Entrepreneurship - starts November 12, 2025 Governancestarts January 23, 2026 Economic Reconciliation - starts February 16, 2026, Next Generation - Starts Feburary 2026, Management (English only cohort) - starts March 31, 2026, Women Leadership - starts March 23, 2026
by Will Nicholls
With my sons Hunter and Declan and brother Donnie, I had a wonderful visit with my Aunt Maggie in Mistissini only a few weeks before she passed away September 29. Don and I each made a shepherd’s pie. Maggie and our mom were the judges to decide which one was better. I won’t tell you who won as I need a ride to the airport every now and then.
But Maggie reminded me of when I stayed with her and Paul for a while. They had laughed at discovering a lot of empty carrot bags under my bed. Most of my aunts and uncles won’t find that surprising. I reminded her of one of our fishing trips where a hook came out of the fish’s mouth and lodged in my finger. We pulled it through and then rode around for a while searching for someone who had a pair of pliers to cut the barb off. She kept telling me not to worry and talked to me the entire time.
I wasn’t the only person to feel comforted, welcomed or blessed with her presence. Many remember her easy
laugh. When we had the viewing, I went out later in the night with my brother for an incredible showing of the Spirit Trail, or the Northern Lights. They were dancing so fast it was hard to take a picture of them. I knew then that Maggie was with the Creator and happily so with all the loved ones who went before. She was giving us a beautiful goodbye that we would remember.
After laying her to rest, Don and I went hunting out on the land. It was a beautiful feeling that seemed to reconnect me with her once again. On the road we had some partridge that gave themselves to us.
Each time we got one we thanked Marty, a friend who passed away earlier this summer. Don and I had visited him shortly before. On leaving, he told Don that I had said ammunition was more expensive these days and gave him a box of 410 shotgun shells. All six partridges we harvested were with those shells and each time we thanked Marty for his gift.
We only ate four and when Mom returned to the Boreal Home in Chibougamau she gave the remainder to two other Cree who hadn’t received country food in a while. That’s the Cree way of life. It was taught to all of us by not only our parents but their brothers and sisters, our grandparents and friends. In this way their spirit lives on and will be passed on.
We are saddened by the passing of those close to us, but the memories and the way we act and live bring us happiness as well. Some days are good, and some are hard, but none of us would have given up having them in our lives.
The Nation would like to extend condolences to the family and friends of Davy Bobbish, executive director of the Cree Nation Government, and to those of Robert Baribeau, former president of Cree Construction. They will be missed by all.
Donna Malthouse // THANKS TO: Air Creebec CONTACT US: The Nation News, 918-4200 St. Laurent, Montreal, QC., H2W 2R2 // EDITORIAL & ADS: 514-272-3077 / ads@nationnews.ca / 514-943-6191 // HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 151, Chisasibi, QC. J0M 1E0 www.nationnews.ca // EDITORIAL: will@nationnews.ca news@nationnews.ca // ADS: Donna Malthouse: donna@beesum.com // SUBSCRIPTIONS: $60 plus taxes, US: $90, Abroad: $110, Payable to beesum communications, all rights reserved, publication mail #40015005, issn #1206-2642 // the Nation is a member of: The James Bay Cree Communications Society, Circle Of Aboriginal Controlled Publishers, Magazines Canada Quebec Community Newspaper Assn. Canadian Newspapers Assn. Les Hebdos Sélect Du Québec. Funded [in part] by the Government of Canada // ONLINE AT: www.nationnews.ca | facebook.com/NATIONnewsmagazine | Twitter: @creenation_news
Inside FNEE’s transformative program to empower Indigenous women leaders
by Natalia Fedosieieva
Marking a milestone in its mission to empower Indigenous women, First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) hosted the 10th cohort of its Women Leadership program at the HEC Montréal in September.
Offering three cohorts per year in both English and French, the program has already trained more than 200 women from 10 First Nations and Inuit communities, focusing on growth, connection and intergenerational knowledge-sharing across the Nations.
Brigitte Skeene, an Innu from Mashteuiatsh and the academic co-lead of the program, describes its core mission as deeply personal and community centred.
“The objective is to help Indigenous women recognize and strengthen a leader that already exists within them,” Skeene said. “We don’t teach leadership in the traditional hierarchical sense, but we help participants explore who they are, what makes their leadership unique and how they can use that to create positive impact in their communities or organizations.”
According to her, each module of the five-day intensive session is facilitated by an Indigenous and a non-Indigenous person “because we live in a world where these two worlds exist.”
Skeene said the program follows the Two-Eyed Seeing principle developed by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall. It’s a concept that encourages viewing the world through two lenses – Indigenous knowledge and Western perspectives –and using them in harmony.
Instead of focussing on academic case studies, Skeene said learning takes place through sharing circles and storytelling, with discussions ranging from imposter syndrome and leadership styles to inspiring examples of Indigenous women leaders.
“They’re learning from each other,” she explained. “The circle is part of the Indigenous way – nobody’s voice is more important than the other. Every single voice counts and every single voice can be heard.”
When participants have the courage to speak up and share “it becomes a positive experience for them because it happened in a safe place,” said Skeene, adding that every woman in the program walks away with something valuable.
“There’s something for everyone in this program,” she stated. “Whether it’s a leadership tool, a personal connection, or the sisterhood that we build, because actually we are leaders regardless of our titles and positions.”
For Skeene, the most rewarding part is witnessing the spark of transformation.
“What touches me most is seeing how each woman who joins the program is giving herself permission to take up space and to lead, to dream, to be seen. Because when women rise, communities rise with them.”
Autumn Godwin, an educator at John Abbott College and a member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, reflects on the Women Leadership program.
For her, the week-long session was more than just professional training, it
Residential school survivors honoured from Ottawa to Eeyou Istchee
Iwas a deeply personal and transformative experience.
“The way that it was facilitated was absolutely amazing,” she said. “Just being around other Indigenous women felt strong, powerful and safe.”
Godwin said it created a sense of belonging that is often missing in her day-to-day work.
“It brought out my strong attributes but also pointed out where my weaknesses fall in leadership,” she shared.
“We’re all scared of our vulnerabilities, but it felt really good to see that other women struggle and exceed in similar ways.”
Throughout the program, Goodwin explored different leadership models and styles, including the balance between emotion and strategy in decision-making, which she said was one of the most impactful sessions.
“We had two women who were talking about leadership styles and leading with emotion, and it was cool to see how we balance that out,” she said.
Godwin feels the experience provided spiritual nourishment and renewal.
“Having these conversations and programs is rejuvenating,” she added. “You are inspired to keep moving forward.”
As an educator, Godwin hopes to integrate what she learned into her workplace with colleagues and students.
“We should have more programs like this, not just for Indigenous women, but for all women working within similar institutional structures,” she said. “It was great to have these spaces where you could reflect on your own.”
ndigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty was at Montreal’s John Abbott College September 30 to mark the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Gull-Masty spoke to students and community members about honouring residential school survivors and reflected on what the day means to her as she shared some personal stories.
On social media, Gull-Masty stated she was honoured to spend time with students who carry the future of reconciliation in their hands. “Reconciliation is not about remembering the past – it is about empowering the next generation to build something better. I left inspired grateful and full of hope.”
Marking the 10th year since the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s calls to action, Gull-Masty gave an update in Parliament in September on what the federal government is doing to further reconciliation.
“This government has made historic decisions to respond. In this very government we saw the appointment of the first Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Services so they can be served by their very own. Also seeing Indigenous voices at the cabinet table creating space for representation and decision making. A Prime Minister who advanced the TRC’s foundational request of inclusion and belonging for September 30 and every day after that,” Gull-Masty stated.
In Ottawa, a memorial was held on Parliament Hill, where speeches and presentations were given in English, French, Inuktitut, Ojibwe, Innu-aimun and Plains Cree. During the event, a banner was unfurled listing names of
children who never returned home from residential school.
The Nation met with Jeannie and Bill Namagoose at the event.
Jeannie has been doing her part in educating youth about the legacy of residential schools. For the past three years she has been visiting Ottawa schools telling the story of John Saganash, a six-year-old boy who perished at Bishop Horden Hall in Moose Factory in 1954.
Jeannie said her presentation consists of two parts: first, recounting Saganash’s tragic story; and second, highlighting some Eeyou-Eenou cultural milestones he was denied.
Jeannie said she noticed a higher participation in the last five years after the Ottawa District School Board designated Orange Shirt Day an official day of observance.
“Students and staff are very receptive and respectful,” she said.
However, many students have a strong reaction. “Some are frightened by the thought that such schools even existed. Some are emotional when they hear about John’s experiences, I have seen a few tears. Some are incredulous at the injustice and cruelty of what was perpetrated on Indigenous children.”
Then she added, “Teachers often tell me that it is the first time hearing about residential schools and often ask why they were not taught about this in school.”
Jeannie said more schools are approaching her to express interest in understanding the history of residential schools and Canada’s dark past.
On the same day, a ceremony in Mistissini unveiled a monument honour-
ing local residential school survivors and the children who never returned home.
Its InscrIptIon reads:
From the 1930s through the 1970s, hundreds of Eenou children from Mistissini Eenou Nation were forcibly taken from their families and sent to residential schools in Quebec and Ontario. This era marks a dark chapter in Canadian history. Today, many survivors are now Elders or have passed away. Their legacy and efforts to secure our rights testify to the strength and resilience of the Eenou Nation of Mistissini.
The Cree Nation of Mistissini honours the lives and memories of these survivors and children who never returned home, acknowledging the pain and suffering endured.
May this monument remind future generations of our history, resilience and the importance of healing and reclaiming our Cree identity.
Robbie Dick Sr, 1949-2025
Robbie Dick Sr passed away in the early hours of September 29. As Chief of Whapmagoostui from 1976 to 1985, and again from 1987 to 1992, Robbie played an important role establishing local government following the JBNQA.
He was a key figure in the battle against Quebec’s proposed Great Whale River hydroelectric project, which was finally scrapped in 1994. At the time, Robbie said, “We followed the direction of our Elders – this is how strong it is when we follow our traditions.”
Together with his wife Elizabeth, Robbie was a dedicated member of the Nishiiyuu Regional Council of Elders from the early 1980s. They both served on its board of directors since its incorporation in 2016. He often expressed that being surrounded by fellow Elders from all Eeyou communities brought him inner peace and hope that Eeyou iihtuun would survive.
He advocated for traditional Eeyou healing methods, contributing to the establishment of the Nishiiyuu Miyupimaatisiun Department, and worked to bring childbirth back to the territory.
Admired for his speaking abilities and knowledge, Robbie translated ancestral
teachings into meaningful lessons for today’s world.
Robbie and Elizabeth helped launch Whapmagoostui’s annual gathering in 1993.
Sharing that their marriage was arranged by Elders, Elizabeth recalled she first fell in love with Robbie when they were camping with their parents and he returned hungry after hunting all day.
“As you walk in, my heart was pounding, afraid that I didn’t cook anything,” Elizabeth said. “You ask me if there’s something you can eat. I said there’s bread, butter and jam, and you were still very happy with that. My heart melted and fell in love with you. I said, ‘Robbie, people look for love – we found ours in bread, butter and jam.’”
Whapmagoostui mourns Jimmy George
Whapmagoostui Elder Jimmy George passed away September 24. He is remembered for his commitment to preserving traditional ceremonies and teachings.
Former Grand Chief Matthew Mukash said he served communities across Quebec and Ontario as a spiritual leader and healer. With his wife Vera, Jimmy was a dedicated member of the Nishiiyuu Council of Elders (NCOE) since 2019.
“Jimmy was a humble man, openly sharing his weaknesses and failures to prove that everyone is capable of becoming a better human being,” stated the NCOE. “It is our hope that his legacy will continue to inspire and uphold the core values of our communities.”
Artist Tim Whiskeychan said he’s grateful for the love Jimmy embodied. Whiskeychan drew inspiration from Jimmy’s energy, kindness and wisdom and said his legacy of empathy and compassion will live on.
“Jimmy was one of my mentors, my Sundance Chief and a very good friend of mine and to so many,” said April Dawn Georgekish. “He was so eager to teach others his wisdom. I will forever cherish the eagle bone whistle and thunderbird pipe he gifted me when I finished my four years of Sundance in his lodge.”
Taylor MacDonald Koosis said Jimmy was “the true meaning of a traditionalist and reminded us to be humble and kind.” Jimmy was also remembered for his sense of humour, often saying “It’s hard to be an Indian.”
The federal government is allocating nearly $17 million to two Indigenous-led hydro-
power projects in Quebec intended to reduce diesel dependence while advancing community energy autonomy. It will support the 7.5MW Innavik Remote Hydro Project in Inukjuak and a feasibility initiative to develop a 17-MW hydroelectric plant at the Matawin dam near SaintMichel-des-Saints.
The run-of-river project in the Nunavik community of Inukjuak, jointly owned by the Pituvik Landholding Corporation and Innergex Renewable Energy, is the largest off-grid hydropower installation in Canada. It will replace nearly all diesel generation, supplying clean electricity to approximately 1,800 residents.
“The project realizes a 20-year vision for Inuit-led and co-owned clean energy infrastructure that generates impacts for the Inuit beneficiaries of our community,” said Pituvik president Tommy Palliser.
The Matawak Hydroelectric Power Plant project, planned at the existing Hydro-Québec Matawin dam on the Lac Taureau reservoir, is a partnership between the Atikamekw Nation of Manawan and the Innu Nation of Lac-SaintJean. With construction to begin in 2026, the plant would help meet local energy needs while generating long-term revenue for the participating Nations.
“First Nations must be involved in the development of the resources on their territory,” emphasized Énergie Matawak president KeithMichel Flamand. “We all live together on this land and work in partnership, guided by harmony and mutual respect.”
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
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.
by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Eeyou Istchee is mourning Cree Nation Government executive director Davey Bobbish, who passed away October 5 at age 51, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“Davey Bobbish’s career was defined by the pride he held in serving the Cree Nation at all levels of government,” stated the Grand Council of the Crees.
“His calm generous sense of leadership inspired unity and resilience in the face of adversity. His encouragement instilled confidence in all of those that had the privilege of working with him.”
As CNG executive director, Bobbish worked at the heart of Cree governance – liaising between the board and management, leading negotiations at federal and provincial levels, and overseeing the CNG’s long-term plans.
Bobbish held the position since January 2023, replacing long-time executive director Bill Namagoose, who had been a mentor since Bobbish began his career in public service in 1998 when elected to Chisasibi’s band council. He told the Nation that he applied for the job
because he saw it as an opportunity to improve communities.
“It was fun working with Bill and being part of the development and growth of communities,” Bobbish said then. “It’s always been my dream to work for the people, and being the executive director, working with all the communities at the same time.”
Deputy executive director Melissa Saganash lamented that they were just getting started in these roles and expressed how honoured she was to work alongside him. Throughout their
friendship, she learned from his thoughtful leadership style, how to be assertive without having to speak louder and always putting family first.
“Davey had a way of making us feel that we could accomplish what we needed to do,” shared Saganash. “Just be yourself, be polite and respectful, and don’t forget to laugh once in a while because that’s what gets us through. Man, his laugh, the absolute best!”
“The love he had for his wife Bella, his children and grandchildren was unmatched"
- Chief Daisy House
Over nearly three decades in public service, Bobbish was instrumental in establishing the Cree Development Corporation, creating opportunities for businesses, resource development and industry in Eeyou Istchee. At the time of his passing, he was director of Société de développement de la BaieJames and a board member of the First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC).
FNBC president Bill Lomax. “His insight and leadership strengthened our mission and inspired all of us at the bank.”
With a college diploma in finance, Bobbish began his professional career as CheeBee Construction’s accountant before becoming Chisasibi’s general director and treasurer in 2002. In 2012, he was elected Chief of Chisasibi, a role he held until 2020. Current Chief Daisy House recalled his generous guidance and playful banter over the years.
“Davey graciously took me under his wing, always ready to share his extensive knowledge of the myriad of files and sharp insights,” House shared. “His memory was impeccable – he made it look so easy. He had a unique ability to find the balance between fun and seriousness.”
Federal Indigenous Services Minister and former CNG Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty said that Bobbish “played a vital role in supporting the day-to-day lives of members and in preparing them for their future.” She added that he was “a kind, considerate person who always put others before himself.”
Born to Charles and Annie Bobbish in 1973, childhood friend Thomas Hester said Davey had leadership skills from a young age, remembering him as one of the brightest students in the classroom and a good hockey player. Many noted that he was a dedicated Montreal Canadiens fan.
“When my parents used to take me to talent shows or rehearsals in Chisasibi, Davey was always one of the performers,” recalled musician Paul Napash. “A truly multi-talented singer who could play just about any instrument. I’m grateful I had the chance to play for him – he inspired me a lot when I first started my musical journey.”
Bobbish leaves behind his beloved wife Bella, his high school sweetheart he married 31 years ago; children Zachary, Elysia, Lawrence, Phoebe and Katie-Lyn; and 10 grandchildren.
“The love he had for his wife Bella, his children and grandchildren was unmatched,” said Chief House. “They were his whole world. Davey’s legacy will forever remain etched in the hearts and minds of his family, friends and colleagues.”
“Davey brought wisdom, humility, and an unwavering commitment to Indigenous economic empowerment,” said
Aside from his political career, which included extensive experience as a board member on committees such as CREECO and the Board of Compensation, Bobbish was known for his musical talents. Since Cree Rising bassist Darryl Spencer first heard him singing Guns N’ Roses songs in the mid-1990s, he had called him “Mr. Axl” (after the band’s lead singer).
You may be eligible for compensation. Help is a phone call away.
As part of the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement, Caregiving Parents and Caregiving Grandparents of Removed Children are now able to submit a Claim for compensation. This includes the biological and adoptive parents, biological and adoptive grandparents and First Nations Stepparents of a First Nations Child who was removed from their home between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022, by Child Welfare Authorities.
You do not need to provide child welfare records or share your story to submit a Claim. And you do not have to work through the Claim Process alone. Free support is available.
Across the country, Claims Helpers are available to help at no cost. They are ready to support you in person, by phone or video call – in both English and French, and also in some Indigenous languages.
Most Claims Helpers are Indigenous and are connected to their communities. They are trained in cultural safety and can help you through your Claim at a pace that works for you.
Chisasibi’s youth researchers impress at Indigenous Heath Research Summit
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Young researchers from the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI), joined by hundreds of knowledge holders across Canada, delivered impressive presentations to the Indigenous Health Research Summit in Kahnawake September 10-12.
With marine biologist Dante Torio, CERRI researchers Preston Sam, Collin Snowboy and Nicholas Chakapash presented three interconnected projects that respond to environmental challenges in Eeyou Istchee. Aiming to train young people from all 40 of Chisasibi’s traplines, the organization is hiring two youths each year.
Attending conferences “really boosts their self-confidence,” said Torio. “We had very positive feedback – some participants were saying [Snowboy] should start a podcast because his voice is so clear.”
CERRI is gaining recognition for its youth-driven vision. Among its 10 permanent staff, seven are local youths, while another two are assigned by the community’s band office to shortterm contracts while employing three local students over the summer.
CERRI was formed from president George Lameboy’s decades-long quest to determine why eelgrass was declining on his trapline. Torio began postdoctoral research on Chisasibi’s coastline in 2016, assisting Dr. Fred Short from the University of New Hampshire, and then was hired by the organization in 2019.
Torio shared how traditional knowledge guides analysis of eelgrass beds, which are critical habitats for migrating geese, fish and other species. Through this “two-eyed seeing” paradigm, western scientific methods are bolstered by cultural knowledge that dates back generations.
“Elders can point you to a particular spot they know has changed a lot and then other areas that haven’t,” Torio explained. “The most likely cause of decline is starvation of nutrients and sediments. The organic silt that they need to grow is trapped behind the dam.”
Massive hydroelectric projects established upriver from Chisasibi since
1975 significantly altered the water flowing into James Bay. While Wemindji hasn’t experienced a severe decline, Waskaganish and Eastmain have similar absences of eelgrass and related sediments due to major diversions on their rivers.
“Eastmain is pure sand because of the reduced water flow and no more organic silt coming from the river,” said Torio. “We’re looking at different ideas for restoration. If there’s a way to stop sand from accumulating in those areas, eelgrass would most likely grow back. It just needs some assistance.”
CERRI’s coastal research has led to archaeological projects, fish population monitoring, climate-change analysis and community farming. Agriculture research assistants Sam and Snowboy delivered a presentation about creating a geodesic dome greenhouse in 2023.
“Fresh food is medicine and growing it ourselves is a way of reclaiming our wellbeing,” asserted Sam. “We’re expanding our agriculture projects, building new greenhouses, experimenting with cold-climate growing and exploring container farming to produce food year-round.”
A second greenhouse focused on food production was built this year and a hydroponics-based container farm will arrive this autumn. Sam said the dome is “where most of the magic happens” – a hub of experimentation, research and community outreach. Chisasibi’s new high school even has a rooftop greenhouse.
“We had day camp students during the summer,” said Sam. “We have an outdoor grow-bed where we’re testing potatoes and corn. We also have our raspberry plant.”
CERRI hosts workshops on soil preparation and germination methods. Tomatoes planted during one seeding activity for kids during April’s Earth Week are already taller than Snowboy, who is testing potential cold-climate crops like sunchokes.
“In the mornings, I like to see what’s flowering,” Snowboy said. “It’s the best time to pollinate them, because it’s a greenhouse so there are no bees. One of my wishes is to do plant breeding, continuing to grow crops here outside so they can get used to the climate.”
While the dome’s main pipe burst last winter, garlic planted outside survived. Despite mid-June frosts, Torio has grown onions, potatoes, cabbage and peas in his backyard garden. Although experiments growing rice in local waters have yet to succeed, pumpkins showed promise after the bay’s gusting winds were blocked.
“I’ve been asking Elders what they like to eat,” said Snowboy. “Some said rutabaga so I planted some – people can just come and pick some. We donated lettuce to a food pantry here in Chisasibi.”
Although he just started with CERRI in January, Snowboy said he’s always been interested in farming and had been studying native plants even before working there. Some young scientists studied in a McGill STEM program and professional development courses at Chisasibi’s new college.
There are also training sessions on equipment like ground-penetrating radar and drones, which were used for a recent survey of a former residential school on Fort George Island –also an opportunity to harvest rhubarb. However, CERRI still lacks facilities to conduct robust laboratory testing, such as for contaminants in wildlife harvests. At the summit, Chakapash compared mercury concentrations in popular traditional foods. While brook trout, sculpin and whitefish were generally safe, lake trout often exceeded safety limits. Waterfowl breast meat was very low in mercury, but livers were to be avoided. He recommended avoiding merganser altogether.
Chakapash also accompanied Torio to a conference hosted by the Canadian Space Agency, discussing remote sensing of threats like algae blooms, shoreline erosion or forest fires. Torio believes this satellite imagery can help youth monitor the region’s vastness.
The summit was a milestone moment for CERRI and the youth shaping its future, a powerful reminder that local research matters.
“I want to keep building bridges between Eeyou knowledge and modern agriculture,” said Sam. “My dream is for future generations to see agriculture as something not imported from the south but as something we’ve always had the power to do here at home.”
by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The former Mohawk Institute
Residential School in Brantford, Ontario, opened to the public as a “museum of conscience” on September 30. Operating from 1828 to 1970, it was not only the oldest and longest-running residential school but also the largest in the country, attended by an estimated 15,000 children.
Hundreds came to the renovated building’s grand opening on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, learn ing the stories of survivors through pho tos, recordings and descriptive signage. The Woodland Cultural Centre managed the restoration.
“I think this building holds tangible evidence of what occurred at residential schools and what our families experi enced,” said Heather George, the cen tre’s executive director and chief curator. “I hope this becomes a catalyst for peo ple who come, that they want to learn more.”
The decade-long $26 million resto ration was funded by the centre’s “Save the Evidence” campaign. Opening day featured speeches from survivors, self-guided tours, screenings of its film Silent No More and an Indigenous art show.
“All I wanted to do was go home,” survivor Roberta Hill told attendees. “This place made you grow up mean and ugly. Take away something from this school so this never happens again.”
Survivors shared the systemic phys ical, sexual and mental abuse they endured at the Mush Hole, the school’s nickname because of its regular servings of bland porridge. Geronimo Henry said ment in the 1970s. A group arriving from Waswanipi had it particularly tough.
and a number that in effect became their new name. Although most knew little to
crying, everybody was in trouble. They would hit you between your legs or pull
guys sometimes stole from the garden or kitchen to give to the younger ones. He
witnessed one boy force another to eat his vomit to avoid getting in trouble.
“To save my brown skin, I buried pieces of my young heart until it was almost all gone,” Dixon said. “I saw things a child should never see or encounter –criminal acts and genocidal abuses. Kids just vanished. I’m stuck in that moment, still running through the dark hallways trying to escape.”
Sexual abuse was rampant even if the children didn't yet know right from wrong. Dixon said they were forced to fight and hate each other.
Dixon’s four younger siblings jumped off a train in a mid-winter escape attempt but were caught and sent back to La Tuque, which he also attended from age 12 after the Mohawk Institute had closed. At age 14, he hid in the bush when the bus came around and began to learn how to be Cree again. His father’s last words in Cree were “You must forgive the white
Long after residential schools finally closed, Dixon believes their darkness still reverberates in Cree villages. He overcame his own descent into alcohol, embarking on a healing journey with his wife Caroline, another survivor, who joined him in pursuing education in the 1990s through the Cree School Board.
Wapachee said that survivors were adamant that their own children would never be sent away, which formed the direction of the CSB. He approved the residential school’s transformation into an educational historic site, comparing it to tours of Holocaust concentration camps.
After three years in Brantford, Waswanipi tallyman Johnny Cooper told his grandfather in a trembling voice about life in residential school. His grandfather stood up slowly, poured some tea and said, “You’re never going back there.” When the Indian agent came around, they would go deep in the woods for 10 months.
“The biggest and greatest school of wildlife saved me from further abuses,” Cooper shared. “If you want to be spared from all the trauma, go back to the quiet and beauty of the land.”
by Xavier Kataquapit
Gold has arrived. Here in northern Ontario, the leaves are turning and we see vast streams of gold shimmering across the autumn landscape. There are flashes of red and brown as though a huge blanket has descended onto Mother Earth from the heavens. This is my favourite time of the year as it is not too hot or too cold and the wilderness beckons us to wander and wonder at the sights and scents of fall.
It was an extremely hot summer. There were terrible forest fires and many alerts of dangerous storms and even tornadoes in northern Ontario. Climate change is reminding us of the damage we have done to the environment. However, we are ruled by addiction to money and that means our governments and corporations will continue favouring the development that causes global warming.
This time of the year reminds me of the hunting trips I took as a boy. When I ventured to southern towns and cities
they began to organize and lobby the provincial and federal governments. Even more strange, these governments provided the Métis groups in northern Ontario many of the rights that First Nations were guaranteed in treaties more than 100 years ago.
The idea of Métis in northern Ontario is controversial. The Wabun Tribal Council in northeastern Ontario report issued a report this summer saying that there is no documented evidence of a Métis presence in their territory. A similar report was put out by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and both documents are supported by the Chiefs of Ontario orga
party mode with alcohol and drugs while out on the land with guns. Having armed hunters wandering the forest while consuming alcohol is concerning to say the least.
My people up the James Bay coast continue to head out in fall to their traditional lands to harvest moose, caribou and migratory birds. Further north, hunters and gathers travel out on their freighter canoes to traditional camps for the hunt.
I wish all those on their hunt a safe and rewarding adventure. I hope this is a time of bonding, good stories and recollections around campfires. I pray
