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to happen when you are dealing with health issues.

I remember in Moose Factory when a doctor prescribed birth control pills to a woman who’d had numerous children. But when the woman came back from the bush, she was pregnant. The doctor then found out that the husband had been taking the pills religiously. Apparently, he was confused by his breast development. A cultural misunderstanding if there ever was one.

One of the things Dolores and company wanted all Cree patients to know is that there is a McGill University Health Centre Patients Committee. You know all those signs you see saying hospital staff will not accept abusive language or behaviour? Well, it turns out that it works for patients too. Online you go to muhc.ca/patients-committee for a list

was at the hospital recently for a consultation. It’s never the most pleasant of things, but something we all have to do from time to time, though it seems to be more frequent as we age. That feeling that nothing can really harm me is disappearing as time marches on.

This trip involved going to the Royal Victoria Hospital, now known as the Glen, in Montreal. I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to go, but fortunately I saw Delores, a Cree Patient Services employee, who gave me directions on where to find my appointment.

With her teammates, Delores was staffing a table near the hospital entrance to share Cree culture with patients, visitors and staff. On display were Walking Out ceremonial garb, traditional drums and basic Cree words and phrases. I was told that many people who stopped by received instruction on how to properly pronounce the words.

Doctors and nurses were the most interested, Delores added.

That reminded me of my mother in her seniors’ home in Chibougamau.

She has been teaching Cree to the staff and French to Cree residents, acting as a translator for both when needed.

That type of work is needed by Cree people no matter what medical facility they find themselves in. The differences between cultures can lead to misunderstandings and that isn’t a good thing

of your rights as a patient and what the committee can do.

They also offer assistance in making suggestions or complaints about how you were treated. Dolores said they hear about complaints but don’t get many.

She said this is concerning as it means there are problems to be addressed, but which can’t be resolved without something definite.

Dolores encourages patients to complain as she said the Cree Health Board does not want to see Cree patients unhappy with the way they are treated or having their needs ignored.

Instead of just crying doctor, doctor, you might want to consult Cree Patient Services wherever you might be to ensure you are getting the assistance and care you need without misunderstandings or harassment because of who you are.

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the Nation is published every two weeks by Beesum Communications // EDITORIAL BOARD L. Stewart, W. Nicholls, M. Siberok, Mr. N. Diamond, E. Webb // EDITOR IN CHIEF Will Nicholls // DIRECTOR OF FINANCES Linda Ludwick // EDITORS Lyle Stewart, Martin Siberok // STORY COORDINATOR Patrick Quinn // CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, P. Quinn, N. Fedosieieva // 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: 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: $90 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.

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Free, culturally safe support is available every step of the way.

If you were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the Government of Canada (between 1936 and 1981), and experienced psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse, you may be eligible for $10,000 to $200,000 in compensation under the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement.

You do not need medical records to submit a Claim.

The Claim Form asks you to provide contact information, a copy of your government identification and respond to specific questions about your experience. You can take your time. And you do not have to go through this alone.

Free support is available.

Claims Helpers are available across the country for free. They can: • Answer questions and help you understand the Claims Process • Help you complete a Claim Form • Support you at a pace that feels right for you • Connect you with other free resources

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hile the Cree School Board celebrates a growing number of graduates in diverse fields, First Nations leaders remain concerned that the Quebec government’s French-language laws are creating additional systemic barriers to higher education.

As Quebec’s National Assembly closed for the summer June 12, Bill 8 aiming to expand French requirements to adult education and vocational training died on the order paper along with the CAQ’s controversial constitution bill.

English-language school boards and First Nations vociferously oppose both bills.

“Quebec continues to advance a colonial approach that risks increasing barriers to graduation, access to higher education and the development of a skilled workforce in our communities,” stated Denis Gros-Louis, director general of the First Nations Education Council (FNEC).

After decades of political struggle, Indigenous communities are gradually assuming responsibility for education, a federal jurisdiction. However, when students leave for post-secondary studies, they’re now forced to take additional French-language courses and pass a French exit exam.

Although limited exemptions exist for certain on-reserve Indigenous students, directors from five English CEGEPs have jointly declared these insufficient and inaccessible.

The FNEC shared that the majority of First Nations students enrolled in English-language programs fail the French courses imposed by Law 14 (formerly Bill 96), jeopardizing their graduation.

“We refuse any assimilation policy against our learners,” Gros-Louis asserted. “We want a comprehensive exemption for First Nations learners. They’re trying to do to First Nations what they say the North American continent is doing to French.”

When language requirements push students to study out of province, their qualifications aren’t recognized in Quebec unless they pass a French exam. Kahnawake Grand Chief Cody Diabo recently called for certification from other provinces to be recognized in Quebec and for Indigenous people to be excluded from any French-language charter rules.

“Kahnawake First Nations people are not Quebec citizens,” said Diabo. “This constant overture of legislating over First Nations needs to stop, and there needs to be proper separations in that sense, and staying in each other’s lanes.”

Gros-Louis said Quebec’s laws are forcing Indigenous students to abandon their language and culture, while potential community leaders are moving out of province and self-determination is being compromised. Budget cuts to English education risk the closure of programs and institutions that communities rely upon for advancing skilled workers.

“With every graduate who loses this opportunity, we’re losing teachers, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs,” said Gros-Louis. “The whole province is losing if we deny fundamental inherent rights to education. I don’t understand why this government for years now has refused to sit down and discuss solutions in good faith.”

French is a third language for many Indigenous students, particularly in Cree, Inuit, Kanien’kehá:ka, Naskapi and Mi’gmaq communities. Before Law 14’s adoption, CSB chairperson Sarah Pashagumskum said, “Not only will this affect the career plans of our youth, but it will also impact our goals of capacity development as a nation.”

When the law was implemented, Cameron Biron, a Cree student from Wemindji at John Abbott College, said, “It’s putting my education at risk – I don’t think I can do it, so I’m making the choice to leave.”

Despite these emerging obstacles, the CSB’s growing post-secondary edu-

cation programs in partnership with John Abbott College and McGill University resulted in an impressive array of graduates this year. On June 4, a ceremony at John Abbott celebrated eight graduates from the Iyeskuwiiu preparatory program and 20 from the Springboard to Nursing program.

“Our graduates this year are examples of resilience and perseverance, showing us that anything is possible when we put our mind to achieving our goals,” said Pashagumskum. “Some of them are parents on top of all the other responsibilities that they have. All of them are role models, now and for the future.”

Two days earlier, 10 Cree students graduated from McGill with various education degrees and certificates. Five earned a bachelor’s of education, four achieved certificates in education, and Celeste Awashish attained a Master’s degree in education psychology.

“I’m intrigued by how and why people learn,” explained Awashish. “We look at cognitive flexibility, adaptability, which motivations drive people. Learning more about all of that tickled part of my brain so it made it easier to learn because it’s something I’m interested in.”

Having tutored Indigenous students in French since CEGEP, Awashish backs the language’s protection but said the new laws create “more barriers in an institution that’s already hard to navigate.” She credits her support system and the CSB’s assistance for helping achieve her goal.

“My educational journey was far from linear,” Awashish emphasized. “I repeated

elementary grades, dropped out of high school, completed an adult ed that took years. Entering classrooms with people a lot younger than me, I felt like I was behind, but it’s important to celebrate the challenges you’ve overcome and not just set a timeline for yourself.”

Mistissini members Minnie Loon and Kelly MacLeod also recently obtained Master’s degrees. MacLeod has pursued nursing since high school, attaining a DEC from John Abbott in 2009 before a stint at Montreal General Hospital. After moving to Alberta, she completed her bachelor’s remotely, then took a larger role in Mistissini during the pandemic.

“I loved having more autonomy and was learning so much that I wanted to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner,” MacLeod explained.

“I will be working in primary care with an Indigenous community around Edmonton. The CSB was fantastic, [helping me] focus on my studies and be there for my family.”

Admitting she didn’t apply to McGill because of Quebec’s language laws, MacLeod suggested networking through a school’s Indigenous Student Centre to overcome the challenge of leaving home.

“That was a big adjustment being away from your family and friends, learning how to ‘adult’ together,” said MacLeod. “You develop your own little community as you meet people. Be patient with yourself. Don’t give up on it – it feels good once you accomplish it.” the Nation

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Vous n’avez pas besoin de dossiers médicaux pour soumettre une demande d’indemnisation. Le formulaire de réclamation vous demande de fournir vos coordonnées, une copie d’une pièce d’identité émise par le gouvernement et de répondre à des questions sur votre expérience.

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On June 7, the Centre d’art Daphne in Montreal hosted the launch of James Bay Memoirs and Other Stories

by Margaret Sam-Cromarty.

The 90-year-old Eeyou writer shared several poems from the 288-page compilation during the event.

“To see the audience’s reactions to her words was really powerful,” said editor Isabella Huberman, who initiated the project along with Élise Couture-Grondin.

“It really felt like a celebratory event. A memorable day, great turnout.”

“We had people follow along in their books while she was reading, creating a communal read along,” said Huberman. “People bought books and wanted to get them signed by Margaret.

She was very popular, sitting on this couch in the middle of the room. It felt like we were visiting somebody’s living room.”

Couture-Grondin discovered Sam-Cromarty’s books during a family trip to Chisasibi three years ago and reached the author after talking with Huberman. The editors worked with her to correct inaccuracies in three poetry books that were out of print, and included speeches and articles from the Nation published in the 1990s.

Sam-Cromarty’s book is available at the Wachiya store in Old Montreal. “From life on Fort George Island to the relocation of Chisasibi, Margaret shares experiences that continue to inspire future generations,” says the Wachiya store description.

“Her writings remind us of the strength of community, the importance of the land, and the value of preserving Indigenous knowledge.”

An Eeyou Istchee book launch is planned for the second weekend of the annual

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Mamoweedow Gathering on Fort George Island July 9-19.

The community’s relocation to Chisasibi during the first phase of HydroQuébec’s James Bay project in 1980 informed much of Sam-Cromarty’s writing, documenting community life and experiences on the land before and after the move.

Her poem “Trees” was selected in a nationwide search to appear in a book alongside other Indigenous poets.

“I thought I should do it for the next generation or whoever is interested in our culture,” Sam-Cromarty told the Nation last fall. “I found a lot of people are interested in our culture. That’s the most amazing part. It started in a remote place and yet it went far – I never thought it would come this far.”

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Chisasibi Secondary 1 student Henry Grimstead won

a bronze medal at this year’s Canada Wide Science Fair in Edmonton for his project “Long, Long Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away.”

Grimstead’s project used the Galaxy Zoo online platform to classify 189 galaxy images and analyze 47 of the more interesting ones in greater detail. The platform enables participants to help scientists examine vast astronomical data sets to understand more about the universe.

“I found a disturbed spiral galaxy with more than four arms and even a possible rare polar ring galaxy!” enthused Grimstead. “I was very lucky to be the first person ever to view some of these galaxy images and help scientists identify interesting galaxies for further study.”

Grimstead also explored galactic mysteries in his science project last year, when he won first prize in the Grade 6 category at the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair. That project, “Exoplanets: The Search for New Worlds”, involved searching for plan-

ets outside our solar system using NASA transit photometry software.

The Cree School Board’s annual Regional Science Fair showcased 50 participants in Waswanipi this February.

Several projects advanced to the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair held in La Tuque March 24-26.

In La Tuque, Gilbert Swallow and Junayshia Waapikun (Mistissini) won the Heritage Cultural Award of Excellence for their project comparing human and AI goose calls. Aube Jolly and Pascal Jonah (Waskaganish) received the Scientific Development Award for their project, “Le Système Solaire”.

Winning second in their categories were Nathaneal Brown (Whapmagoostui) for exploring the antioxidant effects of Indigenous medicinal plants, CharlyJames Sanipass (Waswanipi) showing how kinetic energy moves a boat, and Nathania Brown (Whapmagoostui) about recycling Breakfast Club waste.

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Truckers Unite

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s construction projects expand throughout Eeyou Istchee, Cree truck drivers are increasingly uniting to improve their business opportunities.

In April, Chisasibi’s Adam Gates became the first Cree to become president of a trucking association, with which he hopes to prioritize local truck owners and drivers. A heavy equipment mechanic by trade, Gates bought an old dump truck to fix up in 2012. That led him to launch Mithamin Transport and Construction the following year.

With Mithamin growing to five 12-wheeler dump trucks alongside other vehicles, about four years ago Gates acquired majority ownership of Eenou Eeyou Construction and partnered with Hardy Construction for bigger projects like Chisasibi’s new Sabtuan Learning Centre.

Working closely with the Radisson Baie-James Substation since its establishment in 2024, Gates became a board member after securing a permit from Quebec’s Commission des transports last fall. He believes this summer could exceed last year’s milestone, when about

20 Cree truckers earned almost half of the association’s $9 million in revenue.

“Before Radisson was established, trucks were dispatched from Chibougamau and Matagami associations and Crees were left behind,” Gates said. “The goal was to prioritize local truck owners and I think we’ve really hit it out of the ballpark.”

Because the Commission long ago stopped issuing new permits, new truckers must purchase someone’s existing permit. While only three Crees in the association currently hold permits, the association is still able to dispatch a majority of Cree drivers coming from several communities as it helps more locals secure permits.

Last year, the Cree Nation Government’s Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) hosted open forums to discuss emerging opportunities and barriers in this growing field. With the Commission planning to open truck registration in the region to anyone in 2027, Gates consulted DCI and Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch about negotiating more favourable arrangements for Cree drivers.

“We want to put a stop to that and ask if we can have new permits issued specifically for Crees that can’t be resold,” explained Gates. “My goal for now is to funnel all the Cree trucks through the Radisson association.”

There have long been calls for a Cree trucking association, but little progress has been made. However, Gates said the Radisson association has the advantage of being already established and legally certified to govern the region. Even with every Cree trucker working, the abundance of projects would require contracting non-Native drivers.

Self-employed truck driver Jamie Gunner has been trying to start an association for inland Cree communities, which he said is slowly gaining ground in Mistissini. He said he’s struggled to find enough work in Mistissini since buying his truck in 2022 with grants from the CNG, Mistissini band and former employer Stornoway Diamonds.

“I had to leave the community because of too many trucks and I wasn’t rotated,” said Gunner. “I worked in Ouje and Waswanipi the first year, then I went back home. They called me. It was kind

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of hard being out there without your family, especially when you have little ones.”

Cree construction companies told Gunner that they go through trucking associations. So, he called the associations in Matagami, Quevillon, Chibougamau and Radisson. With Radisson the only one to respond, he went to Chisasibi last summer but was frustrated after waiting three months for payment.

Although Gunner said mining companies generally work with the francophone associations, he’s accepted a job at Waswanipi’s new Windfall mine. After 25 years, Gunner still loves driving trucks.

Trucking was his father’s dream job but his training in Quebec City was abandoned when the family needed him.

“He had to quit and come back home because my mom was the only provider at that time,” shared Gunner. “I wanted to show him I could do it. When I owned my own truck, he was happy for me. He paid for my business plan to support me.”

Chisasibi-based driver Chris Sam was working at the local radio station before trading the office for the open road 11 years ago. After getting his Class 3 license, he was recruited to work underground at the Eleonore mine with various machinery and 55-ton trucks.

He’s currently making repairs to the Billy Diamond Highway following a winter plowing snow.

“We worked on the LG-3 dam on the Trans-Taiga highway,” said Sam. “I’d wake up early and see the sunrise – those moments are priceless. When the first snowstorm hit in November, it was crazy.

Hydro-Québec workers got stuck and I had to pull out five of them.”

Sam loves making friends on the job and clearing his head during those long hauls. As a guitarist and singer for Cree Rising, the truck is a great place for listening to music and practicing his vocals ahead of summertime gigs. He

said truckers are a supportive community and he enjoyed helping out fellow snowplow driver Mary-Jane Rabbitskin this winter.

“We’re all like a family,” said Rabbitskin.

“I feel safe and comfortable working with other drivers teaching me and looking out for me, as I’m the only woman truck driver here. It’s so nice waving when I see the other drivers. It’s like an adventure going to work sites.”

Rabbitskin got her start working for the Eleonore mine but prefers driving above ground enjoying the natural scenery and listening to music. Recalling challenges in her early days backing uphill to make a road, she’s proud of her contributions when she passes that site.

Now working her second summer with the Radisson trucking association, Rabbitskin learned how to operate the loader on the highway – co-workers say she’s a natural. She’s happy to see Cree drivers prioritized with the association and looks forward to learning the concrete truck when it’s her turn to work towards a permit.

Working alongside 18-wheelers in her community sparked an interest in pursuing her Class 1 license. Incorporated in 1987 by the Chisasibi and Wemindji communities, Kepa Transport provides freight service between Eeyou Istchee and other parts of the continent. Rabbitskin imagines driving a Kepa truck through the US, an offer rejected by one of her friends.

“Every time I see him, I give him that disappointed look and we laugh about it,” said Rabbitskin. “Seeing people on the road, they’re so proud, giving me thumbs up. I still have a lot to learn but I’m glad I have support. I can’t wait to have a woman truck driver as a co-worker one day.”

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Opportunities here. For today and the future.

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M

ore than 70 Indigenous artists from across International Year of Astronomy, Nazon began applying the circumpolar world are featured in Qillaniq, the traditional beadwork techniques she learned as a a major multidisciplinary showcase at the child to recreate images captured by the Hubble Space National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa that celebrates Telescope.

Indigenous creativity and connection across the Arctic.

“Before I beaded flowers,” she said. “Space is very Co-curator Laakkuluk Williamson, a Greenlandic different, and I was intrigued by all the images that Inuk based in Iqaluit, believes the exhibition represents were coming forth.” something much larger than an art show.

The vibrant colours and abstract beauty of astro“It is a moment of great pride for our artistic com- nomical images inspire Nazon’s fascination with munity as Arctic people,” she said. the cosmos. “I learned a lot about all the gases The exhibition brings together artists from in space,” she said. “So, I quit doing flowers and Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Sápmi,“Our regions decided to humble do Saturn comets and Milky daughter dad was a truly manand year-old espected Cree SiberiaElder whoseBeyadabnoskum Indigenous peoples remain connected despite Way. and everything he ”did was done out of Isaac Masty national borders.

Nazon believes visitors’ reactions often Stella Masty. began his journey to the spirit love,” said eldest daughter “Even in different we are depend on their “He held integrity of his workfamiliarity to the with astronomy. world on though May 28.weHelive spent his finalnations, still the people,”spring Williamson a “At first, sure what it highest is regard, always freelypeople giving weren’t his days at same the family’s campsaid. in “Qillaniq moment of unity, surrounded and it’s also abymoment of great joy to was, ” she continued.

“It was abstract art to those who would listen Whapmagoostui love knowledge that laughter. we are expressing." and wanted to them, learn.” but once they learned the stories and A central theme of the exhibition is what Williamson behind the for images, they ask questions She said his passion the Cree “He served his community during a calls “radical joy”, concept rooted it.” was always languagesurand and wayenjoy of life foundational and ademanding periodininIndigenous vival and resistance.

Amongthat the the pieces Creeon display is which Cree leaders worked to establish prominent, emphasizing “Every single aspect of that our contin lives in Arctic as and Spiritvalues of the Ocean, a sculpture carved land, culture couldn’t be institutions and protections contin- the Indigenous peoples is highly explained. from mammoth tusk by Viktor Iadne, ue to serve our Nation today,”colonized, stated the” sheseparated.

Melanie“It wasCouncil colonized in aCrees. way “His that leader the system wants to a atraditional New York-based bone carver “He was pipe carrier, Grand of the leadereradicate our formative existence,years and yet everylay day sun we do exist, and from the Yamalo-Nenets both paths, region in dancer, followed ship in those helped and groundwork we create allfor of the these safe places that we are Siberia. no able judgment, ” Stella shared. “Never the self-determinaself-determina - with to laugh and have great in.””

The sculpture allowing us to quit but to keepdepicts going an octotion Eeyou Istchee enjoysjoy now.

Qillaniqfrom (Inuktitut for “the four eyes no matteron how pus-like hard lifecreature was, thatwith better Apart his time as light Chief that of shimmers water”) was developed six Indigenous andHis a mouth on aofwhale’s were ahead. message com- tail “as com Whapmagoostui in the by 1980s, Masty daysco-curators whoinworked a year andpassion, a half with I was perseverance inspired by theand mythical empathy, worked many together fields of for community the National Gallery.

Every artwork is- important cosmic personage Cthulhu,” love livesfor through all those he impact impactservice and guided numerous Cree enti entiWilliamson “because ed.”commu- Iadne said. “The whale is a ties over the years. we He are wasresponsive a formerto our nities.” president of the Cree Trappers’ wholemyeloma platformand that can be Quietly fighting prospros regional “I felt a and responsibility to make of sure tate that cancer artists fordeveloped.

I delved deepsix years, “he did not Association was the chairperson fromEeyou Greenland Nunavut in thewant show,to ” she er and his sawillness, the spirit of the talk about ” Stella the Marine and Region Impactare Review said, mentioning the work

by Nunavut artist Natashia ocean. noted, adding that her” father fought the Board since its creation in 2012.

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by Inuit past. His art often left, his explore and grandkids had manywomen. lives in one lifetime. He when the kidsdistant Rose. no many Cree artists arecarried includedheartbeat in Qillaniq, Northernthen traditions, huntwas irregular, when animals, they hadAlthough worked so careers, Williamson believes there are speak strong connections ers, spirits, shamansregu and mythology. returned, his heart and breathing reguso much knowledge, and could between Inuit about and Cree people.

“Bone his contains children.”the energy of anithoughtfully almost anything. lated. He surely loved are many similarities in the colonialA experimals, created

by God, ” he said. “If it’s a trusted mentor to many, Masty But “There more than anything, he understood ence, and peopleimportant to mammoth, played roles at theand Cree it ran, that energy is mempeople. ” that’s something for all Indigenous be in conversation explained. do Government, have ory, it’s Nation Cree Outfitting always there. and We, as Indigenous peoples, Born in 1952 about, about” she 80 km east “We parallels in our lives, and it’s important non-InuitAssociation, to serve asthe Cree Healthbetween the world, nature a kind of bridge of Whapmagoostui during the daysfor Tourism bearnomadic witness to there’s so much learn.”Nishiiyuu Board’s and the anddepartment, spirits.” of life,it because Masty studied locallocal - to Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Coordinating hopes the exhibition of offers a deeper Although Indigenous peoples from Siberia ly Williamson before obtaining a Bachelor Committee. understanding of ArcticasIndigenous relationships with and from Canada’s NWT have developed differEducation.

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The Cree IELCC Fund is designed to fund projects/activities that foster TheThe Cree IELCC Fund is is the education, Cree culture Cree IELCC Fund The Cree IELCC Fund The Cree IELCC Fund is is designed fund designed to fund and language, asto well as designed to fund designed to fund projects/activities that foster projects/activities that foster health and wellbeing of that projects/activities that foster projects/activities foster education, Cree culture thethe education, Cree culture children and 0the to 6 and their the education, Cree culture education, Cree culture and language, well language, asas well asas and language, as well as and language, as well as families.health health and wellbeing and wellbeing ofof

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wacak is an Indigenous-led organization that helps Cree and Inuit families find answers about their children who were hospitalized and never returned.

They work with the department of family support in Quebec’s Indigenous affairs ministry to access records under a provincial law enacted in 2021. Then known as Bill 79, the law is a response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“When we search, we search with our hearts,” said Awacak’s Pikoganbased director Françoise Ruperthouse.

“We try to find answers because I know what it does when we search and we don’t find them. It hurts so badly. We are always in waiting.”

Before Quebec’s law was adopted, Ruperthouse had worked for years trying to find two siblings lost in the healthcare system. Ruperthouse eventually located her sister in a Baie-SaintPaul facility not long before she passed away in 2000, but she believes that the family could have enjoyed more time together if the law had arrived earlier.

Retired investigative journalist Anne Panasuk joined Awacak as a consultant after working with Innu families seeking their missing children and later with the government as it implemented the law. The provincial minister sought her advice in engaging with communities and to guide families requesting a search.

“I told them you have a trust problem and a transparency problem,” said Panasuk. “Bill 79 really unlocks the medical files – it’s mandatory to give out information. We can say to the families, all that has been found is going to be given back to you. Nothing is going to be hidden.”

After Panasuk produced a 20-minute segment for Radio-Canada’s Enquête program in 2015 about eight Innu

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children from Pakuashipi who never returned from hospital 40 years ago, the Atikamekw contacted her with their own stories. Later joined by the Anishinaabe, the First Nations began collaborating to seek answers.

Since Awacak was established five years ago, it’s reached Indigenous communities across the province through public gatherings, radio addresses and meetings with families. Nearly 250 searches have been launched, with 21 files now closed, including 10 in the last year.

“At the beginning it was a little difficult but now there’s a lot of cooperation,” Panasuk explained. “The problem is some documents don’t exist and hospitals were [formerly] private and reli-

gious. Those archives are sometimes in boxes under the bed of the priest.”

Sometimes there’s only a death certificate, containing the child’s date of birth and death, cause of death and to whom the body was returned. Two hospitals unlawfully destroyed documents, leaving no way to trace the deceased child. Awacak works with physicians who answer families’ questions about whether the treatment seemed adequate.

“Families would like to know if the child was well treated,” said Panasuk.

“Was there someone there when they passed away? We have no answers for that. At least if they can bring home the body or do a ceremony it allows closure.”

While these children were often buried in common or unmarked graves, Awacak’s lawyers have helped families conduct five exhumations so far. Some cemetery managers have been so moved by these stories that they’ve offered free gravesites and tombstone engraving.

In 2024, the body of nine-year-old Juliette Rabbitskin was moved from La Tuque after nearly 50 years to be laid to rest in Mistissini. Her cousin Emily Rabbitskin told the Nation after the reburial, “It’s like a load from my soul was lifted.”

When Awacak made a presentation at a Cree Nation Government board council meeting in 2023, former Deputy Grand Chief Norman A. Wapachee shared a story about his sister Hattie, who remained at Roberval hospital in January 1956 with pneumonia after her two older brothers were discharged.

The seven-month-old child passed away that April.

“When my parents went to Roberval to see the body, they were told to wait at the cemetery,” recalled Wapachee. “They stayed there all afternoon and it never arrived. The taxi had to return and they never got to see where it was buried. I never got to meet her but it impacted my life, wondering if she was still alive.”

Driving to Montreal for meetings over the years, Wapachee would think of Hattie whenever he passed Roberval. Consulting the hospital’s archives yielded little progress until Awacak entered the picture. Working primarily with Wapachee’s wife Anouk, Awacak eventually traced Hattie’s remains to a Catholic cemetery in Mashteuiatsh, near Saguenay.

“We went over to my parents’ place that evening,” said Wapachee. “Of course, my mom cried. She was relieved and happy. I remember her words: ‘After 67 years, I’m finally going to bed knowing where my baby is.’ My mom and dad passed away shortly after that.”

Since then, a public meeting in Mistissini resulted in other families initiating searches. Following a recent presentation in Waswanipi, Awacak intends to visit all other communities in both the Cree Nation and Nunavik in the coming months. The organization hopes to hire Cree and Inuit people to ensure cultural safety throughout the process.

Several missing Cree children may have gone to Ontario hospitals, where it isn’t yet mandatory to unlock medical and religious records. Similar situations occurred across Canada, wherever parents weren’t permitted to accompany their children. Indian Affairs agents could decide that it was too costly to return bodies to the communities while no information was given to families.

“It’s outrageous taking the baby like that,” Panasuk asserted. “They say, ‘We didn’t know where they were.’ I don’t accept that. People answer, ‘They knew where we were to take us for residential school.’ So we’re repairing things that shouldn’t have happened.”

With a property not far from Hattie’s unmarked grave in Mashteuiatsh, Wapachee has noticed many Cree and Inuit names in the cemetery. His family still hopes to locate Hattie’s exact location as “it would be nice to bring her home.”

“I’ll probably be there every other day in July,” said Wapachee. “Before Goose Break, we received a binder of all the research that was done – it was nice to put closure on that.

I’m very happy my parents were able to find the truth of what happened.”

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ttawapiskat is celebrating the annual graduation of students from Kattawapiskak Elementary School and Vezina Secondary School.

These are proud moments as families celebrate their children.

These moments are especially important for our First Nation communities, as education in my parents’ time was traumatic. My parents, Marius and Susan Kataquapit, both attended residential school as children and it was terrible for them and their families. Their parents were forced to give up their young ones for the entire year, and the children were separated from their families and communities.

For the government, it was a form of assimilation designed to remove Indigenous culture from a child’s life and force them to integrate into European Canadian society. That kind of education only produced fear and hopelessness. Residential schools were havens of abuse of all kinds that deeply traumatized an entire generation of Indigenous people.

To add to the hurt and anxiety that my parents must have lived with when they thought of the education system, their children were taken into the Boarding Home school system. My parents had to give up their children so that they could attend secondary school in the south.

Before 1990, Attawapiskat and the communities on the James Bay coast

had no way to provide secondary school education. The solution was to send young teenagers from their northern homes to be housed in boarding homes in cities to the south to complete their schooling.

I was 13 years old when I had to leave our community to attend secondary school in Timmins and North Bay. I had a good education and was a good student but I missed my home and my family.

It was also a culture shock because we mostly spoke Cree. English was our second language, which we used only at school. It was a deeply troubled time for all of us as we were away from our families, our culture and our language.

So I am happy that Attawapiskat’s young people now complete their schooling living at home with their families and friends. This is especially true for secondary-school grads.

During high school, they had the chance to be on the land, to hunt and fish, or to just wander into the wilderness with their families, Elders and traditional people. They learned their language and the culture, and made to feel proud of who they are and where they come from.

My nephew Landyn Kataquapit and my grandnephew Adam John Shisheesh, along with eight other local students, are part of the Vezina Secondary School graduating class of 2026. Landyn said he was happy to have completed his

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schooling at home and that he was looking forward to attending post-secondary studies in Sudbury in the fall. I talked to Adam John a few months ago and he was just as excited to plan out his future after high school.

Principal Shoukat Ali has been in Attawapiskat for 18 years. He’s happy to see his students complete their schooling, and their growth over the years.

Guidance counselor Monica Shah also shared her praise for these new graduates.

Miriam Wesley, who works for the Attawapiskat First Nation Education Authority, added that she is proud to see this group completing high school. I see Miriam as a cultural Elder in our community, as her family has been involved in local leadership for generations. She is fluent in Cree, and holds a great deal of knowledge and wisdom passed down by her family.

My family is also celebrating Grade 8 graduates, including my grandniece Raylee Shisheesh, and Kindergarten graduates: my nieces Autumn and Susannah Kataquapit.

After generations of traumatic experiences with the education system, we now get to celebrate our young people the way we are supposed to.

Congratulations to all our northern graduates!

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