Each year on September 30, our Nation and communities commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We observe this day to honour survivors of the residential school system meant to assimilate Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Survivors in Eeyou Istchee and beyond have shared their painful memories of the tragic system that once stripped children from their lands, culture, language and identities.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is also known as Orange Shirt Day. In 1973, Phyllis Webstad was only 6-years old when on her first day of residential school she was stripped of her favourite orange shirt. By wearing an orange shirt on this day, we are helping bring Phyllis’ orange shirt back and showing that she and Every Child Matters.
Despite the painful legacy and intergenerational trauma that followed students for decades, we take pride in showing that our culture and language remain strong. Through the strength of our people and support from our allies, we look towards a future filled with healing and hope and showing that we are still here.
May this special day be an opportunity for all of us to learn, to share and educate the next generation of our history, language and culture. As we walk together in our healing journey, know that each step is a step towards a strong and united nation.
Paul John Murdoch
Grand Chief/Chairperson
Photo by Caroline Côté
Forests in the crosshairs
by Will Nicholls
Several years ago, a friend told me how he went logging with a large calibre semi-automatic rifle and a bunch of clips. He loaded the clips and started firing off shots at an innocent tree. As soon as one clip emptied, he plugged in another. By his third clip, the tree fell – right onto his vehicle.
He may have laughed when he told this story, but said he wasn’t laughing at the repair bills. He hadn’t fully considered the repercussions of his actions.
That sounds very close to the Quebec government’s proposed Bill 97. Premier François Legault wants to change the forestry regime to create development zones (meaning intense logging), conservation zones and multi-purpose zones (where you get both somehow happening in harmony).
Assembly of First Nations QuebecLabrador Regional Chief Francis Verreault-Paul said the bill ignores Indigenous communities’ inherent rights. Indigenous concerns also include the bill privatizing about one third of the land in Quebec. First Nations consid
subject to treaties. The 1898 and 1912 Boundaries Extensions Acts that gave Quebec its present territory had conditions that the province make treaties with the Indigenous communities before doing anything on the land that would affect them.
This wouldn’t be the first time this provision has been ignored. The Cree used that part to negotiate the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
While many of Quebec’s First Nations have organized protests and blockades, the Cree leadership says the Paix des Braves agreement lays out a constitutionally protected forestry regime. But they will be talking to Quebec about this and watching them carefully. It will be helpful that current Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch was promoting and explaining the Paix des Braves to the Cree back in 2002.
But it’s not only First Nations with concerns about Bill 97. Forestry experts say the bill doesn’t consider recent
2010. The Coulombe Commission (20032004) found clear-cutting practices during this time period and beyond to be too destructive for the forests. Robert Beauregard, a former dean of Université Laval’s faculty of forestry, wrote that if Bill 97 becomes law the forestry companies will do well for a while, but Quebec will see massive plant closures in 10 to 15 years.
Of course, the CAQ will probably be out of power by then. But, unlike my friend who shot a tree and had to pay for vehicle repairs, Quebecers will be left paying for the damage this bill will cause.
The damage will be more than just the forest. It will damage the relationships with Quebec’s First Nations for a long time. Other inhabitants of the land will be affected as their habitat experiences the effects of Bill 97.
One of the stated reasons for this bill is employment and stability. According to experts, this prosperity will be short
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Identity and resilience
Cultural gathering passes on skills and essential truths
by Natalia Fedosieieva
Photos courtesy of Nishiyuu Council of Elders
Cree Elders and youth gathered in Waskaganish September 1-4 for the 13th annual Cultural Gathering, an event dedicated to sharing knowledge, skills and cultural pride in Eeyou Istchee.
According to organizers, the gatherings began after Elders warned of disappearing traditions. Through handson workshops, the gathering sought to restore balance and pride while ensuring Cree traditions remain strong in the communities.
Elders spoke about difficult but essential truths, addressing injustice and the pain experienced by Cree people, while also sharing the history of Eeyou Istchee and their ongoing journey of healing.
The event offered workshops and activities that combined cultural teachings with mindfulness practices, creating space for participants to learn, reflect and reconnect with both tradition and well-being.
Pearl Weistche, Coordinator of Iiyiyiu Chiskutimaaschaawin, presented the Grade 1 Cree immersion project to Elders, noting many hadn’t realized that the Cree Language of Instruction Program, once central to teaching Cree in early grades, had been removed.
When asked for details, she highlighted the community’s focus on education in Cree.
“I just told them where we are now – in the process of reclaiming our lan-
guage through the Grade 1 immersion program, and Grade 2 is coming too,” Weistche said. “I like the mission behind it – to pass on the knowledge. I especially like the storytelling, where they pass on the language. It helps me in my work, reclaiming and revitalizing Cree.”
This year’s turnout was among the largest yet, she said.
“There were about 200,” Weistche said. “It’s good to hear all the dialects, and the differences, that’s what we need.”
Weistche’s parents showed how snowshoes are made.
“My mom was weaving the snowshoe, and my dad was shaping the frame,” she said proudly. “I was happy when the teachers took the time to bring their students. Some sat and listened to the Elders, others preferred to walk around and join the hands-on activities.”
Students tried their hands at carving, making tamarack decoys, and creating both modern and traditional artwork.
“They really enjoyed the workshops,” Weistche said. “Some of them sat with us and wanted to know how the beaded moccasin tops were done.”
In her opinion, the gathering serves a practical purpose, which is building the foundation for the future of Cree education.
Her father Sanders Weistche, who participated on the second and third day of the event, shared a snowshoe-making
craft that has carried generations across the land.
“I was also dared to tell an old story about transportation, mainly canoeing, and the hard work our grandfathers did while being out on the land,” Sanders explained in Cree.
For him, these demonstrations went beyond learning skills; they were about identity, resilience and continuity. Sanders noted the youth were attentive and asked questions about the process.
“But mostly, they were observing,” Sanders said. “Because that’s how our educational framework is. First, you watch, then you follow the process, and then you ask questions – that’s how it is when an Elder is doing something.”
For Sanders, this event is the opportunity to remind young people that traditional knowledge is more than cultural memory, it’s a foundation for healing.
“The most important part of this assembly is for the youth to learn our traditional ways and to integrate them into their healing,” he said. “To learn the values and use them every day, so they can have a good life in the future, so they can walk the path of our Elders and know their identity.”
Sanders believes the connection between culture and wellness is clear.
“The traditional arts are very good for mental health,” he said. “That’s the most important part, to help our youth know themselves, to give them strength, and to carry on the ways of our people.”
Moose Harvest Limits
CTA lays out new moose management system for Zone 17
Photo & story by Jamie Pashagumskum
The Cree Trappers’ Association presented new Moose Management Guidelines for Zone 17 in Eeyou Istchee during the AGA in Ouje-Bougoumou in August. The new procedures include a hunting permit system, a permission form and promotes a voluntary harvest limit of two moose per trapline.
CTA Environmental Manager Stephanie Varty presented the program to remind hunters of the new procedures within affected traplines, including some in Ouje-Bougoumou, Waswanipi and Waskaganish territories.
“This is intended to be a temporary measure until the next aerial survey of the moose population,” Varty explained.
Concerns for the moose population began in 2021 when studies showed a 35% decline over a 12-year period. At the time of the previous survey in 2009, the number of moose in the area was well over 1,500.
Over the following 12 years, Cree hunters noticed dwindling populations. This meant hunts became more difficult and less productive, and harvesting needs were not being met. The population had dropped to 1036 moose.
Surveys are led by the Quebec ministry but those conducted in Eeyou Istchee are done in partnership with the Cree Nation Government and the CTA.
Reasons for the decline include practices of both Cree and Jamésien hunters, an increase in predators and forestry activities.
Varty says all players involved, including non-Indigenous hunters and government officials, want what is best for the moose. Unfortunately, the main obstacle now is budget cuts.
“Aerial surveys for populations cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and Quebec is not always able to do them as often as we would like,” said Varty, who is sceptical that surveys scheduled for this winter will take place.
“That information is super important because we want to know if the measures we are taking are working or if we need to pivot,” he added.
Another concern is that the last studies were done before the devastating forest fires of 2023.
“We have some idea of the impacts of the forest fires, but we don’t know for sure,” said Varty. “Having that an aerial survey is important for getting new and updated information.”
The new moose management plan was scheduled for implementation in 2024, but was not ready by moose season, so the launch was postponed to this year.
The new plan will include a permission form to be filled out by hunters which would give them authorization to hunt under the conditions of the tallymen. The forms are submitted to the local CTA, and the second step is the issuing of tags.
The CNG wildlife department conducted a series of interviews in 2023 with tallymen from the affected zone to verify what they were seeing with moose populations and if reducing hunting practices would help.
“The responses from the tallymen weren’t unanimous,” said Varty. “But most felt it was reasonable to limit the harvest of moose to only what you need
and to share it with family and hopefully let the moose population recover.”
There were even discussions on implementing a moratorium on moose hunting in the area.
“People said no because they thought it would promote unsafe practices, and they felt that it would interrupt the passing of moose harvesting knowledge,” Varty said.
The current solution attempts to balance limiting of the moose hunt with traditional harvesting customs. It was determined that a sustainable harvest level would be 10%, which works out to 104 moose per season for affected traplines.
Decisions are made through the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Coordinating Committee (HFTCC) which consists of representatives from the federal and provincial governments, the Inuit of Nunavik and the Cree and Naskapi Nations.
The CTA hired Big Game Coordinators in the communities of Ouje-Bougaumau and Waswanipi to monitor the program and distribute information to the public.
Varty says one challenge in the Cree Nation is that everyone believes in conservation but there are different opinions on how that should be done. For example, although everyone accepts the
need to reduce harvesting, not everyone consents to implementing limits.
One thing everyone agrees on is that Crees should have priority over non-Indigenous hunters. As has been the case since 2021, non-Indigenous hunters are again excluded from this year’s moose hunt.
That decision comes from the HFTCC and stems from the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, which assures the Crees a guaranteed harvest. The current limit of 104 moose per season falls short of that guaranteed harvest. By default, the entire harvest is allocated to the Cree.
A complaint form has been developed, and the public is encouraged to use it to voice any concerns they have such as harvesting issues, poaching and unsafe hunting practices.
Because of the large territory, complaint forms will give authorities information they need to follow up on incidents and forms will be available with the Big Game Coordinators. Complaints will be handled by the local CTA, the Eeyou Istchee Land Keeper / Wildlife Protection Assistants as well as game wardens and the SQ for more serious cases.
There is also the CTA app which is available for the public and a provincial poaching hotline.
Jade Mukash
Newly elected Youth Grand Chief &
Neacappo Pelchat Deputy Youth Grand Chief
Your voices, leadership, and vision will guide and inspire the youth of Eeyou Istchee. We wish you both all the best in your new mandates.
Mistissini shooting
Two underage males were arrested after a shooting in Mistissini September 6.
Eeyou Eenou Police in Mistissini recieved a call in the early morning that a person had been shot at a gas station on Queen Street. Officers arriving at the scene found a male victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the local clinic by ambulance and then transferred to the Chibougamau hospital.
The Sûreté du Québec’s Major Crimes Unit was contacted to assist with the investigation. To date one suspect has been detained and charged with attempted murder. Another suspect was also detained as a possible accomplice. As both are under 18 years old, their names cannot be released to the public.
Police request that people who may have information about this incident contact them.
School reopens after safety check
Voyageur Memorial High School reopened September 8 after a seven-day closure while structural engineers analyzed the building’s integrity following an apparent shift. Staff members reported a brief floor movement on August 26 and observed cracks in the school’s canteen, gymnasium and stairwell areas.
The school was immediately evacuated. While the inspection confirmed the school is structurally safe, preventative main-
tenance and regular monitoring will continue.
“They are very confident that the building is safe and that this was something of a natural shift in the ground,” said Cree School Board chairperson Sarah Pash. “We are dealing with student and staff safety, and we want to make sure that our buildings are in the best shape possible and that we don’t have any concerns to deal with in the future.”
Pash said these kinds of ground shifts are not unusual. Although the closure was disruptive to the new school year, laptops were loaned out and online classes offered. The three-story high school with more than 300 students opened in 1988.
The CSB is pushing the Quebec government for upgrades and replacements of school buildings to improve the region’s education infrastructure. Pash said there is a proposal before the Education Ministry to construct a new school for Mistissini.
Elections
Canada apologizes for Nunavik voting problems
The head of Elections Canada was in Kuujjuaq September 9 to apologize for issues Nunavimmiut faced during April’s federal
election. Polls in some Nunavik communities closed as early as 2:30pm while stations in Akulivik and Ivujivik never even opened.
“I deeply regret what took place in Nunavik,” said Stéphane Perrault to representatives of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG). “I apologize to each and every one of you and your community members for our failure to deliver the voting services that you should have been able to count on during the election.”
Elections Canada was only able to recruit about half the people needed to run the region’s polling stations on election day, relying on workers flown in for the rest. Some waiting to vote were told polls were closing early because workers had to catch flights home.
“People were left out in the cold when they were lined up to vote,” said KRG assistant director general Maggie Putulik after Perrault’s speech. “The outcome is something to learn from.”
Putulik accompanied Elections Canada officials on a recent 10-day fact-finding inquiry to Puvirnituq, Kuujjuarpik, Salluit and Kuujjuaq. Perrault emphasized the importance of hiring Inuit to work in their communities on election days, especially a returning officer responsible for hiring staff.
“This should have involved engaging community leadership well in advance of the election to plan voting services that would best respond to the needs of each community, and to hire community members to serve their neighbours,” said Perrault.
Wemindji hosts fire safety symposium
The second annual Fire and Life Safety Symposium was held in Wemindji September 9-11 to allow the public to meet the people who keep their communities safe and see how to become a firefighter.
Attendees learned about using smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, extrication tools like the jaws of life, forest firefighting, and the “fire triangle” of fuel, heat and oxygen at the source of combustion.
Most of the region’s community fire departments made presentations, along with the Eeyou Eenou Police Force, Cree Health Board and Quebec’s forest firefighting agency SOPFEU. Participants could try on water packs from forest firefighters, experiment with personal protective equipment and the self-contained breathing apparatus.
The Wemindji Fire Department advised people to have a smoke detector on each floor of their dwelling and ideally in each bedroom. As well, a fire extinguisher is required on each floor, heaters or stoves must have safe clearance and all doors and windows must be accessible for emergency exits.
by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Cree Nation’s Annual General Assembly includes inauguration for new leaders
Photo by Brendan Forward
Working Together
Under the theme “United in Purpose,” the Cree Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou August 26-28 hosted the inauguration ceremonies for newly elected Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch and Deputy Grand Chief Linden Spencer.
Community safety, overcrowded housing and economic empowerment were key issues addressed during the closing day’s resolutions.
Nemaska youth advocate Carol-Ann Tanoush delivered an impassioned message about increasing youth violence, declaring “a life lost is not an organizational failure but a community failure.” She said serious debate is needed about crime, rehabilitation and prevention methods.
“The crisis I have witnessed is lack of emotional regulation due to complex trauma from passed-down generational pain,” said Tanoush. “I urge you to create safe spaces within each other.”
The assembly resolved to develop youth transitional housing in each community, with the goal of building and servicing one each year. The CNG’s underutilized private home ownership program will also be expanded to include rent-to-own units.
Following up on August’s Business Summit, the AGA sought to ensure that investments and operations are benefiting local communities. A new economic prioritization agreement will grant exclusive tendering for CNG contracts to certified enterprises with a 10% to 30% premium. Procurement processes will be adapted to encourage more competitive tendering.
Another resolution would review existing agreements to ensure their proper implementation and that promised benefits are being delivered. With increased traffic on the Route du Nord and other roadways, leadership intends press Quebec for significant maintenance and upgrades.
Cree Trappers’ Association coordinator Thomas Stevens addressed overharvesting and the tallyman’s evolving role. The CTA is working to fund half of cabin insurance, train beaver trappers and adapt programs to reflect youth realities. It was
resolved to review and amend the CTA economic security program.
Sol Awashish continued his tradition of organizing a walk in the days leading up to the AGA to emphasize Miyupimaatisiiun – the Cree way of life, health and well-being. A small group walked about 12 km each day “to strengthen our spirits, face our health challenges, and find healing through unity and healthy living.”
Following the passing of longtime MoCreebec Chief Allan Jolly in January, his son Abraham expressed deep gratitude to Cree Nation leadership for their love and support. He reaffirmed the community’s aspiration “to a future of self-determination, cultural strength, a community to call home and equality within the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee.”
Newly elected Cree Nation Youth Council Grand Chief Jade Mukash secured promises for additional resources and staffing, asserting that the organization’s leaders have other responsibilities but “feed others off of their own plates.”
Cree youth protection commissioners Lorraine Spencer and Bella M. Petawabano recommended public education to demystify intervention and encourage community involvement. They asked for more programs for child development, special needs and trauma.
Robert Kanatewat and Philip Awashish, two surviving signatories of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, received special recognition to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Awashish recently announced that he’s
writing a book about Eeyou/Eenou history and its journey towards social justice over the past 50 years.
During the inauguration ceremony August 27, former Grand Chief Abel Bosum said he wanted to listen to their story to get a sense of how his parents and grandparents felt when first learning of the hydroelectric project that would transform their lives.
“At that time, we didn’t have the words to explain everything,” said Bosum. “It was a shock – many of us were still in tents. Sometimes we need to go back and hear the words of those people. All that work has been fruitful because we’ve seen our communities develop.”
Recalling the promise made to his late wife Sophie while in residential school to
never raise their family in the poverty that Ouje-Bougoumou members lived at the time, Bosum paid tribute to the spouses behind the leaders. Describing his work in the Grand Council’s early days and Ouje-Bougoumou’s formation, Bosum said that Murdoch’s legal expertise represents the capacity building that was a priority during his time as Grand Chief.
“I knew when he got elected that that’s the type of leader we need,” Bosum said. “We can have great agreements and good-looking communities but if we don’t have the people we’ll always depend on people from the outside. This is the first time we have a leader that’s gone through the whole process who has made a decision to lead us.”
In a moving gesture, Bosum ended his speech by gifting his traditional moose-hide vest to Murdoch as the former colleagues shared a hug to a standing ovation. The new leaders and the Grand Chief’s spouse Gina Murdoch were presented with traditional clothing created by Harriet Petawabano, Emily Shecapio and Sylvia Blackned.
Spencer said the inauguration was one of his greatest honours and thanked the courage and sacrifice of past leaders and ancestors. He paid tribute to his partner Naomi, two children, father and his late mother.
“She is with me in the strength of a feather that reminds me to stand tall,” said Spencer. “She showed me true courage is often quiet, found in the sacrifices you make, the love you give, and
Photo by Brendan Forward
the way you keep going even when times get hard.”
Murdoch began his speech by discussing the turbulent community consultations in 2002 over the Paix des Braves agreement. At the peak of tensions, present and future Grand Chiefs Ted Moses and Matthew Mukash, who profoundly disagreed about the course of negotiations, went outside for a cigarette break.
“All the lawyers and advisors were terrified,” Murdoch recalled. “They were smiling and laughing, talking about hunting stories out on the land. That was a beautiful lesson, that we can be at opposite sides of the table but there’s always respect and room for love. I’ve kept that lesson with me all my life.”
by Patrick Quinn | Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
by Margault Demasles
Photos
Acanoe expedition travelling the ancient 1,200-kilometre fur trade route from the St. Lawrence River to James Bay reached Waskaganish September 4. The coastal community is where the Hudson’s Bay Company established their first trading post, then called Rupert House, in 1668.
Departing from Tadoussac May 31, five traditional cedar canoes ascended the Saguenay Fjord, then several lakes and rivers toward Lac Saint-Jean. After 97 days of navigating small waterways and portaging immense loads over abandoned trails, the three remaining canoes reached an emotional end to their journey.
“It’s a strange mix of emotions,” said Bruno Forest, who led the expedition. “I was a teenager when I started to dream of this great route. I was inspired by the figure of the coureur des bois, who is interacting with different cultures, who works for trade and peace.”
This dream guided Forest’s path towards becoming a canoe guide in Tadoussac, the site where Indigenous peoples told French explorer Samuel de Champlain about a passageway to an “inland sea” in 1603. After purchasing a traditionally built cedar canoe in 2021, Forest immersed himself in the region’s history, publishing a book last year about the canoe-makers at St-Félicien-based Canots Tremblay, which closed in 2000.
The youngest of Canots Tremblay’s surviving artisans was 80-year-old Rodrigue Pelchat, who agreed to build five vintage boats last summer with Forest as his apprentice. It was important for Forest to use the cedar and canvas, a direct descendent of birchbark canoes, which glide silently but are vulnerable to rocks.
“The canvas was broken in many places and we patched it along the way,” Forest explained. “We had a lot of duct tape. At the end, we had to scoop a lot of water every day. The wood’s still good. We’ll change the canvas this winter and they’ll be ready for new adventures.”
Long-time acquaintance Gordon Moar, a Mashteuiatsh Elder originally from Mistissini, shared a route from Lac SaintJean to Lake Mistassini which Forest cross-referenced with modern maps to guide the brigade. He pored through old texts of prospectors, fur traders and missionaries to ensure their itinerary was authentic.
Seeking a team with complementary strengths, the original eight “À La Mer Du Nord” were joined by two additional ambassadors from Mashteuiatsh for the initial Saguenay River leg. After one week, 21-yearold Francis Kurtness-Bossum decided to trace the path of his Innu and Cree ancestors all the way to Waskaganish.
“Chance and coincidence brought me this far, to the north sea,” shared Kurtness-Bossum. “I would never have made it without my ancestors, who accompanied every stroke of the oar and every step. The eagles guided and watched over us.”
Struggling upstream for long stretches, one participant hurt his back and another two bowed out in Chibougamau and Mistissini. Sometimes, having to push the canoes over rushing rapids, they were lucky to make 1 km in a day. Axes and saws were needed to carve through overgrown former portage paths as long as 3 km.
One participant arranged to have six food pickup spots along the route, while another specialized in fishing walleye and pike. Although they never went hungry, it was a pleasure to arrive to feasts in Mistissini, Old Nemaska and finally Waskaganish.
The team crossed Mistissini’s vast Nibischii Wildlife Reserve, leaving the community after five days “rested, overfed and even tattooed.” They were hosted by the Voyageur family, perhaps descendants of the famous Solomon Voyageur, who was head guide of the MistassiniRupert House canoe brigade for 30 years in the early 20th century.
Reaching Old Nemaska, they helped prepare for the summer gathering’s feast, gaining an appreciation for sturgeon heads. Jodge Wapachee regaled the group with stories and gave them a book of Nemaska’s history while his wife Charlotte introduced them to their first bingo game.
“It touched me,” said Wapachee. “It’s remembering how we survived – we respected them for that. I even presented them with a Cree paddle, handcrafted by one of our craftsmen.”
Wapachee’s grandfather Luke Mettaweskum, who lived to be 114, was a captain in one of HBC’s brigades, proud that his crew never “jumped” to another canoe. When the fur trade eventually depleted the beaver to near extinction, Mettaweskum worked as a game warden on a successful project to replenish their numbers.
“HBC needed the Cree to hunt for them to keep the posts alive,” asserted Wapachee. “After a while, the Cree started to depend on HBC for things they needed.”
Historians suggest the HBC started in modern-day Waskaganish partly due to the Cree, who influenced the fur
trade according to their own survival practices. As they grew to rely on European tools and foods, the Cree were granted credit that was paid off when they brought back furs.
“A lot of times they made very little money on their furs because of that credit system,” said George Diamond. “In the Elders’ gathering this year, some people talked about how they ripped off the Crees in their past business dealings. I find it ironic these guys are retracing the original route of the fur traders the same year that HBC closes for good.”
Diamond said that many were emotional as the brigade reached the end of their journey where the voyageurs used to land. Elders were reminded of past paddlers coming downriver and the community’s former canoe factory that operated from about 1923 to 1970.
“Everybody started cheering, happy to see them arriving,” said Diamond. “We all yelled out ‘Wachiya’. We gave them some tea, homemade doughnuts and bannock. After that, we helped them carry all their stuff up and had a feast for them.”
Expressing his admiration for the Cree Nation, Forest said that travelling by canoe formed special connections with the communities they visited, not to mention the caribou, moose, bears and wolves they encountered. A forthcoming documentary and book will illustrate the journey’s significance.
“We’ll have years to understand what changed in us along this great route,” said Forest. “A new adventure starts now in the sharing of what we had the privilege to live.”
STRUGGLING WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD?
HAVE YOU COMPLETED THE REQUIREMENTS OF YOUR SENTENCE AND PROBATION?
YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A PARDON THAT SEALS YOUR RECORD
If you are a Cree beneficiary, the Cree Nation Government (CNG) can help you to fill out the record suspension application and if you qualify for financial assistance, the CNG may pay the costs associated with the application.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REINTEGRATION OFFICER ON HOW TO APPLY: Chisasibi: Eastmain: Mistissini: Nemaska: Ouje-bougoumou: Waskaganish: Waswanipi: Wemindji: Whapmagoostui: WE CAN HELP YOU!
819-855-2120
819-977-2400
418-923-2661
819-673-2400 418-745-2260
819-895-2126
819-753-2770
819-978-3300
819-929-3796
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Correctional Services Regional Office in Val d’or 819-874-2600 or contact your local Reintegration Officer
Message for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for all Canadians to acknowledge that there was harm caused by aggressive assimilation policies against Indigenous People in this country. Our Nation and our People continue to feel the impacts of these policies, remnants of which can still be found even today in provincial and federal government services and institutions.
We must remain strong to ensure that this legacy and its impacts, including intergenerational trauma, are not forgotten or repeated. As people, families and communities, we can grow together with Canada and Québec and take the necessary steps towards reconciliation. This includes joint e orts to a rm our rights as recognized in the National Act to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We need to continue to promote and realize the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, providing people with the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. We recognize the contributions and leadership the late Murray Sinclair brought to the Commission.
On September 30th, 2025, we acknowledge with respect and love those who have experienced the impacts of residential school and other colonial policies, and we honour with hope and trust those whose resilience, wisdom and inspiration are leading us forward to a bright and more just future.
September 30th 30 septembre
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Wearing orange, standing in solidarity with the residential school students, their families and all the children who did not make it home.
JOURNÉE NATIONALE POUR LA VÉRITÉ ET LA RÉCONCILIATION
Porter l’orange, se tenir en solidarité avec les élèves des pensionnats, leurs familles et tous les enfants qui ne sont jamais rentrés chez eux.
Northern turbulence
Air Creebec and passengers struggle with aviation industry challenges
by Patrick Quinn
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
With Air Creebec’s summer schedule causing frustration among many Cree travellers, the airline’s leadership is opening up about the challenges that they and other northern operators are facing.
After Air Creebec’s new schedule was implemented June 30, Whapmagoostui resident Ruth Masty launched a petition demanding it be reconsidered. The petition had garnered over 500 signatures at press time. Masty said people from the only Cree community not accessible by road are often stranded away from home or miss important appointments and events.
“We need to really plan in advance and be prepared to get stuck somewhere,” Masty said. “That means being away from our jobs and family. Some have just cancelled their trips. It’s really inconvenient.”
With near-daily flight departures reduced to only two or three times towards the end of the week, some people have been forced to take Air Inuit flights to Montreal and spend the night to make Monday commitments in Chisasibi. Having to leave for appointments several days in advance results in substantial accommodation and travel costs.
“Another story I heard was a regional board meeting on a Thursday in Nemaska but with the Chibougamau flight they’d have to leave probably on a Monday or Saturday,” said Masty. “It would take a week to attend a one-day meeting.”
Although Whapmagoostui Cree have the alternative of taking Air Inuit
flights from neighbouring Kuujjuarapik, that airline flies to La Grande-1 generating station an hour from Chisasibi. This poses an additional logistical challenge for community members who keep vehicles in Chisasibi to connect with the province’s road network.
“It’s more convenient for us to take our vehicles with us to get what local stores don’t carry or go Christmas shopping,” Masty explained. “My daughter has a business trip in Val-d’Or this week. We have to have connections to leave our vehicle at the airport. Luckily one of her cousins could drop it off but she had to pay for the service.”
Air Creebec CEO Tanya Pash responded that the Cree-owned company would “obviously” like to offer more flights, but limited manpower and aircraft availability has forced certain schedule changes. Pash wouldn’t comment on the petition, noting airlines are not legally allowed to bend to public pressure, which she said has been proven to cause accidents.
“Once I’ve done my due diligence, I’ll come back with a comment,” Pash told the Nation. “It’s important to remember flight schedules are fluid. Aviation is highly regulated so we’re continually making adjustments.”
Northern airlines are critical of recent federal restrictions that limit hours pilots can fly and when weather should ground planes. Air Creebec lobbied against former Transport Minister Marc Garneau’s pilot-fatigue regulations in 2018, correctly predicting it would increase costs 30% for remote operators.
“Sure enough, we had to hire more crews to cover the same number of flights, which is significant, especially coming out of Covid,” said Pash. “There was never a fatigue-related accident in Canada – we’ve always done it like this and proven it’s safe. We lobbied so much they’re considering reducing restrictions, which would be the answer to everyone’s prayers.”
There was already an impending pilot shortage before the pandemic pushed many senior captains to retire. Transport Canada’s new legislation requires operators to hire even more. With up to seven stops on Air Creebec routes, remote communities are more likely to be impacted by duty-time restrictions.
Pash said the airline is always adapting to forecasted passenger travel, using a sophisticated program to ensure flights conform to regulations. With a shortage of flight crews and
Photo by Edward Trahan
ground personnel limiting flight frequency, the company has taken to non-traditional recruitment videos and TikTok outreach.
While the newest schedule has fewer landings in Chisasibi, connections to inland communities have increased. Exploring options outside the box, Pash said she has a plan that could be a win-win for both Chisasibi and Whapmagoostui.
“I’m going to try to make as many happy as I can, but the reality is somebody’s going to have to pay,” said Pash. “We can’t fly at a loss – that would be ruining everything for Air Creebec. We’re proud of the fact we’re self-sustained.”
The company’s charters subsidize scheduled flights, which are lucky to break even. Potential contracts with new clients could further support northern communities. Pash is reluctant to ask the Board of Compensation for support, but they have considered an air travel fund for certain communities.
As Air Creebec’s Dash 8-100 airplanes age out, the company is in fleet-planning mode. In June, it donated its Hawker Siddeley HS748 aircraft to the Canadian Aviation Museum after several decades of service as a symbol of Indigenous aviation heritage.
“An aircraft is like a car,” Pash suggested. “At a certain age you’re more likely to have that check engine light come on. But aircraft are expensive – we can’t change a bunch in one year.”
With hefty taxes and fees, Quebec is the industry’s most expensive province. After Pash told Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault that passengers couldn’t afford a requirement for upfront payment, a modified Regional Air Access Program offering a 75% flight discount was introduced last winter.
Masty said this incentive increased travel from Whapmagoostui. Then the schedule changes brought them “back to square one,” even leaving candidates campaigning in recent regional elections stranded by cancelled flights. She’s hopeful that increased awareness about the community’s challenges spurs change.
Pash emphasized that Air Creebec responds to every proposed regulation to protect the company and Cree travellers. She said lobbying efforts halted one measure that would have cut winter flights by 30%.
“This is yet another challenge we’re going through, but we’ve always succeeded,” Pash asserted. “We’re one of the longest standing companies that have not received bailouts. We’re proud to say we’re strong.”
A NEW BRIDGE TO A UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
Want to take courses to get into Engineering, Journalism, Business, Psychology or the Sciences?
The Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program may be for you!
Join a supportive Indigenous community while completing the prerequisite courses needed and developing skills for long-term success. Funding is available.
Learn more at an upcoming info session at concordia.ca/indigenousbridging
September 30th
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
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.
ere’s another edition of the Nation’s puzzle page. Try your hand at Sudoku or Str8ts or our Crossword, or bet ter 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.
The heart of Mother Nature
by Xavier Kataquapit
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited was on the banks of the Opinagau River in northern Ontario, just near the corner of land where the James and Hudson Bays meet. This is a river just south of the Lakitusaki River, known in English as Lake River. Opinagau River is also just north of the Nawashi River, the territory where my mom Susan (Paulmartin-Rose) Kataquapit and her family came from.
My dad Marius took us there one fall to go moose hunting. Our group never saw any moose on that trip, but it was an amazing time to be on the land surrounded by absolutely no one for hundreds of miles around.
We set up regular base camps along our way and whenever we stopped, my younger brothers and I would head out to walk as far as we could to explore the land.
on. The water sprouted from a dense mass of mud, sticks and trees that made up a great beaver dam about 10 feet high. We grew excited at our find and climbed up to see the lake behind it.
On the crest of this dam was an amazing sight. We faced west and could see the sun reflecting off a still-water lake. Tall grass lined the shore, lily pads floated on the surface and towering trees surrounded the lake.
Everything seemed to be full of life. We could see where beavers had broken trails into the forest, spots of matted grass
disruption to this environment not only releases this carbon into the atmosphere, it also removes the land’s ability to collect that carbon in the first place. Which means more global warming.
I want to thank everyone, like my relatives Jeronimo Kataquapit and his family, who take the time and effort to protect the land. I commend all who occupy the land that our people have lived on for thousands of years.
Their journey as part of “Here We Stand: Call To Action” has been difficult
