Issuu 32-07 by nationmag

Photo by Jamie Pashagumskum

Trump’s Manifest Destiny

by Will Nicholls

By 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.

The Nation is published every two weeks by Beesum

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, Natalia Fedosieieva DESIGN Matthew Dessner

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Eeyou Istchee

by Xavier Kataquapit

A growing constitution

Cree Nation introduces formal protection for children’s rights

Among 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-

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?”

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

As 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.

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.

“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

Ministère

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.”

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.”

The State of the Cree Nation

by Will Nicholls

Here 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.

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.

Photos by Jamie Pashagumskum

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.

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

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.

Cree Governance and Cree Constitution

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.

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 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.

What will 2025 bring?

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

Roger Valade’s art is inspired by Indigenous traditions

For Roger Valade, a wood sculp tor 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 ani mals 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 environ ment as well as to provide memories about Indigenous livelihood.”

The piece “Broken Arrow” pres ents 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 enti ty 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 peo ples, their traditions and territories led Valade to discover pictures by American

by Natalia Fedosieieva

Since 1969: Urban non-pro t organization

Chibougamau Eenou

Friendship Centre

Priority will be given to Indigenous candidates, though all are welcome to apply.

$88,608 (min.)

$126,554 (max.)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Friendship Centres provide services to Indigenous people, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. They serve people living in urban, rural, remote, and northern areas.

One of ten Friendship Centres in QC

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

$71,952 (min.)

$112,220 (max.)

Location: Chibougamau, Quebec

Application Deadline: February 5, 2025

JOIN OUR TEAM!

The Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre (CEFC) is seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to join our team in these exciting roles:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ED)

Lead our culturally relevant programs and services while managing the Centre's operations. Work with the Board of Directors on strategic planning and organizational success.

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AED)

Team up with the ED to bring our vision to life! Help with strategic planning, decision-making, and making a real impact.

If you’re motivated, skilled, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

APPLY NOW AND BE PART OF SOMETHING MEANINGFUL!

We invite candidates to go to the CEFC FB page for the full posting or email us: manonrichmond@gmail.com

Band on the Run

Eeyou-Innu Rock Band takes on Toronto

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Photo by Baby Nadon

After 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.”

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 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.”

Niimuudaan helps you ﬁnd mentors who can support you through their compassionate listening and experience sharing.

TRIUMPH AND SUCCESS: TARA'S INSPIRING JOURNEY WITH AC ONLINE

TRIUMPH AND SUCCESS:

TRIUMPH AND SUCCESS: TARA'S INSPIRING JOURNEY WITH AC ONLINE

TARA'S INSPIRING JOURNEY WITH AC ONLINE

TRIUMPH AND SUCCESS: TARA'S INSPIRING JOURNEY WITH AC ONLINE

Tara, 31, grew up on Christian Island in Beausoleil First Nation. She worked there as a special needs resource teacher at the local daycare. Wanting to gain more skills for her job, Tara entered the Early Childhood Education program through the online campus at Algonquin College (AC Online) in 2022.

Today, Tara is a proud graduate who is working in her

As a mother of five with a full-time job, Tara faced plenty of obstacles on the path to graduation. Although the program was accessible online, she lived within her First Nations community, where she struggled to get good connectivity. Time management and technological limits stood as barriers to her goals.

Fortunately, Tara says the virtual facilitators at AC Online were “amazing.” She points out that they understood her background living on the reserve and helped her cope with the challenges of her circumstances. Balancing the demands of her job, her studies, and and support.

“I feel like the education on our reserve… it’s not where it should be,” Tara said in an interview with AC Online. She believes that many students get discouraged in high school. She particularly empathizes with Indigenous women, who may feel a certain pressure to remain at home, with their children.

For Tara, First Nations women such as herself should feel “empowered to complete their dreams.” In her view, at times, young mothers may experience pres-

“I am proud of the barriers I have overcome”

To watch the interview open your camera app and scan this code.

However, Tara wanted to enhance her skills as a teacher both for herself and her children’s future. What’s more, her achievements may serve as inspiration for them, as well as others within her community. Her college journey helps lay the groundwork for the advancement of the next generation.

She said that she wants to show everyone in her community that through perseverance they can “push through anything.”

Algonquin College's online campus is uniquely equipped to help people juggling numerous responsibilities. Though its coursework may be rigorous, it offers a network of support, from facilitators and classmates alike. With more than 80 full-time and part-time program options, and over 800 courses, students can obtain a complete post-secondary education without scheduled in-person sessions or class times, while receiving the same quality staff assistance they would expect from a physical campus.

Algonquin College's online campus is uniquely equipped to help people juggling numerous responsibilities Though its coursework may be rigorous, it offers a network of support, from facilitators and classmates alike. With more than 80 full-time and part-time program options, and over 800 courses, students can obtain a complete post-secondary education without scheduled in-person sessions or class times, while receiving the same quality staff assistance they would expect from a physical campus.

What’s more, Algonquin’s Mamidosewin Centre provides academic, career and personal support to its Indigenous students. Like every other Algonquin College student, AC Online students have access to oncampus amenities, including a smudging location.

algonquincollege.com/IndigenousOnline

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

Kitchen

topper

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.

TThe lurking dangers

by Sonny Orr

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!

Under the Northern Sky

Emmy’s chocolate cake therapy

by Xavier Kataquapit

When 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-

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.