The Nation | Vol. 27, No. 13

COVID-19 affords you an opportunity to rethink your business Information and advice inside.

www.nationnews.ca April 24, 2020 the Nation 1

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causes a respiratory infection that can involve the following symptoms:

Fever

Cough

Trouble Breathing

Protecting yourself saves lives.

Cough into your sleeves

Throw your used tissues into the trash

Wash your hands

Keep your distance

QuĂŠbec.ca/coronavirus 1 877 644-4545 2 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Stay at home

CONTENTS EDITORIAL Socializing in the new reality

4

NEWS Cheer, but don’t let up

5

Assistance for anxiety

6

IN BRIEF Cree COVID-19 recoveries

5

6

9

FEATURES

Eeyou Istchee ‘s Psychological Helpline

The desolation of isolation

10

The land God gave to the people

18

Pandemic economics

25

Frontline heroes

26

REZ NOTES

9

Life in the lineup

29

UTNS Taking care of our Elders

10

Life isolated

Cree snowmobilers on Cain’s Quest

Coronavirus COVID-19

Don’t forget about mental health! stress / anxiety / depression

Information and advice inside.

Community

Politics

25

18

30

Pandeminomics

26

Photo by Neil Diamond

Frontline heroes www.nationnews.ca April 24, 2020 the Nation 3

Socializing in the new reality

by Will Nicholls

Editorial

T

his our third issue since COVID-19 changed our ways of being human. Mankind is a social animal and now we’ve been forced to stop socializing for our own good. For many it’s been difficult, both personally and professionally. The pandemic has raised questions about the limitations of keeping in touch, whether with friends, family or the wider community.

So, when I read about the Mistissini Easter Egg Hunt for kids that took place April 12, I was concerned and had questions.

Was the person who collected and hid the assorted treats for the kids tested for the virus?

How about social distancing? Was it enforced, and by whom? And how could excited children racing to scoop up their sugary treasures even be separated?

After all, the kids are searching for the goodies.

It’s unlikely they would be thinking about social distancing when sweets are involved.

Let’s not forget that daycares and schools are disease vectors as the children intermingle and bring home the latest version of the flu and colds as well as other health problems.

I know we don’t want this to affect our lives but taking chances and hoping for the best does not seem to be acting in a responsible manner when it comes to this serious pandemic.

Another concern I heard is that some parents are allowing their children to visit their friends.

Again, this is a possible source of transmission of COVID-19. We should remember that many people

who carry the virus don’t display any symptoms.

Others have very mild symptoms, making them believe it is only a cold. None of us know. We shouldn’t panic but following the recommendations of medical experts on social distancing is the only way we can beat this problem.

Please take care, because our Elders and young children are the most vulnerable to this deadly virus. It would be heartbreaking to see some of them die because we didn’t take it seriously enough.

On a positive note, it is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Because of the pandemic there are far fewer airplanes, road vehicles or other transportation means producing carbon. You can already see changes in our Mother Earth. In Montreal, the sky is clearer and smog pollution is way down. The planet is taking advantage of the amount of social distancing and healing itself.

Perhaps some of the lessons we will learn is not to make such a negative impact on our world. We need to respect our environment and our place in it.

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 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AND MANAGING EDITOR Dan Isaac CONTRIBUTING WRITERS M. Labrecque-Saganash, S. Orr, P. Quinn, D. Isaac, N. Diamond, E. Webb DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse, Melissa Juliette THANKS TO: Air Creebec CONTACT US: The Nation, 4529 CLARK, #403, Montreal, QC., H2T 2T3 EDITORIAL & ADS: Tel.: 514-272-3077, Fax: 514-278-9914 HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 151, Chisasibi, QC. J0M 1E0 www.nationnews.ca EDITORIAL: will@nationnews.ca news@ nationnews.ca ADS: Danielle Valade: ads@nationnews.ca; Donna Malthouse: donna@beesum.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: $60 plus taxes, US: $90, Abroad: $110, Payable to beesum communications, all rights reserved, publication mail #40015005, issn #1206-2642 The Nation is a member of: The James Bay Cree Communications Society, Circle Of Aboriginal Controlled Publishers, Magazines Canada Quebec Community Newspaper Assn. Canadian Newspapers Assn. Les Hebdos Sélect Du Québec. Funded [in part] by the Government of Canada. | www.nationnews.ca |

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4 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

Cheer,

but don’t let up

News

Two Cree recover from COVID-19

by Dan Isaac

W

hile the numbers from the Cree Board of Health’s April 15 COVID-19 public update showed that the region was the least infected in all of Quebec, Cree leadership insists the parade will have to wait.

At press time, two of the six Cree (one in Montreal, three in Chisasibi, two in Nemaska) confirmed to have the coronavirus had recovered.

There had been no new cases in the region since April 8, even though 41 COVID-19 tests had conducted – and 13 people were still awaiting results.

To date, 178 tests had been administered by the CBH, with 160 of them coming back negative.

According to a representative from Public Health, however, until the final test comes back negative, the contact-tracing process will be maintained.

CNG Executive Director Bill Namagoose applauded the CBH’s response to the pandemic in curtailing the infections in Cree territory. He also noted that collaboration by Cree institutions played an important role.

But Namagoose cautioned Crees to be patient.

“It doesn’t take much to have a setback and be back at square one,” he warned those considering breaking social distancing protocols in order to see friends or family.

In this case, however, economics followed health markers in Eeyou Istchee. While most of the world’s economies have been reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, in Namagoose’s estimation Cree jobs have remained relatively secure.

“I don’t want to give exact numbers, significant layoffs have happened in the mines and at AirCreebec,” Namagoose told the Nation.

“However, the Cree Nation Government, band councils, the school and health boards have not followed suit. Most of our jobs tend to be on the governance side as opposed to the economic side.”

He said assistance for Cree entrepreneurs would be available through the CNG Department of Commerce and Industry.

“It doesn’t take much to have a set back and be back at square one, we have to wait” - CNG Executive Director Bill Namagoose

Despite the good news, no timetable was provided on how or when regular life would resume in Eeyou Istchee. The statement did recognize that the authority to decide those measures would be given to regional health directors.

Earlier this month, Quebec Premier François Legault suggested Quebec’s schools might reopen on May 4 – then walked that statement back at a following daily COVID-19 update. The CSB remains steadfast in their plans, if the health board agrees.

“Regardless of what the premier said, our plan has not changed,” said CSB Chairperson Sarah Pash.

The initial target date of opening schools May 1 with Goose Break keeping students out of schools until May 15 remains. But Pash also noted that they would “rely on the direction of the Cree Health Board,” in the reopening of Cree schools.

For now, one of the main focuses of the CSB will be getting post-secondary students back to Eeyou Istchee and then, once they are home, making sure they feel supported.

Protocols for returning to each Cree community depends on local directives. The CSB is focused on educating and informing students returning home.

But once they’re there home, another challenge awaits.

“There is a real possibility that online programming for post-secondary students is going to continue until at least next fall,” Pash noted. “If our students want to continue in that capacity, we will support them in the same way as if they are attending in person.

“It really depends on the students and what they want to do,” she continued. “Not only are they trying to finish their programs and do their exams, but they have the added pressure of a pandemic.

They need to know that what they’re doing is important for their communities’ future.”

The coming weeks will provide clarity, but for now, continuing to do what has made Eeyou Istchee relatively infection-free remains the priority.

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New psychosocial helpline launches in Eeyou Istchee

by Patrick Quinn

A

dapting to the isolation and uncertainty that come with the physical distancing measures needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is a struggle for many people. Some public health leaders are warning that mental illness could be the next wave of the pandemic.

Since March 27, people in Eeyou Istchee have a valuable new resource to address this anxiety. The Cree Health Board’s new psychosocial helpline can now be called for emergency assistance at 1-833-632-HELP (4357).

“We understand everyone copes with these situations in many different ways and we want to make sure the helpline meets their needs,” said Juliana Matoush-Snowboy, the CHB’s Director of Organizational Quality and Cultural Safety. “This is an alternative for people who want to feel heard and not necessarily disclose their personal information.”

Helpline callers receive a welcoming message in Cree and English while being connected to a psychosocial professional, who follows protocols and tools specifically developed for the current situation. While there is always someone available to receive calls from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, there remain two people on shift for emergency support outside of these times.

Matoush-Snowboy told the Nation that callers seeking cultural support can be scheduled for one-on-one telephone conversations with traditional healers from their team. Helpline operators will also refer callers to other public health professionals as necessary to resolve particular clinical needs.

The timing of this service couldn’t be better, but it’s actually an extension of a pilot project that has been underway in Mistissini over the past six months. Before launching the line, the CHB pychosocial workers in the Department of Professional Services and Quality Assurance worked for a month to adapt their integrated model approach to the current situation.

“So far, the response from the community has been very positive,” said Matoush-Snowboy. “It really helps to have someone reassuring you when you have questions or anxiety. These past two weeks we have been receiving an increase in calls, not only from clients but also from frontline workers.”

Since precautionary measures were introduced in Eeyou Istchee, psychosocial workers in each community have connected clinic staff with public health communications updates, self-help tools, essential-service guidelines and other protocols for crisis intervention.

“In the past six months we have organized two large gatherings with community workers, HROs [human resource officers], and social workers from each community,” Matoush-Snowboy explained. “During these gatherings, we have been approaching trauma from a variety of perspectives

6 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Assistance anxiety for

where we not only focus on their wellbeing but also their intervention strategies. Our main focus is building trust for people to communicate and share experiences so we can all understand our path to healing together.”

To address the complex types of intergenerational traumas encountered in Eeyou Istchee, Dennis Windego leads unique training programs with a Cree Focusing-Oriented Therapy perspective. Incorporating the core values of respect and non-interference, this approach allows clients total control of the pace and direction of their healing journey.

As isolation can exacerbate existing mental-health issues in many ways, it’s more important than ever to create an open space for supportive communication. The emotional fallout of social distancing may be creating opportunities to address these often-stigmatized issues.

“We know when we talk about mental health in the Cree Nation and probably everywhere, it’s heavily stigmatized already,” said MatoushSnowboy. “It’s not a conversation that happens in the communities or in the families. Going through this challenge right now, this psychosocial helpline is one way we are trying to close that gap and have that discussion with people.”

Data on core mental-health issues gathered from helpline calls is collected weekly, while the most vulnerable members of the population are followed by their community’s local psychosocial COVID representative. They have regular meetings

“We would like to remind everyone across the territory of our collective resilience, to breathe, be grateful and promote healthy behaviours that can increase our mental health and immune system” - Juliana Matoush-Snowboy, CHB’s Director of Organizational Quality and Cultural Safety

with directors to receive regional updates and share their local situation.

During these challenging times, it’s especially important to focus on activities that improve one’s state of mind. Matoush-Snowboy recommends limiting exposure to media, talking to others and safely helping those who have been in isolation.

“We would like to remind everyone across the territory of our collective resilience, to breathe, be grateful and promote healthy behaviours that can increase our mental health and immune system,” she said. “We are all together struggling through this pandemic. You are not alone. Contact the helpline – we are there for you!”

Although the helpline is a direct response to the current crisis, it will continue to support the diverse needs of community members and expand along with the region in the years to come. It joins a growing arsenal of psychosocial tools that mental-health professionals can use to assist clients.

“Across Canada, we see mental-health workers using different methods of technology,” said Matoush-Snowboy. “We’ve been talking about digital intervention for quite some time now. We have a young population in Eeyou Istchee that’s very tech savvy. I think it’s very innovative, the way the team is thinking.”

People shouldn’t hesitate to call the helpline if they’re feeling anxious. For emergencies, they should continue to call emergency staff in their community. Experts suggest practicing gratitude and self-compassion, perceiving this situation as an opportunity to rest or to focus on personal wellbeing.

“I’m really grateful for all the communication and reassurance from leadership, especially at the Cree Health Board,” concluded Matoush-Snowboy.

“Also, the frontline staff that are answering the calls 24-7 – they’re really awesome. From the Cree Nation, meegwetch from the bottom of our hearts!”

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ᒥᓯᐧᐁ ᒉ ᐃᔮᒀᒥᔦᒄ ᑭᔮ ᒉ ᒦᔫᐸᔦᒄ ᐁ ᓅᒋᐱᔮᓱᐧᐁᔦᒄ᙮ ᐆ ᐁᐊᑎ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐸᔨᐦᒡ ᐁᐃᔅᐱᐦᑖᔮᒡ ᐁᒋᔅᑎᒫᐧᐁᔨᐦᑕᒥᐦᐄᑯᔨᒄ, ᓂᐳᑯᓭᔨᐦᑌᓈᓐ ᒉ ᒌ ᒥᔫᐱᒫᑎᓰᔦᒃ ᓀᔥᑦ ᒉ ᒌ ᒥᔫᐸᔨᔦᒄ ᐁᒥᔫᔅᑲᒥᐦᑖᔦᒄ᙮ ᒋ ᐧᐄ ᒋᔅᒋᓲᒥᑎᓈᓐ ᒉ ᒌ ᒋᔅᒋᓰᔦᒄ ᒉ ᒌ ᒥᔫᒋᔅᑲᔅᑖᔦᒄ ᒋᐹᔅᒋᐦᐄᑲᓄᐧᐋᐤ ᓀᔥᑦ ᒋᐲᐦᒋᐱᐧᑳᒋᑲᓄᐧᐋᐤ ᐊᓂᑌ ᐁᐃᐦᑖᔦᒄ, ᓀᔥᑦ ᒉ ᒌ ᐊᔮᐧᑳᒦᔅᑕᒣᒄ ᐁᐃᔑ ᒥᔅᑕᐦᐄ ᐋᐦᒋᔫ ᐃᑌᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᒌᓯᒄ ᑖᓐᑌ ᐁᐊᑎ ᐃᐦᑖᔦᒄ᙮ ᑲᔦ ᒨᔥ ᔮᐸᒡ ᒥᔫᑲᓄᐧᐁᔨᒥᓱᒄ ᐁᒋᔅᑖᐴᒋᐦᒉᔦᒄ ᐁᒄ ᒫᒃ ᒫᒨ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᔅᐸᓯᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐆ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᒥᔅᑌᐸᔨᐦᒡ ᐊᐦᑯᓯᐧᐃᓐ᙮

In Ungava,

we protect ourselves and others.

A message from your MNA, Denis Lamothe.

We are available for you. Contact us: 418 748-6046

denis.lamothe.unga@assnat.qc.ca

8 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Edutainment

A

PTN’s new streaming service APTN lumi is offering commercial-free educational programming throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

For a limited time, children and families can access hours of programming and Indigenous-made content for children at no cost through the site’s basic membership.

According to an APTN spokesperson, “Children can follow the adventures of sixyear-old Randy as he helps a Cree Elder on Louis Says and learn about Cree culture, or check out Tshakapesh Superhero and watch their favourite mythical character fight epic battles against dark forces using his powers and sharp wit.”

The online service is dedicated to APTN’s mission of bringing quality content for and by Indigenous peoples to Indigenous communities.

COVID-19 in Nunavik

W

hile Nunavik leaders tried to stop travel to the region early, the efforts did not entirely succeed. To date, 11 cases of COVID19 have been confirmed in the territory, 10 of them in the community of Puvirnituq. All the cases in the community are close contacts.

In Brief

As of April 13, health officials in Nunavik say they will begin quarantining close contacts without a test and will test community members regardless of whether they’ve been in close contact with an infected individual.

Essential mines?

Q

uebec’s announcement April 13 that mines are now on the list of essential services was a shock to Indigenous communities with nearby mining operations.

Cree Grand Chief Abel Bosum was surprised by the news and responded by sending a letter to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonatan Julien.

“We had a concern about what were the measures in place to provide security,” Bosum told the CBC. “Even though these mines are out on the land, in isolated areas, there is still contact with our people.”

However, Bosum also said that Cree leadership had been in touch with three active mines in

Eeyou Istchee and had been assured that operations would not reopen without close collaboration with the Cree.

Meanwhile, Assembly of First Nations QuebecLabrador Chief Ghislain Picard was adamant that the decision contravenes recent provincial commitments to First Nations.

“Quebec’s decision to allow the resumption of mining operations in a hurry is dangerously compromising the efforts made by our communities to slow the spread of the disease,” Picard said in a press release. “I would also like to reiterate that the pandemic does not exempt governments from their duty to consult.”

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Features

The

desolation of isolation Story and photos by Neil Diamond

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Reflections on the lockdown from Waskaganish

U

p until the late 1990s, when the access road opened, Waskaganish lived in near isolation.

Before that, what we teasingly described for outsiders as the “Squirrel Trail” was the only safe way to drive out or in. But it lasted from just before Christmas to early spring, when the thaw came.

Back then, the only reliable way in or out was by airplane or on a boat to Moosonee.

Now, with the COVID-19 lockdown, the way out to the south and other neighbouring communities

has been restricted. No more quick runs to Amos, Val-d’Or and points south for food, booze or drugs.

But the word on the street is that people do sneak away to Matagami and Chibougamau to replenish their supplies of choice. Word on that same street now says this is about to change drastically. The powers that be have collected names and patrols are waiting.

To be honest, not too much has changed for many people. There are still people who have

rarely left the territory. Much like those denizens of the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn who are rumoured to never have crossed the Hudson to the island of Manhattan. The one thing that’s changed is the four restaurants in town have been closed for sit-down service. But take-out service is still available. These places were very popular, with one of them having lined-up customers waiting to be seated for all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch.

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The streets have grown quiet, with families spreading out to their hunting camps while the people left in town seem to be in good spirits. There are no reports yet of raging cabin fever. I asked people what they found to be good and bad about how life has changed.

This is what they said…

People now go hunting in Cree territory.

I can’t be with my grandchildren.

I’m improving on my soft-boiled eggs.

I’m being forced to sober up the hard way.

I get to watch movies and the bonus features.

I eat too much.

I have time to reflect on the future.

I can’t work.

I have time to sleep and take care of myself, and more Netflix.

I communicate more with my family.

I’m running out of toilet paper.

Having to work, I’m taking a risk.

There’s a slowdown of mail delivery, There’s more gossip and misinformation.

I’m running out of shampoo.

It’s hard for people who don’t have internet access.

Emergency services are in place and the elderly are prioritized People take better care of themselves. Cleaning their houses and cupboards and not taking things for granted. You appreciate people more.

You can’t just up and go anywhere. I can’t have wine. I nap too much and worry more about family who are in the city. Prices have gone up in stores. Having to self-isolate after leaving town.

12 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE & CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

COURT NOTICE Due to the inevitable context with the COVID-19, the services in the courthouse are reduced.

We recommend that: • If you have a lawyer, communicate with him/her.

• If you don’t have a lawyer, you should communicate with the judicial services at 1-866-699-9729.

• If you want to communicate with the court services, call at 1-866-226-9860 ext. 64992

Chisasibi (819) 855-212

• If you are a Crown witness, call 1-819-964-2497 or 819-444-5345.

Eastmain (819) 977-240

Mistissini (418) 923-266

T H A N K Y O U F O R Y O U R C O L L A B O R AT I O N Chisasibi (819) 855-2120

Nemaska (819) 673-2400

Waswanipi (819) 753-2770

Eastmain (819) 977-2400

Oujé-Bougoumou (418) 745-2260

Wemindji (819) 978-3300

Mistissini (418) 923-2661

Waskaganish (819) 895-2126

Whapmagoostui (819) 929-3796

14 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Obey your parents and Big Brother – go wash your hands again

It seems people are keeping their humour and their sanity, at least for the time being. It’s hard to imagine what others are going through. There are reports of 12 people who have tested positive in Nunavik. So many more in the Navajo Nation.

At the time of this writing there are six confirmed Cree sufferers of the deadly COVID19 virus. There are three in Chisasibi, two in Nemaska and one in Montreal.

The other communities, along with those stricken, are in almost near total lockdown. The access roads in and out are manned by public security officials asking where you’ve been and where you’re headed.

There were rumours in Waskaganish that there was an 11:30 pm to 6:00 am curfew in effect. Untrue. Along the same lines, some people are wondering aloud if the Chinese are deliberately spreading the virus or if 5G technology is responsible.

What is true is that gatherings of more than five are verboten.

People are lining up two metres apart for groceries, gasoline subsidies and the no-longer-daily mail. Essential workers at the band office have been told not to visit each other in their offices.

People are warned not to get too close to strangers or friends.

There are signs posted everywhere telling everybody to wash their hands.

In effect, we’ve been reduced to an almost child-like state. But do obey your parents and Big Brother – go wash your hands again.

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GUIDE NO. 4

COVID-19 affords you an opportunity to rethink your business The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly posing several challenges for your business, especially with respect to the measures to be implemented to comply with public health directives. This situation is certainly raising questions in your mind about its impact on your employees and your organization’s resilience. Moreover, it is no doubt also encouraging you to review your ways of doing business and find solutions to mitigate the crisis’ repercussions.

This forced paused can also be viewed as an opportunity to rethink certain aspects of your business and to prepare for its revival, since the current situation, while exceptional, is temporary. Here are some avenues for reflection and possible solutions.

16 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Do you have a business continuity plan?

Take advantage of this opportunity to implement or update your business continuity plan. The elaboration of such a plan affords an opportunity to reflect on the means of reducing the negative impact on your business of adverse events. Worst-case planning means that you can establish strategies and take precautions that will enable you to pursue your operations or resume them sooner, minimize losses, and protect your employees, assets and even your reputation.

The plan will provide responses. There is no need to be a large business to maintain a business continuity plan. Proven methodologies exist that are well adapted to SMEs. Moreover, the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation has prepared the Guide de gestion de la continuité des activités pour les petites et les moyennes entreprises québécoises to help you. Be sure to consult it.

Adopt the digital conversion The current crisis is upsetting consumers’ buying habits and more and more of them risk resorting to the Internet. E-commerce is a worthwhile solution that is occasionally even essential to compete if you are a merchant, a retailer or even the owner of a tourism enterprise. This is indeed a good time to consolidate your online presence, which will enable you to better reach your customers and visitors and to more extensively promote your products and services.

Is your business experiencing a slowdown?

This is the ideal time to review certain business practices, enhance or automate processes, or find innovative solutions.

The digital transformation offers a genuine development opportunity, especially in the manufacturing sector. The Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation is offering guidance to SMEs that wish to adopt the digital conversion or consolidate their approach. Find out more.

REMINDER OF THE MEASURES ADOPTED TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES Step back to improve your business

Develop your skills and those of your employees

Take advantage of this pause to initiate the gradual adoption of management practices geared to enhancing your enterprise’s financial, environmental, social, and administrative performance. It can also be worthwhile to review the supply chain and foster buying locally or proximity shopping.

Lastly, a sustainable development approach could offer your business extensive benefits.

The revival of your business will certainly rely on professional competencies development and work reorganization, which the Programme actions concertées pour le maintien en emploi (PACME) of the Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, offered in collaboration with the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail, proposes. The program provides for direct assistance to businesses for human resources management activities or on-site, online or remote training. It seeks to maintain the employer-employee relationship, take advantage of the current pause to bolster skills development and thus prepare businesses for the economic recovery.

Since you are often contending with emergencies or engaging in a continuous improvement process, you rarely have time to step back and explore new options. This is the perfect time to rely on your employees to conduct research and development to improve your products, services, or processes.

Reinventing a business also depends on innovation and the implementation of new projects. Do not hesitate to contact the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation or Investissement Québec to plan your projects.

Other training is available, for example for corporate executives, strategic workers or workers in the Québec tourism sector, such as the formation 100 % accueillant program of the Ministère du Tourisme, offered by the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec as individual online training.

A final word Take advantage of tailor-made advice L’Accompagnement-conseil stratégiqueMC in the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation can be useful to find solutions, rethink action plans, and obtain tailor-made advice. Experts are present in all regions of Québec to help meet the challenges that you are facing and prepare for relaunching your business. To find out more, please contact the regional office of the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation.

The current exceptional situation is temporary.

In the meantime, it is important to maintain efforts and steer a steady course to restore Québec, whose residents are brimming with enthusiasm and vitality and which abounds in original, creative businesses.

• Emergency assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises • Flexibility measures respecting loans and existing loan guarantees • Concerted temporary action program for businesses (PACTE) • Support for the tourism industry

To obtain additional information, please visit Québec.ca/coronavirus.

• Investissement Québec (IQ) is offering a moratorium of up to six months on principal repayments.

Visit the IQ website to obtain additional information.

• The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is providing $4 billion to support Québec firms temporarily affected

by COVID-19. Visit the CDPQ website to obtain additional information.

economie.gouv.qc.ca

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T H E L A ND G OD GAVE TO THE PEOPLE Story and Photos by Ernest Webb

MARCH 3, 2020 LAC-SAINT-JEAN

Photos Top Line: Glen at staring line, Eddy Lameboy prepping before leaving Chisasibi; Bottom Line: Starting line, Front row seat to watch the racers come in, a lot of restaurants and gas stations had a screen to follow the race.

18 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

I

t was an emotional breakfast after a Facebook memory popped for Glen and Dylan Salt. It was the birthday of their late father Kenneth. Tears flowed and hugs were given as we ate. We were on our way to Labrador City for Cain’s Quest, a 3200-km snowmobile endurance race making stops at communities around Labrador.

Veteran racer Abel Mianscum and his wife Demerise met us the night before when we arrived in Roberval. Abel was going to be Glen’s partner in the race. The brothers had raced together previously but Abel was teaming up with Glen for the Quest.

Team Salt!

Dylan and I were to be the support crew, along with Glen’s wife Cathy, their daughter Jayda, and family friend Christine Sam. After taking the wrong route, Dylan and I found ourselves traveling

Cree snowmobilers on Cain’s Quest find warm hospitality in the rugged Labrador terrain

along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River towards Baie-Comeau.

We marveled at the scenery as we got closer to our destination. In 1534, Jacques Cartier described the shoreline as “The land God gave to Cain”. Genesis 4 in the Bible says Cain was condemned to “till land that is barren.” It is a common notion among early European explorers not to see value, except for what they could potentially extract, in the new landscapes they came across. Labrador was no exception.

When Dylan and I left Baie-Comeau we saw familiar road signs that dot the North warning of when the next gas station would be. As we left the shores of the St. Lawrence and headed inland, we knew we were in Labrador. The road and land were all too familiar. Our excitement

and anticipation eventually turned to road weariness and fatigue after traveling the last stretch to Labrador City.

We had a few days to prepare before the starting line. After finding a power plug, Abel and I set ourselves up behind the motel to install a back bumper for his machine. As we worked, we got to experience the hospitality of the people when Neil, the maintenance guy for the motel, offered us the use of an angle grinder.

Glen and the others had gone to a machine shop to get an aluminum basket made and installed for his machine. At the end of the workday Glen and I went to pick up the machine. In another instance of hospitality, the guys at the shop gave us a large discount for the work done.

We knew we needed a garage or workshop to work in.

As we went around town on errands, we saw other teams doing the same. As night fell, we had an offer to use a backyard garage from Dave Mercer. We parked our machines inside to let them thaw out. We then went to see the Malleck boys, Team 99 from Sheshashit. Randy Malleck and the Salt boys had become friends at the previous Cain’s Quest. Randy had offered the GPS data of the different trails he and his team had mapped out to Glen. After talking and joking around with the boys, Randy had shown Glen all the possible routes. Back at our garage we did some last-minute adjustments and installations on the machines and we were almost ready for the race.

www.nationnews.ca April 24, 2020 the Nation 19

There were no regrets. Many learning opportunities arose during the race. Bonds were strengthened and new friends made

MARCH 6, 2020 LABRADOR CITY RACE DAY

Photos: Jayda and Glen before inspection, Malleck boys garage, Abel and Glen

20 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

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here was a long line of vehicles making their way to the parking area of the starting line. It was nice mild March day and there was excitement and anticipation in the air. As Glen and Abel made their way to the starting line emotions ran high while the two maintained a calm demeanour as they’d gone through this already. For new racers, emotions can run high while nervousness starts competing with excitement. The vets know that calmness and relaxation must rule. As Glen and Abel made their way after the start, a sense of exhilaration washed over us.

For the first leg, Dylan and I made our way to where we anticipated they would cross the highway. While we waited, we met a couple of mothers whose sons were also in the race.

They waited with nervousness, tension and

pride like any mother would. Their sons were one of the local teams from Hopedale.

After realizing our boys must have crossed the highway at another point, we headed to the first checkpoint to gas them up.

From that point on the following days melded together, following Glen and Abel from one checkpoint to the next, gassing them up and working out strategy for the next leg.

Along the way we experienced more hospitality from the people of Labrador. When Dylan and I entered stores or restaurants, I’d greet people with a “Where ya to?” or a “Kwe Nappaau”, which always made them smile knowing that we were from “away.” We were always greeted warmly and asked where we were from.

MARCH 5, 2020 LABRADOR CITY

W

e continued our adjustments and tinkering to finalize our machines for inspection. We installed ice scrapers for the slides and heavy-duty springs for the suspension on Abel’s machine. Now we were race ready. We hauled our machines to the arena for inspection. All the machines passed inspection and were stamped with a small inukshuk to the side of the engine to ensure that the same machine would cross the finish line.

All machines were put on display around the rink. We were ready. Fan Night.

For Fan Night, the community is invited for the introductions of the 50 teams and the announcement of the starting lineup. After the ceremonies the teams take to their machines while the fans greet them and take pictures.

The young ones look at the machines with wide eyes as the teams mingle saying hello to old and new friends as they compare setups.

After Fan Night, we picked up our machines for more tinkering. We strapped on an extra fuel tank and adjusted the handlebars for Glen’s machine. We were race ready.

Ernie piece

Glen remarked that they were always met with an offer of food, refreshments or a garage to work in: “People would be kind of disappointed when we told them we weren’t stopping.”

At each departure Glen would yell out, “See you in two years!” As the race progressed, Glen and Abel climbed in the standings, sometimes even into the lead.

Among the many difficulties was navigating to the next checkpoint “Even with the GPS we were still losing the trail because it would be under three feet of snow and we were deep in the woods,” Glen said.

We were trying to stay warm as they drove over 100 km per hour. Then a bit of bad luck hit Glen. A bad roll on a hard snow drift after leaving Natuashish was the beginning of the end of our race. A replacement for his handlebar was needed

along with a remounting of his GPS. A handlebar was taken from an old Elan skidoo and they were soon on their way.

It was late at night when they finally arrived at one of the last checkpoints in Churchill Falls, and everyone was in good spirits. As we gassed them up, a few local boys came to take pictures and talk.

Glen regaled them with stories of his snowmobile adventures when he was a “youngin” like them.

Since it was late, the only person working the entrance to the checkpoint was a young man who wasn’t sure of the way to the trail.

When we asked the lad if they knew how to find it, he ran to his machine so he could guide Glen and Abel there. When he returned, he put on his helmet with one of the biggest grins I’ve ever seen.

Cain’s Quest is one of the highlights for many Labrador communities. I could only imagine the

pride and excitement to be tasked with guiding a team from Cain’s Quest to the trail.

Unfortunately, the roll that Glen took after Natuashish put a kink in the snowmobile’s suspension. It finally collapsed after Churchill Falls, leaving Team Salt with no choice but to bow out of the race.

There were no regrets. Many learning opportunities arose during the race. Bonds were strengthened and new friends made.

After experiencing the hospitality, warmth and friendliness of the people of Labrador I feel that had Jacques Cartier been given a chance to follow the race, he would have remarked that Labrador was the land that God gave the people.

www.nationnews.ca April 24, 2020 the Nation 21

COVID-19

ᔦᐦᔦᐙᔅᐱᓀᐎᓐ ᐁ ᐋᔔᒦᑐᓈᓅᒡ

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY LOVED ONES? ᑖᓐ ᒉ ᐃᐦᑎᔮᓐ ᐁᐧᐄ ᓇᓈᑲᑐᐧᐁᔨᒥᓱᔮᓐ ᑲᔦ ᓂᓵᒋᐦᐋᑲᓂᒡ ᐁᐧᐄ ᓇᓈᑲᑐᐧᐁᔨᒥᐧᑳᐤ PRACTICE GOOD HAND HYGIENE ᒨᔥ ᒉ ᒥᔫ ᒋᔅᑖᐳᐧᐊᑎᐦᒉᔨᓐ

AVOID SPREADING DROPLETS ᐁᑳᐧᐄ ᒋᑲᐧᐄ ᐋᔔᐸᐦᒋᔥᑎᓐ ᐁ ᐱᒋᔥᑐᐧᐁᔨᓐ ᐊᓂᑌ ᑯᑕᒃ ᐊᐧᐁᓐ ᐁ ᐃᐦᑖᑦ

Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer ᒋᔅᑖᐳᐧᐊᑎᐦᒉ ᓲᑉ ᐁ ᐋᐸᒋᐦᐄᑦ ᓀᔥᑦ ᐁᒌᔓᑲᒥᑌᒡ ᓃᐲᐦ ᐧᐃᔦᔅ ᐊᐱᐦᑑ ᒥᓂᑯᔥ ᒫᒃ ᒋᔥᑖᐹᐅᑎᐦᒋᑲᓈᐴ ᐋᐸᒋᐦᑖ᙮

If you have no tissue, use your sleeve when coughing or sneezing ᐁᑳ ᐁ ᐊᔮᐅᐧᐊᓀ ᓰᓂᔅᑌᔨᑯᒫᐧᐃᓐᐦ ᐁ ᐅᔅᑐᑕᒪᓐ ᒫᒃ ᐁ ᐋᐃᒧᔨᓐ ᒋᓇᑯᐃ ᐋᐸᒋᐦᐄ

EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO SYMPTOMS: PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands ᐁᑳᐧᐄ ᑖᐦᒋᓐᐦ ᒋᔅᒌᔑᒄᐦ, ᒋᔅᑯᑦ ᑲᔦ ᒋᑑᓐ ᐁᑳ ᐅᐦᒋ ᑳᓰᑎᐦᒉᐧᐊᓀ

ᐋᑦ ᐁᑳ ᐧᐃᔦᔅ ᐃᑕᒪᐦᒋᐦᐅᐧᐊᓀ: ᐁᑳᐧᐄ ᐯᔓᐧᐋᐸᒻ ᐊᐧᐁᓐ

Use tissue for coughs and sneezes No gatherings

ᓰᓂᔅᑌᔨᑯᒫᐧᐃᓐ ᐋᐸᒋᐦᑖᐦ ᐁ ᐅᔅᑐᑕᒪᓐ ᑲᔦ ᐁ ᐋᐃᒧᔨᓐ

ᐁᑳᐧᐄ ᒫᐅᔑᑯᐦᐄᑐᒄ

Even if you have no symptoms, stay home

ᐋᑦ ᐁᑳ ᒋᔅᒉᔨᐦᑖᑯᓱᐧᐊᓀ ᐁ ᐊᔮᔨᓐ ᐆ ᐋᐦᑯᓱᐧᐃᓐ, ᔮᐸᒡ ᒥᒄ ᒌᒋᐦᒡ ᐃᐦᑖᐦ No visitors Keep 2 meters away from others at all time

meters

ᒨᔥ ᔮᐃᑌᐃ 6 ᒥᓯᑦ ᒉᐧᐄ ᐃᔅᐱᔖᐸᒪᑦ ᐊᐧᐁᓐ

ᐁᑳᐧᐄ ᒋᑲ ᒋᔫᑕᒥᑰᓐ

Throw away used tissue and wash your hands ᐧᐁᐱᓐ ᒉᐧᑳᓐ ᐁᒌ ᓰᓂᔅᑌᔨᑯᒣᐧᐋᒉᔨᓐ ᑲᔦ ᒉ ᑎᔅᑖᐳᐧᐊᑎᐦᒉᔨᓐ

For more information:

22 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

EEYOUISTCHEECOVID19.ORG 1 866 855-2811

COVID-19

ᔦᐦᔦᐙᔅᐱᓀᐎᓐ ᐁ ᐋᔔᒦᑐᓈᓅᒡ

THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK IS A STRESSFUL TIME FOR ALL OF US It can be particularly difficult for those struggling with addiction or those who have a relative or close person struggling with addiction. During the pandemic, supplies of alcohol and drugs may be more difficult to access.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur that may require medical attention.

CALL YOUR LOCAL CMC OR ONE OF THE HELPLINES BELOW if you think that you are going through withdrawal symptoms or if you feel anxious and distressed.

PSYCHOSOCIAL HELPLINE

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1-833-632-HELP (4357)

514-527-2626

MONTREAL AREA

1-800-265-2626 EVERYWHERE IN QUEBEC

CANADIAN CENTRE

QUEBEC HELPLINE

ON SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION

FOR COVID-19

1-877-644-4545

1-833-235-4048

WHAT TO AVOID: Mixing alcohol and drugs Sharing bottles, cigarettes, joints, vapes with others Gathering in groups and not respecting the physical distancing rule

KEEP IN MIND THAT BY KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE YOU CAN ALSO KEEP YOUR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES SAFE!

www.nationnews.ca April 24, 2020 the Nation 23

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By phone: 819-874-2600 By email: justicevaldor@cngov.ca 24 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Politics

Pandemic economics How to navigate the bureaucracy of emergency financial support programs

by Patrick Quinn

A

dizzying array of funding programs is now available to help individuals and businesses get through the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hardest part may be to understand which resources are most applicable to different situations for people and organizations.

The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) developed a simple web application – at covid19. cdepnql.com/questionnaire – to help. Eligibility for financial support is assessed by answering a few quick questions.

“The idea behind the app was to make it easy for people during this very unusual situation,” said FNQLEDC director general Mickel Robertson. “We felt the information was scattered and it was hard for people to get a good overview of what was available to them.”

After compiling all available measures, they designed a web questionnaire to apply only the information most relevant to each user. Although resources are applicable to all Canadians, the FNQLEDC is seeking clarity regarding uniquely Indigenous situations.

“We had a lot of questions because of particularities we see among First Nations, like non-taxable income,” Robertson told the Nation. “Now we’re pretty confident that most people will be eligible for these measures. We still have many questions regarding band-owned businesses – we’re still trying to get definitive answers regarding their eligibility for the salary-subsidy program.”

Robertson suggested self-employed people on reserve might have difficulty receiving funds if their taxes weren’t submitted or they’re operating in a “grey area”. The latter may include the Ouwah Store in Chisasibi.

“At this time, there is nothing for a self-employed Native businessperson,” claimed Ouwah co-manager Michel Goyette. “Provincial or federal tax relief on business for Crees are useless – we do not claim taxes to customers since all our goods are sold in the community.”

Indigenous Services Canada has an emergency fund directed towards local governments, how-

ever. Indigenous communities and organizations supporting their members living in urban areas will be able to access a $305 million Indigenous Community Support Fund. Leaders have flexibility to address local needs.

In Eeyou Istchee, Niskamoon Corporation and the Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA) have organized the Emergency Assistance Program for Cree Land Users. The $1.6 million fund will help cover travel and food expenses for hunters and their families going to the bush as Goose Break approaches.

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone,” stated Niskamoon president William MacLeod.

Allocation of funds will be at the discretion of local CTA offices. With businesses and schools closed, people are expected to stay longer in the bush.

There are several other funds that individuals and businesses may access. The most widely applicable is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit of $2,000 per month once an Employment Insurance benefit period expires. It was recently expanded to include seasonal workers and students.

The feds also raised the family allowance by $300 per child and offer a one-time payment for low- and modest-income families of $400 for singles and nearly $600 for couples.

Self-employed workers with employees can also be reimbursed for eligible expenses related to business-training projects. Meanwhile, income tax-filing deadlines are extended until June 1, with payments deferrable until September. Interest and late fees on payments have been waived for many organizations.

Companies can apply for the Canada Emergency Business Account, which provides a loan of up to $40,000 interest free for one year. A quarter of the loan will be forgiven if it is repaid before 2023. A subsidy covering 75% of employee salaries is also available to small- and medium-sized businesses.

Quebec put aside $2.5 billion to help companies overcome liquidity issues, while urging customers to buy local through its “panier bleu” digital platform. Included is a $400 monthly incentive for employees of essential services earning less than $2,000 per month.

With new announcements coming almost daily, it’s important to focus on reliable information sources regarding assistance programs.

“We’re all in what I would call the fog of war,” Robertson observed. “We have to take this daily because the situation is moving fast, and nobody really has control of this. The only control we have is to stay home, take care of our loved ones and stay positive.”

One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone - William MacLeod, Niskamoon president

www.nationnews.ca April 24, 2020 the Nation 25

Community

Frontline heroes Essential services adapt to new reality

by Patrick Quinn | Photo of Meechum Staff

C

hallenging times can help us realize the importance of what we still have left.

While most businesses are now closed or having employees work from home, essential services continue to operate according to updated COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Certain restaurants are offering take-out and delivered meals, auto mechanics are open for scheduled drop-offs, and laundromats and hardware stores remain open. The Quebec government recently also allowed mechanics, miners, landscapers, garden centres and home builders to return to work, provided they can respect physical distancing.

However, perhaps more than any other business, grocery stores are on the front lines of this pandemic. The Cree Health Board has provided special recommendations for adopting good food-safety and hygiene practices and even visited several stores.

“The Cree Health Board was there to help us and someone from the band came to check how we’re doing,” said Sandra Happyjack, manager of Waswanipi Grocery. “We had questions for them.

The first time was overwhelming – everyone was trying to come in and buy everything. People were scared.”

Although customer stockpiling of supplies like toilet paper has somewhat abated since the initial panic subsided, stores have been forced to alter their inventory management and often enforce limits on popular goods.

“We have limited toilet paper and paper towels,” Happyjack told the Nation. “We have a limit to buy from our supplier and then we limit our clients to buy two per family. Even the bread is limited.

When hand sanitizer comes in, we tell them one

per family. We have people coming in and placing orders – like pork chops by cases.”

Adapting to changing consumption patterns has been challenging for both suppliers and grocers, who typically operate under a “just-in-time” food system to minimize costly inventory oversupplies. Temporary shortages are inevitable as supply chains shift away from wholesale orders to cafeterias and other away-from-home clients.

Adapting to changing consumption patterns has been challenging for both suppliers and grocers

“Sometimes we have to almost triple the order,” said Happyjack. “The main things that are really missing are the baby formulas, diapers and spaghetti sauce. Usually we have five or six [missing] things from our supplier but now it’s like a page and a half. We have a list that says shortage of stock or it’s blocked for chain grocery stores.”

While most stores contacted by the Nation couldn’t be reached to confirm this trend, the Meechum l’Inter Marché in Mistissini reported no significant complaints regarding deliveries. With

26 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

people staying in town more than usual, the store has overcome the first rush and adjusted its orders and staffing levels accordingly.

“Everything’s back to normal now,” said Meechum manager Steve Rombotis. “Procedures are in place to protect our customers and employees. We put plexiglass in to protect our cashiers.

We have someone at the door to ensure people are using hand sanitizers when they come in. We spray our carts with disinfectants every 15 minutes.”

Customers are advised to plan their shopping beforehand to spend less time in the store, not shop when feeling sick, touch only what you take, clean reusable bags and to use tap credit/debit cards when possible. When bringing groceries home, there’s no reason to do more than wash your hands well.

Stores are limiting admittance to encourage physical distancing and allow only one person per shopping cart, and ask that children be left at home. Most are reserving early hours for Elders – Waswanipi Grocery also set aside afternoons from 2 to 4 pm for Elders and others with fragile health.

“We’ve had early mornings from 8 to 9 for Elders,” Rombotis said. “There’s not that many people who use it. We thought that would be perfect hours because the store is clean from the night before.”

Eastmain Northern Store is making home deliveries for Elders and others at risk. That community has also implemented a food-subsidy program,

“It is not time to abandon ship – it’s time to take the commands and find new ways to accomplish what we used to” - Michel Goyette, Ouwah co-manager

providing a 25% discount on eligible purchases to help offset costs during these unprecedented times.

On April 10, the Eastmain Local Cree Trappers’ Association announced it will be allocating some funds from Niskamoon’s Emergency Assistance Fund for Cree Land Users towards gift cards for community members.

Families will be given gift cards and coupons worth $500, single parents $300, and singles $200 – redeemable for food only.

In other news around the territory, Kuujjuaraapik Co-op is providing an additional 10% discount on food items to the end of April and Chisasibi’s Cree Mart opened an “express” service where clerks will bring five items or less to customers outside the store. Although Ouje-Bougoumou has no grocery store, its gas station expanded its food supply earlier this month – a particularly vital emergency service with non-essential travel now restricted between communities.

Although Chisasibi’s Ouwah Store is not an essential business, it began practicing distancing measures and transitioning to an online presence before such steps were enforced. They now rely on Facebook for orders and Canada Post for receiving and shipping goods. Local customers can pick up orders outside after stating their name in a walkie-talkie at the door.

“These are times that no one has ever lived,” said Ouwah co-manager Michel Goyette. “But in these situations, there are opportunities. Eventually we can come back to new norms and set new expectations. It is not time to abandon ship – it’s time to take the commands and find new ways to accomplish what we used to.”

These ways include exploring e-commerce platforms and inventory management software. Although many stores have been reducing operating hours, some question the Quebec government’s decision to close all businesses on Sundays.

“We closed last Sunday when they said grocery stores should close,” said Happyjack. “I know Montreal or Ottawa have other stores, but we have only the gas station, the corner store and the grocery store. I think when we close Sundays, then on Monday we have more people coming in. Maybe it’s a good thing we stay open.”

Happyjack credited her staff for disinfecting the entire store the previous weekend. Grocery stores and their customers throughout Eeyou Istchee have expressed gratitude to workers for gracefully maintaining operations. Rombotis even likened them to superheroes.

“There have been some who were more reluctant to work, and we gave them space to stop as they wished,” Rombotis said. “Others have been more than willing to adapt as much as possible. They’re working out great and we’re very appreciative. We give them the incentive that they deserve in salary as well.”

ᒥᓯᐙ ᒑ ᐃᔮᒀᒥᓯᔮᒄ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᒦᓯᒋᓯᔮᒄ ᐋ ᓅᒋᐱᔮᓱᐙ ᔮᒄ᙮

www.nationnews.ca April 24, 2020 the Nation 27

Your Northern Airline of Choice creebec

Air Creebec is operating by respecting and exceeding the rules with extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the aircraft, social distancing on board and at all service counters.

We encourage everyone to respect the rules and to stay safe.

For the latest Air Creebec updates, please visit aircreebec.ca/covid19 28 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Life in the lineup

by Sonny Orr

Rez Notes

W

hew! A lot of snow fell last night and I spent half the day working just to get out the front door. It’s not that I had anywhere to go, but it was fun being outside. A massive snow dump on most of eastern North America had people in awe at what Mother Nature could dole out. My sore, aching arms are a testament to her power.

The toll of the winter storm had many people lined up outside to brave the long wait for the mail.

I queued for a minute and then went home to put on some warmer clothing. It was a good call as I waited another 20 minutes or so. I then trudged back home only to see other colleagues making their way around, so we had a quick six-foot meeting.

It felt good to do some work as most nonessential services are shut down. I rushed home to see if I had received any emails, then decided to give everyone some more time distancing from me.

After all, it was 4:30 in the afternoon.

At home, the caring for the little one continued.

I now have a great appreciation for our daycares and their dedicated staff. The loud noises of the heavy equipment removing the snow brought all the kids to the window. I’ve learned how to slow cook my food and to eat them appreciatively.

On occasion we hit the camp for some old-fashioned wild meat and fresh air, but the last storm put a hold on that. We’re now waiting for warmer weather and the promise of a good spring hunt. I’m just happy I can drive to the store to line up.

One good fortune is that all the usual things that we took for granted but didn’t really need are

now helping with the bank balance. No bingo, no casinos, no alcohol. But what can you do with cash money these days? Cash is slowly disappearing as it looks like tapping the card for payment will be the norm. So anyone who uses cash only might

I’m hoping for some solution to the worlds problems and I’m hoping that we can be part of that solution

have some difficulties ahead. Disinfecting every bill might be the only option – giving the term money laundering a real meaning for those who must handle it. It’s a good thing that most bills are plastic and can be washed easily.

I’m finding that online shopping might be easier in the long run. But I say support local businesses.

Keep the money in town and increase it the way it was supposed to be growing.

For me, I should shop for some faltering stocks in the exchange, maybe in the water business, as it’s now more expensive than gas. That’s the case down south, where no one can drive around without being issued a ticket for fraternizing on four wheels.

Well, I’m hoping for a solution to the world’s problems and that we can be part of that solution.

Stay healthy, my friends.

www.nationnews.ca April 24, 2020 the Nation 29

Bannock & Taking care of our Elders Tea

&

T

by Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash

B

A

sking people to wear a mask in public during a pandemic of a deadly respiratory disease would seem logical. Unfortunately, information and recommendations on the subject are contradictory. Now, however, medical experts are starting to support the idea.

I think I’ve been handling the pandemic well. I have a general anxiety disorder, so being asked to work from home and avoid public spaces is like a dream come true. The only thing that triggers my anxiety to the point of tears is seeing reports of neglected, sick and dying old people in long-term care homes in the south.

When my nuhkum was hospitalized, the nurses and orderlies were very good to her. Some would even lay down with her at night to comfort her when she could not sleep. They learned words in Cree to be able to communicate with her and told her she was loved. They were kind, even though they often worked 16-hour shifts. When she was not in hospital, my aunt Louisa and my uncle Halton would selflessly take care of her. They had my grandmother at their place for almost four years.

Nothing affects me like seeing Elders being abused or neglected. I loved watching my community prepare their COVID-19 response because everyone’s first reflex was to think of the Elders.

Joint efforts were made so that some programs for the elderly could continue. A food bank was set up for them, buildings were rearranged if an Elder had to quarantine, and Elders were a key aspect of the communications at the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.

30 the Nation April 24, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

All that is very different from what is happening down south.

Because many long-term care home employees are either sick or quarantined, Quebec Premier François Legault was forced to appeal to doctors and other healthcare specialists April 15 to help fight COVID-19 in seniors’ housing centres, where the pandemic is raging and claiming hundreds of lives.

Some healthcare professionals reacted to Legault’s request with anger. One viral Facebook post by a woman trained as a social worker complained that she was being asked to “wipe soiled elderly butts.”

Taking care of the elderly is not easy. It takes you out of your comfort zone. You must learn quickly and, in my case, without professional training. Even if it is hard, the aged deserve dignity. Everyone does. It hurts to see that people don’t want to go help in old-age homes because they think they are gross or that they are above that kind of work. Elders are everyone’s responsibility and bringing them care and comfort during this trying time is important. That’s what we would want for ourselves.

I think people are starting to realize that when the sh*t hits the fan, you need community. We need to be selfless, to help our neighbours and that we need a healthy social safety net. When this is all over, I hope we do not go back to how things were. I hope we raise our voices and demand better living conditions for the ones in need. Capitalism has made us selfish, but we now see its flaws. Let’s use this experience to do better in the future.

COVID-19

ᔦᐦᔦᐙᔅᐱᓀᐎᓐ ᐁ ᐋᔔᒦᑐᓈᓅᒡ

ARE YOU WORRIED ? ᒋᒥᑯᔅᑳᑖᔨᐦᑕᓈ chi mikuskâtâyihtanâ

WWW

WEBSITE EEYOUISTCHEECOVID19.ORG

INFO-LINE 1

866 855-2811

PSYCHOSOCIAL HELPLINE 1 833 632-HELP (4357)

PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES AND STAY HOME

ᒌᒋᐦᒡ ᐃᐦᑖᐦ ᐁᒄ ᒉ ᒥᔪᑲᓇᐧᐁᔨᒥᐧᑖᐤ ᑳ ᓵᒋᐦᐄᐧᑖᐤ chîchihch ihtâh ekw che miyukanaweyimitwâu kâ sâchihîtwâu

COVID-19

ᔦᐦᔦᐙᔅᐱᓀᐎᓐ ᐁ ᐋᔔᒦᑐᓈᓅᒡ

WHAT TO DO ᑖ ᒉ ᐃᐦᑎᔨᓐ TÂ CHE IHTIYIN

YOU HAVE

YOU HAVE

TRAVELLED

NOT TRAVELLED

OUTSIDE THE REGION (EEYOU ISTCHEE) IN THE PAST 14 DAYS

OUTSIDE THE REGION (EEYOU ISTCHEE) IN THE PAST 14 DAYS

NO SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOMS:

COUGH, FEVER, DIFFICULTY BREATHING

STAY HOME & SELF-ISOLATE

CALL CMC

FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

SELF-ISOLATE MEANS: Stay home, in a closed room alone at all times Use a separate bathroom as much as possible No visitors No sharing of objects If in contact with other members in household, stay 2 meters (6 feet) apart and wear a mask Disinfect surfaces and objects frequently (especially door knobs, light switches, etc.)

IF INSTRUCTED TO STAY HOME THEN YOU MUST

SELF-ISOLATE

NO SYMPTOMS

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS BY FOLLOWING THESE MEASURES: PRACTICE PHYSICAL DISTANCE + AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE (ESPECIALLY EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH) + WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY + COUGH / SNEEZE INTO YOUR SLEEVE OR TISSUE (PUT TISSUE IN GARBAGE AFTER) + TAKE EXTRA CARE IF YOU OR YOUR CONTACTS ARE OLDER OR HAVE A CHRONIC DISEASE