Aduck flies past and one of the other hunters makes the shot. I wait with less than the other hunters have. I use a pump-action 12 gauge while they have semi-automatics and high-powered shells.
Next, a lone goose flies before our blinds. Two of the hunters shoot then I do. I get the goose but hear the others asking if they made the shot. Honesty is something that’s important among our people and our way of living, The other hunters said that it was mine.
A couple of the boys had their tablets to keep boredom at bay. The problem was that the reflection from the screen could warn the approaching geese. They prefer not to land in areas of potential difficulties.
Having a goose give itself to a Cree so it recognizes we are a benefit to survive for all around us is an amazing thing. Many other parts of creation share the idea that all species can come back as man or animal.
Some people would rather exploit our land instead of experiencing it. The Cree way looks at our partners who share the land with us as equals. And so, all inhabitants of Eeyou Istchee are not one but take part in the greatness that is diversity.
But the first goose is becoming something else. The first goose usually means the first goose anyone kills in each community. We try to acknowledge that here in the Nation.
But like certain ducks, people are the same. A mallard means you try for the female so the male will come around just like geese. Other ducks would drop low or fly in different ways.
My Uncle Don takes as pride in his grandson’s hunting skills. At nine years old, Phoenix is hunting ptarmigan and has gotten many with his 20 gauge. It’s special to see the skills passed on by such a respected Elder.
Both my sons, Hunter and Declan, want to follow in Phoenix’s footsteps, However, it’s difficult as they are in Eeyou Istchee only a month at most every year as they go to school in Montreal.
Somehow the Cree Board of Health and Social Services has said that my 13-year-old does not have benefits under the 10-year clause. Seems like a problem
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that can easily be fixed but it isn’t. Now, we have to prove we are Cree.
Shouldn’t this be a concern to all of us? Only the local band membership clerks should be making these types of decisions. Regional entities should not be surpassing local ones.
In the end, we want our benefits and to live life the way the Cree always have done in the past, present and, hopefully, in the future.
And on a final note: A big congratulations to Paul John Murdoch on being elected the new Grand Chief!
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, P. Quinn, N. Fedosieieva DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Donna Malthouse THANKS TO: Air Creebec
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Cree gathering opens dialogue on intergenerational trauma
by Natalia Fedosieieva
Photo by Maanuuhiikuu
Department of Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay
Over 100 participants gathered in Pointe-Claire this July for the Pathways to Healing conference that focused on intergenerational trauma in Cree communities.
Hosted by the Maanuuhiikuu Department of the Cree Health Board in collaboration with the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association, the threeday event addressed themes such as non-violent communication, lateral kindness, self-esteem, grief and wellness planning.
Speaker Dennis Windego has worked for 35 years on post-traumatic stress and complex trauma.
“There are many types of trauma,” Windego told The Nation. “There’s psychological trauma, vicarious trauma, intergenerational trauma, system-induced trauma, trauma caused by accidents, caused by procedures, caused by experiences like residential school and family, violence and sexual abuse.”
The focus is on “how we can recognize those symptoms and find effective paths toward healing,” he explained. “The importance is to create some awareness about how this history has shaped our lives and what we can do to take care of ourselves and to build healthier lives.”
Windego combined professional insight with personal storytelling.
“I talked about how trauma shows up and plays out in our lives,” he said. “People connected with that. They said it was enlightening, and it brought more understanding and compassion for others.”
A member of the Anishinaabe Nation in northwestern Ontario, Windego has deep connection with First Nations communities, especially with the Cree of Waskaganish and Eastmain where he has spent much of his career.
“I’ve always felt a strong connection to the Cree people,” he said. “I give the
Cree credit for what I have learned from them to help in the work that I do.”
The conference featured 10 speakers working to break the silence around colonization and residential schools.
“We wanted to open up a little bit about it,” said Mary-Louise Snowboy, a mental health nurse from Chisasibi and an event organizer. “A little bit of dialogue on intergenerational trauma, but not in a way to open a lot of wounds, just to get people thinking about it.”
Snowboy said the gathering emphasized helping youth understand the roots of these challenges.
“It was about starting the conversation,” Snowboy stated. “Because if we don’t talk about the trauma, it still gets passed down. Even if you don’t say anything about it, the next generation knows there’s something there, but they can’t put a feeling of what they’re going through.”
Snowboy said the conference wasn’t just about conversation, but also about self-care and cultural reconnection.
“We had people who were doing cedar baths, two who were doing massage,” she said. “The other thing was thinking about safety, especially if someone got triggered, we would be able to provide a therapist.”
Sponsored by Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the event’s large scale reflected a strong demand in the Cree communities for culturally grounded healing spaces, Snowboy said.
Organizers are now seeking collaborators for future gatherings, possibly in Eeyou Istchee, though space and resources remain ongoing challenges.
“It takes a lot of money and a lot of work,” said Snowboy. “But it’s worth it, even if it’s just a small moment that opens up a memory, that’s a step towards healing.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts
PUBLIC CONSULTATION – FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE NORD-DU-QUÉBEC REGION FROM AUGUST 4TH TO
28TH, 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) on public land in the Nord-duQuébec region.
This PAFIO present potential forest operation zones where timber harvesting are potentially planned in management unit 026-61.
To consult the plans and submit your comments: Québec.ca/consultations-foret-nord-du-quebec
You have until August 28th, 2025, at 11:59 pm, to provide your comments.
INFORMATION
ACTIVITY
Departmental experts will hold an information session 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: Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Chibougamau: City Hall Council Room (650, 3e Rue)
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
Note: This consultation does not allow for the review of the use of public land, or the rights granted to it.
All Revved
by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Up
Paul John Murdoch was declared the new Grand Chief of the Cree Nation July 17, after receiving 51.5% of the 4,447 votes cast across Eeyou Istchee in Grand Council elections. It was a decisive victory over incumbent Norman A. Wapachee (39%) and John Kitchen (9%).
With none of the four candidates for Deputy Grand Chief receiving over half the vote, a run-off election was held August 1 (after press time) between Linden Spencer and John Henry Wapachee. Spencer led the initial vote with 47.75%, ahead of Wapachee (32%), Sammy SaltBlacksmith (11%) and Robin Gull-Saganash (9%).
The newly elected Grand Chief arrived at his first official Council Board meeting in Chisasibi July 22 by motorcycle, his vehicle of choice for a cross-country road trip this spring that inspired some of his campaign priorities.
He was concerned that his platform might have been overly broad and complex, but voters seemed impressed with his clear answers and wealth of ideas. After a whirlwind election campaign accompanied by his son, Murdoch said this adventure had taught him “the incredible power of the love” in Cree communities.
“I am overwhelmed, on the edge of tears with the expressions of congratulations, handshakes, hugs and smiles that I received all week in Chisasibi,” Murdoch told the Nation. “Outside my house this morning in Wemindji, people were stopping. It’s been emotional to feel that love and support.”
The first Cree member of the Quebec Bar, Murdoch informed the partners in the law firm he founded 20 years ago that he would step away to run in this election, and plans to divest himself of his shares in the firm. He’s also resigning from the Tawich Development Corporation board of directors and the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council. His seat on Concordia University’s board of gov-
ernors isn’t remunerated, so he said he’d leave that decision up to the community Chiefs.
In his first meeting with the Chiefs, Murdoch said there was already progress in ensuring accountability and transparency. As part of a proposed Access to Information Act, Murdoch created folders for correspondence to and from the Grand Chief that any member can view.
“Troilus [mining company] sent a letter congratulating me and also wanting to update me on where their project is,” Murdoch offered as an example. “The Chief of Mistissini, the Director of Commerce and Director of Environment all got to see that. There would be no meeting without local representation.”
Council meetings will focus on specific topics throughout the year, such as housing or the budget, to help clarify agendas and encourage stakeholders participate.
“It’s going to help take the pressure off certain issues,” said Murdoch. “If you don’t know when you’re going to meet again, you want to throw everything on the table. Everyone has a full agenda – I think we’ll have more efficient ways of addressing people’s concerns.”
With increasing clashes between tallymen and development companies, Murdoch believes there is a misunderstanding of the Cree Nation’s power
Newly elected Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch hits the ground running
to influence environmental and social impact assessments. Conversations on the campaign trail revealed that some development companies are not fulfilling their communication responsibilities.
“When a land user goes to a mining company with a question, it’s not acceptable for the company to say I signed a communication protocol with your council so talk with them,” said Murdoch. “If our people had a good understanding (of their rights) beforehand, maybe these announcements from companies being overly zealous will cause less anxiety.”
Murdoch wants the CNG to have a closer relationship with the Cree Trappers’ Association and hopes to visit with leaders at their upcoming annual general assembly in Wemindji. He’ll also speak at the Cree Nation Business Summit in Mistissini that week about the need to support entrepreneurs.
September’s Council meeting is dedicated to housing, justice and policing. Murdoch says he has many ideas about the housing crisis, including bringing governance back to communities and creating opportunities.
“If you can’t get access to insurance, a mortgage, a good interest rate, you can’t get a house,” Murdoch explained. “If the bank is insisting on a counter-guarantee from the Band that could be another barrier. That’s a lot of issues aside from labour and contracting.”
Murdoch suggested that a $600 million housing construction boom could be triggered by using the CNG’s $100 million private housing fund to induce banks to offer competitive mortgages. This would create employment, help families grow personal wealth and alleviate pressure on the social housing market.
His background in law has also given him strong feelings about the Justice Department, including its “scandalous” $40 million surplus amidst escalating social problems in communities. Murdoch wants to open discussions with Quebec, so local governments have more authority to enforce municipal violations.
“Right now, everything is going through the court system, and it’s completely jammed,” said Murdoch. “Our communities are constitutionally entitled to an efficient judicial system, not a court that meets once a year denying justice to already vulnerable victims.”
Having “the challenge and the blessing” of two hometowns, being born in Wemindji and raised in Waskaganish, Murdoch wants the official inauguration of Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief to coincide with the CNG’s annual general assembly. The event is planned for August 26 in Ouje-Bougoumou.
Microtel by Wyndham Val-d’Or Celebrates
Momentous Awards Won at the 2025 Wyndham Global Conference: Canadian Microtel Hotel of the Year & Economy Hotel of the Year
Val-d’Or, Quebec – On July 15, 2025, Microtel by Wyndham Val-d’Or, proudly celebrated a pair of prestigious accolades received at the 2025 Wyndham Global Conference: the Canadian Microtel Hotel of the Year Award—for the second consecutive year—and the coveted Economy Hotel of the Year award – selected from over 5000 hotels worldwide.
The hotel—managed by MasterBUILT Hotels, and jointly owned by MasterBUILT, Eeyou Companee, and Tawich Development Corporation—marked the occasion with a special celebration that brought together its dedicated hotel team, valued community members, hotel partners, and local dignitaries. The event, hosted at the hotel, recognized the exceptional e orts that have made the hotel a standout in both guest satisfaction and operational excellence.
“These awards are a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to quality, service, and community,” said Karine Roy, General Manager of Microtel Val-d’Or. “Being called up on stage at the Wyndham Global Conference in Las Vegas, in front of thousands of peers from around the world, was an incredibly humbling moment—one that filled me with genuine pride. And celebrating these achievements back home with the team who made it possible makes it all the more meaningful.”
“Awards like these don’t happen by accident,” added David Donaldson, President & CEO of MasterBUILT Hotels. “They’re the result of clear vision, strong leadership, and a team that lives our brand values every day. Microtel Val-d’Or continues to raise the bar for hospitality excellence—not just in Canada, but across the Wyndham portfolio.”
The Canadian Microtel Hotel of the Year award celebrates excellence in service, quality, and performance among all Microtel locations in Canada. Winning it two years in a row underscores the consistency and dedication of the Val-d’Or team. The Economy Hotel of the Year award places the property among the best of the best within Wyndham’s international mid-scale portfolio, recognizing both operational performance and guest experience
The celebration also served as a thank-you to the community, highlighting the strong local partnerships and guest relationships that have been key to the hotel’s continued success.
Cree Nation mourns Thomas Coon
Thomas Coon is being remembered for his immense contributions to the Cree Nation. Known for his pioneering role at the Cree Trappers’ Association, activism against hydroelectric development and humble wisdom, Coon passed away July 30 a few weeks before turning 78.
As one of many who fought to protect the land from flooding in the 1970s, his words “our land is our life” became a rallying call and the title of a documentary about the resistance movement. Coon held a leadership role at the CTA for over 30 years.
In 2017, Coon offered his thoughts on creating a Cree constitution.
“Now we are following what our people did in the past,” Coon said. “They were independent. They thought for themselves when they were out on the land. With the development of the Cree Constitution and self-governance, it’s as if we’re on a trail. It’s a journey. Imagine a hunter crossing a big lake. The hunter wants to reach the other side of the lake. That’s like us trying to gain that self-reliance.”
Former Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, now Canada’s Indigenous Services Minister, shared how Coon’s advice shaped her leadership roles and personal relationship with Eeyou Eethuun. Former CNG executive director Bill Namagoose said, “His impact will resonate
throughout the Cree Nation for generations.”
“Although humble, Thomas was a guiding force that reminded us of the importance of our culture, our traditions, and care for one another and our land,” stated the Grand Council of the Crees. “His legacy is one of kindness and respect.”
Waswanipi to evict drug dealers
On July 2, Waswanipi began enforcing its housing policy to evict people from rental units who have been found to be trafficking drugs. Everyone residing in that unit will also be impacted,
including children and innocent occupants.
“We urge community members to reflect on the serious consequences of such actions,” stated the notice from Chief Irene Neeposh. “Illegal activity will not be tolerated, and every effort will be made to ensure the safety, well-being and dignity of our community.”
The policy of immediate eviction was adopted a year ago. It states that a lease may be terminated and occupants evicted without notice if a tenant has been arrested for trafficking narcotics or conducting other illegal activities, or if illegal substances have been found by police or housing authorities.
Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Housing Department or local authorities. Chief Neeposh acknowledged to APTN that the policy is harsh but is a necessary response to the rise of methamphetamine and fentanyl use in the community. The Eeyou Eenou Police Force have made three significant drug seizures in Waswanipi in the past two months.
“Their expulsion is a very, very light sentence compared to what could happen if they caused someone’s death because of what they sell,” said Neeposh. “All these notifications we send out are warnings. It’s basically saying, ‘Think twice.’”
With innocent family members also at risk of eviction, Neeposh said the community’s women’s shelter, homeless shelter and cultural camps could accommodate people, while many community members have large extended families to help them. Eviction notices will be accompanied with an application form.
ofRhythms the Ocean
International Song to the Whales collaboration debuts at First People’s Fest
Patrick Quinn
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter by
The 35th edition of Montreal’s Festival International Présence Autochtone (FIPA) August 5-14 features an ambitious aquatic international music production called Song to the Whales.
Developed by festival regulars Oktoecho in collaboration with an Australian collective led by Corrina Bonshek, the work blends Inuit, Maori and Aboriginal voices with contemporary instrumentation.
“Creatively we worked quite fast because each of us already had some strong material,” said Bonshek. “Some of the music has this open invitation for the vocalists to bring their own culture and style.”
Photos provided by First People’s Fest
The project is a reimagining of Bonshek’s Song to the Ocean in partnership with Oktoecho composer and oudist Katia Makdissi-Warren. The immersive ode to ocean is interpreted by Inuit throat singers Lydia Etok and Nina Segalowitz, Australia’s Mirning Elder singer-songwriter Bunna Lawrie, and Māori vocalist Whaia Sonic Weaver.
Brought together by Brisbane-based musician Greta Kelly because of their parallel styles, Bonshek and MakdissiWarren weave orchestral webs with ample space for Indigenous singers. Makdissi-Warren said that when the show reaches Australia for festival season it could be something entirely new.
“We have the same experience of working with people who don’t read
music but have strong culture,” suggested Makdissi-Warren. “It’s a work in progress. We’re seeking unity, but the subtleties of what the singers express always changes.”
Makdissi-Warren worked with double bassist Etienne Lafrance to imitate different types of whale song. With 11 gongs conducted by Australian percussionist Michael Askill emulating the undulating ocean waves, the music drifts from floating currents to the crashing surf.
“Whales will sing for days, like a trance music,” said Bonshek. “It’s a beautiful expansive unfolding. The low frequency you can feel in your body and the high frequency can pierce you.”
Bonshek has collaborated with Whaia (pronounced “fire”) since a music and art installation at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, in which audience members could walk among the orchestra like glowing trees in a forest. Whaia is a transcendent vocalist who plays crystal singing bowls and Taonga P oro (traditional Māori instruments).
“We used to drop hydrophones under the water and record whales in ceremony with our Elder Bunna Lawrie,” recalled Whaia. “One of the band members invited me onto the boat and then they invited me in the band. He taught me his Aboriginal language. That sparked this reclamation journey of going back to my motherland, learning
In partnership with ESUMA and Inuit summer camps, the Oktoecho ensemble led week-long music residencies in Umiujaq and Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik
my mother tongue and diving into my First Nations instruments a little deeper.”
Acclaimed a “whale songman” of the Yinyila Nation, Lawrie founded the influential rock-ska band Coloured Stone in 1978. His drive to protect his sacred totem, the southern right whale, inspired Julian Lennon’s award-winning 2008 documentary The Whaledreamers. Two of his many whale songs are featured in this new project.
For many Australian-Aotearoan saltwater peoples, whales are Elders of the sea and have been the focus of song rituals for thousands of years. Whaia said whales navigate the ocean highways like Polynesian people have always done. She believes that aligning the vocal frequencies of distant coastal peoples elevates a message of hope for humanity.
“There’s a very visceral consciousness happening when we weave these ancient languages together,” Whaia told the Nation. “It creates a ripple in the hearts of humanity. Yes, it’s a gorgeous performance but it’s bigger than ourselves – it’s very much a ceremony.”
Embarking is on a world tour that includes November’s COP30 climate change conference in Brazil. As an ocean ambassador, Whaia has performed at United Nations events and is a board member of Oceanic Global and Hawai’i’s Kia’i Moana Foundation.
Hearing of this sacred connection to whales before the tour, Lydia Etok was a little reluctant to share that whales provide a vital food, light and heat source for the Inuit.
“Mongolian throat singing is warrior songs whereas Inuit throat singing is imitation of nature or creating melody out of anything that surrounds us,” explained Etok.
Asked to partner with Segalowitz for a show 15 years ago, Etok has been on board ever since, serving as co-artistic director throughout multiple albums, experimental productions and school workshops. Having long dreamed of bringing that experience to kids up North, it finally came to fruition this summer.
In partnership with ESUMA and Inuit summer camps, the Oktoecho ensemble led week-long music residencies in Umiujaq and Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik. Youth participants aged 5 to 12 joined workshops in throat singing, percussion, traditional flutes, electronic music and composition.
“They were cute, very excited and enthusiastic in trying out the instruments,” said Etok. “We talked about how we throat sing with anecdotes about why we throat sing and how it started.”
Rarely hearing throat singing growing up, Etok thought it was a relic from the distant past until learning it from an Inuit friend in college who needed a partner to practice with. Soon they were being invited to perform and make presentations about Inuit culture. With Elders eager to pass along the tradition nowadays, more younger people have been learning.
“Now it’s mixed with different kinds of music, so you hear it every day,” Etok said. “We want young people to be aware of the opportunities. You get to know more of your history, your identity, and you want to share that. People want to learn about the Inuit culture.”
Warriors of the Water
Youth canoe journeys celebrate summer and Cree traditions
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Summer is the season for canoe brigades in the Cree Nation: youth journeys embarked throughout July from Nemaska, Mistissini, Waskaganish and other communities. Paddling the waters traversed for time immemorial by Cree ancestors is a rite of passage, forming important connections with fellow youth and the land.
“With every stroke, they carried more than just their paddles,” stated the Nemaska Youth Council. “They carried their history, their strength and their future. The 2025 Canoe Brigade wasn’t just a journey through the waters, but a journey within.”
The departure from Old Nemaska under the leadership of head guide Oliver Jolly and assistant Arthur Esau was delayed by thunderstorms. Once underway, cooks Sherry Ann Matches and Sequin Shecapio kept the participants fed with “love felt in every meal.” Taking the journey were Tristan Swallow, Allen Mianscum, Amira Shecapio, Meeyobin Neeposh, Shyne Spencer and Kayley Bearskin-Visitor.
After a long portage, canoes reached modern Nemaska through the Champion Lake system. The “warriors of the water” were welcomed with a special feast. Youth Grand Chief candidate Jade Mukash, who had been campaigning in the community, was asked to MC the event.
“It’s always emotional to see them arrive,” said Mukash. “When they leave, they’re getting used to being in the canoes and everyone is all over the place. When they come back, they’re very much in a straight line and you can tell they’ve found their coordination with their canoes.”
Families and community members greeted the travellers with hugs and tears of joy. The feast honoured
the transformation of participants following this tradition. Some asked Mukash if the Cree Nation Youth Council would bring back regional canoe brigades.
“Before the youth leave, they’re very quiet and shy with each other,” Mukash responded. “Towards the end of the trip, they’re like one big family and they talk about wanting to go back. They’re able to form new connections there that are so strong because it’s all about survival.”
Nemaska director general Jodge Wapachee said canoe brigades were necessary for survival long ago, bringing back sturgeon and other food for the community. He has fond memories of canoeing with his brothers during summers home from residential school.
Wapachee talked about the days when supplies were transported up the Rupert River from Rupert House (now Waskaganish).
“Hearty voyageurs who paddled these canoes were always ready for a good time upon arrival,” he quipped, noting that families would hide their young women on a small island at this time.
Ferrying people between the old and new communities with his wife Charlotte this summer, Wapachee occasionally saw the youth brigade camping and stopped for a visit at one point. Wapachee was enjoying holidays in Old Nemaska following the annual gathering in the community’s original home in late June and early July.
Attendance reached a high of about 200 during the gathering, which ended with a feast and walking-out ceremonies.
“It’s a wonderful time for the community to get together,” said Wapachee. “The families can come here for some peace and tranquility, not to mention good fishing as the
Cree name stands for ‘nemiskauu’, plenty of fish.”
Noreen Moar Rabbitskin said the gathering feels like one big family and thanked Innu musicians Maten, Bryan André and Scott-Pien Picard for performing. With 80 people on a waiting list for accommodation in Old Nemaska, 20 cabins are being built this summer.
“We built the cabins to create employment for the young people,” Wapachee said. “They really love it here – getting away from fighting over girls in New Nemaska. Charlotte and I have been cooking traditional food and we invite them over. A lot of them are saying I think I found my home.”
A new church is being built at the same location as the community’s original St. George’s Anglican Church. Wapachee said the church was on the trapline of his uncle Billy Wapachee, who was also its first minister.
Deputy Grand Chief candidates Linden Spencer and John Henry Wapachee both visited Old Nemaska during their campaigns. Spencer commented, “It was a return to the heart of who we are as Eeyouch.”
Jodge Wapachee reflected that their people live in two communities with two separate lives. Away from the distractions of modernity, there are no closed doors in Old Nemaska and people feel more comfortable visiting each other to chat.
“It is a place of relaxation and total freedom, bringing your mind to rest,” said Wapachee. “It’s a way of going back home again. You can feel the effect of how calm it is. People say, ‘Why did you leave this place?’ But that’s another story.”
“REMINDER" Annual deadline is September 30
Illustrated Universe
Comic Arts Fest transforms a Montreal street into a colourful animated world
by Hunter Nicholls, Nation Youth Correspondent
While Comiccon is a well-known event, many might have never heard about the annual Montreal Comic Arts Festival that closes five blocks of Saint-Denis Street for three days every May. But its popularity seems to be growing with 90,000 visitors attending this year despite cold, rainy weather.
This fest is totally free, except for buying comics, graphic novels and artwork. With 330 artist and 175 exhibitors, it is something to see. Visitors were encouraged to make their own artwork that was put into a time capsule. Plus, there were many other interactive opportunities, like talking to the artists and comic-book creators.
One artist who stood out for me was Canadian cartoonist and comic book designer Troy Little. I had grown up watching some of his work and hearing about his other work from my parents.
Little has worked on many graphic-novel series, like Rick & Morty, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Powerpuff Girls and Cult of the Lamb.
Little is involved with several Rick & Morty projects, such as “Rick & Morty vs. Cthulhu”, “Rick & Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons” and has worked on the cover art for “Rick & Morty vs. The Universe”.
Little received a call from comic-book writer Jim Zub asking him to be the artist for “Rick & Morty vs Dungeons & Dragons”.
“I was his choice to be the artist for the Rick & Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons,” Little said.
When Zub offered him the job, Little had never seen the show, just clips of it. So, he asked for a couple hours to watch it. After a few episodes, he got into it and thought that he could draw it.
Little enjoyed working with Zub on “Rick & Morty vs Dungeons & Dragons”.
He said Zub had a great understanding of the Rick & Morty universe and the Dungeons & Dragons universe. “Putting Rick & Morty into the actual Wizards of the Coast, playable D and the universe, and telling their stories was just so much fun.”
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was the hardest thing Little has worked on. He said it was very intimidating because the novel’s huge fanbase. He worked on it knowing full well that the late writer Hunter S. Thompson hated cartoonists.
Little read the book numerous times as his goal was not to mess it up. He made sure not to change a single word of the novel; the text was all Thompson’s.
When journalists heard Little would be doing a graphic adaptation of Fear and Loathing, many weren’t thrilled. Plus, he also received online hate while working on the project.
After its release, Little was relieved to hear the graphic novel was well received and said, “It was super rewarding in the end.”
Troy Little is an amazing illustrator, and I recommend checking out his work. I would also recommend checking out next year’s Montreal Comic Arts Festival May 22-24, 2026.
Little
has worked on many graphic-novel series, like Rick & Morty, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Powerpuff Girls and Cult of the Lamb.
Community
Foot Power
protesters are walking from Timmins to Toronto
by Natalia Fedosieieva
First Nation youth are making themselves heard with the actions of Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseegostamok, a James Bay Cree phrase that means “Uniting the People to Stand Together”.
The group began a 700-kilometre walk from Timmins to Toronto on July 15 to protest Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C-5.
“This protest is a call to the provincial and federal governments to repeal Bill 5 and Bill C-5 as it has destroyed Indigenous and government relations and trust,” said Tristan Ashishkeesh, a founder of the movement.
Ashishkeesh is the former Executive Director of the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre in Timmins. He recently resigned to start Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseegostamok after seeing the outcome of the Okiniwak youth protest that took place at Queen’s Park in Toronto July 1.
Okiniwak is another grassroots youth movement led by Ramon Kataquapit of Attawapiskat and Kohen Chisel of Lac Seul. These youth protesters faced a large police presence that blocked off and controlled their movements in downtown Toronto on Canada Day.
The Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseegostamok group started their walk in Timmins July 15, led by a core group of organizers and walkers including Ashishkeesh, Sage Iahtail, Craig Koostachin, Naomi Fletcher and Konstantinov Wesley. They are providing regular daily updates on their Facebook page at Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok.
Several prominent supporters have joined the protesters as they slowly make their way south. On the second day, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin of Fort Albany joined the walk for five kilometres to show his support.
On July 19, several women traditional leaders joined, including Elder Angela Ashishkeesh, Elizabeth SpenceEtherington and Claire Koostachin, all from Attawapiskat.
“I am walking to support my grandson Tristan and the other youth as many of these boys are all related to Treaty signatories from Attawapiskat,” said Angela Ashishkeesh. “I pray as I walk for all our people that we can all be united across Turtle Island and the world.”
Now in her late 70s, she is a survivor of the St. Anne’s Residential School in Fort Albany and has spent decades representing and speaking for the James Bay Cree in many capacities.
“It has always been like this with the government who has always worked to try to take away the flame that is in our hearts, the fire that was put there by the Creator when we were born,” said Angela Ashishkeesh.
“They tried to kill me and the Indian in me when I was in residential school, but they did not succeed, and they will
not succeed in what they are doing to our First Nations now.”
Tristan Ashishkeesh commented that the protest is centred on three main ideas.
“First, we want to unite all Indigenous people across Turtle Island to let them know that our concerns are being pushed aside. Secondly, we want the provincial and federal governments to repeal these bills. And lastly, we want to show that we have to uphold our people’s natural laws that the Creator gave us including the laws of kindness, honesty, sharing and strength,” he said.
Averaging around 30 km a day, the walkers are connecting with numerous First Nations along the way. In Matheson on July 17, they were greeted and fed by members of the Apitipi Anicinapek community.
On July 19, as they passed through the Kenogami area, they were invited to spend the evening with the community of Matachewan to meet with supporters and to be fed and resupplied for their long walk.
And on July 26, the group took part in a rally in North Bay where they met supporters and spoke about their campaign and movement.
By press time, the group had made it to Perry, with only 260 km left to walk.
Youth
Crossword
The Cree IELCC Fund is designed to fund projects/activities that foster the education, Cree culture and language, as well as health and wellbeing of children 0 to 6 and their families.
All projects and activities must also ensure that no children are left behind: activities must be accessible to all children, no matter their level of ability or special need.
Under the Northern Sky
The Race to Destruction
by Xavier Kataquapit
Ihave written columns and articles about First Nations issues for almost three decades. At the start I felt more like an activist as did many of our leaders. We’d lived through more than 100 years of colonization, residential schools, reserves and poverty with insufficient housing, health care and education.
Resource developers in mining, forestry and power generation earned billions of dollars on Indigenous lands. Despite this my people were ignored and there were few opportunities for employment.
We began to organize as we accessed more education. With the wisdom of Elders, tribal councils and advocacy groups, life slowly began to get better. Then came Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), a principle in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that emphasizes the right of Indigenous peoples to make decisions on activities that affect their lands and resources.
Resource developers were legally bound to consult First Nations for any work on their traditional lands. Within a few years I was writing about agreements with mining and forestry companies. These developers realized that if they wanted their projects to proceed, they had to negotiate with First Nations.
The next thing you know, government, resource developers and First Nations representatives were posing for photos announcing various developments. We were invited into industry meetings
and featured as a voice for First Nations culture, traditions and aspirations. Indigenous people were finding good jobs, being trained and starting businesses.
There was concern by some people that making money was taking over as a priority. The traditional role of protecting the land, water and air seemed to be secondary.
Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C-5 were established as a reaction to the threat of US tariffs and to protect the Canadian economy. It is strange to suggest that this is protecting Canadian interests when it is well known that most of Canada’s major industries and sectors are controlled by foreign interests. Press Progress in April 2019 pointed out how “multinational corporations currently own 67% of all assets in Canada’s economy.”
If the question of who would benefit from these government bills is not troubling enough, then the prospect of what it would do for global warming should be far more concerning. In a recent interview on iPolitics, David Suzuki stated that the fight against climate change has been lost and that we now have to deal with this reality.
If you doubt that we are in an emergency, just step outside. In most parts of Canada, you will breathe the smoke from fires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Our Elders have never seen so much smoke from so far away. Tornado and severe weather alerts are happening for the first time on a regular basis in northern Ontario. Every day we
see news of terrible storms, heatwaves, flash flooding and fires.
However, our leaders, are not doing enough to honour treaty rights or deal with climate change. They are ignoring this global environment emergency as they strategize to move on to First Nation lands to initiate projects that will further accelerate climate change.
The peatlands of the Hudson Bay Lowlands are one of the world’s largest natural carbon sinks. They are now threatened by the development of the Ring of Fire mining area. There are also discussions of pipelines that would run across Canada’s North. All these developments will exponentially increase the dangers of global warming.
Indigenous youth seem to be the only people standing up against these short-sighted developments. It is they who will have to live with the fallout of the decisions of our leaders today.
We need to support these brave, intelligent, committed youth in every way we can. Find them on popular social media sites and support them on their gofundme pages. Connect with them to see how you or your organization or community can help. If you want your grandchildren and great-grandchildren to have a world where they can breathe clean air, drink clean water and enjoy our natural world then you should pitch in and help. They are all counting on you, as we are on them.
20-year-old
The Cree IELCC Fund is designed to fund projects/activities that foster the education, Cree culture and language, as well as health and wellbeing of children 0 to 6 and their families.
All projects and activities must also ensure that no children are left behind: activities must be accessible to all children, no matter their level of ability or special need.
