Issuu 32-07

CONTENTS 10

EDITORIAL Trumps manifest destiny

Cree Nation over the past year

NEWS A growing constitution

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Last resort

6

FEATURES

Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty’s observations

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State of the Nation

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Eternal Nature

16

Band on the Run

20

REZ NOTES UTNS

The work of Roger Valade

Arts

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Eeyou-Innu Rock Band

ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ Nunavik Starts Here Nunavik Starts Here

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ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ Nunavik Startsᓄᓇᕕᒃ Here Nunavik Starts Here

Photo by Jamie Pashagumskum

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ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS 1 800 661-5850 ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS

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Editorial

Trump’s Manifest Destiny

by Will Nicholls

B

y the time this issue makes it to your table, President Donald Trump will once again be President of the United States.

Never one to ignore an opportunity to throw his weight around, Trump is threatening to use economic violence to force Canada into US statehood. Likewise, for some unknown reason he wants to annex Greenland (governed by Denmark) and the Panama Canal. And just for fun, he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, because, he says, “it’s ours anyway.”

Oh yes, he’s also a convicted felon who didn’t have to serve time or even pay a fine for his crimes. Must be nice to talk about justice and illegal immigrants, most of whom he falsely claims are “criminals” who want to eat your pets.

Despite all these hallucinations, we should look at Trump’s relationship with Native Americans to see how we may be impacted.

Trump’s first term gives us an idea of how things could play out. You may remember the Indigenous-led movement at Standing Rock against the Dakota Access Pipeline project. The Sioux won a delay on that one with the help of the US Army Corps of Engineers. But on his

fourth day in office, January 24, 2017, Trump overturned that decision with an executive order and fast-tracked the pipeline construction.

Former President Barack Obama had created an annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. However, this eightyear-old event was given a death blow during Trump’s first reign. Leading positions in the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs were never vetted by the US Senate or left empty.

More telling were his policy directives that reduced environmental protections in the US. Especially weakened were the Clean Water Act (think boil-water advisories in Canada), the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. These laws and others were used to give a voice to local tribes on large-scale projects and traditional lands.

Agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service joined the host of agencies fast-tracking projects left and right.

Trump also opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas leasing despite heavy opposition from Alaska Native tribes and the Gwich’n Steering Committee.

Then there’s Trump and Covid. While at first denying it was real, and then offering the worst medical advice ever since people were told cigarettes were good for them, Tribal Nations were not included in the first Covid relief package.

Later, money was allocated to assist in vaccinating US tribes, but it would be months before any concrete measures were delivered even as thousands were dying.

Nothing rang truer than when Tom Udall, a former Vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, said, “The truth is the White House is actively undermining Tribal sovereignty across the country….”

We know there are Trump supporters in the Cree communities. Please take the time to search the web and look at how Trump deals with First Nations. Then ask yourself: the 51st what? Can we afford to support becoming the newest state (and by far the largest – meaning with very little political representation)?

We have everything to lose. There is more to work on, but with Trump lording over us we would be taking 10 steps back for each half step forward.

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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, Natalia Fedosieieva DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Donna Malthouse, Danielle Valade THANKS TO: Air Creebec CONTACT US: The Nation News, 918-4200 St. Laurent, Montreal, QC., H2W 2R2 EDITORIAL & ADS: Tel.: 514-272-3077, Fax: 514-278-9914 HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 151, Chisasibi, QC. J0M 1E0 www.nationnews.ca EDITORIAL: will@nationnews.ca news@nationnews.ca ADS: Danielle Valade: ads@nationnews.ca; Donna Malthouse: donna@beesum.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: $60 plus taxes, US: $90, Abroad: $110, Payable to beesum communications, all rights reserved, publication mail #40015005, issn #1206-2642 The Nation is a member of: The James Bay Cree Communications Society, Circle Of Aboriginal Controlled Publishers, Magazines Canada Quebec Community Newspaper Assn. Canadian Newspapers Assn. Les Hebdos Sélect Du Québec. Funded [in part] by the Government of Canada. | www.nationnews.ca | facebook.com/NATIONnewsmagazine | Twitter: @creenation_news

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the Nation

With the financial support of

CMCA AUDITED

by Xavier Kataquapit

A growing constitution Cree Nation introduces formal protection for children’s rights

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mong the many updates provided at the board meeting of the Grand Council of the Crees December 4-5 was an introduction to measures being developed to protect children’s rights.

After more consultations, a charter on the rights of a Cree child will eventually be integrated into the Cree Constitution.

Some leaders felt the constitution’s adoption in 2017 was rushed, so Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty feels that enhancing this governance document is part of her mandate. Last June, the Cree Nation Government’s Department of Justice and Correctional Services (DOJCS) was given the task of drafting the charter.

DOJCS director Donald Nicholls presented their approach at the council meeting in Gatineau. Discussing early conversations with Elders, youth councils, and the school and health boards, he outlined existing international, national and domestic laws that may inform the charter.

“What are the expectations Cree youth should have of their family, community and nation?” Nicholls asked. “What rights do Cree children and citizens have to exercise their culture, identity and language? Can rights evolve and change over time, to adapt to modern realities?”

Affirming these rights in a charter are intended to educate children and families about their inherent protections, promote collective and individual liberties, and help clarify how such rights can be enforced. With the Supreme Court of Canada confirming the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law a year ago, legislation already exists to help ensure the best interests of Cree children are met.

UNDRIP recognizes Indigenous rights to self-determination on their traditional lands and resources, the right to practice cultural activities, control education systems, access social and health services, and participate in decision-making for matters impacting their rights. The right to life, liberty and security includes not having children forcibly removed.

Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services has been federally mandated since the 2019 enactment of Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. It applies concurrently with provincial youth protection laws that now promote “cultural continuity” if a child must be removed from their family. According to the child’s best interest, this prioritizes extended family, then members of their community.

Following Nicholls’ presentation, Ouje-Bougoumou Chief Gaston Cooper shared that a community member’s grandchildren have been taken away to foster care. With more and more parents losing their children’s rights to be registered as Cree beneficiaries, he questioned how to respond to these cases.

“We can facilitate with youth protection to find out why someone has not been placed with extended family,” Nicholls responded. “Whenever the youth court judges come to our community, they tell me that many times the people who come before them haven’t prepared the files correctly so they can’t make the decisions they want to for the families.”

Nicholls asserted that such instances illustrate the need for Cree judges and courts with appropriate cultural understanding and accessibility. Agreeing with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s conclusion that the youth justice system is failing Indigenous families, he said “extremely long delays” for young offenders make it seem as if there is limited accountability.

“If something has caused a lot of harm in a community it needs to be addressed right away,” said Nicholls.

“Some youth who have committed offences are walking around with nothing being done immediately. That loses the confidence in the youth justice system because they don’t see any consequences.”

The current system rarely provides timely communication with local leadership about when justice can be expect-

Editorial News

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

ed, impacting both community safety and those who require immediate intervention. The Cree Health Board notes that as many as one in four Cree youth are within the youth protection system.

The federal Youth Criminal Justice Act promotes rehabilitation by limiting the use of custody to only the most serious crimes. Prioritizing community-based and diversion programs for youth offenders is generally considered a success, but their effects on Indigenous youth have been questioned.

“We don’t see the system looking at the root causes of why young offenders are behaving the way that they shouldn’t,” Nicholls explained. “We need to work on changing that to make sure it really addresses our needs.”

Another potential guide for the proposed charter is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which says Indigenous children should not be denied the right to practice their own culture, religion and language.

Children’s rights could also include environmental aspects, particularly as climate change becomes a growing concern. In 2019, 15 youth initiated legal proceedings against Canada, alleging its failure to address climate change infringed upon their Charter rights.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes that individual rights must be balanced with those of broader society while also protecting Indigenous collective rights. In the Cree context, this could imply balancing the right to harvest with collective rights to environmental sustainability.

Nicholls suggested that when the declaration of rights is adopted by the CNG it could also be signed by individual communities along with entities like the school and health boards.

“Why not become involved in the conversation?” Nicholls urged. “Where do you see Cree children’s rights not being protected? What do we need to preserve and what new innovations need to be included? What will our future Nation and communities look like?”

www.nationnews.ca January 24, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE NORD-DU-QUÉBEC REGION FROM JANUARY 27 TO FEBRUARY 20, 2025 The Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) invites the public to participate in a public consultation on the planned modifications in the Integrated Forest Management Plans - Operational (PAFIO) of the regional public land.

Those PAFIO present potential forest operation zones where work is planned such as timber harvesting, land preparation, reforestation, thinning, construction and rehabilitation of multi-purpose roads are potentially planned in some areas of the public forest for management units 026-61, 026-62, 026-63, 026-64, 026-65, 026-66, 085-51, 086-52, 086-63, 086-64, 086-65, 086-66, 087-51, 087-62, 087-63 and 087-64.

To consult the plans and submit your comments: Québec.ca/consultations-foret-nord-du-québec

You have until February 20, 2025, at 11:59 pm, to provide your comments.

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES Departmental experts will hold information sessions to specify the areas for potential intervention for public consultation, the way to provide online comments, and the follow-up that will be done regarding addressed concerns. A question-and-answer period with participants will conclude the activity.

Management units 026-61, 026-62, 026-63, 026-64, 026-65 and 026-66: Thursday, February 6, 2025, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Chibougamau: City Hall Council Room (650, 3e Rue) Management unit 085-51: Tuesday, January 28, 2025, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Beaucanton: Municipal Building Room A (2709, boulevard du Curé-McDuff) Management units 086-52, 086-63, 086-64, 086-65 and 086-66: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Matagami: EIJBRG Headquarters – Large room (2, rue des Rapides) Management units 087-51, 087-62, 087-63 and 087-64: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Lebel-sur-Quévillon: City Hall Room number 6 (500, place Quévillon) For more information Specialists are also available by appointment from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. using the following contact information: By email: nord-du-quebec.foret@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca Unité de gestion de Chibougamau 624, 3e Rue Chibougamau (Québec) G8P 1P1 Telephone: 418-748-2647 Unité de gestion de Quévillon 1121, boulevard Industriel, C. P. 159 Lebel-sur-Quévillon (Québec) J0Y 1X0 Telephone: 819-755-4838

Unité de gestion de Mont-Plamondon 645, 1re Rue Est La Sarre (Québec) J9Z 3P3 Telephone: 819-339-7623 Unité de gestion de l’Harricana-Nord 1122, route 111 Est Amos (Québec) J9T 1N1 Telephone : 819-444-5238

Note: This consultation does not allow for the review of the use of public land, or the rights granted to it.

6 the Nation January 24, 2025 www.nationnews.ca THE NATION Date de parution : 24 janvier 2025

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s Waswanipi tallyman Johnny Cooper prepares to have a second toe amputated following an unfortunate accident two years ago, he’s going to the media in hopes of finally receiving justice from the Cree forestry company that he blames for robbing his liberty and livelihood.

“Let me say that it is without prejudice of any specific person that I tell my story,” Cooper told the Nation. “It’s more me that’s annoyed for being ignored by the forestry company. It’s been two years, and we still haven’t gotten anywhere – I froze my foot and I’m about to lose another toe.”

On the frigid morning of January 3, 2022, Cooper went out in search of dry wood to warm his cabin in the bush, where he spends up to 240 days a year. He is responsible for trapline W-16, 60 km north of Waswanipi, where he loves taking grandchildren for boat rides and hunting excursions.

With sled and chainsaw, he took his snowmobile that day to an open area recently cut by Mishtuk Corporation, a bandowned company – of which Cooper was the first director general in 1984. Heading back for lunch around noon, he took a 9-km ride to check on the logging site.

Coming over a hill, it was clear the loggers hadn’t respected his request to not cross a trail used by ancestors to access the trapline’s southwest side. Attempting to navigate between a gravel pit and sloping hill as he investigated further, a snowdrift forced his snowmobile into an eight-foot hole.

After trying for hours to extricate his machine, Cooper realized the sun was setting. Since he’d left his snowshoes where he was cutting firewood, he was forced to trudge back through three feet of snow armed with just a packsack and thermos of tea when the temperature was minus-28.

“It was cold as hell,” recalled Cooper. “The north wind was coming in off the swamp really hard and I kept walking.

Finally, around 9 o’clock I was halfway across my destination.

When I see my camp, I’m really happy. I was tired, burned out, freezing cold.”

Alarmed at his frozen face, his worried wife quickly roared the fire, made hot tea and removed his icy boots. After trying a

Editorial News

Last resort Waswanipi tallyman seeks justice from local Cree forestry company

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

few days to thaw out his foot and recover, Cooper returned to the community for medical help. His brothers came to free the skidoo – it took six men.

“About a week later, my family members came to see me and said this wouldn’t have happened if they respected the consultations about not crossing the trail,” said Cooper. “My sister said your whole livelihood is in the bin and you’re our providing hunter.

Now we’re going to lose you – sue their ass.”

With Cree Nation Government people taking pictures for a report and Mishtuk’s president immediately suggesting an out-of-court settlement, Chief Irene Neeposh directed the band lawyer to draft an agreement-in-principle, seeking an amiable solution that protected other tallymen from such situations.

However, Mishtuk responded to Cooper by saying that the company was unaware of the incident and to expect a call from their lawyer. When a meeting was eventually arranged, there was no willingness to accept the proposed settlement but only a complaint about Cooper’s family who had apparently pleaded his case.

“I had the impression he was trying to make it an internal conflict within the family,” Cooper said. “I came to Montreal to see another lawyer for a second opinion, a firm very well known by the Crees. He said we represent a lot

of Cree companies, and our firm does not go against any Cree – we can’t handle your case.”

Heading back north for medical visits, specialists and therapies, Cooper’s inquiries to Mishtuk went unanswered.

Staggering from special shoes and a cane to balance his walk, a woman hollered out her window: “Johnny, stop drinking!” His right foot’s nerves are damaged, a toe is turning black and, newly sensitive to the cold, he can no longer snowshoe.

Browsing through past consultation meeting minutes and mappings, the conciliator had assured there were “certain access roads to be modified to prevent problematic crossings over traditional trapline trails.” While the ribbon line for loggers to follow ended before the trail when Cooper checked in autumn, the ribbons had changed when he returned in winter.

“They just kept going, wrecked my trail, built a road over it,” lamented the 69-year-old tallyman. “It can’t be a human error. The people they hired are given maps with areas of interest.

If there’s no ribbon there they just keep going. It was too late; the machines had already completed the thing.”

Although nearly all Waswanipi tallymen have grievances over disrespected forestry agreements, the bureaucracy involved with the provincial forestry board makes litigation more challenging. Cooper is well aware that the 2002

Paix des Braves agreement included a settlement with forestry companies – he was the official translator during those negotiations.

Mishtuk, on the other hand, was not included in the agreement. Cooper knows of another tallyman who successfully took them to court. While he hasn’t yet pursued the case with another lawyer, but he said if media attention doesn’t work then he’ll have no choice.

A Mishtuk spokesperson said that these are only allegations and had no further comment.

“I’m treading very lightly with this thing for community respect,” explained Cooper. “I respect these people, but they don’t seem to have respect for me.

Even the former Chief said, ‘Johnny, you waited too long. Just go to court. If they wait that long, they don’t respect you.’”

A gifted singer-songwriter whose “Bless Me Now” video has 71,000 views, Cooper is reflective about the sad turn his life has taken. Still puzzled by why the consultations weren’t respected, Cooper questioned the communication lapses that repeatedly ignore tallyman wishes.

“This is my last resort,” shared Cooper. “There is no new horizon for me. I’ve seen all kinds of things happen.

If this is the only way some people will understand, let it be so.”

www.nationnews.ca January 24, 2025

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Briefs A share of Hilton The Cree Nation, represented by the James Bay Eeyou Corporation, has united with three other First Nations in a partnership with InnVest Hotels to acquire a majority stake in Hilton Quebec, one of Quebec City’s most prominent hotels with 569 rooms.

Together with the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, the Mi’gmaq of Gespe’gewa’gi and the Huron-Wendat Nation, the four First Nations have created a new entity called Atenro (meaning friendship in Wendat). They say this agreement strengthens the participation of First Nations in Quebec’s economy.

“By investing in hospitality properties, we have the opportunity to create spaces that showcase our heritage and allow visitors to learn more about our cultures,” said Henry Gull, President of the James Bay Eeyou Corporation. “It also strengthens our economic position and financial autonomy, while contributing to the sustainable development of our communities.”

Located near the National Assembly, the hotel is connected to the city’s convention centre, which hosts the city’s largest ballroom and 22 meeting rooms. Opened in 1974, it also includes a bar, two restaurants, a fitness centre and a heated outdoor pool.

The James Bay Eeyou Corporation, founded in 1986, manages funds provided to the Crees under various agreements with Hydro-Québec.

Its mandate is to promote the traditional way of life, improve social conditions, foster economic development, provide training and employment opportunities for the Crees, and facilitate cooperation between the Crees and Hydro-Québec.

The Cree Nation has previous ventures in high-profile investments, notably with the $208 million Odea Montreal project co-owned by CREECO. The 26-storey condo and office tower in Old Montreal was inaugurated in August with 245 residential units. Designed by world-renowned Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, Odea’s architecture and interior design reflects Cree culture.

BAPE vs Horne 5 Quebec’s Bureau d’audience publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) put Falco Resources Horne 5 mining project on hold January 7. Long Point First Nation and the Council of the Abitibiwinni First Nation both welcomed this news.

Putting on a brave face for their investors, Falco Resources said it was customary for the BAPE to request additional studies to clarify aspects of the Horne 5 project.

After these conditions are met then government authorizations could be issued.

The project is located near Rouyn-Noranda and is based on the Horne mine, which produced gold and copper. Full production is planned for 2030.

Falco says it considers more than 90% of BAPE’s recommendations as mere “opinions.” They also claimed that more than 50% of what was requested involved “updating various existing studies.”

Falco claims that they will assist in Quebec’s decarbonization and energy transition in a “moderate way.”

“Given the project’s stage of development, we expected the findings of the commission and fully accept the challenge of integrating its main conclusions, which reflect the input of the groups participating in the hearings,” said Falco VP Hélène Cartier.

“These high expectations also reflect our own commitment to environmental and social excellence. Our vision has always been to seamlessly integrate our project into the community,” Cartier said.

Long Point First Nation said the BAPE report highlighted an absence of consultations on the Horne 5 project. Furthermore, they point out that the project is on unceded land, conducted without prior informed consent. LPFN welcomed the report’s findings and insisted that no consent means no project. They also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting their rights, land and community.

Long Point Chief Henry Rodgers said that the First Nation has “consistently voiced concerns about Horne 5’s potential to harm our water, air and economy.” He wants studies to be conducted by his community to fully investigate these threats.

The BAPE report said that the project “does not meet the minimum requirements in terms of safety, public health, environmental protection and cost internalization.”

The Council of the Abitibiwinni First Nation said they are pleased to see that the BAPE has taken into consideration its concerns about the impacts of the project on biodiversity, the environment and the exercise of the First Nation’s rights on its territory.

These concerns were presented by the Council during the public consultation sessions held last fall.

“We applaud the BAPE’s rigour and the fact that it has taken into account the critical issues raised regarding the preservation of our territory, the environment, public health and protection of our ancestral rights,” said James Cananasso, Deputy Chief of the Council of the Abitibiwinni First Nation.

“The CAFN has always been in favour of economic development, but this development must be done with our rights and environmental issues in mind, and we will not compromise on this essential aspect,” Cananasso said.

The Abitibiwinni First Nation submitted a brief outlining its concerns about the cumulative impacts of mining projects in the region, risks to biodiversity, traditional activities and public health, as well as issues related to tailings management last fall.

“The ball is now in Falco Resources’ court,” said Cananasso. “We expect concrete and substantial adjustments so that this project can meet the minimum requirements in terms of safety and respect for the environment.”

www.nationnews.ca January 24, 2025

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Features

The State of t h e C r e e N a t i o n

by Will Nicholls

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the Nation January 24, 2025 www.nationnews.ca

H

ere are Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty’s observations on topics concerning the Cree Nation over the past year and the year to come.

I would first like to wish everyone a Happy New Year across all of our Nation’s territory. My best wishes to each of the communities for 2025, which I believe is going to be an extremely exciting time for the Cree Nation. There’s going to be a period when we see many of the files that we have been working on ready for our members.

I can truly say that 2025 has begun with a boom with so many interesting things happening in the political sphere in and outside of the Cree Nation’s territory. We are in an extremely interesting position with the introduction of a new government in the US as well as a change with the federal government here in Canada coming early in 2025. It is important for our members to understand that these relationships do have an impact on the Cree Nation and that we maintain our positions in working with any incoming government.

Photos by Jamie Pash

agumskum

International Political Relations The Cree Nation Government works with the federal government, and we have been diligently preparing for a change, so it is not a surprise to see the beginning of preparations for an election. With the recent resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have the opportunity to reflect on everything that he has done in advancing the position of Indigenous nations and reconciliation.

During his nine-year tenure as prime minister, the openness of the Liberal Party and willingness to work together has been very progressive for all Indigenous people in Canada. There has also been much-needed action on the climate crisis, which is something that is of great importance for all Indigenous territories. Whatever party comes into power in the next election, we remain focused on maintaining our relationships for the continuity of the files that we have on the table.

As for our friends and neighbours to the south, with the entrance of President Donald Trump we are seeing a lot of movement and commentary by his office, some I find amusing and some I find concerning. It is impossible that we would be joining the US as a state as we are a sovereign country, but we do have very important relationships with the US, and I think this is going to be the big focus for 2025.

Two files that are of extreme importance are going to be energy and climate. This year we will see the announcements of energy plans from the Cree Nation that the council board has been working on for a long period of time. Energy factors into the larger scope of energy planning in this province and that exportation to outside partners means that we do have a significant role to play.

Some areas to watch and are actions for the climate and the potential of enhanced development of fossil fuels by the US, which could have an impact on our environment.

We are on the frontliners in the North and we see the impacts and shifts in climate before anywhere else. It is important that we remain diligent in being vocal and sharing what shifts we see.

State of the Cree Nation When looking at the Nation through a regional lens we are in an extremely interesting position. The Cree Nation plays a huge role in Quebec’s energy plan overall. The communities through the council board have been working together to come up with a strategy on how we can achieve two priorities for our members. www.nationnews.ca January 24, 2025

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The first is going to be a focus on how to provide better and consistent greener energy to our communities and prepare for the electrification that will come into implementation for 2035. Our communities are going to be participating in the development of green wind energy projects for the benefit of the Cree Nation and the region. This is a really important role as it allows for us to be partners and involved in the energy development of the province with Hydro-Québec.

Secondly, we are in discussions with the government for the impending upgrade processes of the hydroelectric dam infrastructure in the Cree Nation.

As some of this infrastructure is reaching 50 years of usage; it is important that we participate in the process to determine how new and modern efficient turbines will replace the existing ones.

We are one of the few Indigenous territories that will not see additional dam infrastructure being developed in our territory. This is going to be a very long and complex discussion between the Cree and Quebec governments but is required as it is part of the maintenance and upgrades process that is outlined in the JBNQA. Our members can look forward to hearing about this information in the spring sessions of the council board in January and March.

This past fall we also saw an important event held in partnership with Parks Canada recognizing the work being carried out to protect the waters of Wiinipaakw – a process that is going to start work on a feasibility assessment for the formal development of an Indigenous protected area and national marine conservation area within the Eeyou marine region. This important initiative is going to contribute to the continued protection of terrestrial and aquatic areas for our Nation.

Our Nation’s continued efforts in conservation have been recognized internationally and I was pleased to accept the Conservation Visionary Award on behalf of the many individuals who contributed to the Cree regional conservation strategy and protected areas network throughout Eeyou 12

Istchee. The hard work and knowledge of our land users and tallyman is a true testament to the principal work of safekeeping Eeyou Istchee for our future generations.

When looking at the accomplishments of the Cree Nation I can only share that I am very pleased with the level of collaboration and partnership amongst the entities and communities in working together. I have seen important leadership initiatives coming from the Cree Nation Youth Council which for me is something truly inspiring seeing the amount of engagement and interest our youth have in determining the future of the Cree Nation.

I was also so impressed to see initiatives like midwifery and birthing occurring in the community. The development of this approach and bringing our newest members into the territory from the start of their life is something that is so significant and spiritual. It is a moment of time that is so precious and I’m truly glad to see that they are starting their life within Eeyou Istchee.

I am looking forward to working with new leadership at the Cree Health Board that was recently elected. We will also see continued participation at the Tripartite Table with our reelected chairperson Dr. Sarah Pash (of the Cree School Board). I am looking forward to seeing how we can collaborate on the new declaration for 2025 – a continued commitment from the Cree Nation Government. This year’s declaration will be announced at the upcoming council board meeting.

With each generation our expectations of the governing body changes and evolves. With the Cree constitution it helps us identify how this relationship grows and evolves. Members of the Nation can expect to see a consultation process being carried out this year.

I highly encourage you to participate and voice your thoughts and hopes on where we head into the future.

Cree Governance and Cree Constitution

What will 2025 bring?

The Cree Constitution is an important internal governing tool to engage our members in determining the future direction of how our Nation develops and the legacy we want to establish for our members in the Cree Nation. Our government and relationships between communities is a commitment that will have an everlasting impact on how decisions are made.

the Nation January 24, 10, 2025 www.nationnews.ca

Cree Economy Some exciting announcements of funding for economic development will be done in 2025 for development of the Cree economy. Last year we provided a mandate to the government to seek and establish a relationship with our economic partners to develop and determine a new funding source that will allow for the strengthening and further enhancement of our economy for the territory.

As we see the Canadian economy continuing to be impacted by inflation, we are coming up with a strategy to have a regional approach and enhancing collaboration and introducing cost savings to our communities in the purchase and development of large projects and investment opportunities. A planning session in the fall of 2024 was carried out and we will be introducing the information and report that came out of those sessions to our members.

We continue to collaborate as a team to push for private entrepreneurship and relationship development to enhance our Cree economy.

One of the biggest celebrations will be held throughout Eeyou Istchee!

We launched the 50th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement which began in November 2024 and will conclude in November 2025. Focused on 12 months of initiatives recognizing the importance of this historic agreement and highlighting what was established for the Cree Nation members and communities.

I am inviting everyone to follow our social media pages and website to see the mini history clips that outline how and why we entered into this agreement. It is so important for us to learn, know and understand why the JBNQA has created a unique legislative and governance position for the Cree Nation. It is a living document that has evolved over time, amended and enhanced as our Nation’s territory shifts and grows.

As the only agreement of its kind, it is the role of the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief to defend it and work with our communities to ensure its proper implementation.

The Cree Nation will also be working with the Innu Nation to raise awareness of the Refuge Mitshuap – a service available to Indigenous members facing homelessness in the city centre of Montreal. It is apparent that there is an increased issue of homelessness in and outside of the territory.

As a regional entity we are focused on building resources in areas outside of Eeyou Istchee to continue helping our members deal with this barrier. This year we launched a joint initiative to raise awareness and funding to assist this important service.

In closing, I am looking to invite the members of the Cree Nation to continue participating and listening to the upcoming council board session.

It is important that our membership is informed and engaged in the nation building. Please follow our social media for the monthly information and update sessions that the Deputy Grand Chief and I provide regarding the work we are carrying out for our members as well as following our platforms more important updates.

Meegwetch and sending my best wishes to all of the members of Eeyou Istchee.

Mandy Gull Masty Grand Chief Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee www.nationnews.ca www.nationnews.ca December January 10, 27, 2025 2024

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www.nationnews.ca January 24, 2025

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15

Roger Valade’s art is inspired

by Indigenous traditions

F

or Roger Valade, a wood sculptor from Lanaudière, the wisdom of Indigenous people and their respect towards nature is a constant source of inspiration in his artwork.

Influenced by stories of First Nation peoples, in his wood carving Valade creates themes of the Earth, animals and Indigenous traditions.

“I create the animals and Indigenous people because all of them together make the world beautiful,” he said. “It is like spiritual, it is like magic, all the animals and the environment really touch me, I want people to see their beauty.”

Valade employs ancestral methods, including oven-dried wood, fish glue, and earth oxides and pigments of fossils to create colours.

“Using colours, I try to revive all the traditional clothes of people who lived at those times,” he explained. “The goal of my sculptures is to give Canadians the feeling of respect to the environment as well as to provide memories about Indigenous livelihood.”

The piece “Broken Arrow” presents a Native warrior, who is “close to nature, close to the earth, free and self-confident, who never hunted just for fun, he hunted to feed himself.”

For his sculpture “Eternity” the entity of the wolf comes out of the frame.

Valade chose a male wolf playing with a female because “love is continuous, love is always there, it never stops.”

“Mother Earth” features a globe that a mother bear is holding in her paws, based on the belief that “life came from the marriage of Mother Earth and Father Sky.” His research on First Nation peoples, their traditions and territories led Valade to discover pictures by American

16

photographer Joseph Curtis, who captured images of members of the Sioux, Apache and Lakota nations.

“When I sculpt an Indian, I am inspired by Sitting Bull because I like his gaze,” Valade said. “There is no hatred. He is a warrior; he is a healer.”

Born to a Métis family, Valade spent his youth in foster homes in Montreal, then worked in the restaurant industry for 40 years. However, 20 years ago he returned to his roots in Ste-Éméliede-l’Énergie, where his grandfather, an immigrant from France, had lived and where Valade “finally found peace and serenity.”

“This beautiful mountain gave me all the elements I needed to be able to express my creativity,” he said. “I want to demonstrate respect for nature through all my works. I want to interpret nature through animals, humans and the environment.”

Valade never knew his Indigenous grandmother, who was from the SaintMichel-des-Saints area, near the Atikamekw in Manawan. He never spoke her language, which belongs to the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi linguistic group, but it is important for him to pay tribute to his ancestors.

His wood sculptures have been displayed in various exhibitions, in museums and private collections in Canada, the United States and France.

Every year Shefford resident Yuriy Kotenok goes snowboarding in SaintMichel-des-Saints and stays at the Auberge du Lac Taureau, where a large collection of Valade’s sculptures is located.

“I was impressed with the professionalism and the details of the sculptures,” Kotenok said. “If it is a human

the Nation January 24, 2025 www.nationnews.ca

face, it is done accurately with such detail that I can recognize the emotion.

If it is an animal image, there are many specific elements, and I am impressed it is done by human hands, and it takes around a year to create one sculpture.”

Kotenok was attracted by the theme of Indigenous tribes, spirits and the connection of these tribes with the nature. That’s why he purchased the Valade sculpture “Le bandit”, depicting an eagle catching salmon. He said it represents the strength and power of the bird, with 500 carved feathers.

He thinks people have become too distant from nature. “But nature is eternal,” Kotenok said. “It gives inspiration, because wildlife is first of all about 4ur health, clean water and the environment.”

Eternal

Nature

by Natalia Fedosieieva

www.nationnews.ca January 24, 2025

the Nation

17

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www.nationnews.ca January 24, 2025

the Nation

19

Arts

Band on the Run Eeyou-Innu Rock Band takes on Toronto

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Photo by Baby Nadon

A

fter exciting audiences throughout the Cree Nation and beyond since June, the Eeyou-Innu Rock Band will be taking their passionate show to Toronto for an Indigenous music showcase January 31 at the Imperial Pub. The Mistissini-based band will headline the “Music is Medicine” event alongside special guests David Meawasige and Kevin Schofield (aka The Tennessee Cree).

While it will be their first performance in Canada’s largest city, the group’s quickly growing confidence makes them believe they’re ready for any stage. With four lead singers blending rock, gospel and Indigenous music in both Cree and Innu, they bring a unique presence to every show they play.

Last winter’s Big Rock Music Festival planted the seeds for the band’s formation, with some of the biggest names in Cree and Innu music converging for three memorable days in Mistissini.

Multi-instrumentalist Paul Napash was playing with Cree Rising in the festival’s house band and beginning a teaching residency in the Mikw Chiyâm school arts program.

“Cree Rising lead singer Brian Fireman actually brought everyone together,” Napash recalled about his late bandmate. “He asked everyone to be part of something big, like a music community. That’s when I became friends with Rachel and Patrick – it started from there.”

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Rachel Neeposh and Patrick Petawabano had joined forces with visions for something bigger, connecting with Big Rock co-organizer BabyJane Kistabish Nadon as their manager in June. Napash came on board, prompting a move to Mistissini, followed shortly by Innu singer-songwriter Gilbert Pietacho on bass, who had played Big Rock with his folk-rock group Innutin.

Waswanipi Day last June 7 was Eeyou-Innu Rock Band’s first gig, followed by Indigenous Peoples Day shows in both Chibougamau and Mistissini a few weeks later. They have played about a dozen more since then, including Chisasibi’s Malaisi Festival and the Youth Council’s urban tour in Ottawa, Val-d’Or and Mingan.

Although a power outage cut short their New Year’s Eve show in Mistissini, they braved snowstorms for recent performances in Waswanipi and Eastmain.

It was during a pit stop at the Route du Nord’s Km 381 for the latter show that they made the group call to confirm the Toronto show.

“Some connection I have in Toronto tagged me on a post,” explained Napash. “I reacted and the promoter reached out to me. I told him more about

the Nation January 24, 2025 www.nationnews.ca

the band and he connected with our manager. It was a 15-minute phone call and we decided to go for it.”

Winnipeg-raised Indigenous musician and promoter Damian Krypt of Gothic Arcadia Media Group is the event organizer. He believes in the healing effects of bringing people together.

“My goal is to let people know they’re not alone,” Krypt told the Nation.

“Music was my medicine – it kind of saved my life. I love rock’n’roll music you can really connect to. Not only will Indigenous people want to show up but also non-Indigenous. I’d like to try to connect communities to spread understanding of who we are.”

Ottawa-based musician Kevin Schofield plans to bring a violinist and vocalist from his seven-piece band.

Equally adept at Johnny Cash covers as traditional powwow music, his 2022 album was 30 years in the making. Originally from Moose Factory, he earned his nickname Tennessee Cree from a two-year stint in Nashville after a painful divorce.

“All my honky-tonk dreams came true,” Schofield said. “I’d wake up, put on my Elvis suit, grab my guitar and head downtown. I realized I’m just as good as any cowboy. When I’m the

Tennessee Cree I could call the girls little darlings. If it was just me, they’d stab me with their violin bows.”

With growing interest in his music from back home, Schofield returned to Canada about 16 years ago to reunite with his son and has since become a familiar busker on Ottawa’s streets. A residential school survivor, he has played gigs supporting other survivors and describes his band’s dynamics as sensual and primal.

Napash, who attended school in Ottawa for years, said he jammed with Schofield just a few weeks ago.

He’s excited about potential opportunities arising from the exposure in Toronto. The Eeyou-Innu Rock Band has been practicing almost every second day, composing new music and working on demos.

“Our next goal is to have our own studio here in Mistissini to record the first album,” said manager Kistabish Nadon. “We’ll record in Mingan in 2025. I’ve been working every day, promoting, searching for gigs, looking into building a studio, talking with different producers about recording the first album.”

Despite her busy schedule with the Cree Health Board’s Nishiiyuu department, Kistabish Nadon accompanies the band to nearly every gig and is their most enthusiastic supporter. A longtime friend of Neeposh and Petawabano, she believes the band’s promotion of language and culture is both healing and empowering.

“We believe in our dream and it’s coming true,” said Kistabish Nadon. “It’s amazing how everything has been working out since June. So far, I’m the only manager in Eeyou Istchee. I’m looking forward to adding other regional artists, eventually working only as a manager in the music industry.”

With a growing number of Cree music festivals and resources for artists, there are opportunities throughout the industry. Petawabano noted there are jobs in lighting and road crews that didn’t exist when he was younger.

“I wanted to experience the road 10 years ago, but couldn’t have that experience,” Petawabano said. “I’ve somehow gotten to that world and it’s something I want to give back to other musicians, not to experience the hard times so they’ll know they won’t be alone.”

Having played guitar around the region for nearly 20 years, Petawabano took a step back in 2019 but credits his late mentor Brian Fireman for reigniting his love of the road. During one of his frequent meditations between travels, he had a vision of having Kistabish Nadon as their manager, though “it took her a while to cave in,” he said.

“I always visualized myself in a group where we can all be ourselves completely, where there’s no limits to our talents,” said Petawabano. “Where we can be free and untouchable. That’s how it feels in this group. Back then I used to dread going on stage – now I’m so excited before it starts.”

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5 Cheek cosmetic 19 18 10 Con man's target 17 14 Welcome benefit 20 21 22 15 Gossipy gal 23 24 25 16 Lean anagram 17 Revise writing 28 29 26 27 19 Fair feature SUMMARY: The department of Language & Culture will be responsible for the development, coordination, 20 However, briefly 30 31 32 33 34 35 and implementation of local programs to promote and strengthen our Y-dialect Cree language and culture.

21 What Spock is 36 37 38 not The director will work closely with relevant departments within our MoCreebec Eeyoud organization and with 23 Spot for grilling?

40 41 42 39 our clan representatives for the promotion of the Y-dialect Cree language & cultural activities. The director 25 Unreactive 43 44 of resources 45 and will also coordinate with other Y-dialect communities in Eastern James Bay for sharing 26 Netflix series, methodologies, and to support the long-term language initiatives "Never Have I 49 50 46 47 of48the Cree Nation. ____" 51 52 53 54 55 28 Have, as EDUCATION: surgery 57 58 56 Style of blouse • University degree in education, Indigenous30studies, or other relevant fields, or equivalent work 60 61 59 32 Really like experience.

33 Reiner or Lowe 62 63 64 36 Sunday paper QUALIFICATIONS: PREVIOUS SOLUTION: Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate extra 37 Golden years • Senior management experience 39 Summer hrs. in 62 On an even 11 Wonderland girl 35 It's what's for D I D O T R U C K C H A D St. Paul ___; steady Indigenous 12 "M*A*S*H" role dinner • CWork Nation administration, language R U N in I indigenous N H O Vcommunity/First E E O N experience 40 Roofing materialfields 63 Become 13 Prepared to 38 Got the better of or other relevant N Iprogramming N E T Y N or I advocacy, N E A education, N E W 42 Church topper narrower propose 41 Kirstie's A aCproject C E Smanager S O R Y S O S H • LExperience as 43 Kitchen set 64 College VIP 18 Kind of ''hole'' "Cheers" role B O O S T E R E Y R I E 45 Feudal land or ''holder'' 42 Law on the • Strong knowledge issues within the communities of the Cree Nation D E C O R of social A R and A Bcultural S 46 Snacks in shells DOWN 22 Little laugh books 49 Like Lenin and 1 "Dancing 24 43 Kind of fin H U N T E R B I O T Y P E • Proven success in maintaining strong communications, including the ability to Beachgoer's facilitate Lincoln Queen" quartet goal 44 Mad Hatter prop R A T T L E R R Eeffectively A D M I T 51 In a _____; with2 Take it easy 26 Grand story 46 Use your noodle E A T A N S W E R H E R E out delay 3 Gulf Coast 27 Sell from a 47 Condor's home • Proven ability to be discreet and maintain confidentiality E R E C T R A N G E 53 '90s trade pact region machine 48 Oscar winner • Good R A attention T T L EtoDdetail A and D Eaccuracy P T 56 Garden bloom 4 Tiny, as a town 29 Disorderly for "The Cider S Oand R the R Yability to M N N organizational E R I S M skills 57 manage Teacher, e.g.

"See ya!" person House Rules" • AGood multiple5 projects 59 One of a 1492 6 Far from strict 31 Kahlo, for one 50 Genetic stuff A N T I P H O N A L O L I O • OProven judgment trio in complex situations 7 In the buff 33 In quick 52 Gravy container C E to L demonstrate L O R I strong T E C T E ability 60 Extreme, as pain 8 Stiffly formal succession, 54 Loose garment K N to E problem-solve, L L S E E to R think strategically, K Y S ability • EProven and to take initiative 61 Conclusion 9 Angelic ring as questions 55 In a while source environment 34 Make eyes at 58 Price word • Demonstrated ability to work under pressurepreceder and to adapt 10 to Wool a changing

H

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL JOB POSTING ere’s another edition of the Nation’s puzzle POSITION: DIRECTOR OF page.

CREE LANGUAGE & CULTURE 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.

Solution to Crossword:

No. 732

Tough

Previous solution - Medium

No. 732

TERM:7Full-Time with six (6)4month probationary period.5 7 9

© 2024 Syndicated Puzzles

2 6 3

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

24

Easy

6 3 1 2 4

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

of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

Previous solution - Very Hard

3 6 2 7 5 9 8 4 1

9

6 7 8 7 1 4 2 3 1

Please apply23 in writing, providing two most recent work references to: 1 2 9 3 Debbie Jolly – Employment Counselor How to beat Str8ts – 6 3 7 5 P.O Box 4,number Moose Like Sudoku, no single can Factory, ON P0L 1W0 repeat in any row or column. But...

705-658-4769 ext.

2002 8 4 7 5 4 rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments.

These meu@mocreebec.com to be filled in with numbers that 8 4 3 9 9 need complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set Fax: 705-658-4487 of numbers with no gaps but can be in 2 of the full 8 job description.

1 any order, eg [4,2,3,5].

Clues black Please contact Debbie Jolly toinrequest a copy cells remove that number as an option CPIC & Vulnerable sector CPIC will be required. in that row and column, and are not part 7 4

5 plus 2 benefits. 8 SALARY: $85,000 9

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

© 2024 Syndicated Puzzles

• Proficiency in standard computer software and IT technology • Some proficiency in verbal Cree is an asset • Some proficiency in Cree Syllabics is an asset STR8TS • High level of English verbal and writing proficiency isSUDOKU essential.

9 5 1 4 8 6 3 2 7

8 2 3 9 6 5 7 1 4

7 1 5 8 3 4 9 6 2

6 9 4 1 7 2 5 8 3

1 4 6 5 9 7 2 3 8

5 7 8 2 4 3 1 9 6

2 3 9 6 1 8 4 7 5

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

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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4 8 7 3 2 1 6 5 9

T&B

The lurking dangers

Rez Notes

by Sonny Orr

T

he tiny, white, fuzzy-faced Arctic fox looked so cute as it stared at us just a few feet away as we drove by. But the cuteness was a cover for a hidden menace – rabies.

Rabies may now seem like a title of a B-movie or a romance novelette, in which the hero attempts to stave off the symptoms until he starts frothing at the mouth. It was most likely shaving cream as back in the day any prop that looked like it could fool the masses was used, like ketchup. Foaming at the mouth meant a longer-lasting death throe as the hero blabbed away until he coughed up the last of the shaving cream and ceased to exist. Then came the extra five minutes or so of grieving until THE END appeared on a dying sunset screen.

Naw, the rabies that we had surrounding us was not as inspiring as those on screen, but those movies did help raise the level of information about the fox and its deadly disease. Also, it’s good to note that a state of emergency was issued to the public, just in case rabies crosses over to humans and causes havoc with the already stressed-out medical system that keeps us alive in times like this.

However, most animals have cyclical population patterns and this year it’s the Arctic fox’s turn to take over the lands of the North. A century ago, in the same area where we are, foxes were very abundant.

They showed up quite suddenly and within a short period, local trappers profited greatly from the sale of furs.

Ridding the cellphone of 35,000 emails, unused apps, endless screen shots, and countless messages that contain only one word or emoji. That’s my resolution for this year.

An excerpt from a book published around 1910 highlights the success of the trapper on the Hudson Bay coast. “…and April 6. Between us, self and four servants, we have five silver, nine cross, fifteen red, eleven blue, one thousand two hundred thirty-five white foxes, the best hunt ever made by the servants at this place. April 28. Over nine thousand white foxes now on hand… Bully for LWR” (short for Little Whale River).

As for humans, we try to survive in town, where, just in case, we have to rush to get our rabies shots. Back in the day, it took many long syringes to administer the vaccine to the stark raving mad (from dehydration due to fear of water) patient, but I doubt today’s modern treatment is as severe. Still, avoid any fox, no matter how cute they are. We should fear the little scavenger, for now.

A quick tour around our town shows that there’s a lot of fox poop and urine around – not to mention the many blotches of blood stains that show up, similar to a Kleenex used to blot out shaving cuts or those nasty pimples gone wrong.

As a blanket of fresh snow covers up the blemishes and returns nature to its pristine glory, no one would suspect that this beautiful land contains multitudes of dangers. Like muskox ramming into your ATV, polar bears foraging for local pets, wolves munching on their close cousins – meaning your pet lap dog. Or, like today, those cute rabid foxes. Usually, the black bear is oblivious to this turmoil since it hibernates all winter and couldn’t be bothered with all of nature’s drama and its toll on the humans.

Now, a quick look back on the last year – a resolution on decluttering. No, not cleaning up the house, but ridding the cellphone of 35,000 emails, unused apps, endless screen shots, and countless messages that contain only one word or emoji. That’s my resolution for this year.

If it looks like I might have deleted someone or something important, like a pic of your credit card, that’s okay, it’s just me decluttering. Enjoy the rest of the year and watch out for more critters and new communicable animal diseases in the coming months!

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Under the Northern Sky Emmy’s chocolate cake therapy

by Xavier Kataquapit

W

hen I first met my partner Mike’s mom Emily McGrath so many years ago, I was immediately struck by how open and kind she was.

Everyone knew her as Emmy and she reminded me so much of the Elders I had grown up with in my family.

I was a soft-spoken Cree when I first got to know her. Life was intimidating when I first started to live and work as a writer away from my home community, but Emmy made sure I was always safe, comfortable and looked after. I owe a lot of my transition to a new life to her.

Born in 1926, Emmy grew up during the Great Depression and as a young woman she endured the loss of family and classmates during the Second World War. She often told me stories of those days and what life was like growing up in an Irish family on the less-than-prosperous side of the tracks in the northern Ontario town of Iroquois Falls.

She grew up in a time of racism, McCarthyism, bigotry, homophobia, and with no public health-care system. Emmy had close friends who came from diverse cultures and some who were gay because she believed in getting along with everyone. It was also a time when worker solidarity was the norm, and she was an active member of her union at the pulp and paper mill.

I enjoyed sitting over tea and listening to her stories. Although she was older and frail when I met her, she still had the strength to stand for positive movements and democratic ideals. I felt very safe and comfortable in her home with my partner Mike as there was no alcohol or drugs in this environment.

Her goodness was obvious in what she did for her community and her family.

Emmy was recognized for her many years

of volunteering as a Girl Guide leader with an award at Queen’s Park. She was also a volunteer at an elderly care home, and she supported the development of the Emma Ciotti art gallery named after her good friend Emma Pierini (née Ciotti).

I think of how she would feel about seeing two modern wars killing thousands of people and putting us on the brink of nuclear war, rapidly advancing climate change and the development of far-right anti-democratic movements. She had been through tough times as had my parents. I think all of them would be distressed that our world has taken this negative direction. They believed that life was going to be better for future generations.

My partner Mike is a journalist who is a child of the 1960s. We are very worried about the current situation facing our world. Although he is struggling with a severe lung disease, he believes we can still stand up against negative right-wing movements. To keep him cheered up, once in a while I bake him Emmy’s chocolate cake recipe and today I am sharing it with you. It is an easy, rich and tasty recipe that you can share in memory of my friend Emmy.

Emmy’s recipe starts with preheating an oven to 350°F. Then mix two cups of flour, a cup of white sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Then in a second bowl mix four tablespoons of cocoa, a cup of miracle whip, two teaspoons of baking soda and a teaspoon of vanilla. Pour the cocoa mixture into the flour together with a cup of cold coffee and mix it well. Lastly, pour the batter into a round bundt cake pan or pan of your choice and bake for 50 minutes.

Emmy always insisted on homemade frosting. To make it, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and three squares of unsweet-

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ened chocolate over a second pot of hot water and stir to blend. In a bowl mix twoand-a-quarter cups of fine confectioners’ sugar with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and slowly add in a 1/3 cup of warmed milk. Then add the chocolate mixture and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until you get a creamy consistency.

As a child of the Depression, Emmy was sparing with her frosting, which is why I often double this part of the recipe. On these cold winter nights listening to the latest news of war and climate change horrors, Emmy’s chocolate cake at least makes the world feel a little better.

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