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 Will Nicholls
In December, the Nation reported that a young man from Mistissini had overdosed and was medivaced to Montreal. What wasn’t included in the article was that the youth was the son of my nephew Darren.
Little Joe – as he was known to many – had taken three Percocet and a molly (MDMA or ecstasy). There are dangers in combining the two, especially if alcohol is added. Usually, the amount Little Joe took does not lead to an overdose, which raises the suspicion that the drugs were laced with fentanyl.
Little Joe passed away in a Montreal hospital on January 7 – shortly after his 21st birthday. He never woke up, even though he seemed to react at times to the voices of family and friends. His loss was a hard one for us all.
Reading the posts on social media about this incident, everyone is saying something needs to be done. Many are saying we must do something about the dealers. Looking at the posts on the Eeyou Eenou Police Force’s Facebook page, some people have been calling in
about their community dealers. The number for the EEPF drug line is 1-833-3437847. It’s anonymous and confidential.
Now here’s an idea for the local dealers. If you suspect there’s fentanyl in the product you buy, do something about it. Because if you continue to resell tainted drugs in the community and someone dies, you are just as responsible as your supplier under the law. This means you’ll be facing serious criminal charges beyond just selling drugs.
Another idea dealers, clients and medical workers should think about are fentanyl test strips. These can detect fentanyl in different illicit drugs and are supposedly 96% effective. You can buy them on numerous online sites, including Amazon.
Something else to think about is getting a naloxone kit. In Quebec, they are free for anyone 14 or older and can combat the effects of an opioid overdose for more than just fentanyl. Available at most pharmacies. They should be carried by police officers, firefighters, clinics and
schools as well as every household in Eeyou Istchee.
In some countries, it has been shown that educating youth at an early age about drugs has been effective. In any case, a drug information program is definitely needed in Eeyou Istchee. Not only to educate our youth but also the parents.
Everyone needs to know about the drugs, the effects and the dangers. Parents need to be able to talk to their kids about using drugs as well as recognizing the symptoms and effects these drugs have. This way parents can identify what their kids are taking and how to respond to potential problems.
Statistics show that First Nations are nine times more likely to die of an overdose than the rest of Canadians. Eeyou Istchee and the Cree need to ensure this statistic is not a part of our lives, buy we all must work to make this a reality. We have to take care of each other.
WRITERS X. Kataquapit, P. Quinn, J. Janke, N. Fedosieieva, J. Pashagumskum // DESIGN Matthew Dessner // SALES AND ADVERTISING 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
and Story by Jamie Pashagumskum
The Cree Nation Government is again calling for restrictions on the caribou hunt in Eeyou Istchee.
A report by Quebec’s Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Coordinating Committee (HFTCC) on the continuing decline of the Leaf River herd prompted the request, made in a December 23 press release. It showed that, despite the Cree making a similar announcement restricting the caribou hunt last year, the population continues to fall.
Over the holidays, Chisasibi Chief Daisy House gave a community address to outline the plan. “It’s just a friendly reminder,” House said. “We’re telling people to limit their harvest.”
Since the announcement, House said she has noticed a reduction in culling. But she estimates that over 100 caribou have been harvested by Chisasibi so far this season.
As a member of the Grand Council of the Crees, House said the goal is to implement a full moratorium for three years, but that would depend on discussions with the HFTCC.
One of her closest advisors on caribou is Chisasibi councillor Robbie Tapiatic, tallyman for CH32, the most eastern Cree trapline.
“I travel across Chisasibi territory because [my trapline] is way at the end where the caribou come in migrating from the north,” explained Tapiatic, widely known for his great snowmobile
expeditions and knowledge of caribou. “I pretty much know what’s going on in the territory and beyond.”
Tapiatic said conservation is common among Cree who adhere to the traditional rule of killing only what they need for their family. However, he is troubled by social media posts showing community members over-harvesting for the purpose of selling caribou take-out plates online.
“That’s not traditional practice,” Tapiatic insisted.
Chisasibi Elder and tallyman Eddie Pashagumiskum, an expert on Cree tradition, said reducing hunting is worth a try. However, without solid evidence on what is behind the herd’s decline, it is difficult to pinpoint the best solutions.
“It has happened before in the old days, and we couldn’t do anything about it,” he explained. “It was not from hunting. It’s a part of the normal cycle. Nature has her own way of doing things.”
Raised in the bush, Pashagumiskum said the herd was at a low point in its population cycle during his childhood.
“There were no caribou to be found. We were out there 10 months a year and we survived from what nature provided like fish, beaver and rabbit. We were not dependent on the caribou,” he said.
Eventually the population returned to peak numbers of over one million. Pashagumiskum remembers the tragic killing of thousands of caribou when
Hydro-Québec flooded vast territories constructing its reservoirs in the early 1970s, but even that he said barely had an impact on overall herd populations.
Tapiatic has been hunting caribou since he was a young boy and estimated he has harvested fewer than 30 caribou during his lifetime.
“It doesn’t make you a better hunter if you killed 300. A better hunter is one who knows how to conserve,” Tapiatic said, alluding to the harvesting practices of Indigenous Nations he chose not to name.
Tapiatic said he has suffered backlash from calling out individuals on social media for over-hunting – even receiving threats that his cabin could be burned down.
Chief House said her community is not only asking for restraint from its members, but they are also warning others that this year the caribou are strictly off limits.
She said further discussions are needed between the Cree, Inuit, Innu and Naskapi on the CNG’s request for an official moratorium on caribou hunting.
Pashagumiskum warns that efforts taken to limit the caribou hunt should be implemented cautiously as the Cree harvest is a protected right under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
Cree Nation’s GIS mapping highlights industry conference
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
he Cree Nation Government’s GIS (Geographic Information System) team proudly presented its regional geospatial strategy at the Esri Canada User Conference in Toronto November 4.
Selected from over 600 applicants to present at the country’s largest GIS event, the five team members shared the Cree Nation’s journey toward integrating traditional Cree knowledge with modern spatial technology. Building technical capacity and data sovereignty, GIS tools are supporting an ever-expanding range of applications across the Cree territory.
“GIS technology allows you to create maps to visualize areas of interest but also transform spatial data into meaningful statistics to communicate complex information clearly,” said GIS program manager Jonathan Elkhoury. “The room was very full with a lot of good feedback. Other First Nations were interested in why we did this geospatial strategy and how we got our leadership involved.”
Connecting data to interactive digital maps, GIS technology is vital for land-use planning, environmental monitoring and cultural preservation. The CNG began employing it about 20 years ago to visualize forestry plans on the territory. As the number of projects and stakeholders have intensified, it’s become an important way to make sense of an immense amount of data.
“I saw GIS in the early stages when they redrew the trapline boundaries for the Paix des Braves,” recalled former GIS analyst Maxine Mark-Stewart. “In 2006, we started doing data collection with the tallymen for the five-year forestry management plans. We used GIS in that way.”
The CNG recognized early on the importance of developing internal GIS capabilities, rather than relying on consultants whose findings sometimes left when they did. One of the last decade’s major projects has been to consolidate various studies while working with Elders and land users to assemble a standardized interactive map of Eeyou Istchee.
“We’re in the process now of shifting towards dissemination,” noted toponymist John Bishop. “We’re working on an
electronic basemap that will have the Cree names, for people used to using online basemaps such as Google Maps.”
The conference’s presentation outlined the preparation and implementation of the CNG’s three-year geospatial strategy and road map, a process that began in 2021 in partnership with Esri Canada consultants. The journey began with listening and engagement sessions to imagine how GIS could be optimized by aligning strategic priorities between departments.
The past few years have seen the GIS program rapidly grow, now supporting critical projects spanning environment, mining and policing. The team works with communities who use GIS in daily applications such as Ouje-Bougoumou’s digital community map and the capital works department’s infrastructure map.
“Now there are many users contributing to this big system,” said Elkhoury. “Non-GIS users are more and more visualizing information on dashboards and going out there to collect data on their phone. All of that is powered by GIS technology on the back end, but it’s made more accessible to the end user.”
GIS supports the Cree Nation’s commitment to sustainable development through work with numerous entities, using innovative tools like Eeyou Marine Region story maps, the Abandoned Mining Exploration Sites dashboard, and the Cree Trappers’ Association’s wildlife harvest monitoring application.
Field monitors certified last summer with Remotely Piloted Aircraft System licences now use the forestry department’s recently purchased drones to follow up on logging operations or complaints. Next summer’s goal is to expand training for planning missions and collecting data.
“We’re just starting to scratch the surface with imagery collection but it’s where the technology is going, being able to capture and process this yourself to get information useful to Crees,” said Drew Hannen, the forestry department’s GIS analyst.
“GIS is not sitting behind a computer and tapping away,” Hannen elaborated. “It’s going out in the field and collecting
information on a tablet or phone and seeing that populate in the map of your community’s traplines.”
The technology accurately records trapline features like cabins, portages and burial sites and relays the data to forestry planners and other stakeholders. By mapping trapline occupancy and industrial activity, communities are better equipped to express their concerns when conflicts arise.
“If there are any investigations, the pertinent authorities can rely on sound accurate data collection to help them,” Hannen explained. “The Cree Nations have a good grasp on what’s going on in the territory. That’s our specialty, making sure the Cree perspective in forestry operations can be met.”
Not all communities have the same GIS capacity, and it remains a challenge to share data and collaborate on projects across all of Eeyou Istchee. Mapping such a vast territory in detail requires significant time and resources. While spotty internet connectivity can be a problem, basemaps can be downloaded to work offline with field data then uploaded later.
In Toronto, the CNG GIS team demonstrated how ArcGIS Field Maps support fieldwork in remote locations, enabling real-time updates and streamlining data collection across multiple devices. They also highlighted their vision for unifying geospatial resources and maturing capabilities across departments.
Much potential exists in projects ranging from communicating road or ice safety to trip planning for Cree tourism and educational story maps for the Cree School Board. As the GIS team maps their next moves, they encourage organizations to inquire how they might work together.
“There’s a lot interesting and exciting things we’re looking forward to,” said Elkhoury. “We’re proposing a central hub to access GIS data. We’d also like to start a GIS community of practice, where Cree communities and entities can share knowledge and collaborate around shared interests.”
Cree Nation responds to Legault resignation
The Cree Nation Government recognized François Legault’s years of service after the Quebec premier announced January 14 that he is leaving politics. With a provincial election scheduled for October, Legault said he will remain in place until his Coalition Avenir Québec party chooses a new leader.
“We sincerely wish Mr. Legault and his wife, Mme Isabelle Brais, well in their next chapter and thank them for visiting Eeyou Istchee on a number of occasions,” read a CNG statement. “The Cree Nation Government will remain ready to continue collaboration with his successor and advance our shared priorities.”
Two months after the 50th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, the CNG said that “Legault recognized that the partnership established in 1975 was built upon collaboration and mutual respect.”
While Legault attended several events in Eeyou Istchee, the most memorable was a trip to Old Nemaska during the community’s anniversary celebrations last September. Legault and his wife were visibly taken aback by the warm Cree welcome. The couple charmed community members as they shared jokes and traditional food.
Legault’s overall record with Indigenous issues
is mixed. After the Viens Commission’s 2019 report found widespread racial discrimination in the province’s public service, Legault formally apologized to Inuit and First Nations and promised to consider every recommendation.
However, he steadfastly denied there is systemic racism in Quebec institutions – even after the death of Atikamekw woman Joyce Echaquan during a flurry of racist abuse from Joliette hospital staff in 2020. His aggressive promotion of francophone Québécois culture sometimes clashed with Indigenous leaders. His comments suggesting that Quebec history began with the arrival of French explorers struck a particularly sour note.
The CAQ initially found political success by courting controversy through secularist identity politics, repressive language laws and sharply reduced immigration. Englishlanguage public services and educational institutions were drastically reduced and/ or defunded. Cree CEGEP students are now forced to take more French courses to graduate. The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador called the legislation “a major step backwards.”
However, serious problems in healthcare and the provincial automobile insurance corporation contributed to current public disaffection for his government. The latest polls have the CAQ tied with
Québec Solidaire at 11%, far behind the Liberals and Parti Québécois..
issues evacuation alert
On January 14, the Mushkegowuk Council in northern Ontario called for federal government assistance to aid evacuation efforts and ultimately the relocation of Kashechewan First Nation.
In early January, the remote fly-in Cree community’s water treatment plant and sewage system failed, leading to a “do not consume” water advisory. After declaring a state of emergency, leadership called on the Canadian military to aid a complete evacuation.
“We don’t have enough water bottles to accommodate newborn babies to take their baths,” said Chief Hosea Wesley. “We have no control of these old systems in place with these pumps. We need to address these issues with the federal government.”
While nearly 700 people had been evacuated, about 1,700 remained in Kashechewan with unsafe drinking water and frozen fire hydrants. With sewage backup closing the local health clinic, the community is dealing with a gastrointestinal outbreak and two community members have already tested positive for E. coli infection.
Indigenous Services Canada said it was prioritizing the evacuation of vulnerable people and is working
to resolve drinking water and wastewater issues. Wesley responded that requests for military assistance have not been “fully met” and aircraft sent by government are insufficient to evacuate residents in a timely manner.
In an emotional January 10 ceremony in Austin, Texas, music legends Willie Nelson and Neil Young were honoured by the Oglala, Ponca and Omaha Nations.
Since co-founding Farm Aid in 1985, the artists have stood at the forefront of a movement that protects family farmers from corporate exploitation, environmental degradation and economic collapse. Their benefit concerts awareness for rural and Indigenous communities.
Indigenous leaders praised their longstanding support for land sovereignty, environmental justice and cultural revitalization. “They reminded the world that farming is sacred, that the land is sacred, and that our people matter,” said one Elder.
Each artist was presented with a painted buffalo hide from traditional Omaha and Lakota artist Steve Tamayo.
Canadian rocker Neil Young stood quietly throughout the ceremony, visibly moved. Those close to him later said the honour meant more than any award.
While country artist Willie Nelson remained seated for part of the event, the 92-yearold’s eyes filled with tears as he accepted the final blessing. Nelson leaned forward and quietly whispered, “This honour belongs to the farmers and the people – we just carried their song.”
Paul John Murdoch takes stock of Eeyou Istchee since his election as Grand Chief
At the helm of the Cree Nation Government, Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch has said interesting things about the Cree Nation – its past, present and future. The Nation asked the Grand Chief about that and other pressing issues in our annual State of the Cree Nation interview.
The Nation: How would you describe the current state of the Cree Nation?
Murdoch: Full of potential. There is no doubt that we have more than our share of problems with overcrowding in homes and social issues in our communities that need to be dealt with urgently. Yet even when we have challenging and difficult conversations on recognizing and confronting these problems, I can’t help but feel optimistic.
The quality of local leadership, the directors of the Cree Nation Government, Jeannie Pelletier of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services and Sarah Pashagumskum of the Cree School Board, who are not intimidated by anything, leaves one feeling strong and confident in the face of adversity.
I have had a few meetings already with Youth Grand Chief Jade Mukash and Deputy Youth Grand Chief Darius Neacappo-Pelchat and I found their enthusiasm and engagement inspiring. Deputy Grand Chief Linden Spencer is a symbol of the youth and resilience of our Nation; you can’t help but be excited about tomorrow when working with young leaders like him.
What have been your priorities as Grand Chief since taking office last July?
Working closely with local leadership, Board-Council and Directors of the Cree Nation Government. Unity has always been the strength and a defining characteristic of the Cree Nation of Eeyou
Istchee. The commitment was made early to all my fellow Chiefs that positions would not be taken with governments, crown corporations or with natural-resource developers without all of us being on the same page.
This meant that some discussions had to be put on pause until we developed a Cree Nation position that made sense to everyone. There is a very important ingredient when you are trying to create unity among leadership and that is transparency. If everyone doesn’t have the same information, it is difficult to come to a common understanding. There are small things that we have done that I believe will contribute to this.
All Chiefs know where I am and where I am going to be at all times, Board-Council members have access to all correspondence coming into my office and leaving my office whether they are CC’d or not, and we table all information on an issue, ideally one meeting in advance, before asking anyone to take a position on anything. This has translated into longer meetings where the time goes by so quickly because the questions, comments and suggestions are so stimulating. We have brilliant leaders in Eeyou Istchee and we would be remiss not to work closely with all of them.
What have been your biggest accomplishments so far in this role?
It has only been a few months, but I am already inspired by the solidarity of Cree leadership. A simple but proud
example for me was being accompanied by Chief Daisy House and Chief Michael Petawabano in my first meeting with the president of Hydro-Québec. It is an important message to send to all governments and developers such as HydroQuébec that Cree leadership is united and acts in solidarity.
In the same spirit of unity, we held our first meeting to prepare for negotiations with Canada on the renewal of the Agreement Concerning a New Relationship Between the Government of Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee, aka NRA. In a joint meeting with the Director Generals and Treasurers of Eeyou Istchee, we have also begun the first steps in developing large and sweeping actions to address our social and private housing needs in Eeyou Istchee.
Looking back at 2025, what have been the Cree Nation’s highest points?
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the JBNQA on November 11 in Chisasibi with the Cree leadership, starting with a special film screening of James Bay 1975: The Shock of Two Nations by Rezolution Pictures and Picbois Productions followed by a feast with speeches from Robert Kanatewat and James O’Reilly was truly a highlight.
We had so many current and past Chiefs, former Grand Chiefs and negotiators present at the event, in addition to the small details such as Cree leadership trading cards made this
celebration truly memorable. The Cree Nation has been blessed with great leaders at all levels who made incredible sacrifices for the advancement of our people and Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
What has brought the most difficulty for the Cree Nation in the past year?
The premature loss of a true leader. Davey Bobbish was a friend, confidant, Chief, advisor, mentor, and so much more to many in Eeyou Istchee. Aside from his family, many did not get to say goodbye or even anticipate that we were going to lose him.
The Cree Nation is an ever-expanding complex world, but you could feel the collective shudder and stumble when we had to announce that we lost him. The strength and value of family was an important lesson taught to me by Davey, and I am a great admirer of the strength and beauty of the family that he and his wife Bella created with their children.
The strength of the Cree Nation comes from our strong sense of family, which is also our vulnerability because when one hurts, we all hurt. We will recover, already the memories of times when you laughed with Davey or the excitement of celebrating some victory with him are slowly becoming stronger to eventually overshadow the ache in our hearts.
How would you characterize the Cree Nation’s current relationship with the provincial and federal governments?
The relationship with the provincial and federal governments is very challenging because their focus is on the unpredictability caused by the leadership south of the border. No one makes good decisions or can think strategically when they are in a state of fear and unfortunately this often creates the perception that Indigenous communities, civil servants and even the environment itself represent challenges to be overcome instead of seeing the potential of collaborations.
It is odd that federal and provincial leadership would think that the answer to volatility would be to increase pressure
through the acceleration of projects, which often comes at the cost of stability. The federal One Canadian Economy Act (Bill C-5) and the Government of Quebec’s Act to accelerate the granting of the authorizations required to carry out priority national-scale projects (Bill 5) risk being interferences to establishing and maintaining sound relationships with these governments. It will be important not to be distracted by these laws and focus on long-term strategies, sound and sustainable investment, and the emphasis on building tomorrow through social acceptability today.
What do you see as the Cree Nation’s role within international governance along with wider efforts for environmental research and climate change adaptation?
Many people do not realize that the oldest environmental and social impact assessment process in North America and perhaps the world is contained in Section 22 of our Treaty, the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Since its inception we have seen many successes, challenges and learned many lessons. I believe the Cree Nation Government, Quebec and even Canada have a lot to teach concerning our experience with this regime, especially in a time when the world seems to be distracted by polarization while we continue on a very dangerous path of irreversible climate change. The Cree Nation has a lot to say and an obligation to share domestically and internationally our knowledge and experience on environmental issues.
Aside from contributing to global awareness and action on environmental issues, I believe we need to stay home. I would not be comfortable spending Cree funds on international Indigenous rights campaigns when we have homelessness as a growing issue and urgent deep social issues that need our immediate attention at home.
Development and Miyuuhpichinaausuwin Apatisiiwin, who manage the Childcare Centres of our communities, we are working on tearing down the silos within our own departments, local governments and regional entities to establish vital connections between all frontline workers to provide the support and services that our people need to maintain the safe and nurturing communities our people need and deserve.
We have too many social workers, police officers, teachers, nurses and other valuable professionals who serve our communities feeling alone and overwhelmed in the face of the social problems the Cree Nation faces. We have the resources and the people we need to improve life in our communities; all we are missing is better coordination and the commitment to do it together.
How has becoming Grand Chief affected not only your life but your family as well?
My professional career as an attorney prior to becoming Grand Chief was defined by traveling throughout Eeyou Istchee and the province with little time for anything personal. My son Max accompanied me for large parts of the campaign seeing regions of Eeyou Istchee that he had never seen before and that I hadn’t seen since I was a boy, such as Fort George Island, bringing us closer than we have ever been.
My hope is that my term in office will allow me to stay in Eeyou Istchee more than ever before. I did not expect the demands on my time to be greater than when I was a lawyer, but it is worth it as I get to spend my time in Eeyou Istchee with Eeyouch. With the constant love and support of my wife and our sons this is going to be a very fulfilling experience.
What is your closing message to the Cree Nation?
What can the Cree Nation look forward to in 2026?
Inspired by initiatives from the Departments of Social and Cultural
Every moment we have in this world, in Eeyou Istchee, with the ones we love is a gift and blessing. It is that feeling that carries each and every one of us and gives us the strength to keep looking ahead with hope and optimism.
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:
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Photos and Stories by Lara Millet
My path has been anything but ordinary – filled with travel, discovery and a deep curiosity about people and cultures. Originally from the Cévennes region in southern France, I now live and teach in the Cree community of Waskaganish.
I started teaching in the United States (2016-2018), before continuing my career in Canada. After several years in Vancouver and then Montreal, I decided to move north in July 2023. My goal was to meet Indigenous peoples, discover their way of life, explore their land and better understand their unique educational system. I also wanted to live in a remote region and experience the northern wilderness firsthand.
Over time, I’ve gradually immersed myself in Cree culture. I’ve taken part in traditional activities such as moose cutting, hide preparation and the crafting of moccasins, parkas and beadwork. Each of these gestures carries deep cultural meaning and has helped me better understand the world in which my students grow up.
Here, education is rooted in the senses, in experience and in connection with the land. Learning often takes place outdoors and follows the rhythm of the seasons and traditional activities. The school calendar adapts to community events – such as fishing on the Rupert River, beaver and moose hunting, and goose hunting season in late May, when migration begins.
Teaching in the North means constant adaptation. Social realities are complex, and resources are often limited. These challenges push you to reflect, to grow and to practice humility every single day.
My teaching methods have naturally evolved. I’ve learned to adjust my approach to meet students’ needs, to respect their rhythm, to weave traditional knowledge into the curriculum and to build bridges between academic content and cultural reality.
Through this experience, I’ve learned valuable lessons:
• Patience, to embrace the unexpected and accept everyone’s pace;
• The importance of connection with Elders and nature, reminding me that knowledge is transmitted through relationships and respect for natural cycles;
• Listening, to truly hear others’ stories and needs;
• Respect for silence, understanding that not everything must be said – reflection has its place;
• Oral storytelling, which keeps memory, meaning, and identity alive.
I’ll admit, I was nervous about facing such harsh winters. Here, temperatures can drop to -43°C for weeks at a time. Yet I was pleasantly surprised to see how life continues undeterred: children play outside, families gather and community events carry on. Winter isn’t seen as an obstacle – it’s a season full of beauty, traditions and togetherness.
Sharing this journey matters to me, because these experiences deserve to be known and valued. Teaching in the North means stepping out of your comfort zone, questioning yourself and rediscovering the essence of education: learning together, human to human.
by Will Nicholls | Photo provided by Audrey Steiner
Dance is something that is always wonderful to see, whether it involves the mating dance of birds or that of humans. At Montreal’s Place des Arts recently, French choreographer Hervé Koubi’s Sol Invictus (“the unconquered sun”) production expressed fraternity and shared joy.
It was amazing to watch and had me on the edge of my seat. When I emitted a loud “wow!” at the sight of a man spinning very fast on his hands, a woman beside me simply said, “Yes.” We were both caught up in the spell that was created by a gifted Koubi. In fact, we were entranced throughout the show.
I went to the performance expecting to see ballet or jazz dance but got so much more. The acrobatics would have impressed any Cirque du Soleil talent scout lucky enough to be there. Breakdancing moves that most people would never attempt, like spinning on your hand or head, lasted longer and were faster than anything I’ve ever seen before and made my own head spin. There were also various forms of martial arts incorporated into the dance.
Occasionally, one or more of the performers would stop and assume a pose reminiscent of Greek or Roman statues. I swear that at one point I saw Zeus himself about to toss a thunderbolt. Some performers raced around the stage at a quickening pace before dropping to the floor and continuing to speed up using their arms and legs. If this could be taught to our Canadian Armed Forces, we would have soldiers who could overrun the enemy in no time at all. It’s something to think about given the changes in our former ally’s aggressive posture toward Canada and Greenland.
There was no intermission in this 75-minute show. It speaks to the performers’ strength, discipline and willingness to go beyond normal human limits. Especially when you look at the athletic strength and precision necessary for certain parts of the dance.
The performers come from all parts of the world. But the one who fascinated me most was the one-legged performer. If you think a one-legged person can’t dance, then you should see this guy move. You could see he didn’t get any breaks because of his disability but rather played as if he wasn’t handicapped at all.
The music at times seemed as eclectic as the dance forms. There were classical overtones in the musical score composed by Mikael Karlsson and Maxine Bodson. But at one point I wondered what had been added to what seemed to be an Irish Celtic song with a little extra.
Koubi calls Sol Invictus a hymn to life and community through the unifying power of dance. He achieved that and more. Some of us were lucky enough to see it.
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Varty
While ice travel has long been a vital form of winter transportation in Eeyou Istchee, climate change is creating dangerous and unpredictable conditions.
Ice safety was one of the biggest topics of discussion at the first regional climate change forum in 2018 and it remains a concern constantly raised in community consultations for adaptation planning. Recent years have seen greater efforts to test ice thickness, provide markings for safe trails and regularly communicate the latest conditions.
“They say with global warming, the Arctic is getting warmer faster than the south,” said Ronnie Snowboy, ice monitor for the Cree Nation of Chisasibi. “I can feel it already. Once I went to my camp way up north, the more we went north there was less ice thickness.”
Working in this field for about the last five years, Snowboy uses little more than a simple drill, measuring stick and traditional knowledge. Besides checking the trails three times a week on his snowmobile, he’s assisted by land users sharing updates and Elders discussing ice conditions on the bush radio.
The general advice for community members is to wait for land users to visit their camps in December and then stick to those tried-and-true trails. As shorter and warmer winters are becoming the new normal, Snowboy said they aren’t getting as many -30°C days and the ice is often noticeably softer.
“We’re using the same old trails we’ve used since the dogs were running,” said Snowboy. “A long time ago we used to travel on the ice in June. Now
it’s three weeks earlier. Two years ago, it rained in March and we couldn’t travel on the winter trail.”
Snowboy had just returned from his camp on January 12, opening the bush trail but not yet grooming or marking it. There are three primary trails used by people whose hunting ground is on the north side of Chisasibi – the newly opened bush trail, another used in the fall and early winter, and a third called “the spring trail” that’s on the saltwater ice.
In addition to climate change, hydroelectric development is a major factor in water and ice conditions, resulting in more freshwater flowing into James Bay from La Grande River which then moves northward. Freshwater freezes faster
than saltwater and melts earlier, so is less reliable than the saltwater black ice.
“When there’s high tides there’s usually some water on top of the ice, especially near the shores, so the ice cracks at high and low tide,” Snowboy explained. “During the holidays when it was really blowing, all the snow was blown into the bushes. The tide was really high so it’s almost only ice there, very slippery.”
Snowboy reported rough winds where the winter trail approaches the treeline and not much snow on the tundra. As snow is insulating, its presence suggests thinner ice. Snowboy recalled travels with his father seeking areas with deeper snow because there would be less ice to chop.
Brownish snow is a clear sign of dangerous ice, as highlighted by Waswanipi’s public safety department. The community’s river ice was announced safe for travel on January 12, with residents also advised to travel near the safety markers and inform family members about their travel plans.
Underwater currents are another factor in regions such as Wemindji’s offshore islands. George Natawapineskum has taken up the role long held in the community by his late father Billy, sharing announcements about ice conditions and warning youth about what to watch out for.
“Between the islands, there are currents that hardly freeze so we tell people to avoid them,” said Natawapineskum, local Cree Trappers’ Association and public safety officer. “Back when I started hunting with my dad, there was more black ice. Since there’s more freshwater from the river up north, there’s less black ice.”
While ice on the north side of Wemindji’s islands previously remained until June, now it’s usually good until April. The spring melt is more significant, with “a whole body of water from the Chisasibi side” coming down the coast.
Natawapineskum works with the CTA’s Stephanie Varty to study ice changes through satellite aerial views. They recently published a digital GIS map showing skidoo trails, campsites and thin- ice areas, a project completed over two years with the help of tallymen and land users.
“I get the land users to let me know and sometimes we use satellite images to look at where it’s open water,” said Natawapineskum. “Then I post it on our local websites. When it’s sunny and clear we update it. The CTA is still working on an ice safety video.”
The Cree Nation’s environment department produces ice-safety videos and collaborates on related studies to better understand how to adapt to changing realities. On October 30, they accompanied researchers from McGill University to install an ice-safety buoy in Lake Mistassini.
Ice monitoring has also been one of the variables tested for the offshore eelgrass research conducted by the Eeyou Coastal Habitat Comprehensive Research Project, in collaboration with University of Manitoba researchers.
With the 2022 report “Climate Change in Eeyou Istchee” suggesting an average warming increase of 3.5 to 6.5°C by 2050, particularly in the winter months, Cree people are already preparing alternatives to the ice trails that have long been a seasonal necessity.
“Some of the guys going up north hunting were thinking of making a trail for the four-wheelers where we would drive on the land only,” said Snowboy. “We could use it in the springtime too, so we won’t have to go on the ice. I think soon we won’t be able to go on the ice, maybe in 10 years.”
From January 26 to February 19, 2026
The Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) invites the public to participate in a public consultation on the planned modifications in the Integrated Forest Management Plans - Operational (PAFIO) and on the special management plan (PAS) for the recovery of wood affected by the spruce budworm of the regional public land.
Those PAFIO present potential forest operation zones where work is planned such as timber harvesting, land preparation, reforestation, thinning, construction and rehabilitation of multi-purpose roads are potentially planned in some areas of the public forest for management units 026-61, 026-62, 026-63, 026-64, 026-65, 026-66, 085-51, 086-52, 086-63, 086-64, 086-65, 086-66, 087-51, 087-62, 087-63 and 087-64.
The PAS includes potential areas of intervention where timber harvesting operations are planned, as well as the location of roads and other infrastructure to be built or improved in management units 087-51 and 087-63.
You have until February 19, 2026, at 11:59 pm, to provide your comments.
INFORMATION ACTIVITIES
To consult the plans and submit your comments: Québec.ca/consultationsforêt-nord-du-québec
Departmental experts will hold information sessions to specify the areas for potential intervention for public consultation, the way to provide online comments, and the follow-up that will be done regarding addressed concerns. A question-and-answer period with participants will conclude the activity. Management units 026-61, 026-62, 026-63, 026-64, 026-65 and 026-66: Monday, February 2, 2026, starting from 7:00 p.m. - Chibougamau: City Hall Council Room (650, 3e Rue)
Management unit 085-51: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Beaucanton: Municipal Building Room A (2709, boulevard du Curé-McDuff)
Management units 086-52, 086-63, 086-64, 086-65 and 086-66: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Matagami: EIJBRG Headquarters – Large room (2, rue des Rapides)
Management units 087-51, 087-62, 087-63 and 087-64: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Lebel-sur-Quévillon: City Hall Room number 6 (500, place Quévillon)
For more information
Specialists are also available by appointment from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. using the following contact information:
By email: nord-du-quebec.foret@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca
Unité de gestion de Chibougamau 624, 3e Rue
Chibougamau (Québec) G8P 1P1
Telephone: 418-748-2647
Unité de gestion de Quévillon 1121, boulevard Industriel, C. P. 159
Lebel-sur-Quévillon (Québec) J0Y 1X0
Telephone: 819-755-4838
Unité de gestion de Mont-Plamondon 645, 1re Rue Est La Sarre (Québec) J9Z 3P3
Telephone: 819-339-7623
Note: This consultation does not allow for the review of the use of public land, or the rights granted to it.
Unité de gestion de l’Harricana-Nord 1122, route 111 Est Amos (Québec) J9T 1N1 Telephone: 819-444-5238
by Xavier Kataquapit
Iwas surprised to recently see that relatives in Attawapiskat still fetch water from a pumping station. For most people in the community, it is the only source of clean water. It was surprising because this was the reality when I was a teenager over 30 years ago. I had hoped that by now, the system would be fixed and properly maintained to provide safe drinking water to every household. But that is not the case.
A more serious issue has arisen in Kashechewan, south of Attawapiskat on the James Bay coast, where Chief Hosea Wesley declared a state of local emergency January 4 when the community’s water treatment and wastewater plants were in a state of disrepair. They were at the point of a full emergency when not enough clean drinking water could be provided to residents.
In the midst of the problems, a sewage backup at the community’s clinic forced them to move their medical services. This has been compounded by the fact that all the remote James Bay communities are dealing with serious flu and Covid outbreaks. The sickness is even more serious in remote First Nations since most families live in overcrowded conditions, and any contagion immedi ately infects many people.
Kashechewan is now faced with having to evacuate hundreds of community members to southern cities and towns.
This is not the first time. In 2005, more than 800 residents were evacuated because of E. coli contamination. On top of that, the community faces near-annual evacuations due to spring flooding on the Albany River, where it is located.
The constant emergency disruptions in Kashechewan take a serious toll on families, especially young people, who lose out on their education and feel unsafe and uncomfortable in their own homes.
Further west, in northern Manitoba, Pimicikamak Cree Nation suffered a major power outage that left the community without electricity during the coldest days of December. Water pipes froze and when the power returned, burst pipes ruined homes. In online video reports, Chief David Monias describes how Pimicikamak was barely handling water services before the power outage. This emergency event has only made their water management problems even worse.
Governments at all levels need to take more action to support aging and
not a matter of if their systems will fail, but when.
It is far more productive, cheaper and safer if these issues are dealt with now rather than waiting for the inevitable failures to happen. Governments need to provide better funding for infrastructure in these northern communities.
What is more economical? To save money now and not provide sufficient funding for aging infrastructure? Or wait until a major catastrophe happens and emergency management teams have to be called in, the military mobilized, evacuees transported, community members housed and fed in shelters and then spend even more to remedy the actual problem. In the long run, it would be far easier on everyone and more cost-effective to properly address these issues to prevent them from happening in the first place.
First Nations are frustrated by having to deal with these issues on an ongoing basis, while governments are willing to subsidize industry and corporations that want to exploit these northern territories. We should expect a standard of living that puts people first – and finally make
