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minate the nest and then safely finished clearing the bush.

Next, there was the issue of replacing the rotten planks. I want to thank the Mistissini Band Council for supplying the wood. My brother Don helped me cut the wood to fit the boardwalk.

Otherwise, it was a one-man show that felt so satisfying to finish.

Now the boardwalk is safe to use again. The brush has been cleared, and the rotten or missing planks have been replaced. Most of the boardwalk should be replaced at some point, but it’s good enough for this year.

It was a memory walk that brought back many other memories. I used to use the boardwalk to go to work at the Hudson’s Bay store. My uncle Don MacLeod said a plaque should be erected to relate the history of the boardwalk and what it meant to Mistissini.

Thanks to everyone who encouraged me in the election campaign. One surprise was a note from the past stapled to a plank. The note reinforced my belief that while politicians can talk, we also need to be proactive. My action was the result of listening to the people and responding like our Elders did.

I continued to do actions that benefitted Mistissini community members.

I made bannock pizzas for the Elders, which they loved. Fellow candidate Philip Petawabano and his wife, who

s some of you may know, I was nominated to run for deputy chief of Mistissini. Looking at the political scene in the Cree world, I decided to introduce a new way of doing things.

Instead of just talking, I have always believed politicians should turn their ideas into action.

I heard people commenting about the boardwalk between MacLeod’s Point and the Hudson Bay Point being overgrown with bushes and broken or rotted wood planks. So, I went there to clear the way and fix the planks.

The boardwalk was an important part of Mistissini’s history. Many people used it to go to the HBC store or the Anglican church. Most of the Cree homes were on the Macleod’s Point side in the early days of Mistissini. Many a Cree marriage had its beginnings on a late-night boardwalk.

For me, this undertaking became a memory walk. A memory walk is when you follow in the footsteps of someone who has done the task before and you repeat those actions. In the distant past, a Mistissini chief took his tools and began repairing the boardwalk himself.

Other people joined him.

On the first day, I cleared about 3/4 of the bush. Wielding my manchette, I was suddenly attacked by wasps. Fleeing like a madman I luckily suffered only 10 or so bad stings. Later, I returned to exter-

made blueberry muffins, joined me in this enjoyable activity.

I donated a new walker to the multi-service centre here in Mistissini.

And earlier this summer, I donated a wheelchair to help someone in need.

While I lost the election, I ask myself: did I make a difference? Perhaps. After I posted about working on the boardwalk, other candidates were seen picking up garbage. It’s something that would make a nice addition to the political scene across Eeyou Istchee.

All you need is the will to do more than just talk.

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F

ive women from the Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC) returned to Ottawa full of gratitude for Cree hospitality and inspiration in advancing Indigenous rights after a memorable visit to Eeyou Istchee.

The committee is the social justice arm of the Quakers.

CFSC General Secretary Jennifer Preston, who spent part of her childhood in Waskaganish, organized the trip. She has long known Donald Nicholls, the Cree Nation Government’s Director of Justice and Correctional Services, through their mutual work at the United Nations.

“My team was thrilled to go up to Eeyou Istchee,” said Preston. “Since the 1970s, the Quakers have been doing a lot of work on Indigenous rights and the Crees were always one of our big partners in the international work developing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

Preston works to implement UNDRIP and has published extensively on the subject, including co-editing a book with Paul Joffe, the CNG’s legal counsel for decades.

Arising in England in the 1650s, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) believes in non-violence and equality for all. Many early Quakers were imprisoned as heretics, making justice reform a longstanding organizational priority, alongside peace and Indigenous rights. The church has promoted movements ranging from abolishing slavery to endorsing gay marriage.

Nicholls was described as “the consummate host,” introducing the group to several program administrators, and organizing excursions on the land and water. A moose stew and his brother Will’s bannock pizza were big hits, while his mother Dorothy shared stories of her education journey and advocacy for women’s rights.

The trip was partly motivated by CFSC Transformative Justice Coordinator Karen Ridd’s interest in the Cree approach to justice. Government Relations Representative Sandra Wiens, who advocates legislation for a guaranteed basic income, was similarly interested in the economic security program for Cree hunters.

“Another team member said it’s not in my portfolio, but it sounds way too interesting,” Preston said. “Then we recently

hired a new Indigenous rights staff person, so she wanted to join as well.”

The visit began with a tour of the Cree Justice Department’s “tiny home” transitional housing project. Established in the four largest Cree communities, this initiative features 10 small houses equipped with essential amenities arranged in a circle, with a larger communal building for meetings and workshops.

“I loved how it’s so thoughtfully constructed so you have community present, but each person has their own space,” said Ridd. “People are often released from incarceration institutionalized, with a bus ticket and no place to go. Helping people reintegrate into the community is so crucial and it’s where the ball gets dropped so often.”

The group appreciated the CNG emphasis on prevention, from landbased programming to the YES (Youth Enrichment Services) and SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) programs in schools.

The Taapwaauchaayimiisu (Believe in Yourself ) program offers tutoring, cultural activities and life skills workshops to at-risk youth.

Visits to the Cree Justice head office in Mistissini and the courthouse in Waswanipi revealed how cases can be diverted from the provincial legal system to community-led alternatives. Ridd liked that the healing circles and other preventative resources are open to all community members.

“We need to articulate to wider audiences the options that exist outside of a

colonial approach to harm and wrongdoing,” asserted Ridd. “It’s great to have these examples in which the mainstream justice system is being altered, disrupted, overthrown. We felt so welcomed and are walking away with lots of inspiration.”

On their second day, tallyman Robert Jimiken shared memories of an era when family members traded fur and pelts with the Hudson’s Bay Company. Wiens was interested in how the economic security program enables hunters to continue a traditional way of life.

Picking blueberries and Labrador tea provided a greater appreciation for Eeyou Istchee along with some edible souvenirs for the ride home. A Wolastoqey woman, Indigenous rights coordinator Sarah Bear said First Nations can learn from one another while still respecting their distinctive knowledge and practices.

“Being welcomed onto the lands and waters of another Indigenous nation felt like an expression of self-determination rooted in relationships between peoples and in respect for place,” said Bear. “Those experiences reflected generations of Cree relationships with the lands, waters and other beings of Eeyou Istchee.”

Preston was delighted to find relics of her childhood home during a visit to Ouje-Bougoumou’s Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute. Her father, the late anthropologist Richard Preston, moved to Waskaganish in 1961, living with the Cree people for over 40 years.

He worked with the Grand Council as a consultant prior to the signing of the JBNQA in 1975.

“My father gave everything Creerelated to the Institute when they were opening,” Preston explained. “There’s a photo beside a miniature version of a tent made by John Blackned with my dad – I was shocked. John was a profound influence on my father.”

Preston said her father kept a photograph taken with Blackned above his desk throughout his career. Her mother became very close to Gertie Diamond, who lived with the family for two years to help with interpretation as her father wrote his PhD. While she hasn’t visited Waskaganish since her mother’s funeral, Preston said that ties with the Diamond family remain.

She always thought of Diamond’s son, Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch, as a cousin. Before her father’s passing last year at age 93, Preston asked him if it would be possible to get some moccasins for his last journey. Murdoch delivered the gift personally and spoke with him in Cree.

“That was really important for my dad because he was working with and for the Crees his entire adult life,” shared Preston. “It was such a beautiful gift he gave for all of us. It was moving to see strong communities with positive nation-building work all around – this is self-determination in action.”

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In tightly contested races, no candidate for Chief or Deputy Chief received the required majority of 50% plus one in Mistissini’s band council election August 26. The two candidates with the most votes for each position now advance to a run-off election on a date to be determined.

For the office of Chief, a second ballot will be held between Calvin Blacksmith and Thomas Neeposh.

Candidates Abraham Jolly, John Longchap and John S. Matoush did not advance.

Deputy Chief candidates Philip Petawabano and Kevin Joseph Mianscum will advance to the run-off vote, placing ahead of Kitty Irene Mianscum and William Nicholls.

Among the 27 candidates running for community councillor, the nine people elected to serve a four-year term are Kayleigh Spencer, Jerry Matoush, Philip Mattawashish, Roderick Petawabano, Robert Jimikin, Freddie C. E. Mianscum, Abel J. Trapper, Rachel Macleod and Minnie L. Petawabano.

Of 3,366 eligible voters, 1,538 people cast ballots, including 116 by e-ballot. The community thanked everyone who participated in the election.

­

Indigenous-led governance and innovation across the country.

The biennial awards aim to expand Indigenous capacity by sharing the best practices of other communities.

CBHSSJB Chairperson Jeannie Pelletier accepted the award and took the opportunity to explain the organization’s work to Indigenous leaders from across Canada.

“Miyupimaatisiiun teaches us that wellness is relational; it lives in our families, our communities, our lands, and our responsibilities to one another,” said Pelletier.

“I want to thank my patients who taught me these important lessons.”

A selection committee of respected Indigenous leaders recognized the CBHSSJB’s leadership, innovation and cultural foundation. The community consultations that shaped the board’s Strategic Regional Plan was highlighted as a strong example of Indigenous-led governance.

The CBHSSJB’s integration of modern healthcare practices with traditional knowledge ensures services are coordinated, culturally safe and rooted in community needs. Programs include land-based healing, Cree midwifery, youth protection, and traditional foods and healing.

On August 26, the board announced a new multi-year health agreement with the Quebec government that will help meet the evolving needs of Cree communities.

“Care is strongest when it is built in partnership,” said Pelletier. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to improving access to services, supporting families, and creating lasting change that will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

Waswanipi moved closer to a long-awaited hotel with the signing of a partnership agreement in mid-August between Waswanipi Development Corporation, the Société de développement de la Baie-James and James Bay Eeyou Corporation.

“The hotel, currently targeted for completion in Spring 2027, is expected to create employment opportunities, support local businesses, enhance tourism, and provide quality accommodations for visitors to the region,” shared the WDC. The approximately $12 million project had long been delayed because of limited funding but finally broke ground in June 2025. Located next to Highway 13, the hotel will feature 20 guest rooms, a restaurant, a museum and a laundromat.

Craig Michael Petawabano, the son of Chief Michael Petawabano and his wife Lina, a few weeks before his 35th birthday. Petawabano had been hospitalized with a bone infection in July.

Staff at the local health clinic remembered Craig for his friendly and respectful presence, noting he always brought fruit or candy for them at work. As a valued member of the Mistissini Rez Dog Alliance (MRDA), Craig often spoke of the comfort and companionship that his dog Tiny offered him.

“His love for her reflected the care he had for dogs in our community and the kind of lives he believed they deserved,” shared the MRDA. “We hope to honour his memory by continuing to work toward giving the dogs in our community the safe, loved and cared-for lives he dreamed of for them.”

Petawabano’s cousin Waapikun Blacksmith credited his compassion during a difficult time as a big reason for where she is today. “I’m gonna miss you,” she shared.

“All these memories rush through me today and will for the rest of my days.”

The Cree Nation of Mistissini is grieving the passing of

On August 24, the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) was honoured with the National Indigenous Good Governance Award at a ceremony in Victoria, BC. The award is part of Fulbright Canada’s Honouring Nations Canada initiative, which recognizes outstanding the Nation

CREEE DDEEM M ­ T W

packed Games (EISG) inging er m m Su e br he he Eeyou Istc fun-filled week July 20-25, mmunia 11 Cree co Chisasibi for hletes from all . at 0 60 g un yo nearly d MoCreebec Washaw Sibi an ted in 23 categories, includties, including pe m With 18 co to ed 9

and canoeing.

Athletes ag field, aquatics tion d ia an oc k ss ac A tr , ts ts af eventheme “United d Cr rts an A ing te e iv help guide the work ithamthe in at ivalahead,” stated the N st fe ee l the Cr cultura brant Council ort from Guided supp so a viGrand al Purpose, by Hope,” of the Crees. er e er en w rg te es in d Gam ts an ), theNation ntes co ACACree ee (CNthe Cr Government The AGA is a forum to evaluate the al on ncerts, traditi aturing co Cree Nation’s direction and establish n annualfegeneral assembly took place in ca es iti mun l workshops. l the compriorities ationaAugust here alstrategic while providing a w t, ha on lc si Waswanipi 10-13.

An extra day Pe ca ooc pp ius Neaca “This is a rare other,” said Dar platform for grassroots dialogue.

It’s a so as was added this year tochprovide more ceremony wfor ening t to know ea opkey ge opportunity major Cree orgahe e “T f. os ie th Ch time for community entity ery athlete, having rand Gdialogue, ev nizations to share Deputy Youth about their with seeills details parade e th presentations, service awards and cul-unitidevelopment. g, in er . It gave me ch w es empo m m co with their tural activities. faces.” introductory remarks from flags lifted up smiles on theirFollowing ith w y eir commupp ha with thand so “Overingfour from ddleleaders themdays, delegates Cree community delegates, all pa , sm se a ou ld H r he te er ar together to local artisan Pe ch flag be across EeyouEaIstchee came the first day featured the tabling of the by d e te er in uth w and pa when yoreport carved priorities ssageannual pa share knowledge, and CNG’s and the Eeyou of nity logo,discuss e rit al on e traditi symbolizing th the region’s rivers and lakes. , the EISG is te ga vi na to ll since 2011 the Nationre ad y in

2024 after a lu d by a regional steerBrought back ni ga ze y two years, or Eeyou Istchee Sports and now held ever e th

Eenou Police Force’s recognition of service awards. While the additional halfday for corporate matters freed up more time for presentations, Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch said it still wasn’t enough.

“I was so happy at the level of participation because I see the need for organizations to work more closely together,” said Murdoch. “It was an assembly that symbolized the commitment of everyone to dismantle these barriers between us. A coordinated effort across entities will always have a much larger impact

­

M MO OCCR RA ACCY Y on an issue than one entity working by itself.”

On the second day, Youth Grand Chief Jade Mukash shared how the Cree Nation Youth Council is using increased funding to expand youth programs and resources. Murdoch later tabled a resolution asking entities to develop more youth activities, such as book groups or debate clubs.

“It baffles me we don’t have programs for youth in our communities to match the resources we have,” Murdoch

asserted. “It makes no sense – we have nice buildings but no programs. It should never happen that youth access is second to some other request.”

The Grand Chief addressed safety concerns related to violence, drugs and alcohol, saying they can’t be solved by communities alone.

Murdoch underlined the importance of accountability and transparency, referring to a founding principle handwritten by Cree Chiefs in 1973 stating that mandates must come from

the people. Murdoch won support for a non-confidence procedure that could lead to the impeachment of a Grand Chief or Deputy Grand Chief.

“There’s a process that can be followed for the removal of a Chief if a community is not happy,” explained Murdoch. “That didn’t exist at the regional level, but it will now. I was also happy that now the hiring of anyone outside a Cree community requires a board council resolution, a very practical the Nation

way of prioritizing employment and offices in the communities.”

The second day featured a presentation on the 50th anniversary of the Cree Hunters Economic Security Board by Dr. Philip Awashish and director general Serge Larivière. The evening honoured the contributions of past and present board members in shaping the board.

“We’re really proud we’ve paid almost $800 million to Cree hunters since 1976,” said Larivière.

“Each year, the program contributes $25 to $30 million to between 1,200 and 1,400 Cree families.

It still plays a vital role in keeping people on the land.”

Created through the JBNQA, the program has been updated three times over the years to make the distribution of funds more equitable. While the rising cost of living and rapidly evolving Cree society make it difficult to adequately support hunters, local coordinators can specify available coverage for each claimant’s unique situation.

“The lifestyle changes faster than the program so we’re always struggling to catch up,” Larivière admitted. “The needs are changing. We have a whole wave of new retirees returning to the bush with pension incomes. Even though this program is outside of the CNG, we’re there for the people – the hunters on the land are our bosses.”

The AGA’s third day was marked by the arrival of walkers led by Sol Awashish raising awareness for the need of hemodialysis machines in Waswanipi, bringing community members home from treatments in Chibougamau and Montreal.

“I was touched by the stories and even heard patient Paul Gull speak through the phone,” said Waswanipi delegate Julie-Ann Cooper. “I pray that we all find a way to help each other and bring our people home.”

The Cree Health Board (CBHSSJB) identified the priorities of a centralized information system, shifting from crises-response to prevention-based holistic approaches, and implementing shared responsibility for high-risk patients.

“Healing is collective,” said CBHSSJB chairperson Jeannie Pelletier. “Through kinship and solidarity, we create safe spaces where relationships become sources of strength, where cultural responsiveness is honoured, and where well-being is understood holistically.”

Miikun frontman Reuben Wapachee reunited the Waskaganish band’s original members to deliver an evening of music August 12. The AGA’s final day included a presentation from the Cree Trappers’ Association, general law amendments and an open discussion before the final resolutions were confirmed.

“I could easily be overwhelmed by the challenges that lay ahead for the Cree Nation, but when I look at the commitment of fellow Chiefs and chairpersons of other organizations, I can’t help but be optimistic,” said Murdoch. “It’s not as daunting because you’re not alone. It makes you feel pretty invincible.”

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Fishin’ & Pickin’

M

istissini’s busy summer of cultural activities concluded August 26 with a traditional feast to close the popular Nameshtekuchetauu smoked fish program.

“It’s rewarding to have a successful program and end with a feast,” said Jerry Coon, Mistissini’s coordinator of cultural programs and development. “Yes, there’s a couple of nice big fish that were harvested – we’re talking about 35-pound lakers. The turnout and feedback were amazing and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to lead such an important program.”

This year’s program launched July 13, open to all community members over 18, including non-Natives. While there was no registration fee, participants had to register in advance with a willingness to learn and a commitment to attend regularly.

Community members harvested fish through traditional net and night-line settings. A twoweek youth mentoring program hired five girls and five boys to catch, clean and smoke them.

“There’s three to five ways of cooking fish traditionally, at least in Mistissini,” Coon said. “I’m sure the coastal communities have their own style too. We try to give access to community members who don’t have fishing nets or boats, to tag along and take part in our programming.”

Many community members set their traditional nets through the annual program. The cultural department hosts workshops on preparing night-lines, in which a long, weighted line with multiple baited hooks is left overnight and checked in the morning.

The Nameshtekuchetauu program runs daily during the community’s traditional gathering, Maamuuteusiitau. This year’s

gathering started August 10, with Elders leading the impressive cooking efforts. As word-ofmouth spread, more and more people showed up.

“It brings so much joy through the exchange of knowledge,” Coon said. “I see a lot of thankful people with big smiles. Our grandparents, our ancestors, in the summertime their task was to harvest fish. We’re teaching our members to continue that tradition.”

Lake Mistassini is Quebec’s largest natural lake, famous for its huge lake trout, northern pike, walleye and speckled trout. With so much activity on the lake these days, the fishing tends to be better in the quiet early mornings and in the areas further from the speedboats.

Cree fishing has evolved with advances in technology. Sonar fish-finders employ sound waves to locate fish and map water depth, identifying ideal spots for setting nets. Coon recommends taking out an Elder who recalls where ancestors used to set their nets.

“I grew up on the lake,” Coon reflected. “Fishing has changed a lot. I remember in the early 1980s, there were less boats out there. Everywhere you fished, you caught fish. I still remember those spots where my grandfathers would take me. I still go fish there – I still love it.”

The cultural department’s blueberry festival August 18-19 was a summer highlight. The first day was a picking party with prizes for collecting the most blueberries in several categories. The second day was a baking contest, yielding a delicious variety of cakes, pies, muffins and other goods.

“We have a little contest, then we feast,” said Coon. “It was boiled fish with the blueberry baked goods. They go well together.”

Elder Sol Awashish remembered when his grandparents took the family blueberry picking by canoe. “During blueberry season, I had bannock and blueberry jam for breakfast, lunch and supper,” he shared.

The summer programming began with two weeks of cultural workshops. Elders led teachings about traditional medicine, carving and hand-sewing.

“As school starts, teachers are popping in to participate in the carving,” shared Coon. “Our in-house lawyer David [VachonRoseberry] participates in the traditional carving program and has created two paddles. We have traditional cooking workshops every two days – traditional donut making, bannock, moose stew. How to cut moose or fry moose meat.”

The Cree Health Board’s Nishiiyuu Council of Elders participated in the traditional food and medicine workshops. While a spruce budworm infestation in the region limited the availability of medicinal plants, Coon said there are plant preparations for treating coughs and that certain fish intestines can be used in a skin rash medication.

A “meals on wheels” program for Elders with mobility issues operated Wednesdays throughout the summer, delivering meals to about 30 Elders each week.

Coon and his team look forward to a few weeks of moose hunting before resuming cultural activities in October. He hopes community members donate moose or bear hides for future cultural workshops.

“I’m so glad we still have Elders with us who have so much knowledge and skill and are willing to share their expertise with other members,” said Coon. “I learn every day too. I love my job.”

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T

eams from across Eeyou Istchee gathered in Mistissini August 14-16 for the fifth annual Robert Jr. Jimikin Memorial Invitational Fastpitch Tournament.

The tournament featured five teams in each of the men’s and women’s categories. The women’s lineup included the Mistissini Lady Scrappers, Waskaganish Royals, Eastmain Comebacks, Mistissini Lady Outlaws and Eastmain Lady Fireballs. The men’s division featured the Eastmain Fireballs, Mistissini Outlaws, Eastmain Athletics, Waskaganish Hurricanes and Chisasibi.

Originally organized as a softball and fastball tournament, the event has since evolved to include a dedicated fastpitch competition, said organizer Reshawn Matoush.

The Waskaganish Royals won the women’s championship against the Eastmain Lady Fireballs with a final score 6-4. In the men’s final, the Eastmain Athletics secured a 7-1 victory over the Waskaganish Hurricanes.

The three-day tournament brought together athletes, families and supporters to honour the memory of Robert Gillian Jimikin Jr., a sports enthusiast whose legacy continues lives on through the annual event.

According to Matoush, the 2026 tournament provided an opportunity for Cree athletes from different communities to meet, compete and build friendships while keeping summer sports active in Eeyou Istchee.

The tournament also included the Gordon Gunner Memorial Award, presented to the most outstanding player of the tournament, Matoush said.

This year’s recipient was Paul Moses of Eastmain Athletics.

Matoush explained that the recipient is selected by a member of the

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Gunner family, based on the qualities and style of play associated with Gordon Gunner.

“They came here to play,” Matoush said of all the team entries.

The tournament highlighted Mistissini’s hospitality and community spirit, Matoush emphasized, with local people opening their homes, welcoming teams and helping make the event possible.

He believes the tournament is also about creating more opportunities for sports and recreation during the short summer season in Eeyou Istchee.

“It’s important, because in modern Quebec there’s not much time to play this sport throughout the year, because all winter you have hockey and broomball tournaments,” Matoush said. “So, fastpitch tournament is something different for us to host.”

One of the biggest challenges for him was learning fastpitch while making sure the tournament could run smoothly.

The tournament is expected to return next year, although participation will depend on how many teams register.

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M

attagami First Nation hosted its 12th annual powwow August 15-16, with a great turnout of family, friends and visitors.

In her opening address, Chief Jennifer Constant thanked the community for their support, the powwow planning committee for their hard work, volunteers for joining in and all the performers, singers and dancers for their participation.

“A powwow is more than an event on a calendar. It is a coming together of generations. It is a place where our young people can see themselves in our culture, where our Elders can share their knowledge, where families reconnect, and where we celebrate who we are as Anishinaabe people,” said Chief Constant.

The gathering was held on newly landscaped powwow grounds on Friday and Saturday but was moved indoors to the gymnasium due to rain on Sunday.

“We couldn’t have done this without the help, support and organization of so many people, including our planning committee and all the volunteers who worked hard this weekend. There were no major problems, and we were happy with how everything came together,” said councillor Kourtney Baulne, who was on the planning committee.

The powwow keeps growing every year and there was a notable increase in the number of vendors, visitors and performers who took part.

Vendors lined the powwow grounds, selling traditional crafts and products

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­ ­ ­ and providing food and drinks. A community feast was held on Saturday evening featuring locally harvested food, including moose, deer and fish, all prepared by head cooks Larry Naveau, Jessica Naveau and Dan Secord.

The organizers focused on supporting youth participation, especially within their home community.

“It feels good to see so many more young people wanting to join these gatherings by becoming dancers but also in making their own regalia. Several youth joined this tradition through their first ceremonial events this year,” said councillor Sue Prince.

Elders came from the Wabun and Mushkegowuk territory in northeastern Ontario to show their support. On Sunday, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin arrived with his family, after visiting the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation powwow, near Matheson.

“We wanted to take this time to bring our grandchildren to see the powwows in Abitibi and in Mattagami," he said. "These events are important for our people to get together, especially for our young people. It feels good to see grandchildren taking part, having fun and celebrating our culture and heritage.”

WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER AND ENGAGED COMMUNITITES Have a project in mind that will benefit your community?

The Cree Nation Government Department of Justice and Correctional Services (DOJCS) will work with you!

If you have a project that could make a difference in your community, you may receive funding from one of our funds CRIME PREVENTION FUND Prevent crime and support the creation of safer communities YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FUND Empower the Cree youth while promoting their general welfare *Note: All projects must incorporate Cree culture, values and traditions.*

Be engaged. Make a difference.

For more information, please contact: Celina Jimikin Support Program Officer 418-923-2661 ext: 8006 celina.jimikin@cngov.ca

www.creejusticefunds.ca Deadline to submit application:

August 28 2026 | November 2, 2026

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February 26, 2027

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