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It’s My Money, Honey
by Will Nicholls
In the old days the Hudson’s Bay Company used to pay Cree trappers with HBC tokens for their furs and goods. They could only be redeemed at the HBC store. At some point the Canadian government decided that this monopoly was wrong, and the tokens became a thing of the past.
Cash was still a problem in the early part of the 20th century. Older people remember when you could walk into store or business, hand over some cash and walk out with what you bought. It wasn’t until the 1980s that banks introduced automatic teller machines, and in 1996 non-banks were allowed to operate them. Today we see ATMs everywhere. That was the beginning of the end of privacy on how you spent your hard-earned money. You brought stuff locally and the government didn’t factor into it.
While using your debit or credit card is more convenient – and during the Covid pandemic it was encouraged as there was less possibility of passing on the virus – there may be negative repercussions. Governments, businesses and others can now track where and how
you use your money. That data is even sold, and your privacy has been invaded. Canada is looking at taking this one step further. The first bill Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced is Bill C-2: An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures. It contains a lot of stuff that will affect Canadians. For example, there will be a ban on cash payments over $10,000 in business or charitable contributions.
That raises red flags for more than First Nations communities and their residents. For example, in some immigrant-based communities, members of an extended family or friend group pool money so that one of the members can purchase a car or start a business.
In these cases, it is all cash and not tied to any criminal activity. Just people who are not rich trying to get along. What about youth groups or charity organizations raising money through different legal methods to assist women’s shelters or Native Friendship Centres?
Some of them raise more than $10,000. If they give it to a needy charity, will the people raising money for a good cause suddenly find themselves facing huge fines and possibly jail?
Then there’s the March 2024 Quebec law that allows police to take money from anyone who has $2,000 or more in their wallet or purse. They can assume that it is criminal related and it is up to you to prove your innocence.
The Canadian Charter of Rights says that you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Now you must prove you are innocent. It could be that some First Nations communities don’t even have a bank. They cash their employment cheques and take the cash south on vacation. They might want to buy a wedding gift or something else, but it’s hard to buy a crap load of drugs and go through an airport.
Still, helping those who need our help may become even harder. Try to understand the First Nations way of life. Remember: it’s my money, honey and your digital dreams don’t work on the land.
Payable to beesum communications, all rights reserved, publication mail #40015005, issn #1206-2642 // the Nation is a member of:
Cover Photo by Vera Oh
Promoting Wellness in Waskaganish
A
three-day health and wellness conference puts well-being into perspective
by Joshua Janke
The Waskaganish Miyupimaatisiiun Committee hosted a first-of-its-kind Health and Wellness Conference November 3-5. Its “Empower your health, empower your life” message captured the event’s purpose – to help community members take charge of their wellbeing so they can lead fuller, healthier lives.
Initially, the event was intended to focus on diabetes. But the more the organizing team discussed the gathering, the more they realized how diverse the conversations on health needed to be, committee member Mary Jane Salt told the Nation
“As soon as we started talking about diabetes, we realized how it’s not an isolated issue,” she explained. “It made us want to have presentations on all things related to health and wellness like high blood pressure, stress management, eating well, and staying active.”
Waskaganish Chief Greta Cheechoo agreed and encouraged the committee to open the event to the entire community, allowing for a variety of topics and presenters.
The program brought together a broad range of experts. Nurse Marion contributed information on vaccinations, and the community’s Well Baby Clinic reinforced the importance of preventive care for young parents and families.
Health professionals Bessie Gillies, Verna Jolly, Melanie Blueboy, Tina House and Nurse Carmen Ho discussed GDM diabetes, hypertension and related complications.
Nutritionist Marianne Gagnon highlighted the central role of food and daily habits in diabetes prevention and management; Romeo Blackned emphasized the benefits of physical movement in his “The Importance of Being Active” talk; and CMC nurse Doris Joseph provided information about foot care.
A natural medicine session led by Elder Jimmy Trapper and multi-artist Tim Whiskeychan emphasized traditional knowledge. Sponsored by the Nishiiyuu Department, this session blended handson demonstrations with traditional teach-
ings, including the preparation of remedies for common ailments like colds and mouth sores.
Organizers made the atmosphere welcoming, dynamic and fun. Thoughtful touches included Mary Stephan’s “health break” snacks that aligned with conference themes. Chalsea Cheezo provided a self-care service station with free haircuts or waxing services.
“At first, we had a hard time recruiting people,” Salt admitted. “It’s not always easy to attend these kinds of events, especially when it’s about health.”
So she invited the Women’s Association, Recreation Department and Youth Council to enliven the conference.
“They organized their own activities –ice breakers, prizes, things to get people moving. It really helped people relax and enjoy themselves,” she said. “They had fun. We had fun.”
Salt noted that presentations resonated with participants. “Listening to the presenters really helped me,” she shared. “I know everybody had an eye opener about their health, thinking ‘I should do this.’”
Salt said attendees continued discussing what they had heard long after each session ended. “People were saying, ‘This is what he said’ or ‘This is what I do too.’ It inspired people to start telling their own stories.”
The intergenerational impact was especially important for Salt, saying that young people need to learn early on the value of eating well, staying active, and how to care for themselves. She wished she had this kind of information earlier in life.
“When I was young, I always wanted to be active,” she said. “But I used to hear that going to fitness was only for people who wanted to lose weight. I was shy to go because of that.”
For the Miyupimaatisiiun Committee, the conference marked the beginning of a larger effort to promote wellness in Waskaganish. Salt says the team hopes to make the gathering a quarterly event to meet the community’s evolving needs.
Chisasibi hosts inauguration ceremonies for new schools
Chisasibi’s two newest schools were inaugurated November 7 in a ceremony welcoming Cree and Quebec officials. The Cree School Board highlighted Big River High School and Upichinaausiuun Chiskutimatukimikw (Elementary) School as symbols of progress and identity.
“These new buildings really reflect who we are as Eeyouch,” said CSB chairperson Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum. “I know it’s going to provide a comforting space for our students. Every day they’ll see themselves and their culture and heritage reflected. You feel the pride in identity as soon as you walk in.”
Students from each school had the honour of cutting the official ribbons – Chisasibi Princess, Marion Cox, and the youngest student in pre-school, Katie Sealhunter. Elder Eddie Pashagumskum shared a traditional blessing while Dwayne Cox and Heart of The Land performed ceremonial drumming.
Cree leaders welcomed Quebec Education Minister Sonia LeBel and Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière, along with community members who made these projects possible. Pashagumskum thanked the Ministry of Education and federal partners for their collaboration.
“It represents what we want for all students in Quebec: modern and welcoming learning environments where stu-
/ Photo by Mary Jane Salt.
Welcoming Students Home
dents feel comfortable,” said LeBel, who thanked the CSB for pushing them to make this happen. “These projects demonstrate our commitment to responding even better to the needs of the community.”
Numerous community members contributed to the design of the buildings, which feature state-of-the-art classrooms, community spaces and culturally integrated learning programs, created to inspire students while honouring Cree traditions.
“By creating spaces that honour who we are, we give our youth the foundation to learn, to dream and to grow strong in their identity and education,” said Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch. “We invest in a future where our young people can lead with pride, confidence and a deep bond to their roots.”
Each classroom of Upichinaausiuun Chiskutimatukimikw School, which is for pre-kindergarten to Grade 2 students, portrays an animal or plant important to traditional Cree life. The Cree language is displayed everywhere, complementing the CSB’s mentorship program. It was recently expanded to Grade 1, bringing back retired teachers and Elders to aid early language development.
“The results coming out are fantastic,” enthused Pashagumskum. “In one community we had to add a second class because of the large demand. We weren’t going to run a pilot in Mistissini, but the demand was so large that we worked it out.”
The primary school includes an impressive theatre area and welcoming facilities for its daycare program. Landbased learning and an inclusive environment in Cree, English and French enable children to grow in their language, culture and confidence.
The building of Big River High School flows like a school of fish or water over the shore. Rounded walls and external tile work evoke fish scales, reflecting the community’s traditional fish harvest. The main entrance faces the eastern dawn.
“Reflected in the door is the structure of the mitchuap, meant to be welcoming our students home,” Pashagumskum explained. “When you go inside, you have that same flowing feeling because of the way the corridors are rounded and the circular central auditorium. The natural wood, stone and expansive windows allow you to see the bush and a clear view of the river.”
It’s an immense change from its predecessor, James Bay Eeyou School, one of the first buildings constructed in Chisasibi. Visitors now arrive in a space open to the third floor and flooded with natural light.
“This is the facility our kids deserve,” said Big River principal Brian Dioszeghy. “The design has had an impact on their mental wellbeing – it’s really uplifting. They feel that energy. They’ve waited a long time for this kind of place.”
Although secondary students moved to the new building for the start of the 2024-25 school year, Dioszeghy said they’re still growing into it. There is audio-video connectivity throughout the school, an outdoor greenhouse and terrace, and four advanced science labs.
Partners at the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute helped establish hydroponics and other growing experiments in the greenhouse, while lab facilities present opportunities for high-level math and science courses. Dioszeghy hopes retention will improve once the cafeteria is in operation.
“The cafeteria will be a game changer, addressing food insecurity and other things,” Dioszeghy asserted. “Ideally,
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
students won’t have to pay but the school board is looking at the feasibility. That’s a big next step for us.”
Only 10 minutes from a bush trail, teachers are implementing more landbased learning projects – such as snaring a grouse, then cleaning, preparing and cooking it in the school kitchen.
Big River’s magnificent new gymnasium hosted a regional volleyball tournament last year. A fitness centre includes a well-equipped weight room and space for jujitsu and yoga classes. Students can choose from options like volleyball, fitness, additional Cree culture classes or the MikwChiyâm arts program.
A 400-seat auditorium resembles a deluxe cinema. It recently hosted the community’s screening of the new JBNQA documentary and creates theatrical possibilities for the school’s new drama program. The CSB is launching a social studies program this year that will focus on Cree geography and ecology.
With a new Sabtuan Adult Learning Centre beginning construction across the street next spring, Dioszeghy believes pathways to trade careers will be more direct and appealing. Further training centres are planned for Whapmagoostui, Eastmain and Nemaska.
At the inauguration, Pashagumskum reflected on the CSB’s accomplishments in developing an innovative Indigenous education system. From hosting the province’s first residential schools to humble community schools, Chisasibi now has sophisticated facilities that any education board would envy.
“We’ve been able to beat the odds as a Nation in terms of expected outcomes for education systems,” said Pashagumskum. “Now we’re moving into a self-determined future, the central concern is identity construction in a way that empowers our students.”
Senate committee votes to end second-generation cut-off
On November 18, a Canadian Senate committee passed sweeping amendments to the government’s Bill S-2 to simplify the transfer of First Nations status between generations. Ending the second-generation cut-off rule in favour of a one-parent rule would allow anyone with status under the Indian Act to pass their legal identity and rights on to their children.
The changes still need to be adopted by the full Senate and then by the House of Commons before becoming law. Bill S-2 would restore Indian status for 3,000 to 5,000 people impacted by historic enfranchisement provisions, including individuals who voluntarily gave up their status to keep their children out of residential schools or to vote in elections. The amendments propose going much further, potentially restoring rights to entire generations.
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty had repeatedly urged the Senate not to amend the bill without proper consultation that has been planned for 2026, calling attempts to amend without consultation “racism itself.”
Innu Senator Michèle Audette, who introduced the bill in the Senate, said the amendments shouldn’t pre-
vent the minister from moving ahead with consultations. “The system is not on our side,” Audette told APTN News. “Today we have an opportunity, and we cannot miss this opportunity. I believe in the person [GullMasty], but it’s the machine around her. It’s the system.”
The amendments were introduced by Senator Paul Prosper, a Mi’kmaq from Paqtnkek First Nation and a former Assembly of First Nations regional chief.
“I believe there is nothing more vital to the survival of First Nations than this change,” said Prosper. “The fact is that we cannot govern who First Nations fall in love with. This change says love who you love and do not worry because your children will not fall by the wayside.”
Nemaska celebrates official airport opening
In a November 17 ceremony, the Cree Nation of Nemaska celebrated the self-management of its airport, which was formerly privately run by Hydro-Québec. The milestone is a result of years of collaboration between Aakutaah (SDBJ–SDC) and the community.
“With the creation of Nikaanch, the Cree Nation of Nemaska now plays a central role in the future of this major infrastructure,” stated an announcement. “It will now
be easier to welcome visitors, workers, investors and partners, strengthening economic, tourism and community development for Nemaska and all of Eeyou Istchee.”
The airport was built 7 km southeast of the community for the sole use of HydroQuébec to serve the electrical substations of Nemiscau and Albanel. Quebec ministers Jean-François Simard and Ian Lafrenière were joined at the event by representatives of the Cree Nation Government, Cree Development Corporation and other agencies.
Nemaska expressed gratitude to the workers who will be running the airport’s daily operations, ensuring safety, welcoming travellers and maintaining this important infrastructure. The project will create skills development and training opportunities for the local workforce and new economic pathways for businesses.
Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch said that HydroQuébec will remain a cornerstone client, noting this is the first example of the Société de Développement de la Baie James and the CDC coming together to promote Cree
partnerships in transportation infrastructure.
“It was already thought of in 1975 [in the JBNQA], we’re just getting around to doing it,” said Murdoch. “It was a lot of work to find a crew of 13 people to run the airport. Nemaska should be proud.”
EEPF expands recruitment, announces arrests
The Eeyou Eenou Police Force Sergeant Manila and Officer Metabie connected with numerous potential recruits at the École Nationale de Police du Québec’s open house in Nicolet November 17, which was attended by over a thousand students.
“A big thank you goes out to Sgt [Francis] Manila and Ofc [Cathy] Metabie for their commitment and hard work during the event,” stated the EEPF. “Their presence generated significant enthusiasm, with many attendees expressing strong interest in joining the Eeyou Eenou Police Force.”
Earlier in the week, the EEPF announced several drug-related investigations, with search warrants executed simultaneously in the communities of Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou, Chapais and Lebel-sur-Quévillon.
On November 18, Isaac Longchap was arrested in Mistissini for possession of drugs and alcohol with the purpose of trafficking. The seizure’s street value was estimated at $28,000.
Stepping Into Their Power
Cree pop star Siibii launches first full album
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Photos by Vera Oh
Cree pop phenom Siibii launched their first full-length album on November 14 with shows in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. With lead track “YOY” already surpassing three million streams, they recently released a sultry new single with one of Indigenous music’s hottest stars, Aysanabee, while being featured on towering Toronto billboards.
“I definitely appreciate the recognition,” Siibii told the Nation. “Especially in Indigenous music spaces, I feel a little more grounded and set in myself. Knowing my name is a little more known in the industry has honestly been very cool, super sick.”
It’s been a whirlwind five years since the singer-songwriter’s debut EP, For Those I Love(d), released at age 19, before changing their name to fully embrace their Eenou queer, non-binary identity. Teenage struggles with identity and mental health issues gradually yielded to self-acceptance.
“Finding stability in myself and my voice didn’t happen overnight,” revealed Siibii. “I learned to trust in that belief that others held in me and adopt that belief in myself. If I saw an Eeyou/Eenou do the things I do, I would want them to continue succeeding because we deserve that success. That helped me step into my power.”
Collaborating with longtime producer Jacky Levare, her songwriting process often resembled therapy sessions, untangling the complex emotions of growing up. With distance from those times and years of actual therapy, Siibii feels less attached to the first album’s stories.
Approaching new material from a healthier headspace, Siibii sometimes delved into even darker, more painful memories. The song “User”, for instance, is about being groomed as a youth.
“I spent a lot of my youth pretending it didn’t happen or affect who I am,” Siibii shared. “Telling that story in my music was an act of reclaiming my own power against my abuser. It was terrifying to think of people not knowing the context and making judgments about it.”
Before the single was released, the record company gauged Siibii’s readiness to reveal this sensitive experience. Performing the song’s pounding chorus night after
“If I’m brave enough to tell my story, you never know what lives that could touch”
- Siibii
night and witnessing its impact on audiences helped Siibii feel ready to make a statement to police.
“If I’m brave enough to tell my story, you never know what lives that could touch,” said Siibii. “Even though it hurts, I do feel powerful in knowing people can connect to it and not feel so alone. It’s daunting but it’s also empowering.”
Breakout single “YOY” introduced listeners to what Siibii described as their natural “vulnerable, silly self.”
An exploration of self-destructive tendencies, the song propelled Siibii to major stages including an opening slot on Elisapie’s triumphant tour last spring.
“I love that song so much because it’s so true to who I am,” Siibii said. “I like the duality – let’s experience the full complexity of human emotions together. That’s also why I feel so comfortable jumping between genres. I see every genre as a tool to tell that story.”
“Body to Body”, Siibii’s steamy duet with Oji-Cree artist Aysanabee, came from the Indigenous SOCAN Song Camp that both attended in Toronto in 2022.
“We decided to write a song about snagging,” Siibii recalled. “I’m in a room with three men who I’ve never met before. Because of my former sex educator training, I offered to do a little icebreaker. I asked everyone to pick a dirty word that we’d all yell together until all the giggles were out.”
Potential awkwardness was limited by Siibii’s preference for entering industry spaces without knowing about anybody’s music beforehand. Aysanabee later became the first Indigenous artist to win alternative album and songwriter of the year at the 2024 Juno Awards.
The two are now labelmates on Indigenous-owned Ishkōdé Records, launched by ShoShona Kish and
Amanda Rheaume in 2021. Feeling an immediate kinship with these “aunties”, Siibii had no qualms walking away from a nearly signed record deal.
“Siibii is one of the most important artists of our time,” declared Rheaume. “We want to break all the glass ceilings for Siibii – this will be one of many projects. I love that Siibii is unapologetically themselves.”
Siibii wanted the album artwork to represent who they are and where they come from. Working with Nalakwsis (aka Whapmagoostui artist Saige Mukash), the concept celebrates Cree mythology by embodying Pikutiskwâu, the lady spirit of the caribou.
A cross-country that will culminate in a celebratory Mistissini show is being planned. At the Montreal launch party, opened by Cree singer Jossée Bernier, Siibii mixed hit songs with a moving rendition of a Cree lullaby and stylized storytelling of the Chikabesh legend.
“We’re happy Siibii is including other members of CNACA on their tour,” said Dale Cooper, executive director of the Cree Native Arts & Crafts Association. “They’re a really good role model to show artists what’s possible when you put the work in and you’re passionate about your art.”
While CNACA has covered some costs of touring and music videos, Siibii recognizes that many Cree artists haven’t had the same resources down south. Having left Mistissini years ago to access housing in Montreal, they want “to bring these stories home.”
“I really want to write a song in Cree,” Siibii said. “That feeling of being represented is indescribable. I want to create that feeling for others as well.”
Wishing Everyone in Eeyou Istchee, Happy Holidays!
During this winter holiday season, aim to create lasting memories with your families and friends, through our Cree winter activities and continue to practice our Cree Language. We encourage you to get out on the land, and may these moments bring you joy, laughter and pride.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
– From all of us at Cree Trappers’ Association –
Our Head Office will be closed from December 22nd, 2025 – January 9th, 2026.
Happy Holidays from the Cree Out tting and Tourism Association! We wish you safe travels and many joyful moments with family and loved ones.
Looking for sustainable gift ideas? Visit creetourism.ca for a list of our favourites!
The Walk Continues
Cree communities celebrate 50 years of the JBNQA
Photos by Brendan Forward
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Cree leaders past and present came together in Chisasibi November 11 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, reflecting on the resilience, unity and shared vision that shaped the self-governing nation of today.
Born out of necessity when Quebec embarked on its hydroelectric “project of the century” without consulting the Cree or Inuit who would be impacted, the negotiation of the JBNQA followed Quebec Superior Court Justice Albert Malouf’s landmark 1973 decision recognizing Indigenous rights. As Canada’s first modern treaty, it marked a turning point in Indigenous-Crown relations.
“Fifty years later, it remains the foundation of reconciliation and partnership,” said federal minister and former Grand Chief Mandy GullMasty. “Not in words but in tangible institutions, shared decision-making and Cree and Inuit leadership pushing things forward.”
The day began with storytelling around the community’s Mitchuap fireplace, recalling life on Fort George Island and the forced relocation to present-day Chisasibi. Arguably impacted more than any other Cree community, with eight of Hydro-Québec’s 11 dams imposed on its traditional territory, Chisasibi took the lead in fighting the province and when it supported the JBNQA’s signing, other leaders said they would “stand with Chisasibi and Eastmain.”
Born on Fort George, Chief Daisy House remembers coming home from her Grade 2 class during the forced relocation to see people sledge-ham-
mering her house’s cinder block foundations. She retains vivid memories of crossing a now-eroded road to the island and visiting her aunt and uncle’s newly built house.
“I had no clue what was happening,” Chief House recalled. “A lot of the homes with foundations were moved to the mainland. Even the Catholic church and the clinic –they’re the two oldest buildings in the community now.”
Stories from Elders of life before and after the JBNQA were recorded to be shared during the community’s 45th anniversary on August 18, 2026. Regional leaders later gathered with negotiators and signatories of the JBNQA for a feast; entertainment from Into Overdrive, Francine Weistche and Jody George; speeches and a screening of Rezolution Pictures’ new documentary James Bay 1975: A Shock of Two Nations.
“There were a few clips that got me emotional,” shared Chief House. “You see community meetings with Elders speaking from the heart. They used that as ammunition in those negotiations. Our Elders have always guided us – I know I couldn’t do my job without them.”
Tallyman testimony was critical to the initial legal victory, emphasizing realities like “the land is like my mother; she takes care of me.”
Chief House recalled outspoken Elder Joseph Petawabano coming to community meetings with a little notebook full of Cree syllabics.
A highlight of the evening was seeing JBNQA signatory and former Chisasibi Chief Robert Kanatewat thanking lawyer James O’Reilly for representing the Cree in their battle for survival. While admitting the
agreement wasn’t perfect, Kanatewat said they managed to “get the crucial points, to roam the territory to hunt, fish, gather.”
As the documentary made clear, some tallymen lost most of their traplines to flooding following the JBNQA. Inuk negotiator Zebedee Nungak recalled the urgency of negotiations, knowing “bulldozing was going on while we spoke, at all times.” Nungak and Charlie Watt had flown to the Cree meeting in Fort George uninvited to join the fight.
Some Nunavik communities refused to sign the JBNQA. Its clause on land surrender caused traumatic social exclusion and threats of violence for Inuit negotiators. Expecting to follow the JBNQA with other agreements that never came, they launched a self-government negotiating process nearly two years ago with the Quebec government.
Past Cree Chiefs were recognized for their efforts to enforce the JBNQA decades after its signing, which resulted in 30 amendments to the agreement. Present-day Chiefs joined the commemoration in Chisasibi, except for those of Mistissini, Eastmain and Waskaganish, which decided to host their own celebrations.
In Waskaganish, there was a reenactment of the signing, storytelling, fiddle dance entertainment with the Lil’ Wiinibekuu Dancers and a community feast. Mistissini recognized former leaders including Henry Mianscum, Matthew Coon Come and the late Smally Petawabano.
“Back in 1971, it was actually Smally, my uncle and late Chief, who brought everybody to the community,” said Chief Michael Petawabano. “I wanted people to understand
Mistissini’s Main Street will be renamed Philip Awashish U Meskinaam to commemorate one of the JBNQA’s key negotiators
Mistissini’s history. It was important to hear their stories. We also wanted to honour Philip Awashish – it was a surprise.”
Mistissini’s Main Street will be renamed Philip Awashish U Meskinaam to commemorate one of the JBNQA’s key negotiators. It was Awashish who first heard about Quebec’s plans and alerted his old friend Billy Diamond, who was chosen as Cree spokesperson. Awashish organized the first meeting of all the Cree Chiefs, securing funding for a charter plane to bring everyone to Fort George, which planted the seeds for the creation of the Grand Council of the Crees.
“That spirit of unity that brought our Chiefs together to protect our territory will be the key ingredient moving forward,” Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch told the Nation. “The JBNQA was the beginning of a very complex moment in Cree Nation history. It didn’t come without strings and some downside.”
Murdoch watched the documentary sitting between O’Reilly and Violet Pachano, the first secretary of the Grand Council of the Crees. He later asked Pachano to sign one of the commemorative trading cards created for the occasion.
Murdoch reflected on the titanic battle Crees faced in the early 1970s when there was no such thing as Aboriginal law or environmental impact assessments.
“I don’t think there was a concerted effort to push aside the Cree – they didn’t even think we existed,” suggested Murdoch. “There was a good 20 years [after the signing] that were really tough and if it wasn’t for the strength of local leadership who knows where we would be today?”
Encouraged by Cree youth and the steady progress towards self-determination, Murdoch is optimistic about the road ahead. A week after Hydro-Québec brought a large delegation to the anniversary event, he noted, Nemaska officially took over control of the airport that was once reserved for refuelling the crown corporation’s aircraft.
“I came for the opening of the Nemaska airport, now open to the public with Hydro-Québec as our cornerstone client,” Murdoch explained. “It’s created local jobs and pride. Compared to 1975, it’s night and day.”
Love Spirits
Inuk director Zacharias Kunuk returns with a vision of pre-contact romance
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Anew feature film from acclaimed Inuk director Zacharias Kunuk is a captivating drama set 4,000 years ago, when lines between the real and spirit worlds were blurred. Following its world premiere in Berlin, Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband) was named Best Canadian Feature Film at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Inspired by Inuit legends, the film blends a story of arranged marriage with supernatural elements in the midnight sun of Arctic summer. Shot near Igloolik, Nunavut, a cast of local first-time actors provides a meditative sense of cinéma verité interspersed with special effects.
“In our culture, arranged marriage was made very early, when they were just babies,” Kunuk told the Nation. “I have seen this man who married a promised wife. He lived happily and had two children until the day the right husband came, and he had the right – a promise is a promise.”
Arranged marriage was still practiced when Kunuk was growing up. But his conversations with Elders revealed challenges men would engage in to win parental approval. Shamans and spirits were added to the story after Kunuk felt something was missing from his initial script.
“When I was growing up on the land, our parents would always warn us not to wander too far from the camp or the troll would get you,” Kunuk explained. “The Elders told me a story of where it was seen hiding. I wanted to see what the troll looks like.”
Based on oral history about the Qallupilluit dating back thousands of
years, Uiksaringitara portrays the Inuit mythological creature lurking by the sea ice ready to steal children who venture too close. They’re protected by the Fog Lady, a spirit Kunuk developed with the late production and costume designer Susan Avingaq based on old images of South Baffin Island women wearing fanshaped outfits.
While Kunuk’s previous films have featured spirits, this time he wanted special effects to make their presence obvious. Their masters are good and evil shamans who battle in surreal dream sequences. Destined lovers Kaujak and Sapa are separated after Kaujak’s father is mysteriously killed by the evil shaman, whose nephew kayaks in for a visit and leaves with mother and daughter when the camp’s men accept his marriage proposal.
“When you are living in an extremely challenging environment like that, authority is based on pragmatic merit,” said co-writer and producer Samuel Cohn-Cousineau. “Your survival depends on it; it’s not up for debate. When Sapa comes back from the hunt and his prom-
ised wife is gone, he had no say in it. His parents say that’s the way things are.”
With her mother married again, Kaujak is besieged by aggressive suitors at the new camp, but they are not the right husband. She holds out hope that Sapa will come to her rescue, praying to the man in the moon, who her mother tells her comes down to save mistreated women.
“I wanted to include the shamans because they have helping spirits that are good and bad,” said Kunuk. “We call them transformers. Animals become humans – we have a lot of stories like that.”
Though shamanism was forbidden during Kunuk’s youth, his cultural knowledge deepened as he learned filmmaking. When his nomadic family moved to Igloolik and lived in a wooden house for the first time, he recalled, it was forbidden to play baseball with his cousins on Sundays because his parents were strict Anglicans.
“It’s hard when Christianity bulldozed your culture and you’re forbidden to sing your traditional songs, but we try to bring
it back,” Kunuk asserted. “Wow, it’s fascinating. I lay down to sleep inside the igloo, counting the blocks in spiral, thinking who ever figured this out at minus40 and it’s actually warm inside.”
After selling soapstone carvings to buy a video camera in 1981, Kunuk received a Canada Council grant to produce an independent video with a small team they called Isuma (“to think”). Creative decisions are discussed collectively before the long process of trying different things out.
Isuma’s game-changing first feature Atanarjuat came from a simple desire to document his culture and hear Inuktitut on TV. The 2001 film gained global renown after winning the Camera d’Or at Cannes. In 2015, a TIFF critics’ poll voted it the best-ever Canadian film.
While Kunuk’s 40-plus documentaries highlight contemporary issues, his feature films are devoted to reclaiming history from an Inuit perspective. He noted that this production may be one of the last opportunities to preserve traditional knowledge, while there are still Elders who remember the old ways.
Kunuk works with Elders and experts to ensure every detail of dialogue, costumes and objects are as authentic as possible. Elders made all the costumes by hand as younger assistants learned the skills.
Kunuk envisions his films as valued cultural relics centuries from now. Uiksaringitara is full of Inuit ingenuity, from the beautiful costumes and tools to depictions of seal hunting
and ancient funeral processions where followers would put a feather in one nostril.
Casting was “like a hunting expedition for the right faces” at the Igloolik high school. Natar Ungalaaq, who played the lead in Atanarjuat, worked as acting coach. Cast and crew bonded at a camp on set for over a month, with the summer filming providing a unique glimpse into Arctic life.
“I’ve shot a lot of winter films,” said Kunuk. “In July at 2 o’clock in the morning, the sun is out. We tried to shoot after the golden hour and it’s just beautiful. The light is always changing, the ice is moving and when we do time-lapse you can really see it.”
Audiences are immersed in this pre-contact world through Jonathan Franz’s sweeping cinematography and the ethereal music of throat singing sisters Tiffany Ayalik and Inuksuk Mackay, known as PIQSIQ. While Igloolik rejected the introduction of TV into the community in the 1970s, Kunuk hopes the success of his films inspires other regions to portray their own stories.
“I want to bring Inuit sensibility to the forefront so people across the world can see what guided us before colonization,” said Kunuk. “We tell the actors we are doing this for the future of our culture. I hope other Inuit filmmakers can be inspired to interpret these stories in their own way.”
The Board of Directors and staff of the Board of Compensation, CREECO and its subsidiaries wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year lled with blessings.
Le conseil d’administration et le personnel du Bureau de l’indemnité, de CREECO et de ses liales vous souhaitent de joyeuses fêtes et une nouvelle année prospère remplie de bénédictions.
Peace and joy, in 2026
Under the Northern Sky
An addiction emergency
by Xavier Kataquapit
An epidemic of addictions has led Mushkegowuk Council in northeastern Ontario to declare a state of emergency. The crisis included issues of homelessness, limited access to shelters, lack of mental health services and too few addictions supports in the council’s territory.
This crisis has been developing over the years to the point where it is killing and severely impacting people in our communities as well as our members living off reserve. It’s making our communities unsafe and resulting in many tragic endings for my people.
I am hopeful these days as I see more of our people with addictions education and experience being involved in using their real-life experience in recovery to help those with addictions. It is great to have the support of healthcare workers, but it’s essential to have our people in place. Those who know the culture and traditions, speak the language and have experience of being an alcoholic or drug addict in recovery. I see more of this happening and that is a healthy trend.
Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Leo Friday and his council recently sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford declar-
ing a state of emergency and asking for support. The council is asking for a task force to deal with this crisis.
In a resolution, the council requested the following:
• Immediate funding for expansion of the emergency shelter (Living Space) and overflow capacity to ensure the safety and dignity of all community members during the winter months and beyond.
• Support for new and existing land-based healing and treatment centres grounded in Mushkegowuk culture, language and traditions;
• Immediate funding for the establishment and operation of local First Nation community shelters, men’s shelters, safe beds and transitional homes to meet urgent needs in each community;
• Sustainable funding for the Mushkegowuk Firekeeper program, ensuring the continuation of outreach, prevention and harm-reduction supports that meet members where they are and help bridge them to safety and care;
• Establishment of 24/7 crisis response services ensuring coordinated, culturally grounded and trauma-informed care for Mushkegowuk members in urban areas within the territory;
• Investment in long-term housing infrastructure and community-led solutions that address the needs of Mushkegowuk members both on- and off-reserve, creating safe and stable environments that promote healing, belonging and family re-connection;
• Hosting of a regional conference to hear directly from community members experiencing housing shortages, addictions and mental health inequities, ensuring their lived experiences guide the direction of programming, policy and healing pathways;
• Development of a comprehensive regional strategy to address the interconnected housing, mental health and opioid crisis through a land-based and culturally grounded approach guided by the teachings of the Mushkegowuk people.
At a time when federal and provincial governments are passing emergency bills to fund billions in projects, it is imperative they deal with this emergency involving addictions and health issues in our First Nations.
I have lost family and friends to drugs and alcohol over the years and things are getting worse with new drugs like fentanyl. It part of the blame for this epidemic is with huge pharmaceutical companies producing and promoting opioids which have led to the deaths of thousands of people over the years.
There have been lawsuits that resulted in billions of dollars in payouts from these companies, but nobody has gone to jail. However, our prison system is bulging with First Nations people and other minorities many who ended up incarcerated due to their use of drugs.
First Nations people have been affected by the historical abuses of colonization, residential schools and systemic racism. It is time to make things right.
Joyeuse fêtes et bonne année
Nous vous souhaitons , ainsi qu'à vos proches, de joyeuses fêtes de fin d'année, remplies de moments chaleureux et de souvenirs précieux, et nous leur souhaitons une excellente santé et beaucoup de bonheur.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy,
Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre
Since 1969: Urban non-pro t organization
Friendship Centres provide services to Indigenous people, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. They serve people living in urban, rural, remote, and northern areas.
Priority will be given to Indigenous candidates, though all are welcome to apply.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
$88,608 (min.)
$126,554 (max.)
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
One of ten Friendship Centres in QC
$71,952 (min.)
$112,220 (max.)
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Location: Chibougamau, Quebec Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
JOIN OUR TEAM!
The Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre (CEFC) is seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to join our team in these exciting roles:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ED)
Lead our culturally relevant programs and services while managing the Centre's operations. Work with the Board of Directors on strategic planning and organizational success.
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AED)
Team up with the ED to bring our vision to life! Help with strategic planning, decision-making, and making a real impact.
If you’re motivated, skilled, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!
APPLY NOW AND BE PART OF SOMETHING MEANINGFUL!
We invite candidates to email their resume to:
HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! JOYEUSES FÊTES !
Air Creebec would like to thank you for your continued support and take this opportunity to extend the warmest and sincere best wishes to you and yours. May Christmas and New Year holidays fill your home with peace, goodwill and prosperity
Air Creebec tient à vous remercier pour votre soutien continu et profite de cette occasion pour vous transmettre, à vous et aux vôtres, ses meilleurs vœux les plus chaleureux et les plus sincères. Que les vacances de Noël et du Nouvel An remplissent votre maison de paix, de bonne volonté et de prospérité.
HOLIDAYS ! JOYEUSES FÊTES !
Noël et du Nouvel
