Issuu

Some kids Some kids aren’t doing well. aren’t doing well. Inviting them Inviting them for an outdoor for an outdoor activity can activity do them can good. do them good.

Discover more ideas Québec.ca/ payattention

CONTENTS 10 Tracey Deer’s Beans

EDITORIAL Covid, a children’s concern?

NEWS Third wave ebbs

Springtime danger

IN BRIEF

FEATURES Bringing the Oka Crisis to the big screen

Summer of 1990

Land & tradition

Ottawa opens money spout

Calmer waters

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

Total disconnect

New CTA president Thomas Jolly

Politics

Historic church destroyed in fire

New federal budget

Updates

Mi’gmaq fisheries agreement

UTNS

Illustration provided by Metropole Films

Editorial

Covid, a children’s concern? by Will Nicholls

ovid-19 and its variants are hitting the youth harder these days. Is it a concern parents should have? After all, only 2% of youth infected by the coronavirus are hospitalized across Canada. However, kids under 18 now account for 20% of new infections and that should be cause to worry. Those worries have translated into action in some places. Toronto closed schools over concerns of the high rates of cases. In Quebec, Montreal schools are issuing masks to their students, even in elementary schools. In Quebec, recently, a 16-year-old died from Covid complications. In the same month, a 13-year-old died in Ontario. Meanwhile, in British Columbia, infants – including a baby – died from a disease that all the self-taught scientists on Facebook say that young people shouldn’t worry about. In Manitoba, a 10-year-old First Nations boy died last fall though he had no chronic illness or any other underlying condition. Manitoba’s First Nations have been particularly hard hit as they account for more than a third of the province’s known active cases. First Nations people dying from Covid19 are on average 20 years younger than the rest of Covid-related deaths in Manitoba. We may have become a bit complacent in Eeyou Istchee, given our relative success in limiting infections, but these facts should tell us that care is still needed to safeguard our people and especially the youth, our future. Medical experts admit that serious illness and/or death among the youth is rare. But parents still need to keep an eye on their children as it will take some time before any Canadian child less than 18 years old will receive a vaccination.

In Quebec, the number of children hospitalized because of Covid infections has doubled since the first wave a year ago. Doctors say that if the transmission rates increase then more youth will contract rare – and deadly – complications of the virus. If you feel there is something wrong with your child, then go with your

instincts. Get your children tested as soon as possible. Any delay, doctors say, can be fatal as Covid-19 symptoms can progress rapidly. If, as an adult, you haven’t been vaccinated then you should do so for the children, the Elders and those around you. It’s the right thing to do to ensure the safety of everyone you love, including yourself.

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 Randy Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, B. Powless DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse 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 | facebook.com/NATIONnewsmagazine | Twitter: @creenation_news

4 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

C O V I D - 1 9 U P D AT E

by Ben Powless

Third wave ebbs

CHB issues health guidelines for Goose Break

uebec is beginning to ease confinement measures as new coronavirus cases decline, though Ontario and other provinces continue to face a third wave of infections far worse than seen in the previous 16 months of the global pandemic. While Ontario is in a six-week lockdown, Quebec Premier François Legault moved the curfew back to 9:30pm-5am in Montreal and Laval May 3, and eliminated all curfew restrictions in Region 10 (Norddu-Québec). The Cree Health Board (CHB) reported there were no new cases or reports of variants within Eeyou Istchee, but Region 2 (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean) and Region 8 (Abitibi-Témiscamingue) were still reporting daily new cases. Region 2 health officials reported 208 active cases, while Region 8 reported 28. “As we see, Quebec and Ontario are in the third wave of the pandemic caused by a surge of cases of the variant. These new cases of the variant affect younger people, and they are getting sicker,” said CHB Vice-Chair Christine Petawabano in a radio address. “The Cree Nation has not reported any cases of the variant in Eeyou Istchee. Our communities enjoy the freedom and benefits of gathering and visiting family. We must continue to protect our communities as we move forward with our seasonal activities.” Meanwhile, the vaccination campaign in Eeyou Istchee was on target in late April: 10,551 people had received a first dose (85% of those eligible); another 6,721 had received a second (61% of those eligible). Cree health officials expressed optimism at the news that vaccinated individuals are much less likely transmit Covid19, which may allow for looser travel restrictions for those who have received a second dose. For now, though, vaccinated individuals are still subject to mandatory self-isolation laws when travelling to areas of risk. The second dose is available in all communities, and health officials are

pushing for people to get vaccinated before Goose Break. Cree beneficiaries outside Cree territory are still eligible to receive vaccinations but may face delays due to mass vaccination campaigns underway in southern cities. Wiichihiituwin clients and escorts were to be vaccinated as well and will be contacted for details. The Cree School Board said it had shared details with the CHB of students and dependents in the south who are eligible for vaccination, and they are to receive appointment details from the CHB. Every part of Ontario and Quebec was considered an area of risk, outside of Region 10, Region 17 (Nunavik) and Region

The second dose is available in all communities, and health officials are pushing for people to get vaccinated before Goose Break

18 (Eeyou Istchee). Intercommunity travel was permitted for visiting family and other essential reasons. Cree leaders said that travel restrictions to the Saguenay and Abitibi regions would be reviewed after Goose Break. Schools across Eeyou Istchee remained on schedule B, with masks required in Waswanipi, Mistissini and Ouje-Bougoumou. Sabtuan Adult Education Services classes continue, with measures including masks and social distancing. The CHB also published updated guidelines on best health practices during Goose Break. They include using verbal

greetings instead of shaking hands, keeping socially distanced, only visiting other camps in emergencies, not sharing food or beverages, not to lend or borrow gear, and to disinfect cabins or goose blinds that are shared. Health authorities also recommended people inform others of travel destinations, verify if routes have changed due to weather conditions, and to check in with Elders or experts about the safest route. After problems related to vaccine deliveries, primarily with the Moderna vaccine, Quebec announced that some individuals may receive a second dose that was different from the first, a move which experts say should still provide good – and perhaps enhanced – immunity. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization meanwhile recommended expanding the AstraZeneca-Oxford to those under 30 who do not face health risks related to extremely rare blood clots that have been detected. Quebec announced one death related to blood clots from the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, after more than 400,000 doses had been administered. In Alberta, public health data showed that more people between 20 and 50 years old were ending up in ICUs than ever before, as variants now dominate provincial infections. Quebec was reporting over 900 new cases per day, a decline of 24% from the previous week, while Ontario was reporting over 3,000 new cases per day, a decline from over 4,000 cases per day a week earlier. This brought Quebec to over 346,000 people infected. Nationally, over 1.1 million cases were reported in Canada with over 24,000 deaths. Quebec reported 3.3 million vaccine doses administered, while Canada had administered 12.5 million doses, with 975,000 fully vaccinated. Internationally, there were 147.5 million reported cases, with 3.1 million deaths. India is the latest country to be devastated by the virus, as much of the country’s health system is crumbling in response to the crisis.

www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 5

CONFERENCE

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT IN A NORDICITY CONTEXT

JUNE 9-10 2021

LIVE ON

The Secretariat in collaboration with the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and Cree Nation Government and the City of Amos organizes this conference that meets the mission of the Secretariat of developing harmonious economic relations between the Cree Nation and the other nations, mission based on the four pillars of information, gathering, exchange and communication. Four important axes also of any sustainable development.

Renowned indigenous and non-indigenous speakers, from companies and organizations involved in Energy and/or Environment; virtual exhibit and various networking activities make this event a must in terms of networking and strategic alliances.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Dr Abel Bosum

Chief/Chairperson, Grand Council of the Crees Eeyou Istchee / Cree Nation Government

Mandy Gull

Deputy Grand Chief/ Vice Chairperson, Grand Council of the Crees Eeyou Istchee / Cree Nation Government

Jonatan Julien

Member for Charlesbourg, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the CôteNord Region

Pierre Dufour

Member for Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region

Drs Ted Moses

Sébastien d’Astous

President, Secretariat to the Cree Nation AbitibiTémiscamingue Economic Alliance

Mayor of Amos Prefect of Abitibi Regional County

in collaboration with

6 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

(Photo Credit)

RENOWNED SPEAKERS WILL ALSO INCLUDE

News

Springtime danger

by Patrick Quinn

Officials investigate huge landslide on Great Whale River

fficials are closely monitoring the area upstream from the twin Cree and Inuit communities of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik after at least one massive landslide occurred along the Great Whale River on the mornby Ben Powless ing of April 22. While the vast quantity of fallen trees and debris raised water levels immediately afterwards, levels have since returned to normal and officials say there is no current danger to the communities. Their elevated location about 10 metres above water level on a sandy plateau makes them highly unlikely to be affected by potential flooding. Whapmagoostui officials said the landslide happened on an area with thick clay soils six kilometres upstream from the communities. According to Dr. Dave Petley of The Landslide Blog, the slide is about 1.6 km from the crown to the channel and about 4 km from the crown to the toe, likely impacting millions of cubic metres. As the surrounding area remains vulnerable to further landslides, residents are cautioned to avoid river travel as well as the road beyond the Crusher Site that goes down to the Sundance Area. Neither should people obtain drinking water from the river. “In the beginning, there were worries about an ice jam, flooding and further avalanches,” said Sonny Orr, Whapmagoostui’s economic development officer. “It seemed like a very sudden event. There were a lot of trees jutting out of the river and a lot of material projected into the river. There’s worry that other places could go down – I wouldn’t pitch my tent up there.” It was feared that fallen debris could dam the relatively shallow part of the river and create damaging floods. Whapmagoostui Chief Robbie Kawapit told CBC that “it was very unsettling for

everybody” and people were starting to panic. With the stability of the ice affecting an estimated 1.5 km downstream and 0.5 km upstream from the area, a major concern was the accelerated rate of ice break-up. Although the cold weather the following weekend mitigated those concerns, the warming temperatures may cause further instability. “There were worries the ice would break up and then jam up, because it’s not ready for a normal spring breakup,” Orr told the Nation. “The river seems to be taking it, but you can’t really tell because there’s still a few kilometres of ice sitting on top. We’re going to see a lot of trees once the ice melts, so it won’t be good for using your canoe or motorboat.” Orr speculated that warmer than usual temperatures had liquefied the clay underneath, causing the heavy land to slide off. Large landslides generally occur during the spring melt. Although this is the largest ever landslide known to have impacted Whapmagoostui, there have been previous events caused by the region’s extreme weather. “A couple years ago we had a big crack from the commercial centre to the arena downtown,” Orr said. “It looked like an earthquake, but it was an ice-quake, when it freezes so much it cracks from expansion. Ice expands when it freezes.” Cree and Inuit officials from the communities are cooperating with Quebec government officials and experts from Université Laval to monitor the situation. The Kativik Regional Government said the event caused “more fear than harm” to the community but expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact. Special laser and radar images were taken of the area using LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology. Commonly used in geology and landslide investigations, it generates precise, three-dimen-

sional information about the shape of the earth and its surface characteristics. “With that information, our specialists will be able to analyze the type of landslide and make recommendations to the affected municipalities,” Éric Drolet, regional director for Quebec’s public security ministry in the Capitale-Nationale, ChaudièreAppalaches and Nunavik region, told the CBC. As the weather warms, the landslide’s repercussions could impact travel and activities around the river and surrounding area. The Whapmagoostui Facebook page has been posting aerial videos showing the extensive damage. “I know the ice is not that thick,” said Orr. “Before we had a false sense of security because of the snowfall sitting on the ice. You couldn’t see the areas where it might be dangerous – now we start to see some dark patches.” Orr emphasized that the Cree and Inuit sides of the community are accustomed to coordinating their response to regional emergencies. His wife, Sarah Shem, is a radio dispatcher for the Cree Trappers’ Association, so he hears about the high volume of medical emergency calls coming from bush camps. “It’s already challenging without having the flooding or landslide,” Orr explained. “Pay attention to the people who are in charge of the emergency and don’t call them up all the time. They’re the same people working on Covid, fires and emergency measures. Keep it a low tone for the kids – don’t exaggerate and panic.” The Cree Health Board added that it’s normal to be affected mentally, emotionally and spiritually when the land hurts. People feeling scared or anxious by the landslide are encouraged to call the Wiichihiiwaauwin helpline at 1-833632-4357.

www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 7

8 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

In Brief Mistissini’s petty crime wave Police in Mistissini confirmed reports of vandalism, breaking and entering, and vehicle theft recently – attributing the incidents to youth in the community. Eeyou Eenou Police Lieutenant Robie Petawabano said the offenses took place around the weekend of April 17, and that investigations are still ongoing with no arrests. The stolen vehicle was later recovered. “I would ask the community to work with us concerning the incidents, providing whatever information they have and forward that to the investigation,” Petawabano urged. Petawabano also called for parents to be responsible for their children, and for community members to lock their car doors and homes. Petawabano said that many of these incidents are linked to individuals housed at the recently opened Youth Healing Services Centre. Though it is a controlled facility, Petawabano said there are concerns over children and youth being able to leave the building and that the centre is addressing the issue. The Youth Healing Services Regional Centre did not respond to a request for comment. A voicemail for the centre said that staff were working from home due to building malfunctions, though Petawabano said that staff seemed to still be working in the building at the time. Opened in March 2020, the centre was built to provide “compassionate treatment and rehabilitation” in Eeyou Istchee, replacing an outdated reception centre. The centre was built to accommodate up

to 20 boys or girls aged 12 to 17 directed to the centre under the Youth Protection Act for intensive healing related to addictions, trauma or other serious issues. Youth in closed custody undertaking rehabilitation programs under the Youth Criminal Justice Act are also able to access the centre and its services. It includes a gymnasium, basketball courts, two classrooms, and rooms for art, exercise and other activities. Mistissini Youth Chief Justice Debassige said the community can continue to encourage youth to make good decisions with their family and themselves, while also providing programming to keep youth busy. He encouraged youth to “keep themselves busy with healthy coping mechanisms like going for a walk, spending time with friends, or with Goose Break to spend time with family in the bush, and if they don’t have that option there are people who work throughout Goose Break to provide activities and services they need.” Debassige said that the Mistissini Youth Department’s workers are holding activities and that the fitness centre would be opened during Goose Break, while local youth outreach workers would be available in the streets or on social media.

In Brief

Have a safe and happy Goose Break!

Gunsmith on location

www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 9

Features

Beans brings the Oka Crisis to the big screen Photos by Sebastien Raymond

10 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

1990

the

summer of

by Patrick Quinn

Photo of Violah Beauvais as Ruby & KiawentiioTarbell as Beans Photo by Sebastien Raymond

lthough it happened three decades ago, the Oka Crisis remains a powerful reminder of an Indigenous struggle to protect sacred land. The 78-day standoff between the Kanien’keha:ka (Mohawks) of Kanesatake against the Surêté du Québec and Canadian military is the subject of Beans, a compelling new film by director Tracey Deer. Since its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, the film won critical acclaim and earned awards at various Canadian festivals. Its wider release was recently pushed back to July 2. Director Tracey Deer approaches the conflict as a coming-of-age story filtered through the eyes of her 12-year-old protagonist Tekehentahkhwa, who everyone calls Beans. It was a natural choice for Deer because she was essentially that girl, living through harrowing moments, including driving with her family through a barrage of rocks as they fled their home in Kahnawake in a convoy. Wanting to share the destructive impact of that summer sparked her desire to become a filmmaker. “It’s a story I’ve wanted to tell since I lived it,” Deer told the Nation. “This has definitely been 30 years in the making. I wanted Canadians to experience that summer from our point of view in order to build bridges, compassion and understanding so these kinds of things don’t happen anymore.” Months of peaceful protest against the expansion of a golf course onto a Mohawk burial ground and forest known as the Pines escalated July 11, 1990, when Quebec sent in an armed tactical unit and a police officer was killed. As the Mercier Bridge to Montreal’s south shore and other roads were blocked, tensions rose higher after thousands of Canadian soldiers were deployed. www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 11

“That summer is when my innocence was shattered and I became aware of what it means to be an Indigenous person in this country,” explained Deer. “I suffered self-worth issues, a sense of feeling unsafe in the world, and I don’t think any kid should experience that. This story is about that kind of intolerance and racism, how destructive it is for our children and communities.” The audience perceives this increasingly hostile environment through the struggles of Beans, a smart and cheerful older sister navigating her own growing pains. While her parents debate the merits of sending her to a predominantly white private school, Beans becomes drawn to a group of trouble-making older kids and their darker world of violence, sex and alcohol.

Even as she enlists one girl to toughen her up and engages in unwarranted violence, Beans’ sweet nature shines through in ways both humorous and heartbreaking. Kiawentiio is magnetic in the lead role, portraying Beans’ dramatic journey from innocence to outrage with nuanced passion. “The actors we chose are incredibly talented and went above and beyond my expectations,” Deer enthused. “The casting process was very fun. Young Indigenous kids from across the country sent in videos. We were able to mix and match the shortlist to see what the chemistry was like.” Kiawentiio had earlier made a mark in the third season of Anne with an E, when Deer joined the television series as co-executive producer and contributed

12 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

to a new Indigenous storyline. The young Mohawk actress is also an aspiring singer/songwriter and wrote a song during the making of Beans that plays over the closing credits. While the writing process involved numerous drafts over eight years, Deer’s entire career has been leading to this debut feature. She devoured books and other media about the Oka Crisis, including Alanis Obomsawin’s series of films, which also informed some of her previous work like Mohawk Girls. “I’ve been researching the Oka Crisis for my entire adult life as I process my own trauma and try to understand how that affected me,” explained Deer. “In the writing of it, I definitely had everything already compiled, both from my own recollection as well as all the other sources

“That summer is when my innocence was shattered and I became aware of what it means to be an Indigenous person in this country” - Tracey Deer, Director

I’ve been exposed to. The historic events that are recreated in the film are very much actual events that took place.” While some of the more traumatic recreations were shot in other locations so as not to inadvertently offend community members, the film crew were welcomed to shoot in the Pines. This land at the heart of the crisis is still under dispute, as it has been for 300 years. The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake is currently suing the municipality of Oka over a bylaw that would designate part of the land a heritage site, which the band calls “a disguise to dispossess the Mohawks of their land governance.” Inflammatory comments from the mayor of Oka in recent years indicate that the racial tensions depicted in Beans still exist. Besides including shocking scenes

of Mohawk families being denied groceries as onlookers taunt them with slurs, the film interestingly intersperses actual news footage from the era with angry white Canadians advocating violence. “It was really important to me to have the archival footage in the film because I wanted to make sure audiences understood this really did happen,” asserted Deer. “When we’re uncomfortable by what we see, a natural defence mechanism is to say that it didn’t really happen. I wanted viewers to sit with those uncomfortable feelings because that can lead to action and change.” When nationwide protests in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs in British Columbia erupted last year, the Oka Crisis was often evoked as a reminder to avoid escalating the conflict. While

many say the 1990 standoff sparked a change in how police use force and led to a greater awareness of Indigenous issues, others question whether Canada really learned anything. For Deer, the Oka Crisis represents the type of racism Indigenous people experience every day. The emotional film production was a way of telling her 12-year-old self that she matters and this important time in her community’s history will not be forgotten. “Even though this is a period film, the themes and what goes on in the film is unfortunately very current,” Deer shared. “The footage is from 31 years ago, but these images are still played out today in news coverage all the time. There has not been enough change – the lessons have not been learned from the Oka Crisis.”

www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 13

We all want to know more about COVID-19 vaccination There are many reasons to get vaccinated, including protecting ourselves from the complications and dangers caused by infectious diseases, but also to stop the return of infectious diseases that are avoidable through vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccination campaign now underway is aimed at preventing serious complications and death from COVID-19. We also use vaccination as a way of protecting our healthcare system and getting back to a more normal life.

When did the vaccination campaign start? COVID-19 vaccination in Québec began in December 2020 with the delivery of the first vaccine doses. Because the availability of vaccine is limited, categories of people deemed at higher risk of developing COVID-19 complications have been given priority. As more vaccine becomes available in Canada, the categories of recipients will be extended.

Order of priority of recipients of COVID-19 vaccines 1

Vulnerable people and people with a significant loss of autonomy who live in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs) or in intermediate and family-type resources (RI-RTFs)

Workers in the health and social services network who have contact with users

Autonomous or semi-autonomous people who live in private seniors’ homes (RPAs) or in certain closed residential facilities for older adults

Isolated and remote communities

People 80 years of age or older

People 70 to 79 years of age

People 60 to 69 years of age

Adults under 60 years of age who have a chronic disease or health problem that increases the risk of complications of COVID-19

Adults under 60 years of age who do not have a chronic disease or health problem that increases the risk of complications, but who provide essential services and have contact with users

Everyone else in the general population at least 16 years of age

What supply strategy was used to acquire the vaccines? The Government of Canada signed advance purchase agreements for seven promising COVID-19 vaccines with the following companies: AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Medicago, Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer and Sanofi Pasteur/GlaxoSmithKline. The purchases are conditional upon approval of these vaccines by Health Canada. To date, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been approved for distribution in Canada. Soon, other vaccines from these companies will be used to speed up COVID-19 vaccination.

What types of COVID-19 vaccines are being studied? There are three types of vaccine currently being studied.

mRNA vaccines: These vaccines contain part of the RNA of the virus which has the ability to make the S protein located on the surface of the virus. Once the RNA messenger is inside our cells, they make proteins similar to those on the surface of the virus using the instructions provided by the RNA messenger. Our immune system recognizes that this protein is foreign and produces antibodies to defend itself against it. The RNA fragment is quickly destroyed by cells. There is no risk that this RNA will alter our genes. Viral vector vaccines: These contain a weakened version of a virus that is harmless to humans. Once in the body, the vaccine enters our cells and gives them instructions to make protein S. Our immune system recognizes that this protein is foreign and produces antibodies to defend itself against it. Once in the body, the vaccine enters our cells and gives them instructions to make protein S. Our immune system recognizes that this protein is foreign and produces antibodies to defend itself against it. Protein subunit vaccines: These contain non-infectious fragments of proteins that mimic the envelope of the virus. Our immune system recognizes that this protein is foreign and produces antibodies to defend itself against it.

Will an mRNA vaccine alter our genetic code? No. Messenger RNA does not enter the cell’s nucleus or come into contact with the nucleic DNA. As such, it cannot alter our DNA in any way.

How do COVID-19 vaccines work? When someone receives the vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19, their body starts to defend itself against the virus. An immune reaction occurs which neutralizes the virus producing antibodies and activating defense cells. Most COVID-19 vaccines in development prompt the production of antibodies to block protein S; the protein that allows the virus to infect the human body. This prevents the virus from entering and infecting human cells. The virus that causes COVID-19 is composed of strands of ribonucleic acid (RNA) genetic material surrounded by a crown-like envelope with proteins that include the S (spike) protein, hence the name “coronavirus.”

What side effects can be expected from injection with the COVID-19 vaccine? Some minor side effects may occur, such as redness or pain at the injection site and fatigue, fever or chills. These symptoms are less common among vaccine recipients over the age of 55, are usually benign and do not last long.

Why did it take 40 years to develop a flu vaccine but only nine months for one against COVID-19? Past efforts, particularly during the SARS epidemic in 2003, advanced coronavirus vaccine research and accelerated the fight against COVID-19. There are currently over 50 COVID-19 vaccines undergoing clinical trials around the world, the result of unprecedented scientific cooperation. Considerable financial and human resources have been invested in the development of vaccines that meet regulatory requirements in such a short span of time. Public health and regulatory authorities in many countries, including Canada, are working hard to ensure that as many safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as possible become quickly available to their populations.

Why are two vaccine doses required? The second dose “reminds” the immune system to continue producing antibodies and ensures long-term protection. In current circumstances, where COVID-19 is spreading very fast, administration of the second dose may be delayed somewhat to be able to vaccinate more people with the first dose.

As of now there are no known serious side effects from mRNA vaccines. While other random problems may arise, such as a cold or gastroenteritis, they are not related to the vaccine per se. Because the vaccine does not contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it is not capable of causing COVID-19. However, people who come into contact with the virus in the days leading up to their vaccination or within 14 days of receiving the vaccination could still develop symptoms and get the COVID-19 disease. As such, following health measures remains important until such time as a majority of the population has been vaccinated.

Québec.ca/COVIDvaccine 1 877 644-4545

For WOMEN who are 50-69 years old

ᐋᒋᔦᐦ ᓃᒋᓴᓂᔅᐧᑫᒻ Wachiyeh Niichisaniskwem!

ᓵᔅ ᐧᐄᐸᒡ ᒋᑲ ᐹᐸᔫ ᑲᓓᕌ ᑑᐲᔥ ᒋᑎᐦᑖᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᒉᒌ ᓂᑑ ᒋᔅᒉᔨᒫᑲᓄᔨᐧᑖᐤᐦ ᐃᔅᐧᑫᐅᒡ ᐅᒎᒎᔑᒧᐧᐋᐤᐦ ᐁ ᐃᑕᑯᓂᔨᐧᑫ ᑳ ᒧᐧᐁᔨᒡ ᐋᐦᑯᓱᐧᐃᓂᔫ ᐊᓂᑌᐦ Sâs wîpach chika pâpayû Clara tûpîsh chitihtâwinihch chechî nitû chischeyimâkanuyitwâuh iskweuch uchûchûshimuwâuh e itakuniyikwe kâ muweyich âhkusuwiniyû aniteh

will be coming soon to offer breast cancer screening in Mistissini, Waswanipi and Oujé-Bougoumou You will receive a letter from the Public Health Department

ᒋᔭ ᐁ ᐯᔭᑯᓯᔨᓐ ᒋᑲ ᐧᐃᔦᔨᐦᑌᓐ ᒉᒌ ᓂᑑᒋᔅᒉᔨᒥᑯᔨᓐ ᐁ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᓂᐧᑫ ᑳ ᒧᐧᐁᒡ ᐋᐦᑯᓲᓐ ᒋᒎᔑᒥᐦᒡ Chiya e peyakusiyin chika wiyeyihten chechî nitûchischeyimikuyin e ihtakunikwe kâ muwech âhkusûn chichûshimihch

GETTING SCREENED FOR BREAST CANCER IS YOUR CHOICE! For women aged 35-49 years old:

If you have a biological family history of breast or ovarian cancer, check with your doctor for more information about the best time to get screened

Tour Dates Waskaganish + Nemaska: Planned for Fall 2021

MISTISSINI

WASWANIPI

OUJÉ-BOUGOUMOU

Tuesday, June 1 to Friday, June 11

Monday June 14 to Friday, June 18

Monday, June 21 to Wednesday, June 23

(418) 923-3376 Hattie Coonishish, Ext. 42706

(819) 753-2511 Rita Trapper, Ext. 44023 Diane Ottereyes, Ext. 44024 Candia Saganash, Ext. 44085

Miranda Coonishish, (418) 745-2208 Ext. 43021 Jennifer Pepabano, (418) 745-3901 Ext. 253

To learn more : creehealth.org/services/breast-cancer-screening Facebook: Cree Health - Breast Cancer Screening

16 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

By CBHSSJB Public Health Chishaayiyuu Department

Should I be screened for breast cancer? Clara Bus, which brings a mobile mammogram machine to Eeyou Istchee, will be coming in June to visit Mistissini, Waswanipi, and Oujé-Bougoumou to offer breast cancer screening. Every 2 years, women aged 50 – 69 receive a letter from the Public Health Department of Cree Health Board, inviting them to be screened for breast cancer. Some of you ladies may be wondering:

What is breast cancer screening and why might it be important for me? Breast cancer screening is a test that checks for hidden signs of breast cancer before any symptoms – like a lump in the breast - appear. A mammogram machine takes X-ray images of different angles of your breast. A radiologist will look at these images and determine if you need follow up testing.

will need follow up testing that is not necessary. These false alarms can lead to unnecessary travel, tests, stress and anxiety. This happened to Nancy Voyageur, from Mistissini, who needed to take sick leave from work due to stress while waiting for her results. On the other hand, Georgina McLeod from Mistissini was able to detect breast cancer early, before she had any signs or symptoms, by getting screened. Her cancer was then treated successfully. When looking at both pros and cons, experts agree that breast cancer screening is a good choice for women between 50-69 years old. The Public Health Department of the Cree Health Board recommends that all women between ages 50-69 be screened. If you are between the ages of 35 and 49 and have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, ask your doctor about the best screening options for you.

If the doctor decides that follow up is needed, you will be sent to Val-D’Or Hospital for a few days for more testing. These tests may include another mammogram, an ultrasound, or an invasive biopsy (sample of tissue) to determine if cancer is really there.

If you would like to be screened but will be out of town or unable to make your appointment with Clara Bus or Sophie Air, please inform your local Chishaayiyuu CHR to make other arrangements.

Deciding to participate in breast cancer screening is a personal choice and it’s important to have all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

For more information, contact your Chishaayiyuu CHR, follow us on Facebook, or check out creehealth.org. On our breast cancer screening webpage, you can watch video testimonials from Nancy and Georgina to learn more about their experiences.

Screening can reduce your chances of dying from breast cancer since it allows you to start treatment as soon as possible. It does this by catching breast cancer early enough before it has a chance to get worse. There are also cons to breast cancer screening that are important for you to know. The mammogram images are not 100% conclusive, meaning that a false alarm is possible. 1 in 4 women who have regular mammograms

Please be assured that we will follow all precautionary measures for COVID-19 to keep you and ourselves safe!

www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 17

LAND & by Patrick Quinn

s spring brings geese back to northern skies, the Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA) is encouraging hunters to remain in Eeyou Istchee to avoid the risk of Covid-19 variants. For the second year in a row, the CTA is administering an emergency fund to help Cree families access their bush camps for Goose Break. Local CTA committees will apply almost $1.8 million provided by the Niskamoon Corporation to existing air and ground transportation programs along with food and gas subsidies. Besides complementing physical distancing measures, the fund is also intended to support safer alternatives to travelling over melting ice. “The best place to be at this time is in the bush,” said recently elected CTA president Thomas Jolly. “The change in the weather was quite quick this year – in some places travelling by skidoo was not safe. Most communities are now in the process of using various subsidies, primarily for gas, transportation and food. A lot of people are using helicopters, and some are travelling by open water.” With everyone in a “mad rush” to get out to the bush, Jolly hasn’t had much opportunity yet to discuss organizational matters with the CTA’s board but there are plans to meet following Goose Break. He is staying closer to home this year to assist his wife’s recovery from recent surgery. As a former Chief of Nemaska, Jolly has witnessed the evolution of many Cree entities over the years, but the CTA has always held a special place in his heart. From its formation three years after the signing of the James Bay and

18 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

& TRADITION New CTA president aims to preserve Cree values in a time of change

Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), the CTA has focused on preserving the traditional activities and values of Eeyou and Eenou trappers. “CTA has always been the key entity from the beginning and will be to the end,” Jolly told the Nation. “Without trappers, we wouldn’t be who we are. If it hadn’t been for the trappers out on the land, it would have been a tough argument on the JBNQA that we had our own culture and way of life.” Growing up in the bush, Jolly remembers a time when almost everybody survived off the land. Before the JBNQA was signed, he recalls showing his late parents Quebec’s hydroelectric development plans, which would have submerged his family’s trapline near the Rupert River completely under water. “They said they can do what they want – we’re not moving,” Jolly shared. “I felt the impact before the project started that would change their way of life. Today our family trapline is the only one untouched by development in the Nemaska territory. It’s been planned as [part of] a potential park and protected area.” While Jolly estimates that close to 90% of Crees lived off the land in the early stages of the JBNQA, he concedes the CTA doesn’t have the same level of relevance as it did 40 years ago. Cree society has changed rapidly in this short time, and the land and wildlife are not what they once were. “The impacts of development and industry have changed our harvesting,” explained Jolly. “The trapper today faces challenges of living off the land while maintaining his obligations at home. A lot of trappers have to rely on other forms of income or subsidies to continue. What he

relied on in some cases is now watched for over-harvesting.” Last fall, the CTA introduced a phone app to encourage better reporting of what is harvested and observed on the land. By making it quicker and easier to share this information, the CTA can communicate important safety conditions, monitor the effects of climate change and collect more accurate data about wildlife populations. “People have to be a little more vigilant in recording what they have harvested,” Jolly asserted. “If you do harvest, let people know, particularly the people monitoring the harvest within our territory. By using modern technology, we’ll know the true numbers.” In addition to an aerial survey of the moose population conducted by the Cree Nation in February, the CTA has been working on a management plan to help prevent the kind of drastic declines seen with the region’s caribou. Last year, the CTA asked hunters to avoid killing female moose during the calving season to allow numbers to recover. “I’m certainly concerned about any species being over-harvested,” said Jolly. “We all like moose, but we must be reasonable about what we get out of the land. For every moose harvested that’s not recorded, we’ll assume it’s out there for the people who wish to go out sports hunting.” In assuming his new leadership role, Jolly intends to expand upon the CTA’s existing vision and programs. For instance, he suggested leveraging resources about traditional hunting practices produced over the years to better communicate the necessary respect for the land and animals.

“Those will help to understand the significance of how we respectfully harvest the animals that we catch,” Jolly explained. “That way, people will understand why and how we do things. We have our vision as to where we want to go, it’s just a matter of coming up with new ideas and funding to grow these ideas.” While the CTA no longer struggles for funding from different levels of government, its mandate of protecting and promoting traditional Cree culture is now shared with various other entities. One of Jolly’s goals is to ensure the CTA continues to have sufficient resources to pursue its unique priorities. “We still continue to fight, but now we’re fighting within our own territory to exist,” asserted Jolly. “The CTA has limited resources – we can’t have the same kind of program funding that others enjoy. We have to look back and see what the CTA has done and take it from there as to what the CTA should do. As an entity they have their own voice, and their own voice should be heard.” With economic development threatening the traditional role of the tallyman, Jolly insists that the environment must be prioritized in any conversation about Eeyou Istchee’s future. He recalled watching a video of former Nemaska Chief Matthew Wapachee lamenting his last winter on one site before it was flooded. “It hit me,” said Jolly. “How do we help our trappers and tallymen who are clinging for the protection of their livelihood and the land they depend on? More and more trappers are leaving us, so time is of the essence to capture this (knowledge) to get to where we want to go.”

www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 19

Politics

Ottawa opens money spout Federal budget accords record amounts to Indigenous communities, but will it be enough? by Ben Powless

he federal government’s 2021 budget committed a record $18 billion over five years to address issues and make improvements in Indigenous communities. However, many Indigenous leaders are still saying those investments don’t go far enough. In her budget speech April 19, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said the Liberal government has made progress “in righting the historic wrongs in Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. But we still have a lot of work ahead.” Adopted by the House of Commons April 26, the budget commits $4.3 billion over four years to an Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund to finance projects ranging from roads to homes, with another $1.7 billion over five years for ongoing costs and maintenance. A key detail in the budget promises legislation that would allow Indigenous governments to implement fuel, alcohol, tobacco or cannabis sales taxes within their communities. Meanwhile, $1.2 billion will support pandemic-response efforts, with another $598 million over three years to be directed to an Indigenous mental health and wellness strategy – half of what the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) requested. The budget also alluded do the death of Joyce Echaquan by committing $127 million to address racism in the healthcare system and improve Indigenous access. In other initiatives: • $2.2 billion is set aside to implement the calls to justice by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

• $2.5 billion will fund Indigenous early learning and daycare. • $1.2 billion will support Indigenous education. • $1 billion for reforms and ongoing support in child and family services. • $74 million for an Indigenous justice strategy to address the systemic overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in the justice system and improve their access to justice. • $861 million is pledged to improve policing in Indigenous communities, including investments in the First Nations Policing Program and funds to repair, replace and renovate policing facilities. • $275 million is committed for culture and language-based programs, with the aim of strengthening Indigenous languages, funding Indigenous heritage initiatives, and funding cultural spaces, sports and recreational activities, and programs for Indigenous women and girls. The budget focused extensively on climate change, with $17 billion pledged towards a green recovery program and to push for net-zero emissions by 2050. To that end, $40 million is committed to developing clean power in the North, and another $163 million for Northern food security. AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde acknowledged in statement that the investments will help First Nations recover from the pandemic, support efforts to end violence against Indigenous women and girls, improve First Nations policing, and reform child and family services.

20 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

However, Bellegarde says the amounts pledged don’t meet infrastructure needs, including housing, water, sewage and roads. “We will not close the gap unless we see sustained investments in proper health care, education and training, water, infrastructure, and housing – basic necessities that too many of our people do not have access to and as a result, continue to hold back First Nations and all of Canada,” Bellegarde said. Grand Chief Abel Bosum concurred, adding that, “The budget proposes some $18 billion in measures for Indigenous communities. As Minister Marc Miller has stated, the headline number may appear large, but it must be set against the historic underfunding of Indigenous communities. Infrastructure commitments may be insufficient, Bosum noted. “Without infrastructure, the communities will not be able to build anything else, let alone housing,” he said.

Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Chief Ghislain Picard added in a statement that normal budget allotments do not meet the needs for new housing in communities. “Housing is a major priority for the First Nations Chiefs in Quebec,” Picard insisted. “Any announcement of additional funds to help our communities build more housing is obviously welcomed when we know that 10,000 new units are needed to meet the needs.”

Updates

Calmer waters Listuguj Mi’gmaq sign fisheries agreement with feds after a year of tension by Ben Powless | Photo by Ashley Julian-Rikihana

he Mi’gmaq community of Listuguj has reached a historic agreement with the federal government that will give it greater control over its own fisheries. The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) agreed to the Rights Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries March 24, and said it expected the Canadian government to approve and sign the deal in the following weeks. The agreement would see the LMG and Ottawa form a Co-Governance Fisheries Committee to jointly plan and manage the community’s fishery. The LMG passed its own laws on salmon fishing in 1993, followed by the Listuguj Lobster Law in 2019, after two years of community consultation. The enactment of that lobster law sparked renewed discussions with Ottawa about creating a rights-based agreement on fisheries, where Mi’gmaq beliefs and laws would be centred. “This agreement will allow us to plan and implement our seasons with some certainty DFO will not unjustifiably infringe on Mi’gmaq fisheries governance and our fishing rights,” said Listuguj Natural Resources Director Fred Metallic.

“The agreement changes the conversation around how we can manage fisheries as a community and nation” - Listuguj Chief Darcy Gray

“We will also gain increased access to fisheries resources whether for food, social, ceremonial or commercial purposes, funds for capacity building on fisheries governance, obtain fisheries access, which could include licenses and/or quota as well as vessels and gear.” Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan said in a statement that Ottawa recognizes that the Mi’gmaq have fished the Atlantic shores “for centuries” and have an inherent right to continue their way of life. “With this agreement, Canada and Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation will work together to see that right manifest in a productive, sustainable fishery that will bring greater stability, opportunity and prosperity to the Listuguj people and the local communities,”

said Jordan. “It demonstrates true partnership between our nations, achieved through the spirit of reconciliation.” Listuguj Chief Darcy Gray described the agreement as an opportunity for a different relationship with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. “There’s a guarded optimism that comes out of this that we can talk government-to-government to find a good way forward in collaboration with our fisheries.” Gray said that it was important that the agreement recognized existing Mi’gmaq laws, given Ottawa’s previous reluctance. The agreement, he added, “changes the conversation around how we can manage fisheries as a community and nation. The agreement is structured in a way as just a beginning, not an end, and we

can expand the lobster law or manage other fisheries or laws we decide as a community.” Gray hopes the agreement will alleviate tensions and violence that arose in 2020 from non-Indigenous fishermen, when angry crowds burned buildings and destroyed lobster traps used by Indigenous fishermen in the Mi’gmaq community of Sipekne’katik. He’s optimistic that the public will see that the Indigenous fishery is “well-managed, well-planned, and done in collaboration with conservation.” He added that the federal government also has a role in educating non-Indigenous fishermen about the nature of the rights-based fishery. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans did not respond to a request for comment.

www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 21

URGENT NEED

OPEN YOUR

HEART HOME OPEN YOUR

Foster Parents receive training, orientation and ﬁnancial support.

OPEN YOUR HOME TO A CHILD, AN ADULT OR AN ELDER IN NEED Being a foster parent today means helping to create a strong Eeyou Istchee of tomorrow

Chisasibi-Wemindji-Whapmagoostui: (873) 365-0184 Waskaganish-Eastmain-Nemaska: (819) 895-4834 Mistissini-Oujé Bougoumou-Waswanipi: (418) 770-8673

CREEHEALTH.ORG

ᒥᓯᐙ ᒑ ᐃᔮᒀᒥᓯᔮᒄ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᒦᓯᒋᓯᔮᒄ ᐋ ᓅᒋᐱᔮᓱᐙ ᔮᒄ᙮

2 lakeshore Road, Nemaska, Quebec JOY 3BO

www.niskamoon.org info@niskamoon.org

ᒥᓯᐙ ᒑ ᐃᔮᒀᒥᓯᔮᒄ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᒦᓯᒋᓯᔮᒄ ᐋ ᓅᒋᐱᔮᓱᐙ ᔮᒄ

We hope that hunters will remain in the territory of Eeyou Istchee during this coming spring Goose Break. We strongly encourage everyone to take part and comply with this prevention measure for the safety or our wellbeing, our people, and most importantly our elders.

2021-2022 Cree Trappers Association Memberships re now available! Please see your local CTA officer

Support your association! Members benefit from the subsidies and programs in their respective communities. Please see your local CTA office for all the details

Whapmagoostui Melvin Masty 819-929-3528

Nemaska Steven Neeposh 819-673-2030

Chisasibi Reggie Bearskin 819-855-2878

Mistissini Stanley Mianscum 418-923-3276

Wemindji Abraham Matches 819-978-3005

Oujé-Bougoumou James Neeposh 418-745-2901

Eastmain Betty Tomatuk 819-977-2165

Waswanipi 819-753-2322

Cree Trappers Association Headquarters Waskaganish Eastmain 819-977-2165 Karilynn Blackned Bla www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021 the Nation 23 819-895-2030

Puzzles Crossword

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Playground 15 16 14 staple 18 19 17 6 Give a hand? 10 G.I. offense 21 22 20 14 Solitary sort 23 24 25 15 Colombian crop 16 Post-WWII 28 29 26 27 alliance 17 Deduce 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 18 Alternative to 37 38 39 steps 19 Choral voice 41 42 40 20 Chick's chirp 43 44 45 46 21 Luau servings 23 Domain 50 47 48 49 25 Stick together 52 53 54 55 56 26 Sometimes it's 51 hidden 58 59 57 28 Approval power 61 62 60 30 Wayside stop 31 High spirits 64 65 63 33 Talk bad about 37 Like barcodes Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate 40 State under oath 41 Latin dance 62 Kitchen strainer 10 Literary 36 Now's partner 42 "Yes, ___!" 63 Beach site repetition 38 Like craft fair 43 Sharply dressed 64 Latest thing 11 Pixar title robot goods 45 Where charity 65 Art studio item 12 Riverbank 39 Slack off begins romper 44 Promo 47 Something 13 Baggy 46 Weightlifter's wicked? DOWN 21 Not fancy at all worry 50 Danielle of 1 Lose traction 22 Write a check 47 Pants style romance novels 2 Famous Ranger for later 48 "So long", in 51 Lump in one's 3 Logical 24 Navy bigwigs Sonora throat conclusion 26 Draws a bead 49 Brazilian port 54 Dennis the 4 Intensify, as on 50 Cake serving Menace's dog feelings 27 Nibble on 52 One of a bear 57 Bread for a gyro 5 Slip up 28 Dogcatcher's trio 58 Indian garment 6 Theater curtain quarry 53 Stuffed shirt 59 Pull strings? 7 Pawn shop 29 "Excuse me…" 55 Prime number 60 Line on a map offering 32 Take a breather 56 Have a hunch 61 Grander than 8 Top spot 34 Givens 59 "What's the grand 9 Vatican rule 35 Kind of chance ___?"

ere’s another edition of the Nation’s puzzle page. Try your hand at Sudoku or Str8ts or our Crossword, or better yet, solve all three and send us a photo!* As always, the answers from last issue are here for you to check your work. Happy hunting.

PREVIOUS SOLUTION: B O A T

L I M O

G A S P

G E N I E

S A L E

P L A T

I N T E R F A I T H

E L I O T N E S S I T C H Y

A F A R D O V E S O L E S D R I L A R E G G E R S N D O T F L A M L O T A A C C E L X E R A D U D S E D I S E U V E L P E S

P L A T E L E T B A T

B A R G A L O U S L U N I N K A N D P A T E A B A N O S N U T R A T E O P D O W S E L I E I S N S E T

E D G Y A G E S

E F T S

STR8TS

SUDOKU

No. 277

Easy

8 5

5 3 4 2

5 8 7 6 8 1 5 5 3 3 6 6 4 1

8 6 7

6 1

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

4 2 2

Previous solution - Medium

4 3 4 3 2 8 4 9 2 3 5 6 8 5 2 7 6 5 7 6 7 8 9 4 6 5 3

8 6 5 9 7

9 7 8 6 1 4 3 3 5 4

6 9 7 6 8 7 4 3 5 4 9 1 2 2 1

No. 277

Tough

7 8 5 9 4 5 4 1 7 9 3 3 2 5 1 5 2 2 1 7 6 5 1 3 8 6 4

8 4 3 5 1 7 2 6 9

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

24 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Previous solution - Medium

A R C S

by Margie E. Burke

6 5 1 8 2 9 4 7 3

7 9 2 3 6 4 5 8 1

9 1 5 2 3 8 6 4 7

4 7 8 6 9 5 3 1 2

3 2 6 4 7 1 8 9 5

2 8 9 1 5 6 7 3 4

1 3 4 7 8 2 9 5 6

5 6 7 9 4 3 1 2 8

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Rez Notes

Total disconnect

by Sonny Orr

’d like to recount an isolation session during which I survived with only a landline to the outside world. It was comforting knowing that the earth still turned, even without my help, as I slipped into a time zone that could be controlled by a remote. I had no real connection aside from television, then I discovered that the cable wasn’t connected. So, I scrounged around for some DVDs and found a few decent ones, even an eclectic one, with a combination of humour, action, mystery and comic-book heroes. I started with a Korean production, a gritty thriller featuring a chain-smoking inspector and his protégé mole who was placed near the top of a local gangster mob group. In the end, it was very ironic and somehow satisfyingly perfect in its delivery. I then slipped into some Rowan Atkinson movies and had a trio of movies that made me laugh out loud and startle myself because I hadn’t heard my own voice for a while. I’m not big into talking to myself unless I need to remember numbers. Then came a knock on the door. My room-delivered pizza slices made my day as did the groceries to cover my basic meat, bread, eggs and juice diet. I managed to save a few snacks from my isolation in the south and wished that I had bought a few DVDs, but heck, talking to myself sounded like a good option for a while.

It was comforting knowing that the earth still turned, even without my help Then there was the sleeping with a new apparatus to quell the thunderous roar of my snoring and force air into my depleted lungs. This called for some practice time as I adjusted the hoses, snorkels and headbands attached to my cranium and muzzled my dainty nostrils. Eventually, as I rose from the tossing and turning that I call sleep, I felt somewhat refreshed. Hmm, there’s something to all this snorkeling. Then, I spied a small radio among the debris on the kitchen table. Thankfully, I could hear the good old JBCCS morning show with a tasty espresso and some bacon-smothered eggs. Against all medical advice, I chose comfort food in these trying times despite the possibility of a blood clot. It helps to pass time quickly by doing things as slowly as possible. It left me lots of time to think of my family back home in Chisasibi who are dealing with losses of their own.

ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ Nunavik Starts Here

ᐃᓂᓕᐅᕐᓃᑦ RESERVATIONS 1 800 361-2965

I decided to think positively. Then, a call from the local clinic for a second dose of the virus preventer added a brighter hue to my isolation blues. At least something went right for me; enabling my contribution to herd immunity and the rescue of human civilization. After shaking off the blues even further with a hot cup of java, I phoned the local Covid guys to see if there was any glimmer of hope on the horizon. To my surprise, I discovered that I could now actually venture out in my vehicle alone! I rubbed my eyes and pinched myself to see if I was dreaming – it’s true, I can go outside! Ahhh, finally I can get some sunshine for my stubbled caveman face! I’m free now from those days of confinement, but I sympathize with many others who have to endure it – keep your chin up! Signing off from post-isolation….

ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS 1 800 661-5850

www.nationnews.ca May 7, 2021

the Nation 25

www.underthenorthernsky.com

UTNS

Under the Northern Sky

Historic church destroyed in fire by Xavier Kataquapit

ttiwapiskat’s towering, historic St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church was destroyed in a spectacular fire April 21. There is a lot of emotion to this tragic event and most people, including myself, don’t really know how to express it. Our feelings are complicated by the fact that Indigenous people in Canada and North America have a difficult history with the Catholic Church and organized religion in general. On one hand these religious missionaries taught us construction skills in building these monumental structures. On the other hand, they did their best to destroy our traditions and cultural beliefs. These religious organizations, with the blessing of the Canadian government, were involved in the kidnapping of Indigenous children into the residential school system which ran for many decades. My late parents Marius and Susan and many others in the community endured this difficult experience. In Attawapiskat, the tragic parts of this religious history were tempered by the late Father Rodrique Vezina, our parish priest who served the community for 43 years from 1973 to 2015. Father Vezina came at a time when the residential school era was ending, and the Catholic Church didn’t hold as much power over us as it had in the past. He was intelligent, hard-working, dedicated and, most of all, kind to everyone. He faithfully and diligently looked after our church and presided over many major events in our lives. For those of us who grew up in Attawapiskat, we associate our local

church with Father Vezina. He was there to lead us in mass every Sunday morning and every evening for over 40 years. We also think of the late Deacon Michel Koostachin, a community member and Elder who became involved in the Catholic Church and our parish for many years. My Aunt Theresa Hookimaw, my mom’s sister, played the organ in our church and she attended every Sunday mass to perform. I remember times in the 1980s when the church was regularly at capacity and latecomers took part in standing room only. It is haunting for me to remember the harmonized voices of our Elders singing Cree hymns during the service. Strong, proud men who I knew as hunters and trappers intoned the low parts and the women who were normally quiet and reserved sang out the higher notes. The entire Sunday service was in Weenaybaykoo Inineemoon, our James Bay Cree language. Father Vezina spoke it impeccably – both in speech and in song. Our parents and our Elders had a sense of pride in the construction – in 1917 without much modern machinery or equipment – of their church. Grandparents and relatives had built it under the direction of missionaries who taught the trade of carpentry and construction. They developed a lumber mill in the community and local people harvested towering old growth trees from the nearby wilderness. In 2014, six beautiful stained-glass windows were installed as part of a project involving the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the painful history of the church and Indigenous people.

The project was led by community member Jackie Hookimaw-Witt, her husband Norbert Witt and Father Vezina. The newly installed windows added a more hopeful and positive chapter of community history to this building. Sadly, these artworks were also lost in the fire. Father Vezina enjoyed documenting our community and for many years he maintained a video system that recorded feast days or events such as weddings, celebrations and funerals. He also collected audio recordings of Elders as they spoke to the congregation or the singing they performed. Of course, his record keeping included all births, deaths, weddings and other religious ceremonies that took place for over a century. I was deeply saddened at the realization that much of this documented history was most likely lost as well. The church in Attawapiskat was a familiar sight for all of us. When you travelled on the river or on the winter road, the sight of that tall, iconic building meant you were home. Now it’s not there and that is a very sad reminder of what we have lost. Catholic leadership had suggested that after the building was closed in 2019 that a new church would be built. Hopefully this promise can come to fruition if the community supports that idea. This could be a creative opportunity for a healing statement in terms of meaningful reconciliation.

We have been present since 1939. All members of the large Deshaies' family are by your side today and will also be for the better days to come.

26 the Nation May 7, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Your Northern Airline of Choice

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

Cree individuals (JBNQA Beneﬁciaries), at least 18 years of age, or Cree Local Governments and their development corporaaons

No arrears of any kind or nature with a Local Government Meet relevant credit criteria *Certain condiaons apply to the construcaon of eligible housing units.

Submit applicaaon with Local Housing Administrator

Review applicaaon and make recommendaaons

Conﬁrm that ﬁle is complete and all condiaons are met

Process applicaaon for subsidy with Treasurer of Cree Naaon Government