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Summer fiction
by
Lyle Stewart
Iwas galloping on a silver horse down the River Seine through the ancient heart of Paris, tens of thousands of my faithful followers lining both the left and right banks. Then I felt a sudden sting on the top part of my right ear.
Blood sprayed across my face as I realized someone was shooting at me. Leaning low on my metallic steed, I thrust my fist into the air and yelled, “Fight!”
The throngs cheered, raising their own fists in ecstatic revery at my courageous defiance of danger, though a few of them dropped in a bloody mist as wayward bullets found secondary targets.
Everything was going according to plan.
Later, with the Eiffel Tower as our stage, Céline Dion and I thrilled millions around the globe with our stirring rendition of “I Got You, Babe,” by Sonny and Cher. But even as the lasers lased, the drones droned, and blood seeped through the sanitary pad hastily taped to my injured ear... I knew something was wrong.
Giving Céline’s bony cheek a quick peck, I donned my wingsuit and leapt from the tower to soar over the assembled dignitaries, giving my host, Frankie Macron, a dignified salute.
Q whispered to me through the miniature microphone hidden in my bandage that organizers were preparing to light the Olympic “flame”, which I needed to correct. In Paris, the woke folk prepared an Olympic cauldron that was nothing more than mist lit with a golden light.
It wasn’t a flame at all; it was blasphemy.
That’s why my comrade Vlad and I had arranged for some wholesome fossil fuels to be smuggled from Moscow to Paris in
greenwashed tanks labelled “non-carbon gas distilled from petals of lavender.” Now it was time for the bait and switch.
Gliding to a landing among the glass pyramids of the Louvre, I was met by my colourful minions – disguised as the drag queens who had pranced down a faux fashion runway in the pouring rain only an hour before.
They had already lit a different kind of fire: causing a social media controversy by posing in the same position as Jesus Christ and his disciples at the Last Supper. I knew it would fan the flames of social discord by inciting easily excitable social conservatives to tear out their hair in shock and outrage.
Vlad and I had laughed ourselves to tears over several bottles of vodka when we planned this little stunt.
Moving into the position, my drag queens attached the hoses leading to our hidden tanks of “lavender” gas. Then I got into position, one which was hidden from the cameras.
When Zinedane Zidane trotted up carrying the Olympic torch I sprang from my hiding spot and head-butted him in the chest, catching the torch as he fell to the ground clutching his knee and screaming like a banshee.
Then, with my head freshly shaved, I loped along to the cauldron. Dipping the flame into the cauldron, I felt the glorious heat of real flames rise through the mist as the ring rose into the skies above Paris.
If you are reading this fever dream on the internet, then you know every single word of it is true.
Giving Céline’s bony cheek a quick peck, I donned my wingsuit and leapt from the tower to soar over the assembled dignitaries, giving my host, Frankie Macron, a dignified salute
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 MANAGING EDITOR Randy Mayer STORY COORDINATOR Patrick Quinn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, J. Janke, R. Mair DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse THANKS TO: Air Creebec
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Staying connected
by Xavier Kataquapit
The 17th Annual Wabun Youth Gathering was held in Mattagami July 15-19 for over 38 First Nation youth. The week-long event was organized by the Wabun Tribal Council Health Department with the support of the tribal council’s six member nations.
The gathering gives participants plenty of exposure and awareness of cultural teachings and traditional activities.
“We had a lot of activities like craft making, fun games, beach volleyball and swimming. This is my second year coming to this event and I really like it because I get to learn about my culture and have fun with lots of people,” said 13-year-old Olivia Wincikaby of Matachewan.
Participants camped out in tents on the sandy shores of Lake Mattagami next to the community of Mattagami. Youth were supervised during their entire visit as well as receiving added 24-hour support and security by local members to monitor for reported bear sightings in the area.
Daily activities included water games, dreamcatcher making, soapstone carving, canoe racing and team games. Event facilitators provided educational programs for bear safety, internet safety and health education. Throughout the week, youth were involved in a variety of group settings by the water, during meals or around a campfire where they met and learned from local Elders, traditional people and health educators about Indigenous culture, history and legends, and storytelling.
“This was a great event for our young people. Living on the land is a part of our culture and heritage. Bringing them out on the land is a good way to teach them and connect them to land where their families are from,” said Elaine Daley, a youth chaperone from Matachewan.
Chaperones from visiting communities supervised the youth, while local Mattagami members provided support and services.
“It’s important for us to keep this event going because our young people
look forward to it every summer. They get to build lifelong friendships and stay connected to other youth and adults from the other communities. It’s a time for all of us to learn about our Indigenous heritage and to connect with the land. They get to learn from each other,” explained event organizer Josee Forget.
Mattagami Chief Jennifer Constant attended the gathering to meet with Wabun youth and show her support.
“Mattagami is honoured to host our brother and sister communities at our beautiful beach for this annual gathering. We know the importance of relationship building between our various nations and sharing new skills and cultural knowledge for our Wabun area youth,” commented Chief Constant.
The Wabun Youth Gathering originated through the vision of Wabun Elder Thomas Saunders of Brunswick House who sadly passed on before his dream came to be.
Department of Commerce and Industry
Cultural Warriors
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The 34th International First Peoples Festival (IFPF) will showcase a global explosion of Indigenous creativity in downtown Montreal August 6-15. The celebration of tradition and resilience returns with perhaps its strongest lineup yet.
A long, gradual process of collaboration with galleries and smaller venues has succeeded in winning acceptance from arts councils and the city. Featuring a diverse program of concerts, dance, poetry, artistic performances and over 60 films in competition, the festival transforms the Place des Festivals into a vibrant gathering space with a huge teepee and longhouse.
“It was hard to get to the place, but now everybody is happy with the scenography we have created,” said co-founder André Dudemaine. “Everyone tells me we have the best outdoor creativity. It’s big visibility and for artists certainly a recognition of their excellence.”
The Place des Festivals will include artisan booths, traditional dances, a skateboard ramp with instructors from Nations Skate Youth, Wapikoni short films in the Maison longue, works by Abenaki artist Christine SiouiWawanoloath and a video game demo about a 17th century Innu hunter.
Growing funding and prestige is helping the festival establish connections with Indigenous communities throughout the world. This year’s IFPF includes several Maori presentations from New Zealand, including an evening with Leo Koziol, director of the Waira Maori Film Festival, and IA, an ensemble that uses traditional instruments to make new sounds.
Back by popular demand on August 11 is Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikura, who led a powerful workshop of the haka ceremonial dance for 700 women during her last appearance in 2019. Mihirangi told the Nation she expects another strong showing by women peformers.
“Women want to be empowered with that kind of passion,” said Mihirangi. “We live in a society where
the boundaries of women are constantly being broken. Haka is all about challenge – challenging ourselves, other peoples, the government, things going on in communities.”
Leading her all-female world-roots production on tour for the first time since the Covid pandemic, Mihirangi feels like the world is just coming out of this coma of isolation. Since losing her father to suicide during lockdown, Mihirangi said this tour is focused on deep connection “without that dissonance of opposing opinions.”
Another highly anticipated concert will feature “Godfather of Powwow Step” DJ Shub. His “War Club Live” event promises a frenzied celebration of Indigenous rhythm blending protest and pride, featuring breathtaking performances by dancers in full regalia. Innu rappers Native Mafia Family will open that night August 9.
Following a jazzy concert with traditional Mapuche artist Khano Llaitul August 7, the OktoEcho ensemble will premiere Saimaniq Sivumut, which celebrates Katajjaq (throat singing), Inuit drumming and Ayaya singing in a contemporary orchestral fusion. Inuit throat singers and artistic co-directors Lydia Etok and Nina Segalowitz have collaborated with OktoEcho composer Katia MakdissiWarren since 2010.
“It’s a different way of showcasing a part of our heritage,” explained Etok. “I use it as a path to educate and pique the curiosity of the audience about different cultures. Those who heard throat singing for the first time were moved profoundly
and shared how they have so much more respect for not only the Inuit but other cultures as well.”
On August 10, Inuit throat singing duo Piqsiq will present their style “galvanized by darkness and haunting northern beauty.” It’s a description that could also apply to the Time and Tide exhibition at La Guilde by Inuit artists Eldred Allen and Jason Sikoak.
The international film competition boasts a stellar crop with 19 feature films never seen in Montreal. A Wet’suwet’en leader will speak at the opening film Yintah, which chronicles a decade of growing resistance to protect their territory from oil companies. It won the prestigious Audience Award at the recent Hot Docs festival in Toronto.
“Aboriginal arts have always been linked with our struggle and our fight for the land,” Dudemaine asserted. “The closing night will be Warwick Thornton’s film, The New Boy, a fantastic story about an Indigenous boy kidnapped by the Australian army and left in the hands of an unorthodox nun [Cate Blanchett].”
Dudemaine compared Thornton to Inuit filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk, whose film Samson and Delilah won the Cannes Camera d’Or in 2009. He said Indigenous films are increasingly at the forefront of cinematic art – “the accomplishment we’ve been waiting for.”
Notable features include Frybread Face and Me, which Dudemaine likened to the irreverent humour found in the hit show Reservation Dogs, and Yana-Wara,
a moving story exploring the Quechua spiritual world by the late Oscar Catacora, who died during shooting.
Corey Payette has followed his successful residential school musical Children of God with Les Filles du Roi, a musical offering an Indigenous, feminist viewpoint of first contact in 1665. Adapted from the stage when the pandemic prevented touring, the film intermingles English, French and Kanien’keha.
“The group we worked with in Akwesasne to translate were practicing the script in their classrooms to work on the language,” shared Payette. “Now is the time to share those perspectives that have been historically excluded and do it in an entertaining way – a musical. The cultural relevance and perspective is actually very contemporary.”
Featured films are in the running for awards including the Teueikan and Rigoberta Menchu Grand Prizes, the latter bestowed when Menchu visited in 2001 to meet with Cree leader Ted Moses to campaign for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. On the 30th anniversary of the Zapatista uprising, Los motivos de la selva is being exhibited at the Mexican cultural institute.
“The exhibition shows that to struggle is also to win,” said Dudemaine. “I think all Indigenous artists are cultural warriors, taking back this imaginary space we have been ejected from because of colonial discrimination. Now we have the fruits of this resilience.”
Montreal First Peoples Festival celebrates tradition and resilience
Photos provided by the IFPF
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Jade Mukash wins award at pageant
Jade Mukash from Whapmagoostui won the Traditional Knowledge Award at the first Miss Indigenous Canada pageant on July 27 in the Haudenosaunee territory of Six Nations of the Grand River in southern Ontario.
“Your grace, talent and the way you showcased our rich culture and traditions has made us all as a Nation immensely proud,” stated the Grand Council. “Your journey is an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and pride in one”s heritage, anything is possible.”
The three-day event aims to empower young Indigenous leaders of tomorrow, emphasizing self-development, community service, cultural involvement and authentic representation. As an outlet for young Indigenous women to celebrate their abilities and achievements, participants make connections with like-minded peers and promote their cultures.
From more than 700 applicants from across Canada vying to compete in this inaugural pageant sponsored by Seeing Red Media, Mukash was among the 26 women selected. Contestants competed in interview, personal essay, cultural presentation and community scrapbook categories.
Jessica McKenzie from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba was crowned the winner. She intends to mentor youth and other Indigenous women to
“make sure we inspire and treat the next generation with kindness and love.”
“This award is for the generations before me, who passed down our traditional knowledge, and all the youth who continue their work,” said Mukash. “I’m proudly bringing this award home, and continuing to promote my platform, ‘The Positive Impacts of Living a Traditional and Ceremonial Lifestyle’ which I adopted during my crowning as Miss Whapmagoostui.”
Aerial survey of beluga in James Bay
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is leading an aerial survey in James Bay and eastern Hudson Bay July 15 to September 15 to estimate the beluga whale population in this area during the summer.
When weather conditions are suitable, planes will fly about 1,000 feet above the water along the coast and across bays. While the focus is on observing the number and position of beluga, which will inform harvest management and a marine conservation area, all mammal observations will be recorded.
Planes will be based in Kuujjuarapik, Radisson and Inukjuak. DFO is hosting a training workshop for Inuit
DFO is hosting a training workshop for Inuit observers participating in flights and inviting coastal residents to provide information about belugas in the rivers of James Bay
observers participating in flights and inviting coastal residents to provide information about belugas in the rivers of James Bay by emailing caroline.sauve@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
“They are very interested in seeing the location of those animals, the places where they aggregate, the number that we count so they can inform their decision and their design and also track what’s in these waters,” said biologist Caroline Sauvé.
Chisasibi hosts business summit
Chisasibi will host the Cree Nation Business Summit August 23-25, a catalyst for economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. Open to Eeyou Istchee members, the event is presented by the Department of Commerce and
Industry and Eeyoupreneur, a consultancy organization founded by Waskaganish businessmen Raymond Jolly and Samuel Mcleod.
To ignite participants’ entrepreneurial spirit, this year’s summit will include a group case study competition showcasing innovative ideas and problem-solving skills. Case study participants will have accommodations, travel and meals provided.
Guest speakers include Sehoneh Masty (founder of Sehoneh Beauty), Cassandra Weapenicappo Stephen (founder of Cree Beauty Services) and Tyson Wesley (founder of FN Clean Water and Indigenous Gifts). Targeting ages 18 to 35, the weekend of growth and empowerment is touted as a valuable opportunity to network, learn, and drive economic development.
for gold Features
Striving
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mistissini was hopping July 14-21 as the Eeyou Istchee Summer Games made a triumphant return for a fun-filled week of competition, culture and community. While the power of sports brought the Cree Nation together, participants were impressed that there was always something going on.
The host community earned the most medals, followed by Waswanipi, OujeBougoumou, Chisasibi, Washaw Sibi and MoCreebec. Although several communities unfortunately weren’t able to attend, organizers from Eeyou Istchee Sports and Recreation Association (EISRA) enabled the athletes present to join other events to avoid their cancellation.
Mistissini dominated EISG swimming events, including an impressive third place finish for 10-year-old Colton Voyageur over older teenagers in an open water competition out in the bay. Petawabano was wowed by Chisasibi’s volleyball prowess while Waswanipi excelled on the track.
Waswanipi 15-year-old Madison GullJolly won multiple gold medals in track and field, saying she “was just trying it for fun.” Mistissini 17-year-old Tanisha Bear appreciated building self-confidence by stepping out of her comfort zone. Chisasibi athlete Arianna Bearskin reported making many friends, saying “it makes me feel alive.”
Eeyou Istchee Summer Games make triumphant return
Softball and basketball were among the biggest attractions all week, which also included soccer, badminton and ping pong. While a portage event was planned for the adult division highlighting traditional games, inclement weather forced a change of plans, and an arm-wrestling competition was held indoors instead.
Mistissini Chief Michael Chief Petawabano memorably participated in the canoe races, helping escort young athlete Nolan Cooper into the bay to see his teammates. Unfortunately, they tipped over on the way to shore, losing one of Cooper’s shoes in the confusion. Onstage afterwards to present medals, Petawabano told the story of taking Cooper to the sports store to replace them.
“I said I think he tipped us over on purpose,” Petawabano recalled. “Do you see those shoes he’s wearing? I think that’s why he tipped us. That got a good chuckle.”
The Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association organized workshops and entertainment throughout the week, including Jossée Bernier, Northstars and Patrick Petawabano. The Youth Council also invited acts including Drezus and Aspects. With an artisan marketplace and a pop-up Wachiya booth, the community was bustling all week.
Photos by Brendan Forward
On Friday alone, there was mini paddle making with Jimmy Otter, antler carving with Adrian Coonishish, music production with Paul Star, workshops at the Cree Justice tent and live painting with Jade Mukash. Ahead of competing in the Miss Indigenous Canada pageant, Mukash worked with youth to create a mural that was unveiled at the closing ceremonies.
“We wanted to give an opportunity for our members to showcase their expertise,” said CNACA executive director Dale Cooper. “[Athletes] had a chance to take a break from sports to connect with traditional arts and crafts. Most memorable for me was seeing the excitement in the artists performing.”
The enthusiasm of the over 500 athletes aged 9 to 18 was evident from the opening parade and continued all week. Partly intended to bring youth together following the Covid pandemic and some difficult losses of community members, parents shared their appreciation for the motivational effect the Games had on their children.
“Athletes devoted their results to a loss in the family,” shared the EISRA’s Clifford Loon about one instance.“The grieving was so significant they didn’t want to do anything, but once they decided to join the Summer Games, they saw that healing happening. These stories were what we were hoping for, to instill that hope and pride in the youth.”
The Cree Health Board deployed its mobile hospital to provide holistic care to athletes, including substance abuse prevention, safe travels and mental health support. With a triage station, rest area and misting tent, staff could address minor injuries and deliver physiotherapy services. The EISG also marked the start of Chiiwaatin Security Agency.
The successful event was a team effort involving numerous Cree entities, generous sponsors, chaperones, coaches and volunteers. Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty
thanked the JBCCS communications network for enabling her to watch from afar. The Games reached 29,500 people via a website, social media and livestream channels.
The most viewed post was a video of the Games’ first medal being printed on-site, which was awarded to Payton Linton. A total of 359 medals were awarded during the week.
“I’ve always advocated for things like this,” Chief Petawabano told the Nation. “It’s not just about the sport itself – it’s that structure, leadership, team building, commitment, preparing yourself. If there’s nothing else, you tend to get into things you shouldn’t get into.”
Petawabano believes the community’s infrastructure enables youth to play the sports they enjoy and live healthy lifestyles. With the support of parents and coaches, Mistissini youth are performing increasingly well at regional swimming events, making good use of their excellent pool facilities.
The youth starting to see results, asserted Petawabano. “It inspires them to keep pushing themselves. If we’re committed to supporting these types of initiatives and the youth are participating, they’re setting the tone for everybody else.”
Petawabano added that the Games will return in two years in addition to other competitions.” Mistissini has the winter games coming up in March, then we have the one held by the Innu next summer. There’s a lot going on – keep challenging yourself.”
memories Island
Chisasibi’s annual Mamoweedow celebrates its former home
Photos & Story by Ramelle Mair
Every summer, the people of Chisasibi gather on the Island of Fort George, where the community was originally located. It’s the 36th year of Mamoweedow where Chisasibi community members celebrate Cree culture, language and history from July 26 to August 4. Mamoweedow committee members organized activities including square dancing, bingo and pillow fights for the kids.
“We’re putting the children first for everything,” said Tina Stewart, the president of the Fort George Mamoweedow committee.
“In previous years it’s always the Elders first, but we wanted to do something different this year. When the children come to the island, they have more freedom. They’re always on their iPad or PlayStation. Here they’re outdoors playing slingshot target, skeet shooting and fishing, and they sleep over in the cabins with their friends.”
Scents of smoked nisk (goose), freshly baked bannock, steeped tea and cedar pine wafted through the air. Traditional food was served every day in the teepee where head cook Pearl Bearskin and assistant cook Shadrock Trapper prepared smoked nisk with potatoes or flat dumplings. Christine House, aka “The Bannock Lady”, kept a watchful eye of her bannock sticks baking over the open fire.
Katrina Leung, Faith Stewart and Tracy Stocken are also part of the teepee crew. They spent two days erecting the teepee, laying down the cedar bows and preparing the fire pit. They kept the fire stoked and the tea steeped.
“I was born in Fort George, but I went to school in Chisasibi,” said Stewart. “I don’t remember life here, but the Elders always talk about the traditions that used to happen a long time ago on the island.”
Several centuries ago, nomadic Cree used the island for summertime assemblies. The island, later known as Fort George, eventually became the home of the Chisasibi Cree. The establishment of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in 1803 reinforced the island as a permanent site. In 1852, an Anglican mission was established,
followed by an Anglican school in 1907 and a Catholic mission in 1927.
Norman Mathew was born on Fort George and went to the village school, but he recalls other children going to the Catholic school. “I saw some kids like being dragged to the school and I thought, ‘Why doesn’t that kid want to go there?’”
Mathew works security for the Mamoweedow committee. As he drives around the island on his ATV, he notices the changing landscape and waters. “It’s washing away because the river is going too fast because of the dams, the LG1 and LG2,” Mathew pointed out. “It makes me sad. Because we used to be able to fish there.”
In 1971, Hydro-Québec and the Quebec government of Premier Robert Bourassa initiated the James Bay Project, a huge hydroelectric-power development on the east coast of James Bay. The project is one of the largest hydroelectric systems in the world.
The project came at a price – the loss of 7,000 square miles of Cree hunting lands. Traditional canoe routes used by inland hunters and trappers from Chisasibi no longer exist because of the dams along the Grande River. In 1980, the Crees were forced to uproot and relocate 10 kilometres upstream from the island of Fort George to present-day Chisasibi.
“Mamoweedow is all about Crees gathering and remembering living on the island, connecting with each other, speaking our language enjoying our traditional food,” said Stewart.
Jason Bullfrog joked with Greta Snowboy about the weather as they oversaw the children’s raffle table. “It always rains during Mamoweedow. People call it Mamoweedow weather,” laughed Bullfrog.
Along with raffle prizes, people won some sweet door prizes thanks to donations, including from the Chisasibi Cree Nation Chief and Council. Gifts included 14x20 tent frames, camping bundles and gift certificates for the Co-op store at values of $300 to $500. The grand prize was an ATV 4-wheeler.
There was a traditional feast on the final evening of Mamoweedow, followed by fun and games. At midnight the fiddle music and square dancing kicked in and carried on until the wee hours of the morning.
How to pick the right candidate
by Sonny Orr
Track Love
Indigenous couple finding success in car racing by
TIXavier Kataquapit
he mysterious universe has cloaked us with deep memories and calls out to those who wish to hear what they want to hear. Yes, the inner voice which doesn’t seem to belong to anyone except yourself, urging you to do idiotic things that no one in their right mind would ever think of doing. Except for you in your deep thought, plotting things based on the inner dark thoughts.
ndigenous car racing couple Brianna
Julien and Morgan Meaniss are making inroads on the drag race circuit in northern Ontario. Julien was a semi-finalist in the semi pro class in drag racing recently. She won her title in a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro as one of the top four drivers in semi pro class at the Team Northern Throttle (TNT) Kirkland Lake Drag Racing held July 12-14 at the Kirkland Lake airport. The event attracted its largest spectator turnout yet.
I’m talking about crazy people who will do anything to get attention and blame it on the little voice in their head. Yes, take the shot, your funeral will be glorious… At this point, I’m just guessing what goes on in an unstable mind, but something must go on in those people who decide. Yup, after I eat my breakfast of fortified granola, I’ll go take down a former US president on live TV.
“This was the first time that I was able to compete in the semi pro class. Normally there is an intermediate class that I could have taken part in, but that was not included this year, so I had to join the big boys right away,” explained Julien.
because my late stepfather Chris Lambert was a mechanic,” explained Julien.
Does that sound like someone with a few loose screws to hold their brain firmly together? Or does it sound like someone who plotted this event like an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a campaign rally?
“This was a great achievement for me, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of so many people. I learned a lot of new things with my car and how specific you have to watch, like the temperature gauges.”
A member of Matachewan First Nation, Julien races with spouse Morgan Meaniss, of Beaverhouse First Nation. The two have been part of auto mechanics and racing for many years in the Kirkland Lake area. Meaniss entered his first car in 2016 and Julien in 2020.
I don’t think that it was a spur-of-themoment idea that turned into a near kill by a millimetre off, due to an erratic head movement flicking that orange hair out of the way. Whatever it was, it made the Trump angry enough to sputter out the f-word – “Fight!” – to a crowd that didn’t seem too fazed and actually clapped. Wow, I thought, how American.
So, I checked out the facts just to be sure and yup, the Trump didn’t stop.
President Joe urged the public to tone it down a notch, so that no one gets too excited and triggers a military coup. This just might happen if things keep going the way they are now, with democracy spinning out of control and too much (uncontrolled) freedom being just as dicey to deal with as not enough freedom.
“We love the car events we attend with our friends. For us, nothing matters during race weekends except for how our cars are performing and the fact we enjoy being together with everyone who we consider our racing family.”
So, what next? More fanatical politicking or a more laid-back, practically semi-retired, approach. There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground when it comes to wanting the top job in town, in this case, as President of the United States.
Meaniss is also a well-known driver and is the main mechanic for both of their vehicles. Meaniss also competed at the TNT Drag Races, at one point competing against his wife.
tion process from nominations to elections and appointment to duty, rested on one person. That person would take over the meeting and carry out every detail from counting votes, nominations, double checking the votes for clarity and appointing the chief and council in under 20 minutes – or so it was told to me.
The two met during middle school at the annual Wabun Tribal Council Youth Gathering and they have been racing together for years.
How do we handle our own election campaigns? In a small discussion over politics, which just happens to be in the coffee room, a memory of a whole elec-
“One of the most amazing moments for us this year was racing one another on the track. It was an incredible experience,” said Julien.
They regularly participate in events at the annual Kirkland Lake TNT drag races. Plus, they travel every year to the Bonfield Event Park drag races near North Bay and Circuit au Bosquet drag races near Rouyn-Noranda.
“We are not only a couple, but we are best friends, and we share so many wonderful experiences together with drag racing being the most exciting. I love working on cars and the fact that I am building and maintaining Brianna’s race car is a passion beyond words,” explained Meaniss.
Amazing, I thought! But the reality was at that time, there weren’t thousands of voting-age adults to handle and everyone at the meeting, well, they were the ones who ran the town anyways.
Eventually, things got a bit more organized when it came to voting for your favourite family member and even a campaign promise or two to spice things up in favour of your best family candidate. Then secret ballots became popular, so no one
Meaniss receives sponsorship from Kirkland Lake Towing and Julien’s car is sponsored by FXR Racing and Canadian Bombshell Beauties. They are both hoping now, as their racing is progressing, to secure additional sponsorship from their communities as well as the Wabun Tribal Council and other Indigenous organizations.
“One of the most amazing moments for us this year was racing one another on the track. It was an incredible experience”
- Julien Meaniss
“We’ve been part of auto mechanics and auto racing since we were very young. Morgan has always worked on cars, and I’ve always been around auto shops and cars
To follow the couple’s racing career, search for their names on Facebook to see their latest racing feats and check out TNT Kirkland Lake Drag Racing for race info and results.
Brothers on ice
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
With a brotherhood stemming from their pre-novice days, the core group of the championship winning Mistissini MD U18 team had always wanted to come back together for one last hurrah in youth hockey.
The undefeated team created quite a buzz at the third annual Every Child Matters Hockey and Broomball Tournament in Gatineau July 7, skating away as champs after a 6-2 victory over the Moose Cree Scrappers.
“To play this tournament together shows how much they’re still connected,” said Melissa Rickard, the team’s manager along with David Iserhoff. “They’re all on their own paths to succeed in higher levels. They brought along their friends they’ve met along the way.”
While most players have moved away to elite leagues since the peewee level, the idea to form this team came when reuniting back in Mistissini for a tournament over the Christmas holidays. Their enduring camaraderie was evident both in their chemistry on the ice and laughter shared in the dressing room.
“Their bond, friendship and identity were a big thing for them,” said assistant coach Anthony MacLeod, Rickard’s husband. “My role on the bench was to remind them of where they started, the fun they used to have when we’d load up the van when they were just little guys.”
MacLeod said his fellow assistant coach Evadney Matoush was like a mom to the boys, reminding them of their fun road trips over the years. Coach Fred Perron was happy to be
back on the bench, having seen many of the team grow up when he coached the Cree Nation Bears.
Several players won individual honours. Lucas Perreault from Waswanipi was named MVP of the tournament, Theron Morningstar from Mississauga First Nation was the top goaltender and the best defenceman award went to Ethan Makokis from Saddle Lake First Nation.
“Friends they had played with from other First Nations saw the bond of the boys from Mistissini,” said MacLeod. “They said they’d never seen a brotherhood that strong. They saw the culture and language and were like wow.”
Inspired by this cultural connection, some of these other players intend to visit Mistissini during the next few months. The community demonstrated its support before the finals with dressing room visits from Chief Michael Petawabano and local NHL prospect Israel Mianscum.
As they advance from kids playing on Mistissini’s streets to the highest levels of junior hockey and academics, this tournament will be an experience these talented young athletes won’t forget.
“It was an awesome experience for them to come together and win this tournament,” said MacLeod. “The team attracted a crowd because we had a lot of talent – the group chat is still very active.”
Rising stars
Young players shine at hockey gathering in Gatineau by Joshua Janke
The U13 Chisasibi Blizzards captured the Every Child Matters hockey championship in Gatineau July 7 in a thrilling display of skill and teamwork. Led by Shayden House, who netted 10 goals and added two assists, and Drake Moses, who tallied six goals, the Blizzards proved unstoppable. Both players came through in the clutch during the championship game, each scoring twice to secure a 5-3 victory against the Eskasoni Eagles.
The Blizzards showcased a formidable lineup, with Casey Sealhunter (five goals, five assists), Nelson Blackned Jr. (five goals, five assists), and Sam John-Andrews (two goals, seven assists) all averaging over a point per game. Across seven games, the Blizzards scored an impressive 42 goals while conceding only nine, finishing the tournament with a 6-1 record and the U13 championship title.
Mistissini MD U18 victorious at 1
For the Eagles, Sam Graves and Chad Edwards were standout performers. Graves (eight goals and five assists) was a force on the ice, accumulating 14 penalty minutes and excelling in special teams play alongside Edwards. Edwards (seven goals and two assists) stunned the crowd with two shorthanded goals, showcasing his elite powerplay and penalty-kill skills throughout the event.
In the championship final, the Blizzards’ dynamic duo of House and Moses was too potent for the Eagles. Four goals were scored in the first 10 minutes, with Moses opening the scoring at 1:03, followed by Graves equalizing for the Eagles at 2:48. Moses added another goal on a Chisasibi power play at 5:01, but Edwards responded with his second shorthanded goal of the tournament, tying the game at two. House then scored twice in the first eight minutes of the second period, followed by Kayden Stephan-Hester’s goal which sealed the deal for the Blizzards with the game ending 5-3.
One of the event’s stand-out U13 players was Chad Edwards of the Eskasoni Eagles from Nova Scotia. His quality playing throughout the tournament was a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Reflecting on the tournament, Edwards told the Nation, “It was just a great experience overall. The two-day bus ride was pretty cool, especially going to Ottawa to play hockey. I was excited and focused on my preparation because I didn’t know what to expect. I tried to keep the mindset that the other teams would be very difficult to play against and that it would be a battle. It prepared me to play my hardest out there.”
Edwards’ performance, especially his shorthanded goals, was a highlight. “I was happy about them. They were both very close, tight moments. It’s a bit hard to remember, that’s how fast it went. I guess that’s when all my preparation just came into play.”
When asked about his go-to move, Edwards responded, “I don’t think I have a signature move yet. But in close moments, it’s a battle of inches. I just look for the net and focus on releasing a shot really quick because someone is always closer than you think. I shoot left side a lot, just above the pad and under the goalie’s glove. If I have time for an extra move, I might try something special, but my go-to move is definitely a quick-release shot, always trying to get it on net.”
Reflecting on the final game, Edwards said, “It went well. We didn’t come out on top. It was pretty close, but we lost it in the first 10 minutes of the second period. The first period was back and forth, we never felt out of it, and we will learn from it.”
Despite the loss, Edwards remains positive, “Still, a silver medal, that’s awesome. I heard last year the team didn’t make it as far, just to the semis, so I felt that as a team, we have made an improvement. As a first year on the team, I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Asked if he’ll be back next year, Edwards said, “I sure hope so. I talked to Austin, who is the head coach, and he said he’s very happy with my playing. I shook his hand, and he said I think I’ll be playing for him again in the future.”
Goodbye to the honey bucket
Cruise control
After a whirlwind tour of the Canada’s deep south, I noticed something that defied all odds. At every stop on the route we took, including shopping areas, we bumped into someone we knew. Like, what the heck? Is everyone travelling at the same time?
To top it off, my daughter and my sister popped up out of nowhere. There we were, standing outside the twoonie store when we all exclaimed, “What a coincidence!” Just before a frenzy of hugs and kisses ensued.
The climate being totally unpredictable, our trip was nothing short of beautiful weather with a strong tinge of heat. That is, except for one short stretch of road, when the rain was a real drencher, which we passed through relatively unscathed. At least the car didn’t need another wash.
On another note, the news every morning announced tornado warnings within striking range. We missed most of them by a few hours. The great weather made the trip quite bearable, unlike last year when we had to contend with forest fires and lots of smoke.
My granddaughter, although not familiar with the south, pointed out a few vehicles on the road, mainly the new Teslas. We would check to see if anyone was driving the vehicle, as I slowly glided by in the passing lane. We noticed the big screen and I wondered if it distracts from watching the road. But I guess one could get used to driving expertly and safely as opposed to driving like an idiot.
On the last day at the Chisasibi airport, I looked under the hood and saw that I was low in some essential fluids and made note of it for the next trip. Sounds like a trip to my nirvana, the hardware and auto shop for some cheaper deals and small useless items that adorn my dashboard. Countless charger cable upgrades have turned my once-new car into an obsolete device with wheels on it. Thank God for software updates that are nearly
impossible to upload without triple verification processes and the naming of your first pet. It’s funny that’s the only question I can answer correctly.
The only thing that I can really be thankful for is that my six cylinders still smoothly chug along, and those big comfortable seats that can still accommodate you and six others in style. I know, because I did the 4,000-km trip in a small vehicle and lived to crawl out of it as I slowly stretched my body to straighten it out. Yes, if you have to decide what vehicle you want to buy, get something comfy with a plush ride and a loud solid sound
by Xavier Kataquapit
by Sonny Orr
system to drown out the kids and rowdy passengers.
And don’t forget to get someone who can ride shotgun all the way. The one who screams at every strange looking bump or dangerous curve, just to keep you awake and way more cautious. Plus, drink a lot of liquids so that those healthy breaks on the side of the road keep you refreshed and relaxed enough not to jerk the steering wheel too hard when another scream erupts from your copilot.
Signing off from ground zero level one…
It has been an honour for all of us to have worked alongside a dedicated and valuable member of the Nation and Beesum Communications team –
DANIELLE VALADE
Danielle is a collaborator whose enthusiasm and dedication brought out the best in us. Her 23 years of excellence assured the continued existence of journalism focused on Eeyou Istchee, the phone book we publish for the communities of the Cree Nation, and many other projects too numerous to mention.
Danielle, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We wish you a well-deserved and happy retirement. May the winds of fortune be at your back.
