Allan Saganash have long criticized the region’s irresponsible forestry practices, a growing chorus of scientists denounce the industry’s focus on lucrative but fire-fuelling black spruce. They recommend prioritizing mixed reforestation of more resistant coniferous and deciduous trees.

Saganash has already observed changes in the local wildlife. Due to the scarcity of poplar, birch and alder trees in their habitat, beavers are eating what’s called “skuudamwee” in Cree, found beneath water lilies in swampy areas.

“The moose seem to be sticking to their habitats near the forest fires,” Saganash shared. “Most likely because of the green areas in the fires that did not burn. I also assume they have no other place to go because of their already fragmented habitats.”

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2023 Indigenous Firefighting Competition “

W

e’re gunning for first,” said Summer Martin of the Kahnawake Fire Brigade – one of seven teams participating in the National Indigenous Firefighting Competition.

“I don’t want to jinx us, but we were five seconds shy of first place last year. And we came in second. So, we’re trying to redeem ourselves and get that first-place win,” explained Martin.

More than 60 Indigenous firefighters from across Canada gathered in Kahnawake for the event. The seven teams from across Canada competed in judged events to determine the 2023 National Firefighting Competition Champion. All hailing from small communities, each team had its own set of unique challenges.

Team Atlantic had the most stacked against them as they only had one chance to practice as a team before the competition. Since there was no single regional winning team, members were selected from various communities, including Larry Sockabasin (Tobique, NB), Gavin Creemon (We’koma’q, Cape Breton), Auden Pierro (Wamatcook, NS) and William Stevens, Stephen Francis and Jordan Scott (Eskasoni, NS).

Fire Chief Shane Bair, from Beaver Lake Cree Nation in northern Alberta, explained his community of 700 created their fire department only nine months ago. “All of my guys are brand, brand new because we just restarted our fire

Team power

by Ramelle Mair

department last December. Everyone’s new. No experience. Green as grass.

Never competed. Never knew what a fire hose was.”

The competition’s physical exercises, called evolutions, are based on firefighting skills that test strength and endurance. They range from rolling hoses, fast coupling drills and replacing a burst length of a hose.

“It’s a different feeling than fighting fires when you’re in the competition because there’s a lot more training involved. And doing physical skills. I’m really good at rolling the hose,” said Martin.

However, the teams also incur penalties, explained Martin. “Everything is fast paced, but running isn’t allowed. You have to fast walk, which is freaking hilarious when you see us doing it.”

One of the four judges was former NHL hockey player Jordan Nolan of Garden River First Nation. The recently retired Nolan is now pursuing a career in firefighting. “My uncle was a firefighter

in our community. And I’ve never heard one bad thing about being a firefighter.

Obviously, it has issues like other jobs, but I think the camaraderie and being part of a team seems like a great career for a former athlete.”

The competition is broken down into two elements: the physical competition and the fire prevention presentation that were done the night before.

“I feel that my guys rocked the presentation,” said Bair. “It is supposed to be on fire prevention initiatives that you do in your community. But we’re so new we don’t have any set programs yet. Since we’ve just restarted the fire department, we did ours on what we’ve done so far to make public safety a priority.”

Some presentations struck an emotional chord, especially Team Saskatchewan from Fond du Lac (population 900) who lost three firefighters to suicide.

The championship winners were announced at a banquet following the competition. There was a surprised hush

in the crowd when the favoured Team Kahnawake came in sixth place. Team BC took third, Team Alberta placed second with Team Manitoba clinching first place, hoisting the championship trophy with pride.

“The competition is about fire service leadership and about showing team camaraderie,” said Blaine Wiggins, director of the Indigenous Fire Safety Council. This is why the coveted “Most Sportsmanlike Team” prize went to Team Atlantic.

“Ninety-nine per cent of Indigenous fire departments in Canada are staffed by volunteers and this was one way to acknowledge their service,” Wiggins added.

The evening wrapped up with Happy Garrioch of Cross Lake First Nation representing champion winners Team Manitoba breaking out in a celebratory jig on centre stage. w The 2024 National Indigenous Competition will be held in Vancouver.

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In Brief Mistissini stray dog sterilization In collaboration with the community of Mistissini, Chiots Nordiques offered veterinary services to 120 dogs during an intensive 48-hour medical excursion over the first weekend of October.

Since 2012, Chiots Nordiques has worked alongside Indigenous communities to “offer sustainable solutions for the challenges of canine overpopulation in Indigenous communities throughout Quebec.” This year, 17 local volunteers helped sterilize 70 Mistissini-area dogs.

The issue with stray dog overpopulations is that “their presence has significant implications for animal welfare, ecosystem health and public human health,” according to Chiots Nordiques. Given the lack of veterinary services, communities are often forced to deal with stray dogs that are generally sicker and more aggressive due to their living conditions.

Besides the “spay and neuter” clinics, Chiots Nordiques delivers dry food to dogs in need, as well as transferring canines out of dangerous situations and into shelters. Dr. Daphnée Veilleux-Lemieux, president of Chiots Nordiques, said the clinic was a great success.

“We came in 2019 and held the first clinic of its sort for

Manitoba Premier & Leader of Manitoba’s New Democratic Party Wab Kinew Mistissini,” Lemieux stated.

“The actions were partially put on hold and became much more complex with the arrival of Covid-19 in 2020. It’s great to get back to it again, helping canines in these communities.” .

Kinew rescues Manitoba For the first time in Canada, voters have elected a First

Nations person as a provincial premier.

Leader Wab Kinew’s New Democratic Party won a majority of seats in the Manitoba legislature in the October 3 election, ousting the governing Progressive Conservatives of current premier Heather Stefanson, who resigned as party leader.

Kinew, 41, is a former rapper, author, broadcaster and university administrator. He was raised on the Onigaming

First Nation in northwestern Ontario, before moving to Winnipeg. Six years ago, he won the leadership of the Manitoba NDP. Kinew’s Indigenous identity is not the only striking aspect of his rise to power.

This NDP victory disrupted an alliance of right-leaning provincial premiers, spanning from Alberta to the Maritimes.

Healthcare was the emphasis in Kinew’s campaign. He reached out to voters who had previously shunned his party, particularly in rural areas. The PC government had been in power in Manitoba since 2016.

During the latest campaign, PC attack ads emphasized Kinew’s troubled past, including an assault on a taxi driver. Kinew argued that the focus on his criminal history played into stereotypes about Indigenous peoples.

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Features

berry, berry good Chisasibi’s Musuutaau celebrates the blueberry harvest

by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | Photos provided by Reggie Tomatuk

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the Nation October 20, 6, 2023 2023 www.nationnews.ca www.nationnews.ca

S

eptember 16 was a beautiful day for picking blueberries for Chisasibi’s 16th annual Musuutaau (blueberry festival). The event attracted many participants this year, with especially delicious results at the following day’s baking contest.

A total of 163.6 pounds were picked, including 20 pounds that participants donated to local hospital patients, the multi-service day centre and Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centre. An auction of blueberries through social media raised $656 for the school breakfast program.

“There was a good amount of people, but they didn’t collect as much as they [normally] would,” said Reggie Tomatuk, the event’s long-time organizer. “The most we picked in one year was over 750 pounds and one lady picked 25 pounds by herself. The whole intention is for people to go out, families and friends.”

This summer’s unprecedented wildfires, dry conditions and a hot September that delayed the season’s first frost combined to limit the region’s blueberry harvest. Fred Tomatuk, chairperson of the Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board, told the Nation that Eastmain’s fires forced him to buy blueberries in Val-d’Or at $85 a basket, whereas he could regularly get

three or four times that much going up the road.

Despite the relative scarcity, blueberry fans of all ages enjoyed the sunny day of picking. The youngest was one year old and put more berries in his mouth than the bucket. Encouraging this type of physical activity and nutritious eating is part of the mission for Reggie Tomatuk, whose day job is with the Cree Health Board.

“It’s important to be outside to stay healthy,” asserted Tomatuk. “We know the berries are antioxidant. Diabetes is very common in Eeyou Istchee – I think it’s one out of four. Those who are diabetic can’t eat much sugar, so the main guideline of baking is to be diabetes friendly.

There were about 75 entries in the six categories of baked goods, including a new international foods category in recognition of Chisasibi’s growing multicultural community. Janie Bearskin won in both traditional food categories, beating out some interesting recipes inspired by distant homelands, such as a spicy french-fry concoction.

With generous monetary prizes provided by sponsor Brighter Futures, Arianne LeBel won the prestigious award for best blueberry pie in town while Jennilee Salt won best cake and Hepzibeth Lee won best variety cake. Ella Augot enhanced

her award-winning jam with chia seeds, which she said helped improve its consistency.

“It’s an honour to know my jam was appreciated by the community members,” Augot told the Nation. “It’s a very fun festival and I look forward to it every year. You can see how important it is here.”

Augot moved to Chisasibi five years ago with her mother, who had fond memories of picking berries as a girl in Finland.

They were happy to reconnect with the land in this way in Eeyou Istchee, even though it wasn’t initially easy to find a good blueberry patch.

“The first year I was asking where can you find the blueberries and nobody will tell you exactly,” said Augot. “It’s important to go on the land to find your secret spot where you can go every year. This year our usual spot wasn’t very good. but it was still fun.”

In the various picking categories for singles, the winners were Billie Foucault, Amber Georgekish and Lorna Spencer.

In the couples’ categories, Arianne LeBel and Emile Crepeau-Gendron won Uschiniichisuu while Lily Salt and Helen Napash won Chishaayiyuu.

Contestants for the baking categories were encouraged to “share the culinary magic with others” by making a little extra

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for everyone to sample and including their recipes in the local newsletter. When presenting their dishes to the judges, Tomatuk said they have to describe and defend their entries.

“They have to show how they did it or what they prepared it with,” explained Tomatuk. “The judges have criteria they follow. If the contestant has a recipe, they get points. Does it look good or sloppy, is it decorative, did they add leaves? Creativity counts.”

As judging the numerous items took a long time, Tomatuk suggested next year dividing them in two. He hadn’t heard about any digestive problems related to judges Margaret Wadden, Irene Bearskin House, Bianca Drouin, Roger Fournier, Valerie Sam, Raymond Sealhunter and

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the Nation October 20, 2023 www.nationnews.ca

Margaret Pachano eating so many blueberries.

“I was looking forward to the traditional recipes people make with goose or bear liver mixed with berries,” said Bearskin House. “It’s really something.

A lady had berries in a fish casserole that almost reminded me of our fish berry salad we make. It brings back that history of berry picking here.”

Bearskin House remembers tagging along with her grandmothers as a young girl, as they paddled off Fort George Island to locations where berries could be found.

Not only blueberries, but cranberries, otter berries, gooseberries, crowberries and others known only by their Cree names.

“When we were still nomadic, spending a lot of time on the land, that’s what

we would harvest every summer and into the fall,” recalled Bearskin House. “I love cloudberries, that look like a little cloud and grow near some marsh lands. The blackberries usually grow closer to the big body of water.”

Many of these berries have distinct medicinal benefits and some can only be consumed after special preparation.

About 10 years ago, Bearskin House discovered that blackberries could relieve heaviness in the mind. She never takes headache medication; preferring acupressure and nature’s remedies found in berries or fish.

Blueberries have long been an important food source for Indigenous peoples.

They keep longer in storage than other berries, can help preserve meats, and the roots can be boiled to relieve postnatal

pains. Some First Nations called them star berries, believing the Creator marked their bottoms with stars so they wouldn’t forget where they came from.

Tomatuk hopes to partner with other entities to eventually expand Musuutaau to a week-long festival, like one in Umiujaq, Nunavik. Bearskin House begins each gathering with a small prayer acknowledging the medicine in these berries and their powerful role in connecting people to the earth.

“When you get people to do the things they love to do in their cultures, they feel that excitement and there’s a lot of laughter,” said Bearskin House. “When people do that, it continues, like they’re empowered, and they take ownership of that activity.”

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T

he third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was marked by solemn gatherings across Eeyou Istchee and Canada, honouring the lost children, survivors and their families impacted by the residential school system.

September 30 was first commemorated as Orange Shirt Day 10 years ago, signifying the time of year when Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes to residential schools.

“The scars that have been left are deep and painful but awareness of a notso-distant truth and compassion from our neighbours are necessary steps on the path to reconciliation and healing,” stated a message from the Grand Council of the Crees. “Our unity and resilience are a message of strength against a cruel system meant to take away our language, culture and pride.”

Declaring the day “a country-wide beacon calling for healing,” Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty emphasized coming together with friends and family to support each other’s healing journeys.

The Cree Nation Government expressed solidarity with survivors and their families, offering support as efforts proceed

at former residential school sites on Fort George Island to uncover difficult answers.

On September 30, Chisasibi Chief Daisy House honoured the wisdom, bravery and determination of her community members. New generations now proudly celebrate teachings passed down from Elders and speak their mother tongue that was forbidden in residential schools.

“In Chisasibi, our history is heavy, yet remarkable,” House stated. “Being a strong, bold and fierce community, we do not allow generations of colonialism’s impacts to define us. We’ve raised and continue to raise our children on the very lands where our Ancestors endured hardships and heartache.”

House asserted that the “heart-wrenching” initiative to pursue ground-penetrating radar on Fort George Island will eventually provide much-needed healing by finally reclaiming the people’s true history. The Cree Health Board offered its support for such healing processes as it moves towards addressing the Cree Nation’s accumulated layers of trauma.

“Our goal is to create a trauma informed society,” said chairperson Bertie Wapachee. “Even if it takes a

lifetime, our organization will be there with you. September 30 is an opportunity to thank all survivors for your resilience, strength and continuing on with life.”

Special events across the Cree Nation commemorated the occasion, with a sea of orange shirts worn by students and teachers from Mistissini’s schools flowing to a large gathering by the lake. Several schools organized memorial walks and other projects, such as an “Every Child Matters” poster contest at Waskaganish’s Wiinibekuu School.

Orange shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Every Child Matters” symbolize a reclamation of Indigenous identity that residential schools sought to remove, inspired by survivor Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her orange shirt stripped on her first day of residential school as a six-year-old. The colour is also associated with power, regeneration and truth-telling.

The day of remembrance and reflection in Indigenous communities was also an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the history of this genocidal system and to commit to ongoing reconciliation

www.nationnews.ca October 20, 2023

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17

efforts. Numerous marches and ceremonies occurred in cities and towns across Canada.

Native Women’s Shelter director Nakuset co-hosted with Ann Deer a Montreal gathering that featured empowering speeches from Ellen Gabriel and Kahnawake Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer before hundreds of people adorned in orange walked through the downtown streets.

A healing walk in Winnipeg culminated in a powwow while Calgary’s mayor announced it will establish a permanent residential school memorial. On Vancouver Island, Tseshaht First Nation elected chief councillor Wahmeesh (Ken Watts) led a walk and cultural activities to celebrate 50 years since a residential

18

school in its community closed, which was partly initiated by his late father George Watts.

“We need to remember that survivors have been carrying this on their shoulders for decades,” said Watts. “And so, it’s up to us as a next generation to carry it for them because they’ve had to carry this weight.”

At a healing walk in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Wolastoqi Elder Imelda Perley asserted that Indigenous culture should be celebrated every day. “I want my children to know that every day they can be safe in their own culture and not have to leave it behind at home.”

On Parliament Hill, the country’s first Indigenous Governor General, Mary Simon, told attendees that rhetoric about

the Nation October 20, 2023 www.nationnews.ca

reconciliation needs to be backed by concrete action. Simon believes the country’s education system should place greater emphasis on Indigenous history and language.

“We need a more unified system of how we give the full story of Canada, especially in relation to Indigenous and first peoples of this country,” Simon said.

In this line of work “almost 50 years,” Simon has unique insights into complexities of politics and the slow pace of progress. She acknowledged the challenges of closing gaps in infrastructure, health care and education between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

“It takes a long time, these things,” said Simon. “And I fully sympathize with those in small communities, continuing to

suffer the inequities. Even though we’re making progress on bigger issues, it’s not necessarily having an impact at the community level.”

Affirming it was everyone’s responsibility to confront the lasting impacts of residential schools, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the sad rise of denialism made discovering the truth even more important. Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves Kimberly Murray suggested governments can help stop denialism by updating curricula and better funding communities.

“There’s violent attacks through email, showing up on sites with shovels, flying drones over the sites,” said Murray.

“Deniers say nobody is buried at these institutions and we know that’s simply

not true. Blueprints show that cemeteries were built at these institutions.”

Murray said reconciliation is taking place at the grassroots level, “in small communities with their local governments, with their neighbours.” From Gull-Masty’s perspective, supporting one another is a key to overcoming colonialism’s atrocities.

“Please remember we are always stronger united as a Nation,” Gull-Masty asserted. “This is not an individual or family issue – it impacts our communities and our ties to community and tradition are strong. We reiterate our commitment to support our community members on their healing journey so we can continue to come out of this a strong Nation.”

“Deniers say nobody is buried at these institutions and we know that’s simply not true” - Kimberly Murray, Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves

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Community

Competitive edge

Kawawachikamach all-female fire brigade are winners

by Ramelle Mair

I

t seems like sometimes I have a dozen wives,” said Billy Moffat. “And when they bitch, they bitch!”

Moffat, the Fire Chief of Kawawachikamach, is the coach of the all-female Indigenous fire brigade from this Naskapi nation in northern Quebec.

“But on a serious note, when you train with the women, it makes it a lot easier,” added Moffat. “They listen and they focus, and they look at the technique. When it comes to the men, they try to outdo you with muscle but without technique.”

“It’s all about my kids,” said Marina Uniam. “I want them to see how much I work on myself and whatever obstacle I’m coming across; I’m still going to finish what I’m doing. So they can look up to me and think that whatever they’re going through, just to keep moving forward.”

And as Moffat explains, the women have had to overcome a lot of obstacles and continue to overcome personal struggles. “Sadly, many of them have come through family violence, addictions and they’re dealing with the addictions as we speak. One woman recently lost two sons because of drug overdoses.”

“I did a memorial walk for my boys – that was my first healing step,” explained Melissa Peastitute.

Then she joined the Naskapi Fire Brigade. “The fire team got me to focus on something different than just my depression. I was proud. I didn’t think I would ever use that word again, proud,” explained Peastitute.

“Melissa is very inspiring because she has lost people she loves and still comes out of her shell to be this outgoing

22

person. I’d like to be more like her one day – more social and she’s so kind,” said Louise-Pearl Einish-Shecanapish.

The Naskapi firefighters took second place at the Quebec regional competition held in Listuguj July 29. “My son messaged me after he found out we took second place. ‘You’re a legend! You’re my hero. My role model!’ I couldn’t stop crying – I was overcome with joy,” shared Uniam.

Now the women are more determined than ever to make it to the national competition to be held in Vancouver in 2024. That’s why Uniam, Peastitute, Einish-Shecanapish, Shania Mameamskum and Priscilla Sandy attended the National Fire Safety Competition in Montreal, to pick up some skills and strategies from other regional teams.

the Nation October 20, 2023 www.nationnews.ca

“Fire chiefs kept coming up to us to say that our team is a real inspiration,” said Einish-Shecanapish. And they got more than compliments, but invitations to show off their firefighting skills.

“We’ve been invited to a female firefighters symposium in October to represent our Naskapi Nation,” said Einish-Shecanpish. The team was also invited to represent their community at Camp Molly that is targeting Indigenous female youth next year in Kingston, Ontario.

The women also took advantage to get their photos taken with former NHL hockey player Jordan Nolan. “He’s got a firm ass,” said Sandy with a smile.

“Men don’t have asses like that in my community.”

www.nationnews.ca October 20, 2023

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23

Puzzles

Crossword

by Margie E. Burke

10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Beer ingredient 14 15 16 5 Bushy boundary 18 19 10 Oscar Madison, 17 famously 22 20 21 14 Winglike 23 24 25 15 Put forth effort 16 Corn cake 26 27 28 29 30 31 17 Intro to physics?

18 Make an ______ 32 33 34 35 36 37 (stop by) 38 39 40 41 20 Heavy guns 22 Finishes the 43 44 45 42 lawn 48 49 47 23 Shorthand taker 46 24 Used car 50 51 52 53 54 55 transaction 59 60 56 57 58 26 Some are blind 28 ____ tunnel 63 61 62 syndrome 65 66 64 32 Wise person 35 Cut in half 68 69 67 37 Aviation hero 38 Critters in shells Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate 40 Looking closely 42 Notable period 67 Twiggy digs 10 "The Blacklist" 41 Class starter, 43 Pupil protector 68 Post-sneeze star often 45 Till stack word 11 Yearn 44 Tart quencher 46 Get by 69 Give the eye 12 ___ bitten, 47 Surrounded by 48 Model of twice shy 49 Jungle swinger perfection DOWN 13 Honey bunch?

51 Declare void 50 Title for 1 Half a '60s 19 Tell 53 Eagle's nest Flaubert's quartet 21 Cut off, as 54 "Sweet Dreams" Bovary 2 On one's toes branches singer 52 Finish second 3 Caffè ___ 25 Give in 55 One sought for 56 Round trip?

4 Lionel product 27 Minded advice 59 Axon's spot 5 Make good as 29 Liniment target 56 Neighbor of 61 Bouvier, to new 30 Teen's torment Saudi Arabia Jackie Kennedy 6 Mastery 31 Table foursome 57 Speedway 63 "Raid" anagram 7 Make sad 32 Pipe part event 64 Book before 8 ABC series, 33 Special glow 58 Morsels Romans "____ Anatomy" 34 ___ Torino (old 60 November 65 Tax man's task 9 In-flight info, for Ford model) honorees 66 "Come here short 36 Outer layer 62 Apprehend often?," e.g.

39 Papal diplomat 1

PREVIOUS SOLUTION:

Solution to Crossword: O C C U R L A M E S N A P T H I N E A L U M P U M A H O R S E S O M E T I M E S R O D E N T E S C A L A T E W A D E R R E A D E R S D C C C O L O R A D O T A B H E A L T H F O O D S A R E D O D O A X L E V I I I N T E R S P E R S E E T E R N I T Y O A R N A S T Y P U R I T A N C O L D S O R E S P A D E R N I N E S H A B I T A B L E T E A S E V E N T A C L U E D D Y R E S T S D E E M

STR8TS

No. 674

1 4 3

Previous solution - Medium

1 2 4 6 5

2 5 1 7 4 3 8 6 9 8 9

6 6

9

4 2 7 5 7

8 4

5 7

5 8

3

7

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

24

5

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

8 9 6 5 7

9 7 8 4 1 2 4 3 3 5 6

6 8 7

6

No. 674

5

2 1 4 5

7

2

9 5 7 3 8

Previous solution - Medium

7 1

7 6 3 5 1 2 9 8 4

6

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

1 3 9

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.

the Nation October 20, 2023 www.nationnews.ca

9

3 2 3

8 6

8

Tough

1

3

4

© 2023 Syndicated Puzzles

6

4

SUDOKU

Easy

2

3

4 1 9

1 5

6

2

© 2023 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.

2

1 2 9 8 4 6 3 5 7

5 8 4 3 9 7 6 1 2

9 7 5 1 6 8 4 2 3

8 1 2 4 3 9 7 6 5

3 4 6 2 7 5 8 9 1

4 5 1 6 8 3 2 7 9

6 3 7 9 2 1 5 4 8

2 9 8 7 5 4 1 3 6

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.

T&B

As the season changes

Rez Notes

by Sonny Orr

I

t’s been a while since I got up before sunrise, but it’s getting easier with the shorter days. Looking over social media, I see that it snowed south of here, which is to be expected. At the 55th parallel, winter doesn’t usually set in until Halloween night, then the stone-cold wintry weather ices us in the following day. No November rain for us, it’s straight to skating.

Now that winter is on the horizon, I salute fall in its last efforts to stay alive.

I know that for many, it’s adjusting to this change. And for some odd reason, the kids don’t feel like staying out so long now. It’s cold, they argue, as we try to send them out again to catch the evening sun’s dimming rays.

Nope, they reply, it’s time to go to bed.

Wow, what a subtle reverse psychology that works, even though it was unintended. I notch that one into my goomshum strategy list of how to get people to do what you want without asking for it.

I try not to mention Halloween or Christmas, as that will set off another round of howls from the young ones, as questions might arise as to when and of course, how many days left before I can get that gift I want?

My lips are sealed for the sake of my sanity. I innocently plea, “Huh, already?

Geez, what happened to the beach? Does

anyone want to go there this evening and spark up a bonfire?”

Nope – too cold.

I look at the wall clock and it’s getting late, alright – 7:45pm. The little yawning faces yield no resistance and it’s off to sleep land for the wee folks. Yes, no sunlight does have its advantages.

Then, check the long-range weather forecast. Hopefully, no snow as I need to make another mad dash south where studded tires are forbidden. Unless, of course, you speak excellent Hoser. That should justify everything, because you know, eh, hosers know a lot more than they tend to look like they know. You know, eh?

Because winter is a nice time of the year. That is, when it’s not snowing, when the roads are clear, when your snowmobile starts right away, when that online parka you ordered wasn’t made for Barbie, and when the sun still shines at three in the afternoon. That’s when winter is good.

The rest of the time it’s like hell froze over, all the time.

Now it’s nearing parka season. It’s the time to implant your face with that complete, surround-sound parka you intend to live in until next April. This is important because no one, I repeat, no one, will know who you are until the sun shines warmer, next spring.

Seriously, folks, there might be a missing bulletin for your last sighting, sometime in November. I think that some of those entertainment people in town should identify people online as to which parka is the most recognizable and work their way up to, “Surprise, it’s the dentist!

Long time no see!”

As for those companies that issue the same looking parka to everyone, please note we insist that you show your face wearing your hardhat at 40 below.

Or, at least, use large glow-in-the-dark nametags so that we don’t chase down the plumber when we need the airduct guy.

Woohoo! What’s that petroleum smell? Isn’t that the furnace guy again to restart my empty furnace or is it the mechanic to jumpstart my car? Who can tell? Not by the smell, however. At the worst, where’s the sewage backup guy when you need him?

Reverse psychology may not be for everyone, as the early-to-bed kids wake up in the middle of the night to spook you out of your wits with an urgent need to go the toilet. When you just fell asleep at the usual grown-up hour. Yes, I need reverse time management, so I can sleep during the dark hours too.

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

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UTNS

www.underthenorthernsky.com

Under the Northern Sky

Kitchi-Meegwetch Wab Kinew

by Xavier Kataquapit

I

am feeling a little better about the state of democracy these days thanks to the election of Wab Kinew as Canada’s first Anishinabe Premier. He was elected recently with a majority government in Manitoba. So, congratulations to Wab and his New Democratic Party team and thanks to all those members of the voting public who made their decision based on values that have to do with social democratic ideals of sharing, openness, tolerance and caring for everyone, the environment and the future of our planet.

The fact that he has promised to save and enhance the public healthcare system is a bonus.

The main reason I am so happy about this win for the NDP is because this was not an easy victory. We are living in a time when our mainstream media and much of the social media are run by huge international corporations backed by the very wealthy who push right-wing ideals and parties.

Just think about it. How many mainstream television media broadcast, print, radio or social platforms are owned and operated by Indigenous peoples, minorities, the poor, single moms and in general the disenfranchised? Of course, the answer is none as they are all owned and controlled by very wealthy corporate interests that push a right-wing agenda most of the time. That is why I am so happy with Wab’s big win and the fact that he represents Indigenous people and all others who are minorities is just wonderful.

This election reminds me of the old saying: “You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

I know firsthand that Indigenous people across Canada are standing with more confidence, more pride and more hope Even with all the mainstream media for the most part lined up against the NDP and all the money backing centrist and conservative parties, people still managed to have a deeper look at how democracy would best be served in Manitoba, and they decided Wab was a good choice.

As they say, money talks, and all over the world right-wing parties almost always get the support of the very wealthy, the big corporations and lobbyists. It is not easy for those on the left or in the middle, who are more socially democratic, to get elected. Part of the reason is that mainstream media, which is corporate owned, is also funded to a great degree by wealthy interests who prefer a rightwing style of government that will reward the very wealthy, ignore as much as they can about climate change due to global warming, are generally anti-union and not very supportive of Indigenous peoples, minorities and the disenfranchised.

Could it be that even if the cards are stacked up against the general voting public, we are seeing through all the propaganda strewn with misinformation and hate and we are now choosing more kind, open, tolerant and sharing governments dedicated to the common person rather than the wealthy dominating few.

Most Indigenous people don’t really understand to a great degree how politics works and who represents Canadians.

Thirty years ago, as a young man, my understanding of what the different parties meant in terms of representation was almost nil as was the case with most of the Indigenous people I was surrounded by. Along the way we began to figure out just what politics was all about and many of us became very wary of any politician with their speeches promising all kinds of things. We also grew to understand that when we stood up as Indigenous peoples for our rights, for our treaties, to protect rivers and lakes, and protest negative environmental initiatives we did not get a lot of support from all governments and parties.

I know firsthand that Indigenous people across Canada are standing with more confidence, more pride and more hope with the election in Manitoba of Wab Kinew. This is a historic moment and one that I hope will be replicated more and more as we realize it is up to all of us to vote for the good path in leadership for a fair, safe and positive future.

Kitchi-Meegwetch (thanks very much) Wab Kinew.

MESSAGE TO ALL COMMUNITIES’

2024 Edition

26

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PLEASE CALL US

Meegwetch to inform us of any changes to your contact information for the upcoming James Bay Cree Phone Book.

NOVEMBER 15

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