The Nation | Vol. 32, No. 06 by nationmag

Photo by CC0

New Year, clean slate

by Sol Awashish

Breaking News!

We are done celebrating Christmas!!

We are now welcoming a New Year!!

I’m not taking anything with me into 2025!!!

If you owe me, don’t worry about it!!

If you wronged me, it’s all good!!

If you’re beefing with me, you won!!

If we aren’t speaking, it’s cool. Be safe and I still wish you well!!

If you’re talking about me, Thanks for the advertisement!!

If you don’t deal with me, continue not to!!

If you don’t like me, I don’t care!!

If you left me hanging, don’t pick me up!!

If you feel I wronged you, I apologize!!

In all things I forgive you!!

Life is too short for all this unnecessary drama!!

Tomorrow is promised to no one!!

Happy New Year to you all!!

THANKS TO: Air Creebec

X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, A. Fz, M. Laviolette DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade,

CONTACT US: The Nation News, 918-4200 St. Laurent, Montreal, QC., H2W 2R2 EDITORIAL & ADS: Tel.: 514-272-3077, Fax: 514-278-9914 HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 151, Chisasibi, QC. J0M 1E0 www.nationnews.ca EDITORIAL: will@nationnews.ca news@nationnews.ca ADS: Danielle Valade: ads@nationnews.ca; Donna Malthouse: donna@beesum.com

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The Nation is published every two weeks by Beesum Communications EDITORIAL BOARD

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

WRITERS

Donna Malthouse

INTRODUCING THE NEW

A golden moment

Agreement signed between Beaverhouse FN and Agnico Eagle

In an historic first, Beaverhouse First Nation signed an impact benefit agreement (IBA) with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited regarding the company’s Macassa

and governments. Bell is a well-known Canadian Indigenous leader and activist in the arts, philanthropy and First Nation resource development.

“I can sense that we are moving towards more modern, respectful and positive relationships with the industry, in this case with Agnico Eagle and we are very grateful for this partnership,” stated Bell. “This is so meaningful for the community because it diversifies and increases their revenues. This is life changing for Beaverhouse and it launches them to another level. We are all very happy with

ed in the creation of the Treaty 9 signing between government and Indigenous people in northern Ontario in 1905-06.

The lack of official First Nation recognition made it difficult for Beaverhouse leadership to develop social, health, education and administrative activities for its membership.

Are you a Cree bene ciary thinking of attending university? You may be eligible for a new scholarship that was recently launched through a partnership with the Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation and the Cree School Board.

The Eeyou-Eenou Chiskutamaachewin Scholarship Program bene ts Cree students attending university in the elds of:

Bell is highly regarded in the industry, having negotiated many agreements both for First Nations and corporations.

“We put together a team of great environmental and legal experts as well as a mining analyst who deeply understands the mine’s economics,” commented Bell. “Together we formed a unit that represented Beaverhouse very well on consultation, mitigation, environmental and other issues as well as the compensation. I’m very proud of the team.”

NURSING, SOCIAL WORK, OR EDUCATION.

“This is an historic event for our community,” stated Wabie. “This signing is another recognition of our people’s rights to these lands, and we want to thank our community members, past leaders and more importantly our past and present Elders who have always stood for Beaverhouse First Nation. If it weren’t for our ancestors who are part of this territory, we would not have had a leg to stand on to push for a major agreement such as this IBA.”

The IBA is set to provide the community with training, employment and business opportunities as well as financial compensation.

Prepare for the roles our communities urgently need! APPLY TO UNIVERSITY TODAY!

The agreement is significant as this is the first major resource development agreement signed by Beaverhouse, which achieved federal recognition in May 2022. The community was not originally includ-

For more information, reach out to: Cree School Board Post-Secondary Student Services.

“This will place our people on a good footing and foundation for the future in terms of proper training and opportunities to work in the industry” said Wabie. “The royalties and revenues that will be generated will also provide additional support services for our membership.”

by Xavier Kataquapit

Photo provided by Agnico Eagle Mines

AA weekend of light, culture and connection in Wendake

Photo & Story by Maude Laviolette

s an Indigenous student at Vanier College, I’ve always been eager to learn more about my heritage and deepen my connection to my culture. When the A’no:wara Indigenous Student Centre at Vanier organized a weekend trip to Wendake, I knew it would be an unforgettable experience.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the HuronWendat Museum. The museum is an incredible space that brings Indigenous history to life in a way that is engaging and educational. It has an interactive section where you can smell different traditional medicines. It has some traditional antique regalia and a booth with headphones where you can hear Elders speak.

As we walked through the exhibition, I was struck by how the museum managed to convey both the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples throughout history and the strength and resilience that has allowed us to survive and thrive.

The artifacts, stories and displays offered a powerful glimpse into the rich culture, traditions and history of the

Onhwa’ Lumina

Huron-Wendat people. The museum isn’t just a place to look at the past, but also a space that celebrates the vibrant culture that continues to flourish today.

While the museum was a powerful experience, the most magical part of the weekend was the light exposition in the forest. As night fell, we walked into the woods, where hundreds of lights illuminated the trees and paths.

The lights didn’t just provide a beautiful visual, they created an atmosphere that felt both spiritual and grounding. The forest, alive with the glow of lights, invited us into a deeper connection with the natural world around us.

The colours, the ambiance and the quiet peacefulness of the forest made

me reflect on my own journey as an Indigenous youth, navigating the modern world while staying connected to the traditions of my ancestors.

Leaving the forest that night, I felt a sense of peace and clarity. Onhwa’ Lumina had shown me that the power of Indigenous culture is alive, vibrant and ever-present, even in the modern world.

It reminded me that, as Indigenous youth, we carry the stories of our ancestors within us, and it’s up to us to keep those stories alive, just as the light show had kept the spirit of the forest glowing through the night.

What struck me most about Onhwa’ Lumina was how it brought together art and culture in such a meaningful way.

The lights were a tribute to the spirit of the land and our people.

The entire walk lasted about an hour. I took my time and mainly stayed behind everyone, but you could finish it in about 30-45 minutes. Walking along those illuminated paths felt like a quiet invitation to reconnect with the core of who we are as Indigenous peoples.

This trip reminded me of the importance of staying connected to our roots, our culture and the land, no matter where life takes us. The A’no:wara trip to Wendake gave me a deeper appreciation for the traditions that continue to guide us, and it’s something I’ll carry with me as I continue my journey at Vanier and beyond.

For,

wit h Indigenous peoples

Acknowledgement, UQAT

t hrough education and research by:

Recognizing Indigenous knowledge and promoting Indigenous perspectives and languages throughout its academic programs

Prioritizing research and program development related to the needs of Indigenous nations

Creating scholarships for Indigenous students

Training and sensitizing UQAT staff to Indigenous issues and realities

Creating spaces where Indigenous languages are visible and alive

Features the Nation’s Education Guide 2025

In the first part of our Education Guide, we feature four institutions that stand out for their commitment to providing culturally sensitive and empowering education for Indigenous students, particularly those from the Cree communities.

Each of these institutions offers a range of options for Indigenous students to find their path in higher education, blending academic excellence with a respect for and integration of Indigenous culture and values.

Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue (UQAT)

UQAT’s School of Indigenous Studies is the only university department in the province wholly focused on Indigenous studies. This multidisciplinary approach underlines UQAT’s commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into higher education.

Primarily a French-language institution, UQAT offers courses in English for Indigenous students. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the university’s practice of forming small cohorts and signing agreements with Indigenous communities and organizations, including various Cree groups. This collaborative approach has led to the development of advanced Indigenous studies programs, including a master’s program set to launch in 2024, adding to the existing graduate offerings for Indigenous students.

At UQAT, the First Peoples Service supports students’ academic and psycho-social needs. This service provides tools for effective time management and assists with housing, personal relationships and other non-academic

concerns. The intimate scale of UQAT allows for close relationships between faculty and students, fostering a personalized and supportive educational environment.

The university offers a range of teaching methods, including on-site community classes, remote learning, hybrid formats, and both intensive and conventional courses. This flexibility ensures that education is tailored to the diverse needs of students, particularly those from Indigenous communities.

UQAT extends its reach beyond the campus, organizing events that facilitate networking between students and potential employers, thereby supporting students’ transition from education to employment.

UQAT’s initiatives and research projects are developed in close collaboration with Indigenous partners. The university’s dialogue with Indigenous people, including former and prospective students, ensures that its programs and research respond to the concrete needs of Indigenous communities.

Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue (UQAT)

As First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) celebrates its third anniversary, it marks not just a milestone for HEC Montréal but an achievement in Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaboration in higher education. FNEE is a driving force in fostering excellence, blending traditional knowledge with modern executive training.

FNEE’s third anniversary event, held November 14-15, attracted over 300 guests from academia, business and politics to celebrate this remarkable journey. Participants from six cohorts received university attestations and certifications at the event.

FNEE has offers 42 training sessions to more than 800 participants from 37 communities and 10 Nations, 66% of whom are women. Its six co-created

programs are taught by 85 instructors, 46 of whom are Indigenous, and awarded 150 certificates in 2023-2024.

One FNEE initiative is the launch of a program focused on the Next Generation. Developed in partnership with five Indigenous organizations, this three-day program is designed for youth aged 18 to 35 who want to blaze their own trail. The program will be held March 4-6 in the community of Mashteuiatsh.

The collaboration of HEC Montréal and FNEE exemplifies a commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive education. This partnership highlights the vital role academic institutions can play in fostering and supporting Indigenous leadership.

YOUTH SECTOR SABTUAN

LOCAL ASSISTANCE & INTER-COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

CSB ensures educational access while preserving iiyiyiu values. Programs include local educational assistance during cultural activities and inter-community sports and schooling.

HOMEWORK HELP

CSB ensures educational access while preserving iiyiyiu values. Programs include local educational assistance during cultural activities and inter-community sports and schooling.

HOMEWORK HELP

O ers one-on-one tutoring, after-school groups, and online resources for students.

MOZAÏK PORTAL

O ers one-on-one tutoring, after-school groups, and online resources for students.

MOZAÏK PORTAL

Sabtuan Adult Education Services (SAES) helps adults learn job skills to get better jobs. Here's what we do:

(SAES) helps adults learn job skills to get better jobs. Here's what we do:

GENERAL EDUCATION

Sabtuan Adult Education Services (SAES) helps adults learn job skills to get better jobs. Here's what we do:

GENERAL EDUCATION

Finish high school, improve reading and writing, and get a diploma.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Finish high school, improve reading and writing, and get a diploma.

Learn job skills like ﬁxing cars.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Learn job skills like ﬁxing cars.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Learn job skills like ﬁxing cars.

LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Get better at speaking and writing in Cree and French.

WORK AND LIFE SKILLS

Get better at speaking and writing in Cree and French.

WORK AND LIFE SKILLS

Mix work experience with classroom learning.

SAES helps adults grow personally and professionally.

MOZAÏK PORTAL

A tool for parents to track their child's school progress.

OFF-COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

A tool for parents to track their child's school progress.

OFF-COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The CSB supports JBNQA Cree

OFF-COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The CSB supports JBNQA Cree Beneﬁciaries with advanced skills or special education needs by providing access to schools outside the 9 Cree communities.

Beneﬁciaries with advanced skills or special education needs by providing access to schools outside the 9 Cree communities.

The Cree School Board (CSB) helps people of all ages with their education. We support kids in school, o er classes for adults, and help college and university students reach their goals. CSB focuses on iiyiyiuiyihtiwin (iiyiyiu culture), community, and support to ensure everyone succeeds from early school years to after graduation.

We have job opportunities for teachers, professionals, and support sta . Join us and be part of a caring community. Parents, you can also get involved in your child's education. Contact your school for more details.

POST-SECONDARY

Post-Secondary Student Services (PSSS) helps students who want to go to college or university. Here's what we do:

GUIDANCE COUNSELING

Post-Secondary Student Services (PSSS) helps students who want to go to college or university. Here's what we do:

GUIDANCE COUNSELING

HIGHER LEARNING

The Higher Learning department helps students continue their education after high school in their community. Here's what we do:

CREATE AND MANAGE PROGRAMS

The Higher Learning department helps students continue their education after high school in their community. Here's what we do:

CREATE AND MANAGE PROGRAMS

We partner with organizations to create and run programs, such as the Cree Teacher Training Program (McGill University) and Springboard to College programs: Iyeskuwiiu Springboard to DCS (John Abbott College) and Springboard to Nursing (CBHSSJB and John Abbott College).

SUPPORT STUDENTS

GUIDANCE COUNSELING

We help students pick courses, careers, and apply to colleges and universities.

STUDENT SUPPORT

We help students pick courses, careers, and apply to colleges and universities.

STUDENT SUPPORT

We help with personal, social, medical, and family issues. We o er workshops on budgeting, time management, stress management, and study skills.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

We help with personal, social, medical, and family issues. We o er workshops on budgeting, time management, stress management, and study skills.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

SUPPORT STUDENTS

We give students resources and help them succeed, including learning on the land.

We provide money for living expenses, travel, tuition, and textbooks.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

We provide money for living expenses, travel, tuition, and textbooks.

RESOURCE CENTRES

We provide money for living expenses, travel, tuition, and textbooks.

RESOURCE CENTRES

We have centres in Montreal and Gatineau with libraries, computer labs, and study rooms.

PSSS is here to help students succeed in their education and future careers.

BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL. WALK WITH US.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE! JOB OPPORTUNITIES BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL. WALK WITH US.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE! JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Algonquin College

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and AC Online are located on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in eastern Ontario, offering more than 300 programs ranging from health studies to advanced technology and trades.

Algonquin is not just an educational institution; it’s a vibrant community. The college supports Indigenous learners, fostering their success in an inclusive and empowering atmosphere. Algonquin College takes pride in its commitment to making Indigenous knowledge and Truth and Reconciliation an integral part of their culture.

Students have access to qualified Indigenous counsellors and student support officers, a food security program, assistance with housing and meaningful connections with career and employment fairs. Bursaries are available for Indigenous students, as well as entrepreneurship and applied research positions, volunteer opportunities and information about community resources.

The Mamidosewin Centre is the hub for Indigenous learners at the Ottawa campus. Mamidosewin is Algonquin/Ojibwe for “meeting place” or “walking together.” The Mamidosewin Centre strives to build a community that embodies this sentiment.

Employees and student navigators plan and host cultural programs and activities including feasts, celebrations, drum circles and social gatherings throughout the year. A welcoming place to visit between classes, the Mamidosewin Centre presents student events, smudging ceremonies and guest speakers. Other activities include monthly cultural celebrations, an annual Round Dance, and an Indigenous graduate celebration ceremony.

Experiences and celebrations of First Nation, Inuit and Métis cultures and traditions are observed through calendar events, speakers, feasts and activities. A permanent courtyard, fire pit, a memorial sculpture and two Indigenous gardens, as well as many murals and symbols are prominently on display throughout the Ottawa campus.

The College’s Pembroke campus is home to Campus Kokum, Campus Elder and Drumkeeper as well as a recently unveiled Medicine Wheel Garden. This spiritual place is located on a hill to the west of the campus and has become a special area for reflection and learning about Indigenous teachings.

Algonquin College is actively working towards bringing Indigenous languages back to life on campus. This includes Indigenous street names within the campus grounds and Indigenous wayfinding and pathways offering direction and placemaking. The College also hosts an ongoing video series that shares greetings, cultural information, and Anishinàbemowin pronunciation guides to get more people speaking it. This gives learners and employees partnerships and social relationship opportunities with elders and communities from Kitigan Zibi and Pikwakanagan.

Leadership opportunities, like the annual Niganizi Indigenous Student Leadership Retreat, offer Indigenous students opportunities to connect with their roots and work on their leadership skills, as well as Student Navigator leadership opportunities within the Mamidosewin Centre and throughout the campus. Additionally, a student seat is available on the Indigenous Education Council, aimed to help close the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and to increase knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives among all students.

For students who wish to participate in post-secondary studies but want to stay close to their community, AC Online is the Algonquin College virtual campus. It offers quality online education, more than 80 programs and over 800 courses.

THENATION’S2025 EDUCATIONGUIDE

THENATION’S2025EDUCATIONGUIDE

Canadore College

With its significant Indigenous student population, Canadore College is a hub for cultural diversity and educational excellence. Its commitment to Indigenous education and support is evident across its campuses and in its specialized programs.

With campuses in North Bay and Parry Sound, Ontario, Canadore has around 750 Indigenous students, making up about 15% of the total student population. This diverse student group includes Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree, Algonquin, Métis, Mohawk and Inuit, highlighting the college’s role as a melting pot of Indigenous cultures.

The First Peoples’ Centre at Canadore is more than just an academic facility, it’s a vital cultural and support hub for Indigenous students. It offers a range of services, from comprehensive academic support to cultural programs. The Centre also engages in recruitment, promotion and community outreach projects, extending its impact beyond the college walls.

Canadore offers various learning paths. Last year, over half of the Indigenous learners attended on-campus programs, while others studied at Indigenous partner campuses or in their home communities. Many chose part-time learning, indicating the college’s flexibil-

ity and commitment to accessible education.

A standout initiative at Canadore is the Kikandaaswiwin Mookiisin (KM) Indigenous STEAM Program. Developed in partnership with Actua, this program helps Indigenous youth enter high-skill fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). KM emphasizes the importance of Indigenous identity and perspectives in these fields, offering students not only academic growth but also a renewed confidence in their cultural heritage.

Up the Nottaway River

Following the currents of the Nottaway, where memory and nature intertwine

by Aaron FZ

We loaded the boat with nets, a rifle and some tarpaulin. For Bertram, the young son of guide Bernard Diamond, there was a lunch box sporting an iconic Spiderman emblem. The boy’s mother kissed him on his head and made sure his life jacket was strapped on tight before leaving.

Then, the three of us departed Waskaganish and set off heading south into Rupert Bay.

The sea was far from calm. The murky, stirred-up surface gleamed almost mercurial as we moved out into the open water. The gargled clamour of the two-stroke engine chanted incessantly, lulling us into a trance-like state with each bump from the sturdy wavelets crashing beneath us, leading us deeper and deeper into a place of inner silence, of outer wonderment.

The sky split in two. One half incandescent, the other ominous. Two omens of a potential future teasing us in biblical fashion.

“It is raining there,” said Bernard as he pointed southwest towards the

Nottaway. Half an hour upriver is where we would stop to check the nets for sturgeon, a fish prized for its fatty, boneless meat.

The rain fell and nipped at our exposed skin like shards of glass. We moved along the Nottaway seamlessly

as the waters there had stilled. I learned then that the river harboured invisible paths only Bernard could see.

We cut through and along stretches of the water’s hidden highways, taking strange brutal turns, crisscrossing here

and there on what seemed to be an evenly deep river.

“There are rocks, hiding everywhere,” Bernard said, noticing the confusion on my face. “But I know where they live.”

When we reached the nets, the rains had ceased. The country opened up into a vast range of peat bogs and boreal forest cut through only by the large fanned-out capillaries of northern rivers.

Bertram stood up and grabbed a long spruce pole. He began digging into the river, prodding to the sides of the bow of the boat, calling out: “Deep! Deep!”

His father nodded. We approached a pink buoy a few dozen feet from the river’s edge. Bernard scanned his surroundings keeping an eye out for moose or woodland caribou.

“This is where I shot a bear,” he shared, pointing over at a rocky island. Then he called out to his son to catch the buoy so we could check the nets. The land around us was full of someone’s memory.

With each pull on the long rope, we grew more and more eager for a sign. We prayed for a tug, a glimmer of that silken fish skin to reveal itself in the sunlight.

Bertram scurried back and forth along the boat in excitement. His father quietened him in Cree. And there it was. A large, white-bellied sturgeon, twisted entirely in the net, surrendered.

When we reached the end of the net, we had totaled three large sturgeon. Food for days, food to be sold and shared with the community as is typical amongst the Cree.

“Mommy fish, daddy fish, baby fish,” Bertram pointed out, patting the diamond-patterned surfaces of the Jurassic creatures.

“They look like dinosaurs,” Bernard had told me earlier that day before setting off. I had never seen a sturgeon before. They are beautiful.

“Clouds are coming again,” said Bernard. He pointed at a large container at my feet. I unraveled a red-and-white-striped tarpaulin and wrapped it around myself and Bertram.

Bernard moved speedily over the river as the rain poured, now slicing at us. We could hardly keep our eyes open as the drops of water stung at them incessantly.

I found myself constantly checking on Bertram. He was singing to himself. He sang and sang until eventually he stopped, drifting into a deep sleep. His head bobbed with every bump from the boat.

He was happy. They had caught fish.

For photos of Waskaganish, go to www. aaronfz.com

A NEW BRIDGE TO A UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

Want to take courses to get into Engineering, Business, Journalism, Psychology or the Sciences?

The Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program may be for you!

Join a supportive Indigenous community while completing the prerequisite courses needed and developing skills for long-term success. Funding is available.

Learn more at an upcoming info session at concordia.ca/indigenousbridging

Study at Canadore College

Canadore offers culture-based programs with a focus on history and tradition

Indigenous Pre-Health Sciences

Indigenous Preparatory Studies

Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention

HMoCreebec Eeyoud EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITY

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL JOB POSTING

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.

POSITION: DIRECTOR OF CREE LANGUAGE & CULTURE

SUMMARY: The department of Language & Culture will be responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of local programs to promote and strengthen our Y-dialect Cree language and culture. The director will work closely with relevant departments within our MoCreebec Eeyoud organization and with our clan representatives for the promotion of the Y-dialect Cree language & cultural activities. The director will also coordinate with other Y-dialect communities in Eastern James Bay for sharing of resources and methodologies, and to support the long-term language initiatives of the Cree Nation.

EDUCATION:

However, briefly

What Spock is not

Spot for grilling?

Unreactive

Netflix series, "Never Have I ____"

Have, as surgery

Style of blouse

• University degree in education, Indigenous studies, or other relevant ﬁelds, or equivalent work experience.

Reiner or Lowe

QUALIFICATIONS:

PREVIOUS SOLUTION: Solution to Crossword:

• Senior management experience

• Work experience in indigenous community/First Nation administration, Indigenous language programming or advocacy, education, or other relevant ﬁelds

• Experience as a project manager

topper

Kitchen set

Feudal land or ''holder''

• Strong knowledge of social and cultural issues within the communities of the Cree Nation

Snacks in shells DOWN

Like Lenin and

• Proven success in maintaining strong communications, including the ability to facilitate eﬀectively

In a _____; with-

• Proven ability to be discreet and maintain conﬁdentiality

• Good attention to detail and accuracy

Law on the

'90s trade pact region

Garden bloom

Teacher, e.g.

• Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects

One of a 1492

• Proven ability to demonstrate strong judgment in complex situations

Extreme, as pain

• Proven ability to problem-solve, to think strategically, and to take initiative

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to adapt to a changing environment

• Proﬁciency in standard computer software and IT technology

• Some proﬁciency in verbal Cree is an asset

• Some proﬁciency in Cree Syllabics is an asset

• High level of English verbal and writing proﬁciency is essential.

TERM: Full-Time with six (6) month probationary period.

SALARY: $85,000 plus beneﬁts.

Please apply in writing, providing two most recent work references to: Debbie Jolly – Employment Counselor P.O Box 4, Moose Factory, ON P0L 1W0 705-658-4769 ext. 2002

meu@mocreebec.com Fax: 705-658-4487

Please contact Debbie Jolly to request a copy of the full job description. CPIC & Vulnerable sector CPIC will be required.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: JANUARY 31, 2025 – 5:00 P.M.

TNew times, old times

by Sonny Orr

he fiddlers are getting everyone’s feet moving and tapping to the tune of “Soldier’s Joy”, one of my alltime favourite reels. The stalwart fiddler of the old days has been replaced by a stoic-faced musician with only his foot keeping time, a loud rhythm guitar and a booming bass to keep everything tightly paced.

Today’s young dancers are an impressive bunch, and everyone seems to be synchronized to the newest addition to the band, the electronic drummer. Other than those slight changes, the traditional square dance remains basically the same – play and dance all night. Oh yeah, these days dances are smoke-free events so there’s no chance of inhaling second-hand smoke.

As the Christmas holidays came to an end after two weeks of merriment and New Year’s cheers, the only real downfall was that the temperatures remained unseasonably high with no danger of frost to bite your nose. It was only a few days before this new year that we had enough snow to keep the snowmobile afloat and speeding around without bashing into tree stumps and fire hydrants.

The end of this millennium’s first quarter slipped by so quickly and quietly, save for a few wars to interrupt global peace. I wonder if time is just speeding up or life in general is getting compressed to the point

Soon the ancients, like me, will be called upon to save the digital network

where age is measured by the decade. The newly grey-haired people born in the early 1990s can already feel the need to act young until youth becomes an outdated fad.

Soon the ancients, like me, will be called upon to save the digital network. We will be the ones rewriting the code to open the matrix. Not to mention to correct the fixes that artificial intelligence entities will have imposed on human flaws with smooth skin and incorrect speech or thoughts.

Most human responses are made with grunts or facial expressions. Soon, anyone who isn’t perfectly corrected by artificial intelligence will stand out in the crowd as vocally and facially challenged. The monosyllabic answer will require at least a breath and a half to spit out and anyone colloquially inadequate will suffer the speaker’s worst nightmare – the loss of words. Oh the horror, not being able to

speak without eloquence and anyone around dumb enough not to notice.

Other than those peeves, I’ve decided to stick to one resolution this year and that is not to complain about the complainers who complain about people who complain a lot. I’ll just not complain about anything, which is the complete opposite of my usual self, complaining about anything and everything. I shall be at peace with my empty complaint box.

Hopefully this new year will take its time. The years go by too swiftly and silently and age just seems to show up as quickly as rust on an un-oiled machine that has fallen out of favour with the new times. Why two stroke it when you can four stroke it? Or terabyte that file instead of that measly gigabyte limitation of last year. Yes, just upgrade your profile and no one will ever know the real you. So are the times these days.

CÉGEP HERITAGE COLLEGE

Le dimanche 26 janvier 2025 Sunday, January 26

325, boul. de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau (QC) J8Y 6T3 (819) 778-2270 www.cegep-heritage.qc.ca 12:00 - 15:00

Under the Northern Sky

Welcome to 2025

by Xavier Kataquapit

Here we are in a new year and hoping that 2025 will be a positive experience for us and our civilization on planet Earth. If I did a full review of how things went over the past year it just might be a little depressing, but it is good to face reality.

Life continues to be difficult for Indigenous people living in remote First Nations. Although in general it is getting better with important things like employment, education and respect and support from some governments, it is still a challenge for many. There are still problems with water quality, housing needs, the cost of food, access to health care. With the possibility of more right-wing governments gaining power that are not Indigenous friendly, these problems may not improve soon.

Over the past year, my family and friends have been experiencing health problems, mostly with seniors and the very young. There has been a surge in flu and Covid and this continues to affect many people. My partner struggles every day with a lung disease, yet he puts on a brave face and continues to be supportive of many people. I hope that 2025 will find all of us in a healthier state and coping with all the challenges that poor health brings.

I like to keep a positive look on the future, but I have to admit it is concerning that we have two major wars going on that have taken many thousands of lives and destroyed cities and villages. How can we call ourselves civilized with wars

happening all over the world? I hope that our leaders and those who are the warmongers come to their senses and move towards ending these conflicts and making our world more peaceful. Right now, we are too close to experiencing a nuclear nightmare either by force or accident.

That would certainly make 2025 a very sad year. I want to say something reassuring to encourage myself and others, however it looks like much of the world is moving to right-wing anti-democratic movements. All we can do is to stand up to war, hate, racism, bigotry and oppression every chance we get. If we don’t, then the next generation will pay the price.

Climate change is a huge problem and we can see proof of that right in our own areas where the weather is all over the place. Glaciers are melting, fires are becoming more intense and more frequent and huge storms are causing loss of life and property. Even with all the evidence there are still people who are in denial of the human causes of this problem.

This is another case where we as individuals can educate ourselves and push governments and industry to cut back on emissions that are accelerating climate change. Indigenous Elders have been warning us for many years of the dangers of putting profit and money above all else including the care and love for our Mother Earth and one another.

I hope and pray that we all land on our feet this year. We can still do much to make changes that will push back against

the warmongers, those spreading hate and racism and continuing to hurt our Mother Earth. We have that responsibility and 2025 can be the year that we really understand that we have a voice and that we believe in democracy and good will to one another. We have time, but time is slipping away.

One of the biggest problems that keeps us from acting on these important global issues has to do with alcoholism and drug addictions. I am very grateful for my sobriety for more than two decades now and I have many people to thank for helping me along this journey. Still, I am on guard all the time to keep on a good trail and not fall into relapse. My sobriety has helped me on many levels and I encourage anyone who thinks they might have a problem with any addiction to reach out for help.

If you need help, reach out to your local mental health care or health care organization. There are many Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations that have developed services to help those with addictions. If they cannot provide the assistance, then they will guide you to someone who can. You can also do a search online with the Alcoholics Anonymous website at www.aa.org to find services, organizations, groups or individuals in your area that can help.

Hopefully, 2025 is going to be a year of positive change for us and, of course, it starts with me and you.