The Nation | Vol. 31, No. 08

THE NORTHERN EXPERIENCE

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Photo of Liz, from the Winter Festival

Will Nicholls

Jordan’s Principle came about after people became outraged by the inequality of public services afforded Indigenous children compared to all other children in Canada. As a result, programs were created to address the inequities and to try to ensure that they are not the norm anymore. Perhaps the system created is not perfect, but it was a step in the right direction.

One of the concepts it embraced was that of substantive equality. Many had no idea what this meant. After all, government and bureaucracy are experts in double-speak. It turns out that substantive equality is legal terminology for the principle of true equality in outcomes.

Given human nature, one wonders if this is achievable. To succeed, it would need equal access, equal opportunity and the provision of services and benefits in a manner that meets unique needs and circumstances – such as cultural, social, economic and historical disadvantages.

To ensure substantive equality the Canadian government and the provinces have hopefully started a process to overcome barriers that led to the inequalities experienced by certain members of their population.

While Jordan’s Principle has been given some of the tools needed to address the inequities experienced by First Nations children, this principle needs to be expanded to First Nation Elders.

We have all heard horror stories of what happens to First Nations patients when they leave their communities to seek health care in the south. Perhaps some incidents happen because of a lack of understanding of how things work down there. But others are indicative of the lack of trust First Nations feel when

dealing with the very people who are supposed to help them.

If you are too aggressive in trying to get help from any member of the public service, you are in trouble even if they are aggressive with you.

Former Cree Grand Chief Matthew Mukash was medevaced from Whapmagoustui to Montreal January 7. When he arrived, he spent four days on a gurney in a hospital hallway. Placed near the entrance of the Emergency Room of the Montreal General Hospital, Mukash said he had problems sleeping. He was told it was temporary while awaiting results from tests and scans.

Mukash’s story reflects First Nations realities in Canada. McGill Family Medicine Assistant Professor Richard Budgell believes the example of Mukash’s treatment shows part of the “system collapse” in Quebec.

Budgell added that arriving in the south just to find a wait of several hours or maybe days to get assistance makes “a bad situation worse.” As Budgell observed, “Even when you know people are trying to be as caring as possible, it’s still uncomfortable.”

Quebec Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière said he was very concerned about the experience Mukash endured. But he added that he needed more information to judge what could have been done differently and what, if anything, should be done in the future. A response like that from an “Indigenous Affairs” minister is incredibly revealing about the prospect of substantive equality in Quebec.

The hospital defended its treatment of Mukash by saying the health system is undergoing difficulties and that

all patients are affected regardless of their origin or culture. There is a lack of beds and staff, they said, and not just at Montreal General.

Nevertheless, this incident shows that in addition to Jordan’s Principle we need a “Mukash Principle” – Indigenous Elders should be treated with sensitivity, and especially, substantive equality when seeking public services.

A voice for the caribou

Cree-Innu reafrm caribou harvesting agreement

by Joshua Janke

Leaders of the Cree and Innu Nations met in a summit meeting in Chisasibi in late January to renew the “Common understanding of Nation-to-Nation on Atiku (caribou)” – an agreement that allows the Innu Nation to hunt a total of 50 caribou from the Leaf River herd this year. Summit speakers said the agreement prioritizes food security and the maintenance of traditional land practices such as a safe caribou harvest.

According to a press release issued after the summit, “The harvest has been limited to 50 this year to ensure resource preservation and to alleviate the potential impacts of the 2023 forest fires on the herd. Although this number may seem modest, it reflects our continued commitment to maintaining relationships based on mutual respect, good faith and collaboration. These 50 caribou hold particular significance which will be prioritized for Elders and contributing to knowledge sharing with the younger generation.”

The summit discussion emphasized the massive impacts forest fires had on Cree hunters and harvesters. Chisasibi Chief Daisy House called for understanding in these times of recovery.

“We commit to maintaining our relationship based on trust and cooperation and recognize the vital role of caribou for the Innu while ensuring the recovery and well-being of the caribou population,” said House.

Cree and Innu tallymen, House noted, have reiterated the need to respect the hunting community while giving a “voice to the caribou” when making these mutual hunting agreements.

“With empathy and unity, we must offer the caribou the opportunity to recover and adapt, especially amid growing climate challenges,” she said.

Cree Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty underlined the benefits of caribou hunting, which she said remains vital to both Cree and Innu. “We do not want to lose the cultural practices of hunting,” she

said, “and everything that goes along with that – the preparation of the meat, the preparation of the hide – all of these things are important cultural knowledge that has to be transferred to youth.

“Ongoing dialogue and cooperation reaffirm our commitment to fostering a resilient and enduring relationship of mutual understanding and shared goals,” she concluded.

Chief Mike McKenzie of the Innu community of Uashat mak Mani-utenam agreed, saying that the Innu-to-Cree relationship is a generational connection that he is proud to continue.

“A political nation-to-nation protocol to strengthen our relations reflects what we have always been, two sovereign nations on our territories,” McKenzie said. “As our ancestors have always done and taught us, we demonstrate our values of mutual aid, sharing and respect, and we intend to affirm it through this historic protocol.”

February 12-21, 2024

The Commissioners Bella M. Petawabano and Lorraine Spencer are looking forward to seeing you!

Sound summit

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

ᒫᒦᓄᐱᑎᐦᑖᐤ

maamiinupitihtaau

The Commission is a unique opportunity for Eeyou Istchee to come together, share ideas and make a positve difference on:

Youth Protecton Law and Youth Criminal Justce maters; Delivery of services; Collaboraton with local and regional partners; Foster care for children, Group Homes and Youth Healing Services; and Cree ways of healing for children, youth and families.

Let’s connect, bring insightul discussions and work together to create a brighter future for us all.

Our future is determined by how we protect, provide, care for and nurture our children.

For more informaton, visit: creeyouthprotectoncommission.ca or contact us at: 18TCR.CreeYPCommission@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

A project proudly led by: In collaboration with:

Mistissini was rocking as the inaugural Big Rock Music Festival brought to town some of the biggest names in Cree and Innu music. The event featured over 50 performances at the Mistissini Sports Complex January 18-20.

“We’ve hardly had any concerts of this type and we have a lot of talent in the Cree Nation,” said organizer Rachel Neeposh. “It was good to see people who sang a long time ago get back up again and good to see the youth who are just starting get inspired with music.”

Neeposh first floated the idea of a festival back in the summer of 2021, with a committee formed from those enthusiastic about her Facebook post. After a successful talent show last winter, the committee planned a full festival this year with popular acts such as Fort George Rockers, Cree Rising and Into Overdrive.

Besides support from the community and several other sponsors, the festival was endorsed by Innu Chief Mike McKenzie. With Innu groups like Maten, Innutin, Scott Pien Picard and Ninan taking the stage, organizer Baby-Jane Kistabish Nadon said they’re an inspiration by proudly singing in their own language.

“[McKenzie] has come to Mistissini with different groups that also supported our goal and encouraged our people to remain who we are,” said Kistabish Nadon. “They’re reminding us it goes beyond the music. To speak your own language and remember where you come from and who you are. We are a strong nation – if they can do it, so can we.”

Kistabish Nadon asked the performers to share positive messages with the Cree Nation while showcasing their talent. She said Francine Weistche was one of her festival favourites. The event drew large crowds beginning each afternoon, with the venue filling up by the evening as guests poured in from the hockey tournament next door.

Paul Napash was on stage all three nights, both as a solo performer and part of the house band, playing keyboard with Cree Rising. It was a big weekend for him, releasing a new album Bring It All Together as PaulStar and beginning a residency at Voyageur

Big Rock Music Festival rocks Mistissini

Memorial School teaching the next generation of musicians in the Mikw Chiyâm program.

“It was exhausting and fun at the same time,” Napash told the Nation “That’s what makes me happy, being on stage helping other musicians. Maten recognized me – we were part of National Indigenous Day in Quebec City as the backup band for Serge Fiori. We did a Tragically Hip song in 11 Indigenous languages. It was really inspiring and powerful.”

Napash played in bands as a teenager in Chisasibi and Waskaganish before starting to move into music production and beat-making when he left for schooling in Ottawa. As he produced bands like Violent Ground and developed his label Meikin Records, Napash has witnessed the Cree music scene’s growing prominence alongside the inPath Mikw Chiyâm and N’we Jinan community programs.

“After working with Mikw Chiyâm, I purchased more stuff to make my record sound like a professional recording,” said Napash. “When N’we Jinan was introduced to the Cree Nation, I started to see more youth use that platform to express their capabilities as artists. [It] recently placed my piano composition on APTN’s series Warrior Up.”

Among the diverse artists performing at Big Rock, KONG’s hip-hop on Saturday night made a particular impact with the youth in attendance. Following KONG gigs

last year opening for high-profile acts like Tony Yayo and Halluci Nation, Steve Einish’s growing confidence as a performer earned him a gratifying post-show response.

“When I came off the stage, I was kind of emotional getting ready to head out,” Einish recalled. “All of a sudden, a bunch of people came to me asking for my autograph, then I was taking pictures with teenagers. It was all new to me, but I felt happy I’m making an impact, doing this thing I love and spreading a positive message.”

Before finishing with his new single “In da Rez”, Einish’s set culminated with a moving speech reflecting on his troubled younger days when he was sent to Mistissini’s group home for youth protection. In a full circle moment, two case workers from that time told him afterwards how proud they were to see his success.

“I said, ‘They used to keep me here where all the bad kids go, right across the road,’” shared Einish. “‘You might be going through something bad growing up in reserves. You can come from any circumstance, but you have the power to change.’”

While his music openly discusses mental illness and “real situations on reserve right now,” Einish’s closing message was that music is healing. Expressing a “big shout-out” to the Big

Rock committee, Einish is already in talks to appear at next year’s festival.

“We had conversations that we want to make it an annual event,” revealed Kistabish Nadon. “I’d like to hear more singing in Cree to keep the language going for generations to come. We’re looking forward to seeing the youth rise up and sing.”

Tyana-Danis Shecapio, Kistabish Nadon’s teenage daughter, did just that when invited onstage to sing with Ninan after witnessing the event’s entire planning process. With the festival’s posters made by high school student Liam Swallow and several youths among the performers, the event is set to become an important stepping stone for aspiring Cree musicians.

Some names suggested for future festivals include country singer Chelsie Young and Innu folk legend Florent Vollant. This year’s Big Rock finale featured “Tshinanu” by Vollant’s former band Kashtin, bringing together the day’s Cree and Innu performers and Rachel Neeposh, a talented singer herself whose dream brought the festival into reality.

“Music is a way of expressing how you feel, helping you mentally for what you go through in life,” asserted Neeposh. “We believed it was going to be a success. I like to see people have fun and dance – that’s what I’d like to see at future festivals in the Cree Nation.”

Freedom of the press?

Journalist Brandi Morin was arrested by Edmonton police on January 10. The Cree and Mohawk reporter was doing a story on a police raid on a largely Indigenous camp in Edmonton concerning homelessness.

The police had set up a journalist zone that Morin said was too far away to see what the police were doing so she moved in closer. Police say they repeatedly told her to move back to the zone and when she didn’t, they arrested her.

Numerous organizations have denounced the police’s action. Canadian Association of Journalists president Brent Jolly said the charges against Morin are absurd.

“Brandi’s arrest makes an absolute mockery of the rights to freedom of the press and the ability to report on the activities of taxpayer-funded law enforcement agencies. That’s why my colleagues and I are calling for the charges against Brandi to be dropped immediately,” Jolly said.

“The public should fear that arresting journalists has become the new norm,” said Morin. “Holding powers to account is the core of journalism.”

UN Human Rights complaint

Charles Hookimaw, a Cree from Attawapiskat, got tired of waiting for the Canadian government to ensure his community had clean drinking water.

Citing decades of no action, Hookimaw spent months with lawyers drafting a 500-page human rights complaint, which has been

Hookimaw spent months with lawyers drafting a 500-page human rights complaint

sent to the United Nations Human Rights Council based in Geneva. Hookimaw has requested the UNHRC recognize the inability of Canada to provide clean water to households and that this is a human rights violation.

In 2010, the UN declared access to clean drinking water an indispensable human right.

Currently Attawapiskat has a water treatment plant where community members must go to fill up containers with water and take them home. Hookimaw says this isn’t right or fair in a country like Canada and points out it is especially hard on Elders.

Hookimaw also hopes to speak on the issue at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Interestingly, Canada is trying to get a seat on the UNHRC.

Features

Community a sense of

by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Cree post-secondary students enjoy Winter Festival

Photos by Randy Mayer & Nic Small

Cree post-secondary students and their families in Montreal were treated to an enchanting evening at the first-ever Post-Secondary Student Services (PSSS) Winter Festival on January 27. In the cozy ambiance of the Fabrik8 lounge in the Mile-Ex neighbourhood, a live DJ spun familiar favourites, delicious food was in abundance and a steady stream of activities kept the mood festive.

While most mingled and snacked in the warm lounge, joining icebreaker games or taking funny pictures in the instant photo booth, many took their skates and hockey sticks up to the building’s rooftop for an unforgettable skating experience under the stars. Generous door prizes included hockey tickets, a MacBook and gifts from Cree businesses.

Emcee Joshua Iserhoff hosted the event, leading both adults and young children in various games throughout the evening that generated plenty of laughter and new friendships. From the poutine and mouthwatering treats to the nostalgic music playlist and games, there was a welcoming sense of comfort and community.

“This is what’s needed because most of us have to take ourselves out of the community and immerse ourselves into this new culture shock city where the Cree life is pretty far in the distance,” said Iserhoff. “What the Cree School Board was able to contribute was greatly appreciated because it brought home.”

Minnie Matoush, an academic counsellor for the CSB’s PSSS, delivered an impassioned speech calling on Cree students to bring their degrees back to the people up North. As she prepares to return “full circle” to her father’s trapline, Matoush wants to see a college established in Eeyou Istchee so Cree people no longer need to leave the land.

“It’s hard to be in the south,” asserted Matoush. “We need you educated people to come build the college in the North, a vision I see for my people. We’re

ready to build that college, to give our people the chance for higher learning.”

Establishing a CEGEP in the territory remains in the long-term plans of the CSB’s recently launched Department of Higher Learning. In addition to introducing more college-level programs in Cree communities, the CSB is committed to providing comprehensive financial, academic and personal support to students pursuing higher education down south.

Along with counselling services and regular workshops, the CSB began offering virtual orientations for incoming students led by current post-secondary students last August. While expanding online opportunities for peer connections, the CSB has also initiated discussions with the Cree Health Board to better address the unique healthcare needs of urban students.

Responding to concerns raised about the challenges of reintegrating into Cree communities with meaningful employment and housing, the PSSS hosted an ambitious conference last spring to connect students with peers and potential employers. The conference included motivating presentations highlighting the achievements of post-secondary students who have leveraged their studies into successful careers.

The CSB has organized surveys, community meetings and discussion groups to better understand student interests, motivations and challenges. Data collected over the years has identified emerging employment opportunities and community needs, resulting in a new policing program and a recent resolution to support students who to become a pilot.

Student feedback has similarly guided initiatives to nurture connections within the city, at the PSSS offices and events like the Winter Festival.

“We understand the importance of community in helping students adjust to new environments, and these festivals aim to strengthen that aspect,” stated Catherine Quinn, PSSS administrative officer. “We strive to build

more fun social engagements and networking opportunities to ensure our students feel supported and connected throughout their academic journey.”

The Winter Festival builds upon open houses at the PSSS offices in Montreal and Gatineau last autumn (a winter festival in Gatineau is coming soon). To make these spaces more inclusive and inviting, renovations are planned for the student lounge, library and study area to create flexible workplaces and family-friendly learning activities.

“We plan to create a safe haven and a home away from home for our students within our offices,” said Quinn. “We also want to find ways to practice our culture and preserve our language. Many of our students have young children who may be at risk of losing their Cree language when moving away from their communities.”

“Opportunities are endless. Sometimes we just need encouragement”

- Joshua Iserhof

During a student dialogue with CSB commissioners, journalism student Joshua Loon advocated for a parent committee with unique supports. Now back in the city with a wife and four children, Loon recalled his first study experience as a young man.

“Back then there were less parents, more singles,” Loon told the Nation. “The only time we were gathering was in the bar. I think it should be two separate groups, one for parents and one for younger students.”

Iserhoff said a local student association is reactivating following a pandemic lull and plans to work with PSSS to develop further events. He suggested renting a hall in Kahnawake with drummers, hoop dancers and traditional activities, perhaps even hosting a powwow.

“This is the first one and I know that with the ball rolling we can plan other events such as this,” said Iserhoff. “Some people missed the traditional fiddle music that we’re so accustomed to in the North, perhaps we could have traditional food brought in by an Indigenous caterer.”

The Winter Festival was a celebration of student success and a rare occasion for the city’s Cree community to gather in a purely social capacity. While the Cree Nation Government and other organizations provided support, Iserhoff would like to see other Cree entities get involved to heighten the impact of future events.

“Everyone says we need educated people so what more could be done than be part of the student association along with post-secondary and do incredible and impactful events?” Iserhoff suggested. “Opportunities are endless. Sometimes we just need encouragement, to speak the language and feel the vibe from our people.”

BY NATUREInspired

by Joshua Janke

Mary Monger shares her story of a becoming an artist and designer

Meet Mary Monger, the Eeyou Istchee artist and designer behind the Indigo Fox company. Currently living in Montreal, Monger’s artistic journey started in childhood, crafting and creating with her Nuhkum. These early memories of learning to knit, quilt and bead stay close to Monger. Rooted in nature, her creations evoke calm and refect a commitment to quality and durability.

Nation: Can you recount your journey as an arts and crafts creator, including what inspired you to pursue this path?

Mary Monger (MM): I grew up with amazing artists all around me. I’ve been doing arts and crafts since I was a kid. The biggest influences in my artistic journey are the women in my life. My Nuhkum, Mary Herodier Menarick, was always creating. When I was in elementary school, I would go to her house for lunch and after school and she’d be on the couch with her embroidery projects. She’s the one who gifted me my first box of embroidery thread. I remember how I obsessively organized and reorganized the colours until I learned how to embroider.

Nation: So, you learned how to embroider and bead by watching your family members.

MM: My mom, Lillian, would always knit sweaters and my auntie, Ruby, would let me watch as she made quilts. Then when I was old enough, my cousin, Paula [Menarick], taught me how to bead. I also gained a lot of knowledge and skills in my Cree Culture class in elementary and high school.

Nation: I heard that you are planning on doing freelance project management in branding and graphic design?

MM: I decided that I needed to build my traditional and digital artistic skills first before doing freelance project management, illustration and graphic design. Currently I’ve been taking a drawing course for two semesters, and I will be doing an intensive course in graphic design in the spring. In terms of collaboration, I am in discussions with other artists. I am super excited about these upcoming projects, as they will be my first artistic collaboration. I hope to reveal more about this collaborative project within the next year, so stay tuned.

Indigo Fox. Tell me about the past few years and how your company has evolved. MM: It brings me so ate. It’s to the point where I never know which project I will want to start next. I follow my heart where it takes me. My artistic jour ney was rough with a lot of stops and starts over the years. But in August 2020, I set up my Instagram page and began to take my art more seriously. There are so many amazing cre ators around Turtle Island who inspire me every day and I’m so grateful to be able to connect with other beaders. I know that if I ever travel to different parts of Canada and the US, I’ll be able to meet up with so many people who love to craft as much as I do. That’s an amazing feeling.

flat stitch work and all my metal findings are at least 14k gold-plated. I want to create something that people are proud to have, something that they will take good care of. I want my work to last long enough that people will be able to pass my pieces down from family member to family member.

Nation: You must get attached to some of the pieces you have created. Do you have any favourites?

Nation: I hear you have quite a following on Instagram.

MM: I am doing an art giveaway in February to celebrate hitting 4,000 followers. People can follow to stay tuned and for a chance to win some of my pieces. Also, if any artists out there want to do an art trade with me, I would love to. Just message me on Instagram and we can connect from there.

Nation: Your pieces showcase a diverse range of artistic skills and mediums. How do you approach the creative process when working on a new project? Are there specific themes, techniques or materials that influence your creations?

I always have favourites when I create a collection. I’m always sad to see those go, even though I know that my pieces find good homes. My absolute favourites are those that have a lot of meaning to them. Like the one I created at the beginning of my beading journey. I recreated one of Nuhkum’s embroidery designs but in beads. The beading is a bit messy because I was just starting out, but it holds a special place in my heart because it’s my grandmother’s design. I gave it to my mom.

Nation: Are there any inspirations or everyday occurrences that fuel your creativity? All your pieces have special names and meanings, is there a certain rhyme or rhythm to the way you come up with these intricate patterns and designs? MM: Most of my work is inspired by nature. I try to see shapes and forms in nature that people don’t usually notice. Like when a lake or puddle freezes over, there are air pockets that get trapped in the ice and you just want to crack the thin ice over the air pocket with your boot.

Nation: I love how you use social media to connect people with your projects and communicate your upcoming plans for

MM: I try to evoke a sense of relaxation and calmness with my colour choices. Because everyday life can be so stressful and chaotic, I want my art to help people feel calm. Material choice is also a big factor that I consider when collecting and creating. I try to find the best quality of materials for my crafts. For example, I use only moose hide for

That’s what inspired my Exhale design. I get a lot of motivation from Instagram. I see all these amazing creators bead beautiful pieces and it gives me the urge to create. But I stay within my own creative space, meaning I create my own designs and don’t copy other people’s work.

The best is when I get to create with other artists in the same room, when everyone’s creativity is flowing and working together. Like when my cousin and aunt are visiting, we can be at the table all day to bead and sew and embroider, while we laugh and share stories with each other. That’s when the best art is created.

We

Shades of change

Nunavut achieves largest land transfer in Canadian history

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Photos by Vincent Desrosiers

Nunavut’s historic devolution (or Namminiqsurniq) agreement with the government of Canada on January 18 marked the largest land transfer in the country’s history. The territory will have final decision-making authority over its two million square kilometres of land and resources while collecting royalties that previously went to the federal government.

“It’s the manifestation of that bold vision our leaders have always had,” said Premier P.J. Akeeagok. “It means that we, the people most invested in our homeland, will be the ones managing our natural resources. It will allow us to reap the benefits of the incredible wealth we have in the territory and to really start building the foundations of our economy.”

Devolution gives Nunavut similar control as Canadian provinces have over land, oil and mineral rights, a process previously achieved by Yukon and the Northwest Territories. With a population approximately 85% Inuit, it’s a milestone in Indigenous self-determination.

The agreement begins April 1, exactly 25 years after Nunavut became a territory, with the parties having until April 2027 to complete the transfer of administrative responsibilities. While devolution negotiations have been ongoing since Nunavut’s establishment, self-governance has been a longstand-

ing goal pursued by generations of Inuit leaders.

Akeeagok grew up in Grise Fiord, the country’s northernmost community, which he said was created by forced relocation “using Inuit like flagpoles to assert the sovereignty of Canada.” Akeeagok has a unique perspective

on the forces of colonization impacting his people. Devolution will transfer numerous jobs to Inuit and facilitate much-needed investment in critical infrastructure.

“The road ahead will be very difficult, and we will face many obstacles but our vision for the future is very

clear,” Akeeagok said. “It is our time, our territory, our decisions and our future.”

The signing agreement was less a political event than a celebration of Inuit culture. Inuk artist Sylvia Cloutier curated the ceremony as a gathering that was representative of Nunavut’s diversity. Her design of the event facility was inspired by the qaggiq, a traditional gathering place similar to a giant igloo.

“Everything was circular because Inuit always live in circular spaces,” Cloutier told the Nation. “Everyone could see each other around a round white stage so they felt they were part of the event rather than witnessing it. We could be on the same level.”

Cloutier began planning two months prior to the event in collaboration with local communities. In a profound demonstration of self-reliance, all the artists and materials created for the event came from Nunavut. When one of the hosts asked the audience how many had been born in an igloo, the raised hands showed how quickly the territory has changed.

“The idea was to create a place where everyone could reflect on how Nunavut has grown,” explained Cloutier. “We know how to take care of ourselves and be autonomous – we’re resilient and very persistent. Yes, politically we were showing that we were growing but we’ve also grown as individuals and as a community.”

A young carpenter named Samuel Kuluguqtuq built the stage and set just one week before the event. The table was made in the shape of a V to represent geese flying in the sky, while the podium was shaped like a qamutik, the traditional Inuit sled. Ranken Inlet artist Nicole Camphaug designed and upholstered the chairs of the signatories with seal fur.

“I hope something like this would showcase the talent of Nunavut,” asserted Camphaug. “I felt it would be wonderful to try doing chairs because seal fur is so important to us as Inuit. We’re so capable of doing anything, even with our limited resources.”

With furniture generally needing to be purchased down south and expensively shipped up, Camphaug hopes the new agreement leads to more accessible goods. She began experimenting with reupholstering furniture a few years ago. It took about four hours to deconstruct each readymade chair, removing hundreds of staples and creating a pattern from the desired material.

“For all the artists to be from Nunavut goes hand in hand with this idea of being in control of everything in our territory,” Camphaug suggested. “We know we’re capable of doing it –for me, it signifies hope. They were so proud and joyous that day. There were tears and people were so excited.”

The event featured more traditional performers before the signing ceremony, followed by younger artists to highlight modern expressions of Inuit culture. There were drum dances representing diverse musical traditions of the immense territory, different types of throat singing, singers with guitars and

fiddles, and even Artcirq circus artists from Igloolik.

“The Inuit performing represented the different regions within Nunavut,” explained Cloutier. “It was also a celebration of Inuit youth who worked really hard in preserving, protecting and promoting our culture but also expressing themselves and normalizing expression. All the songs were pretty much love songs for the land in Nunavut.”

Julia Ogina brought her drumming group, comprised of three generations of her family, from Cambridge Bay. Cloutier described Ogina as “a powerhouse who has worked very hard to preserve and promote old traditional songs within her family and community.” The event was held just as her community was welcoming the return of the sun after weeks of polar night.

“As light starts with a mere shade of change, so can we, subtle steps to what you want,” posted Ogina. “In appreciation of all those who negotiated in the early years and that could not be here, the dances were for you.”

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Puzzles

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.

No.

IThe daily domino efect Rez Notes

by Sonny Orr

liked the mist of hoar frost air as it touched my windshield and immediately turned into a beautiful mosaic of ice crystals, making me smile instead of frown on this cold winter morning. The icy windshield made me think of times when this type of weather didn’t bother anyone. But today, the cold is either an enemy or a friend depending on if you must stay home from work or not. I like to call days like this the domino effect times.

The domino effect is based on the number of cascading dominos that fall when you tip the first one over, so that you cause a chain reaction. This morning, it’s the domino effect in full force. It starts with sipping your coffee, then social media kicks in and then a few hours slip by unnoticed, until it’s time to put on your booties and go outside. This being, of course, if you get up early in the morning to afford two hours reviewing what happened overnight, before heading off to work or school. This is the start of the dominos falling, the moment you step out that door.

The unusually frigid morning put a damper on some people’s plans to get to work on time. The waiting for someone to unlock a door or show up to do a job or even just check in at work slows down every step of the way. So, take this scenario: start the vehicle, then warm it up, then warm it up more by driving around for a few minutes, then pick up kids for

school and daycare, then drop them off, then head off to work.

On a normal day, all this would take about 10 minutes. But on super-freezing days, like this morning, multiply that time by a factor of three, making it a good half hour just to arrive at your destination a mere 200 metres away. This takes longer when a blizzard is involved, but for today, it’s just simple cold, clear blue-sky weather.

It’s a scenario that gets repeated three more times. It takes time and patience to get this weather down to an outdoor activity of 30 seconds per episode of opening and slamming car and house doors, to keep the heat loss to a minimum.

Finally, the day draws to a close and the evening sets in. The moon rises in all its full glory, bathing the winter land in a shimmering crystal reflective light that sparkles. I always wonder why such raw cold can have so much peace and beauty attached to it.

As I slowly retreat to the safety of my porch, I hear a new snowmobile glide quietly by on the street, accompanied by the faraway drone of a two-stroke engine. It makes me realize that time and technology doesn’t wait for anyone. Soon, the active winter sounds will return to quiet as someone figures out how to keep batteries warm long enough for the new generation of transportation to arrive, fueled by just electricity.

I’m hoping those days come soon, as I’m tired of supporting some distant rich country that keeps us in a petroleum headlock. I would rather help our own little rich country use our own resources to power my vehicle or heat my home.

On a little lighter note, my surprise little award for having a skimpy or barely there Christmas decoration was called the Charlie Brown award. It’s the other side of the scale of the Griswald’s Christmas decoration, the one that shut down the local nuclear reactor for a few moments, before it could kick in the 10,000 megawatts that the Griswald display needed to glow bright enough so that the international space station could enjoy some good will and cheer in their lofty space nest. I understand that the space station travels around the earth quite a few times a day, so their Christmas must have been repeated several times before it got tedious seeing how many times you could pull little gifts out of that space boot.

Back here on earth, north of the 55th, every day is a snow day and one day it will return to its dusty summer clime. Up here, you’re either brushing snow off your boots, or brushing dust out of your hair. Now that January has left us, we can enjoy February’s romantic lifestyle – the only way to warm up here.

It was good to see recent developments by northern Indigenous political leadership to deal with the epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse and the dire situation of suicide primarily by young Native people in northern Ontario. I know we are all fed up with watching so many of our family members and friends becoming helpless with addictions and the resulting violence in our Northern First Nations. We are also feeling helpless with so many of our people dealing with mental health issues.

Chi-Meegwetch to all our Indigenous leaders for stepping up and making the decision to deal with these critical problems and for providing funding to move towards some kind of solution. I was heartened to read a statement that Mushkegowuk Council has approved funding to support Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Moose Cree and Attawapiskat First Nations to respond to an escalating drug and alcohol crisis that is devastating our communities. The council has determined the funding will help stem the flow of illegal drugs, enhanced by law enforcement measures and a Regional Community Safety Project.

The Ontario Regional Coroner’s Office in December 2023 indicated Mushkegowuk’s drug toxicity death rates for 2019-2023 were triple the provincial average. More work is being done to update and expand this information.

As well, the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation leadership held an emergency meeting in Ottawa recently to focus on the mental health crisis and to push the federal and provincial governments to assist in finding solutions. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare also participated in this meeting.

First Nations leadership realize how serious this situation is and have been struggling with so many people dealing with mental health issues. All communities are experiencing more suicides among young people.

Federal Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, Crown-Indigenous Relations

We might need a miracle

by Xavier Kataquapit

Chi-Meegwetch to all our Indigenous leaders for stepping up and making the decision to deal with these critical problems

Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks, and Health Minister Mark Holland showed up and the hope is that they will act on the plea from NAN First Nations. Although invited, missing from this meeting were key Ontario ministers. To solve this mental health crisis both levels of government will have to contribute to solutions.

I am happy to see some of my family members and friends helping out in both the addictions and mental health crisis and I encourage more of my people to get an education in addiction counselling and social work so that they can give back to their communities. These are not easy jobs, so I give thanks for all those social workers and counsellors facing these problems and helping out.

I have been clean and sober in recovery since 1996 and I see some of my family and friends following this path. It is my hope that more Indigenous people with real-life experience as well as post-secondary education come forward to help our people deal with these crisis situations. We need the perspective of real-life experience and people with knowledge of our traditions and culture.

I can’t help but wonder why, with modern intelligence organizations, military, police and security services we can’t stop the production and flow of drugs into our country. Over the last 100 years, illegal

drug production and distribution has been a powerful force in our world.

Historically we can point to some dark times when government failed in dealing with the drug problem. In the 1980s, the CIA was implicated in the crack cocaine epidemic in the United States to finance the Contra war in Central America. In the 1950s, the CIA sent weapons to anti-communist Chinese warlords who had crossed over into northern Burma, enabling them to carve out their own slice of territory. The warlords started growing opium to fund their activities, and the drug trade in this region known as the Golden Triangle was born.

The worldwide drug trade is worth billions and continues to affect global affairs. We need to stop the trade at the source to stem the tide of deadly addictions not just in the Indigenous communities but everywhere else. In the recovery world, addictions specialists have always said it is far easier to prevent someone from becoming addicted than to deal with the aftereffects of an already addicted person.

There is a lot we can do in finding solutions and healing to assist our people through these addiction and mental health crisis, but the problem may be even bigger than we think and happening in our corridors of power. Let’s hope we can work together to figure this out and it may take a miracle.

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