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2 the Nation October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

CONTENTS EDITORIAL

What’s new?

NEWS

Second wave

CEGEP for Eeyou Istchee 6

IN BRIEF FEATURES

Justice for Joyce

Niweshtanan

Community

Introducing Mattmac

Updates

New Hydro boss

Dying on Facebook Live

Fixing it up

Visionary tunes

Meeting the new boss

Covid counselling

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

Getting burnt

UTNS 30

Oo-nee-kamik

Virtual Covid town halls Photo by Lori Calman

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Editorial Editorial n the past couple of months nothing

has really changed for Indigenous people. Many First Nations are fighting for what they believe are their rights, traditional land base and livelihoods. When disputed land claims, treaty rights acknowledged by courts and a sense of political will playing to the majority come into play, crises are born. In Caledonia, Ontario, was a hotspot in 2006 because of a First Nations land dispute. The newest housing development project there is facing its third month of protests, with blockades, court injunctions and, of course, arrests. To date, 23 people have been arrested, including two journalists and a university researcher studying injunctions and land claims. According to Ontario Provincial Police spokesperson Constable Rod LeClair, “Being a reporter does not exempt anyone from the applicable laws of Ontario and/or Canada.” One of the arrested

What’s new? by Will Nicholls

journalists was Starla Myers, who is of Indigenous ancestry. “We are effectively being silenced by use of police force to ensure that nobody is saying anything,” Myers observed. Ontario has also passed Bill 197, The Covid-19 Economic Recovery Act. There was no public consultation on this bill, for obvious reasons. It allows businesses, industrial or development projects to go ahead without environmental review. On September 25, over 10 First Nations filed a court challenge against the bill based on treaty rights. It’s anyone’s guess how many projects will be implemented before every legal option is exhausted. Closer to home, protesters trying to save the moose population in Quebec’s La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve have had a setback. On October 7, Quebec Superior Court issued an injunction against the blockades and checkpoints set up by First Nations communities and their

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supporters. Police have demolished two blockades to date. The Anicinape Nation claims unextinguished ancestral title to all wildlife reserve land and say they are acting because of the declining moose population. An arial survey indicates that since 2008 the moose population has declined by a third. The Anicinape have asked the government for a five-year moratorium on hunting to allow the herds to recover. Quebec responded by cutting moose permits by 30%. At press time, the largest blockade was still in place. ZEC Petawaga, a hunting and fishing association, asked the court for an injunction and got it easily. The Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks says it will reimburse hunters who couldn’t use their permits as a result of the blockades. Out east, tensions are running high. Way back in 1999, Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that First

Nations members had a right to make a “moderate livelihood” from fishing. After over 20 years of inaction by the federal government, First Nation communities created their own harvest system, upsetting commercial fishers. Band licensed lobster harvesters run up to 50 traps while commercial operators run 375-400. On October 13 around 200 commercial fishers participated in violent attacks that saw vehicles, equipment and buildings damaged, stones thrown, the lobster catch damaged and more. Threats by the crowd included taunts such as, “If you don’t come out, we’re going to burn you out.” Police were on hand for part of the incident but did little to stop what was happening. The RCMP said they tried to de-escalate the situation but “Unfortunately events escalated.” No arrests were made. So, what’s new? Not much.

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the Nation is published every two weeks by Beesum Communications EDITORIAL BOARD L. Stewart, W. Nicholls, M. Siberok, Mr. N. Diamond, E. Webb EDITOR IN CHIEF Will Nicholls DIRECTOR OF FINANCES Linda Ludwick EDITORS Lyle Stewart, Martin Siberok PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AND MANAGING EDITOR Dan Isaac CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, B. Powless, A. Simoneau DESIGN Matthew Dessner (Kontroller Media) 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 October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

News

Second wave Another confirmed Covid case in Montreal as outbreaks reported contained in Radisson and Abitibi region

medical escort travelling to Montreal recently tested positive for Covid-19 but has since recovered, says the Cree Health Board (CHB). The CHB reported the case October 5, noting that the escort was placed in isolation while their symptoms were monitored. The individual’s contacts were traced and showed no further risks to other Eeyou Istchee members. It is now believed that the person contracted the virus while shopping in Montreal, where another positive case was recorded. The total number cases of Covid-19 among Eeyou Istchee community members since March is now 14, including three cases discovered at the Espresso Hotel in September. The Wiichihiituwin Department said it was working hard to keep facilities and ground transportation in Montreal and Val-d’Or safe. Escorts and clients were also reminded to follow health and safety guidelines while travelling outside of Eeyou Istchee, and to limit excursions to only those that are necessary. Other outbreaks were recorded recently in Radisson and in the Abitibi region. A cluster of hydro workers contracted the disease in Radisson. That concerned health authorities, as many community members from Chisasibi and Wemindji regularly travel to Radisson.

However, an investigation found that all the cases were linked to meetings in one office trailer. No further positive results were discovered from the 73 tests that were then administered in the community. None of the contacts being traced came from the Cree communities. Regardless, the CHB considers Radisson an area of risk. After a surge of cases in AbitibiTémiscamingue at the beginning of October, the CHB says the outbreak is under control and the region has a strong contact-tracing capacity. Many of the reported cases appeared to have originated outside the region. The Cree leadership and CHB continue to monitor neighbouring regions and assess their risk based on reported cases, the region’s ability to manage an outbreak, and its ability to undertake contact tracing. On that basis, most areas of Quebec and the rest of Canada were considered unsafe, except for parts of northern Ontario. Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 and any HydroQuébec site are currently considered unsafe. The only safe regions are regions 8, 10, 17 and 18, in addition to the Sudbury, Porcupine and Timiskaming regions of Ontario. For mining and forestry sites, individuals are asked to consult the Cree Nation Government website for up-to-date information. Across the territory, 1,233 regular tests have been conducted, with

1,217 negative and two awaiting results. Another 1,493 screening tests have been done, with 1,488 testing negative and five awaiting results. The CHB will send more specialists to the communities, particularly to augment hemodialysis services. The CHB reminds community members that visiting specialists are required to follow strict screening protocols, supervision and precautionary measures – including multiple tests – and that it is safe to visit the clinics and meet with them. The Cree School Board (CSB) is monitoring how students are adapting to new regulations. A recent survey showed that students are generally adapting well to the new routines. Of 389 students in post-secondary programs, half chose to remain in their communities. Sabtuan Adult Education is successfully following guidelines with its online-learning/in-person hybrid approach. Local schools were surveying parents to determine their capacity to move to online learning if it became necessary. The CSB was also developing plans so that students with special needs could receive the support necessary. After concerns were raised about anxiety among school staff from the responsibility to implement Covid-19 related measures, the CSB said it was working on a plan to ensure teaching staff has rest and recuperation days.

by Ben Powless

The CHB is alarmed at the increasing rates of infection outside Eeyou Istchee. “Southern Quebec and Ontario see daily case numbers at alarming high levels requiring the implementation of ever stricter measures in an attempt to flatten the curve of the second wave of Covid-19,” the public health board said in a statement. The news comes as several regions of Quebec move into the “red zone” status with severe restrictions on permitted activities, including Montreal, Quebec City and Chaudière-Appalaches. Since the beginning of October, Canada has seen days with over 2,800 confirmed cases, breaking previous daily records set in May. In early October, Quebec reported more than 1,300 cases in a single day. At press time, Canada’s total cases are at over 188,000, with 89,000 in Quebec. There have been 9,662 deaths attributed to the virus, with 5,976 in Quebec. This matched concerns about a second wave seen to be sweeping much of the world as the weather cooled. Meanwhile, nearly 250,000 Canadians applied on the first day for a new economic benefit, the Canada Recovery Benefit, meant to replace the Canada Emergency Response Benefit that expired. The new program provided $500 a week for up to 26 weeks for those who don’t qualify for employment insurance.

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Higher education roundtable focuses on college

t’s a dream long deferred whose time seems to have come – a post-secondary institution in Eeyou Istchee. At this year’s higher education roundtable, leaders passionately argued for a CEGEP as an important step towards Cree self-determination. The discussion was initiated by Chisasibi, the community with the largest Cree population and among the furthest from southern institutions. While a Cree CEGEP has been on the table for decades, the Cree School Board (CSB) believes the need for higher education closer to students’ families, language and culture is at a tipping point. “When the JBNQA was signed, we gave ourselves the ability to chart our own course, and our education system is the key to building this future,” asserted CSB chairperson Sarah Pash. “It’s time for us now to push the boundaries that we’ve been working in, to broaden our mandate and reassert our jurisdiction.” With the online event held on Orange Shirt Day – and shortly after Joyce Echaquan’s tragic death amid racist comments at a Joliette hospital – Pash opened with an emotional talk about the barriers to success students face when moving away for school. “What we were shown this week was the way systemic racism allows and encourages racists within racist systems,” Pash said. “It encourages me to renew my commitment to this initiative and all the work we’re doing in our education system. It’s the only way we can make a more just and righteous future for all of us.” Pash emphasized the culture shock and loneliness often experienced by students far from their homes. She sometimes hears about the difficulties of young parents have sending their children away from Cree culture and language. These obstacles help explain why, according to Statistics Canada figures from 2011, that only

6 the Nation October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

by Patrick Quinn

A CEGEP for Eeyou Istchee 48% of Indigenous people achieve a post-secondary qualification – compared to 65% of non-Natives. “We have to ask ourselves, how many more could we reach if we had a permanent institution to offer? Being able to offer programs within our own communities would allow students to remain in the supportive environment of their own culture. Our population is growing at a rapid rate – we have no choice but to be innovative to meet our needs.” The direct experiences shared with the roundtable by several current and former students seemed to confirm these obstacles. Jasmine Namagoose, for example, spoke candidly about countering her struggles with homesickness with the motivation of eventually returning to her community to help however she can. “It took a lot of time adjusting to the city life, adapting to a new culture,” shared Daniel Rodrique, a university graduate from Chisasibi. “The 15-hour drive to Gatineau was hard on the body, an unnecessary stress. In Eeyou Istchee, I would focus on studies right away with my first language around me, meeting friends from the other communities.”

Preliminary results from the Adult Learning Needs Assessment (ALNA) shared by Nian Matoush revealed 85% of respondents considered returning to school but were discouraged by a lack of time and financial resources. Responses showed a strong preference for culturally relevant programs, demonstrating a shared goal of building a strong nation and private sector. Roundtable participants looked back at the evolution of Cree education over the past 40 years to illustrate the vision. Education rights and funding have always been fundamental to the JBNQA and the source of numerous battles with federal and provincial governments over the years. “My father taught me you can stick around the camp and get small game, but if you want to be a successful hunter you have to go farther,” recalled former Grand Chief Ted Moses. “I believe we have the numbers now to justify a CEGEP in the North that reflects the needs of Eeyou Istchee.” According to Moses, these needs include aligning education with mining industry demands and improving math proficiency to develop more Cree doctors, engineers and archi-

tects. His support for this initiative gave a sense of the CSB coming full circle from its humble beginnings. “We’ve tried to establish a solid education system from the ground up and reaching to the post-secondary levels,” explained CSB director-general Abraham Jolly. “That’s building success from a foundational standpoint. Now we’re better positioned to have this conversation and pursue it.” Jolly compared the days when students would have to leave their communities for high school to this year’s record graduation of over 200 secondary students. While 71 of these grads were in Chisasibi, newly elected Chief Daisy House said she only knew of a few who were continuing with higher education right away. House suggested many were still too young to manage the isolation and other challenges they would face in the south, where the nearest English-language CEGEP is 15 hours away. Having a nearby CEGEP as well as increased online options would allow them to continue their education while gaining valuable confidence and maturity.

A successful new in-community teaching program adapted for Cree culture, offered in partnership with McGill University, is evidence of the tremendous potential for this developmental direction. Future programs may target students interested in traditional pursuits out on the land. “The ALNA shows the great effort that’s been put into defining where our needs are,” said Pash. “There is also work being done with Quebec that will ensure that we continue to be unchallenged in our right to be self-determining in education. We’ve begun analyzing the provincial education act to ascertain how it could be more supportive of our goals.” As the CSB proceeds with an Education Act to ensure it remains responsive to the Cree Nation’s evolving needs, it hopes to submit a feasibility study regarding the proposed CEGEP to the province by the end of this year. “We need a clear statement as a nation that we will do this our way, focused on the dreams and desires of our youth,” Pash affirmed. “We’re in an ideal position to do this. We’ve been working toward this very venture for over 40 years.”

www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 7

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In Brief Opposition to power exports First Nations in Quebec expressed their opposition October 7 to the proposed New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), a project that would see Hydro-Quebec export its energy surplus via a large transmission line through the state of Maine. The First Nations of Pessamit (Innu), Wemotaci (Atikamekw), Pikogan, Lac Simon and Kitcisakik (Anishnabeg) all claim that HydroQuebec would be exporting power from their territories without prior consultation, consent or compensation. Their voices have been added to a growing campaign south of the border opposing the proposed transmission line. A day earlier, on October 6, HydroQuebec was also “surprised” by a $4 billion lawsuit filed by the Innu Nation of Labrador. Citing similar complaints, the Labrador Innu said that the Churchill Falls hydro-electric project destroyed their burial grounds and traditional way of life. “The impact of Churchill Falls has been felt across generations of Innu,” said Innu Grand Chief Etienne Rich. “What happened, it was not right. Our Elders deserved better treatment

then, and we demand better treatment now.”

Mi’kmaq lobster conflict gets violent Non-Native commercial lobster fishers attacked a building in Weymouth, Nova Scotia, used by Mi’kmaw harvesters to store their lobster catch, which was “totally annihilated” by the angry mob. The commercial fishers are opposed to the Sipekne’katik band’s exercising of their constitutional right to a moderate livelihood lobster fishery. According to Mi’kmaq fisher Jason Marr, the group surrounded the building and vandalized it as well as trucks and vans belonging to Mi’kmaw fishers. Marr told the CBC he barricaded himself inside the building while the mob raged outside. Eventually he was taken by who he believes were RCMP officers to safety, but the lobster catch wasn’t so lucky. Photos and video shared October 14 show the entire lobster catch destroyed and laid out in front of the building. Marr also captured about an hour of video of his time trapped inside the building. This all comes one week after a Mi’kmaq fishing vessel was destroyed by a suspicious fire.

The strain on other workers’ emotions was so great, many Cree miners opted for temporary layoffs The Mi’kmaq right to fish to earn a moderate livelihood was affirmed in a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.

On-site Covid labs In a move to help Cree miners visit their families, three mines in Eeyou Istchee have added on-site Covid-19 testing labs. Prior to this, workers would spend two weeks at the mines, and then two weeks self-isolating – making it almost impossible to see their families. For Michelle Polson, a Cree mother working in the mining sector, the two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off work schedule was grueling. From June to September, she would spend two weeks at the mine, and then two weeks in a trailer, self-isolating away from her family due to the Cree Nation Government’s Covid-19 regulations. “It was really emotionally hard being away from my family,” Polson told the CBC. “[When I could finally see them] my mom cried ... my kids didn’t leave my side.” Until the on-site labs at the Osisko, Stornoway and Éléonore mines were

established in August, Polson was only able to see her children via video chats. The strain on other workers’ emotions was so great, many Cree miners opted for temporary layoffs.

Nemaska school vandalized The École Luke Mettaweskum School in Nemaska was forced to close its doors October 13-16 after a dangerous act of vandalism. Gunshots rang out the night of October 12, terrifying and confusing many. When the chaos subsided, community members discovered several windows had been shot out at the school. While no one was hurt, those who work, attend or live near the school were shaken by the event. The Cree School Board (CSB) condemned the violence in an October 13 press release. “The gravity of the event will not be ignored,” stated the CSB. “We are working closely with the Eeyou Eenou Police Force regarding this matter. We are asking for everyone’s vigilance and cooperation at this time.” The school said on its Facebook page October 15 that the building would remain closed to students until the following week. “The school will open tomorrow for staff and teachers only,” read the post. “We will be reviewing important emergency protocols as well as working together on the best ways we can support our students as they return. School will be open for students again on Monday.”

www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 9

Features

10 the Nation October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

Photos by Lori Calman

dying on

live Joyce Echaquan died after filming racist interactions with hospital staff by Ben Powless

he death of an Atikamekw woman in a Joliette hospital September 28 has led to renewed discussions about systemic racism that Indigenous patients face in the healthcare system. Joyce Echaquan was a 37-year-old mother of seven from the community of Manawan, 250 km north of Montreal, who had travelled to Joliette to seek medical treatment for stomach pain. However, during her stay she became concerned about her treatment and began filming her interactions with hospital staff. Broadcast on Facebook Live, her videos captured her distress and pleas for help while hospital staff in her room made insulting and derogatory comments – calling her “stupid’, saying she was “only good for sex” and would be “better off dead.” Echaquan died hours later as her videos rapidly spread online, leading to widespread condemnation. Two healthcare workers involved in her care have since been fired. The local health authority promised to implement measures that would prevent similar events. During a press conference at the Lanaudière Native Friendship Centre October 2, Echaquan’s spouse, Carol Dubé, announced that the family is pursuing a series of complaints – with the Quebec government, the Quebec Order of Nurses, other hospital staff, and is demanding a police investigation. “I’m here today to reclaim justice,” Dubé said. “I am here for my wife Joyce Echaquan and her seven children. I don’t want her death to be for nothing. “How many other similar situations are not denounced because we don’t know they’re happening? She heard the most degrading comments, and this shows just once again just how differently we are treated as Indigenous people.”

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Dubé said his wife was the victim of systemic racism and called on Quebec Premier François Legault to ensure everyone in the province has the same rights. In response, the Quebec government announced the provincial coroner’s office would launch an inquiry. However, Legault has steadfastly denied that Quebec institutions have a problem with systemic racism. Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) Chief Ghislain Picard wants the province to broaden its scope. “A coroner’s report will not change anything about the racism displayed by nurses,” Picard pointed out. “It is a question of attitude and a question of culture.” The Council of the Atikamekw Nation noted that the Viens Commission report last year appears to already be forgotten by the Quebec government.

who said they were cautiously optimistic the government would work to address their concerns. However, the Atikamekw Council of Manawan stated that Legault would not be welcomed to Echaquan’s funeral service because of his refusal to acknowledge systemic racism in Quebec. Manawan Chief Paul-Émile Ottawa pointed out that the problems with racism were discussed extensively during the Viens Commission, with a whole week devoted to people who had faced discrimination at the same hospital in Joliette. Chief Ottawa said he’s advised community members to seek services elsewhere. Dr. Nel Wieman, the president of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, said she was extremely sad to learn about the circumstances of Echaquan’s death. As an Indigenous physician, however, she wants to respond systematically in

fearful and anxious about seeking out medical care until it’s too late. “We have people who come forward to seek treatment and are misdiagnosed or dismissed as being under the influence, when they may have a stroke or heart attack,” she noted. Another challenge is that in remote settings access to health care is limited, and people may not want to complain out of fear that it could affect them negatively in the future. However, she is optimistic to see that healthcare professionals are receiving more training than ever before. The Cree Health Board also issued a statement noting that no health organization is immune from systemic racism. The CHB called on the Quebec government to implement the Viens Commission’s recommendations.

“If we have leaders who won’t acknowledge [systemic racism] exists, they’ll have a hard time being part of the solution” - Dr. Nel Wieman

“It is unfortunate that in 2020 such behaviours can still occur,” said Atikamekw Nation Grand Chief Constant Awashish. “It is everyone’s responsibility to denounce them, especially in the context of health services.” The Viens Commission looked at how Indigenous peoples are treated by public services in Quebec, finding widespread – “systemic” – discrimination. The commission issued several recommendations which then-Quebec Indigenous Affairs minister Sylvie D’Amours said the government was working on, though the government has come under criticism for not taking them seriously. Premier Legault later made a public apology to Echaquan’s family from the National Assembly. “We must not be afraid to say it; the Quebec public service has failed in its duty to Madame Echaquan,” he said. Legault also met with Atikamekw leaders,

a search for solutions. The first step is for leaders to acknowledge the existence of systemic racism. “If we have leaders who won’t acknowledge it exists, they’ll have a hard time being part of the solution,” Wieman observed. She points to a current British Columbia inquiry into discrimination against Indigenous people in healthcare. It is expected to identify solutions at every level – including the province, regional health authorities, hospitals, licensing bodies, service agencies, all the way down to individual healthcare professionals. “There can’t be any denying that it’s widespread, it’s an enormous issue,” Wieman said, noting that racism has a big impact on health, alongside economic and education factors. She says that Indigenous people may often become

12 the Nation October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

The CHB also stated it had several strategies to ensure clients receive culturally safe care, including training staff in cultural safety and strengthening services in Eeyou Istchee so that community members could limit travel outside of the region. Legault appointed former Montreal police spokesperson Ian Lafrenière as Indigenous Affairs Minister October 9. Lafrenière had been previously criticized for denying racial profiling by Montreal police. Following his appointment, Lafrenière was quick to deny the existence of systemic racism. “I recognize that there is racism and profiling and discrimination,” he said. “I also recognize that currently the term of systemic racism is not accepted unanimously and instead of fighting over this, I think that what people want is action, concrete action.”

Fixing It Up by Patrick Quinn

How Cree women’s collective Niweshtanan began building houses Photos provided by Nieweshtanan

hen Jacqueline Quinn heard about a volunteer building project specifically for women in Montreal a few years ago, she was immediately interested. She had always dreamed of travelling somewhere to lend a helping hand but had never taken that leap. Now on maternity leave with her third son, Quinn felt empowered to step out of her comfort zone and follow her passions. She didn’t hesitate when a friend in the city called to say she had four openings in her Habitat for Humanity team. “I was snowshoeing across the lake with my sister Kim and started telling her I’m going to renovate a house,” Quinn recalled. “I said, ‘I’m a little scared because I’ve never used power tools but I’m really excited to try this out.’” The Quinn family is well known for their charity work in Mistissini, from fundraising campaigns for disaster relief to the Wreath of Hope initiative every Christmas at the Meechum grocery store, which is owned by Jacqueline’s parents, Jack and Beverly. Quinn still remembers the look of admiration on her eight-year-old’s face when she shared the

14 the Nation October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

news. She was pleasantly surprised when her cousins BettyAnne Forward and Christina Jimikin agreed to join the sisters for a day of work in the east end of Montreal, where the women were tasked with plastering, sanding and priming. “The second year we wanted to have our own name and let people know we were all Cree women,” Forward told the Nation. “We named our group Niweshtanan, meaning ‘we will fix it’, and my brother made the logo on our Facebook page. We were asked a lot of questions about the Cree Nation – I feel very proud.” Jacqueline Quinn’s other sister Catherine and Christina Jimikin’s sister Sonia joined the team in 2018 to make it a real family affair. As the non-profit organization requires each person to raise at least $500 for supplies, they embarked on an impressive fundraising campaign that included selling poutine and spaghetti plates and creating a hockey pool. “My late cousin Robie Nicholls played a huge part cheering us on,” Quinn shared. “He would help with fundraising at the grocery store. I think the organization appreciated us a little more

“Definitely I have an itch to go buy some power tools and make a garden bed around my house” - Jacqueline Quinn

because we were so far up North, giving three days to travel down, build on site and travel back home.” Thanks to the team’s hard work and the community’s generous support, Niweshtanan jumped to first place among the Women Build teams. This time they got to work with power tools, making new friends and enjoying the satisfaction of helping a low-income family attain an affordable house. The experience was documented on the CBC series Maamuitaau. Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that has built over half a million houses worldwide since its founding in 1976. In the Women Build program, each team spends a day on a construction site with the necessary safety gear, tools and instructions. The families also contribute 300 to 500 hours of “sweat

equity” on the construction of their new home. “We’re all women from different parts of Canada that do this – different backgrounds, busy moms,” explained Forward. “Some had never held a hammer before, and it felt cool to do that. The family was so grateful and nice. We were invited to the key ceremony when the family finally moved in, but we were already back at work.” Families in the program undergo a comprehensive selection process and can purchase the completed home with a no-money-down, interest-free mortgage. The organization entered a partnership with the Assembly of First Nations in 2011 to help provide housing alternatives and raise awareness about housing needs in Indigenous communities. While new responsibilities and Robie Nicholls’ declining heath pre-

vented his return last year, the pandemic upended all this year’s plans. But the women seem eager to get Niweshtanan back together one day. Life seems to have taken on a faster pace lately but the desire to give back hasn’t diminished. “I would love to take part in it again,” Quinn declared. “It was a great experience. I’m glad I could experience it with some of my closest girlfriends. Definitely I have an itch to go buy some power tools and make a garden bed around my house.” With most of the Niweshtanan team employed by the Cree School Board, it may be possible to leverage the experience as an educational opportunity. Quinn gained a greater respect for workers in the construction trades and believes there is potential for helping youth acquire new skills and empathy.

“For me, it’s showing my sons what you put out there in the world does come back to you,” said Quinn. “I could see something with helping the community have more flower beds, helping kids learn about gardening. There could be a summer project or little camp.” With the Cree Nation’s goals of expanding home ownership and general capacity building, there may be growing opportunities for applying similar initiatives in Eeyou Istchee in the coming years. “It’s definitely something we want to look at doing again, maybe even renovating Elders’ homes or cabins through Habitat,” suggested Forward. “They seem interested in coming up North and doing something. Let’s see what we can do with the Chief and Council to find something here.”

www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 15

The health of others is in our hands COVID Alert app The COVID Alert app is a complementary tool that you can use to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It lets you know if you have been in contact with a person who has contracted COVID-19. You will receive a notification and recommendations if you have spent more than 15 minutes less than two metres away from someone who has tested positive in the past 14 days. The app is free, easily accessible and keeps your personal information safe. The app does not replace health measures such as handwashing, social distancing and wearing a mask.

MCE_AppMobile_DPS_EN_Hebdos_21x10,25.indd 1

COVID Alert does the COVID Alert following three things: does not do the following: Notifies you if you might 1 have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Access, collect or archive your personal information or information on your health status;

Directs you to relevant information concerning the steps to follow after you receive the exposure notification.

Use the GPS on your device determine your location or any other personal information.

If you test positive, informs other users, anonymously and without sharing personal information, that they were in contact with someone who reported a positive COVID-19 test through the app.

Use of the COVID Alert app is completely voluntary. You are free to download it, use it or delete it. The more people use the app, the more effective it will be in curbing transmission of the virus.

To download the app: Québec.ca/CovidAlert

How does it work? The COVID Alert app runs in the background on your device, without hampering or interrupting your activities. The app uses Bluetooth on smartphones to determine how far away you are from other people using the app. Every five minutes, it exchanges random codes with app users nearby. The random codes cannot be used to identify you or determine your location. It stores the codes on your phone for 14 days. Every day, when your device connects to the Internet, the COVID Alert app will match your random codes and those of individuals who have indicated through the app that they have tested positive. Even if the app finds matching codes, it is impossible to link them to individuals. Your identity and the identities of other app users remain confidential. If the app finds matching codes, this means that within the past two weeks, for a period of more than 15 minutes, you were less than two metres from another user of the app who has since tested positive and agreed to share that information with other users.

You will therefore receive an alert notification:

• that you may have been exposed to COVID-19;

• that informs you of the next steps to follow.

No personal information or location data is shared. It is, therefore, impossible to know when and where you were in contact with an infected individuall.

Your privacy is protected. COVID Alert does not use your smartphone’s GPS and does not obtain your name, telephone number, personal details or any other health-related information.

Using the COVID Alert app protects you and your loved ones.

How do you indicate in the app that you have tested positive? If you have tested positive and public health authorities have contacted you, you can request a one-time key. To do so:

• Promptly call the telephone number indicated in the app.

• Make note of the key that you receive once your identity and test result have been verified.

• Enter the key in the app within

24 hours, after which it will expire.

If you choose to share your positive result with other users of the app, COVID Alert will not share any information that might identify you. The decision to share your diagnosis is up to you. Your anonymity will always be maintained.

Québec.ca/coronavirus 1 877 644-4545

20-10-08 3:56 p.m.

Visionary tunes

by Andre Simoneau Photos provided by Nâ€™we Jinan 18 the Nation

How music helped lift blind Oji-Cree rapper Mattmac out of ‘dark place’

atthew Monias is not one to let his disabilities keep him from reaching his goals. Monias – who records rap music under the name Mattmac – has been blind since birth. But that hasn’t stopped the 20-year-old from the Oji-Cree community of Garden Hill, Manitoba, from making a name for himself in the music industry. Mattmac recently released his first single, “Paradise”, onto streaming platforms, with an accompanying music video making the rounds on YouTube. The single charted on the Indigenous Music Countdown, a nationally syndicated radio show hosted by SiriusXM Canada. “It’s blowing up right now,” says Monias. “It’s doing crazy numbers that I could not imagine. I’ve absolutely been loving it so far.” Monias – who began singing at local gospel jamborees at the age of four – attributes much of his success to his musical upbringing. “As a kid I was surrounded with a lot of music,” he says, “from my mom’s gospel music, to my siblings who would play both rap and rock.” By the time he reached his early teens, Monias had taught himself to play piano, drums and guitar. He credits his musical efforts with helping overcome a period of depression he experienced at a young age.

“Music helped me pull myself out of the dark place, and gave me a bit of hope,” he says. “It gave me something to do, and something to focus myself on.” Then came a crucial moment in Monias’ musical career. In 2017, his school in Garden Hill participated in a recording project with N’we Jinan, a mobile production studio that offers Indigenous youth the chance to collaborate with professional musicians and producers. They learn the process and vocabulary of sound recording, as well as writing and performing songs. N’we Jinan Executive Director David Hodges recalls his first meeting with Monias. “The first thing that struck me about Matthew was his excitement around music production and the equipment,” Hodges says. “I knew right from the start that we were really going to get along.” For Monias, the timing could not have been better. “At that time, I was really getting into music production,” he recalls. “And the first question I asked David was ‘What kind of gear do you have?’ That was our first connection.” Over a span of one week, a group of students from Garden Hill wrote and recorded a song called “Help You See”, inspired by Monias’ life story.

“I realized how naturally musically gifted Matthew was,” says Hodges. “He was easy to work with – a natural singer, with great musical understanding, who performed well. I told him at the end of the week that he was destined for great things through music.” “It was absolutely wonderful,” Monias says of his experience with N’we Jinan. “Recording the song, getting to know my peers in my school, and recording the video around the school and community.” Monias says this first recording experience helped him realize how he could connect with people through music. “I want to get my music to somebody who will connect with my lyrics, or the subject matter that I cover, and for them to be like, ‘Hey, I’m not alone in this.’” The success of “Help You See” eventually led Monias to perform with Nelly Furtado at Indigenous Day Live and We Day Canada Day on Parliament Hill. From then on, Monias continued to hone his music production skills, by using assistive technologies to help him navigate recording software like Logic Pro. It was also around this time that Monias discovered an online collective of musicians called Blind N Famous, based out of Atlanta, Georgia.

“I’m a blind person, I grew up on the rez, in an isolated fly-in community. I don’t have a big production studio. I’m only working with what I have”

www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 19

“We’re all blind,” Monias says of the group. “We all contribute to each other’s ideas, we bounce ideas off each other, we record, we write, we rap, we sing, we produce, we mix and engineer our stuff.” Monias says the group helped him define the sound he wanted to develop. “They were getting me into different artists, and giving me pointers and production tips, and showing me how a certain genre like trap has evolved,” Monias says. “They updated my sound significantly, so I attribute a lot my success to them.” Monias cites trap artists such as XXXtentacion and Juice Wrld as having an influence on his musical style. “Ever since I was a kid, there was a part of me that always liked rap,” he says. “I remember listening to my sister’s rap CDs, like a guilty pleasure, and hearing Winnipeg’s Most. They were one of the few Indigenous artists that I heard of as a kid.” As for how he came up with the name Mattmac, Monias says it’s a funny story. “I use a voice-chat app, and for a time, my display name was ‘Matt on Mac’, because I had it on different platforms. So, every time I went on the server, one of my online friends from the blind community said, ‘Hey look, it’s Mattmac’. From there it just kind of stuck with me.” Monias insists that no one should let adversity stand in the way of their musical dreams. “You don’t need a whole lot to get started, or to be successful,” he says. “I’m a blind person, I grew up on the rez, in an isolated fly-in community. I don’t have a big production studio. I’m only working with what I have. It’s just how much talent you have, and how much work you’re willing to put in.”

20 the Nation October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

“As a kid I was surrounded with a lot of music... from my mom’s gospel music, to my siblings who would play both rap and rock.”

www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 21

For more info...

Jordan’s Principle Ofﬁce Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) 418-923-3355 x42186 18tcr.jordans.principle@ssss.gouv.qc.ca creehealth.org/jp

Individual Applications for Eeyou Istchee

The legacy of Jordan River Anderson

Jordan was born in Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba in 1999, with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. When he was 2 years old, doctors said he could move to a special home for his medical needs. However, the federal and provincial governments could not agree on who should pay for his home-based care. Jordan passed away in the hospital at the age of 5.

Is your child eligible for Jordan’s Principle?

Current eligibility criteria under Jordan’s Principle are: • 0 to 18 years old • Must have a band number (or parents’ band number, if not yet assigned)

In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in memory of Jordan. Today, Jordan’s Principle is a legal obligation, which means it has no end date—it will support First Nations children for generations to come.

24-hour Jordan’s Principle Helpline

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the Nation 23

Community

Meeting the new boss Hydro-Québec head shares her vision for working with the Cree in a Nation interview by Ben Powless | Photo provided by Hydro Quebec

ophie Brochu says she has a lot to learn. Brochu took over as the first woman President and CEO of HydroQuébec April 6. And when she finally met Cree Grand Chief Abel Bosum August 14, she began with an apology – not for the pandemic-related delay to the meeting, but for what she was never taught in school. “One of the things I am trying to learn is everything related to Indigenous communities,” Brochu told the Nation in an interview. “We learned nothing in school – I need to better understand the reality.” Before joining Hydro-Québec, Brochu spent 12 years as President and CEO of Énergir, Quebec’s largest provider of natural gas. But only after joining Hydro-Québec did Brochu say she began to understand the relationship the company has with Cree communities and how significant it was for both parties. Brochu says she understands the challenge over the past decades to build that relationship from one of distrust to where it is today. “We have to take nothing for granted, we

have to constantly work on it like any relationship.” Brochu said she hopes that at the end of her time with Hydro-Québec that the relationship with the Cree will be even stronger than when she took over. “What I would like to do is build on the foundations that we have built up today. And by building on those foundations I think we can do more between Hydro-Québec and the Cree

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

Nation, notably with the youth,” she said. The Hydro-Québec president also wanted to offer an apology in advance: “I’m sure I will make a mistake one day, and I want people to know it won’t be on purpose, it will be by not understanding something. So, I apologize in advance and look forward to better understanding the Cree people and getting to meet the

Cree on their territory when we are allowed.” Noting that about 100 Cree are currently working for Hydro-Québec, Brochu described her vision to increase the opportunities for youth who may be interested in working with the Crown corporation, including things like summer jobs and full-time positions. As for the present, Brochu confirmed that there are no new projects

“I think we can do more between Hydro-Québec and the Cree Nation, notably with the youth” planned for Eeyou Istchee, but that if the Cree Nation approaches them with a project, they’d be happy to work together. She says that they are also collaborating on scientific studies. Overall, the more that Brochu has learned about how the Cree Nation governs its territories, the more she is impressed. “It goes to the deep presence in the territory – the way that the Cree manage land use, the use of the territory in all its capacity, the scientific studies,” she enthused. “It’s a good way to understand each other’s realities.” As for renewable energy, Brochu says that Hydro-Québec has been looking at various places in Quebec where resource networks are too far from the electrical grid and are thus largely powered by diesel generators. In the past five years, Hydro-Québec has begun a project to try to “green” these projects. While there are no plans yet to bring this technology to the Cree communities, Brochu said that if Cree communities have any specific renewable energy projects they can work together to see how it fits with their aspirations and needs. Brochu says she was honoured to be appointed HQ’s chief executive – though it wasn’t the first time she had been offered the role. Hydro-Québec courted her for the position five years ago, but she was working on a development plan for Énergir and didn’t feel the timing was right. She left Énergir four years later, in December 2019, hoping to take some time off to study and teach in Montreal. Shortly after, however, then-

HQ president Éric Martel announced his departure. When she received the phone call to again offer her the job, she says it only took a nanosecond to consider before accepting. “I asked, how can I be useful for society? And I felt it was the best way to contribute, so I joined, and it was a humbling experience for me. I’m so happy with that decision,” she said. Apart from her day job with HydroQuébec, Brochu is very active in the community of Montreal, where she lives, having cofounded a non-profit organization focused on education and working to support a women’s shelter. “I think that we have lost society at large over the last 20 years,” Brochu says of her personal philosophy. “We’re so focused on organizations, acquiring market share, but I believe we can only be as strong as we are in our communities.” This began her work to support economically disadvantaged youth in the neighbourhood near her downtown offices. She also observed that services for homeless women in Montreal are insufficient. She got in touch with homeless Indigenous women in Montreal, which she calls a wake-up call that spurred her desire to contribute to a facility for homeless women. Above all, Brochu sees access to education as the key to a strong future for young people. “I’m making sure that kids, wherever they come from, are exposed to their own possibilities and trying to build a bridge between themselves and their futures.” Which also happens to be a goal she sees reflected in her work with the Cree.

www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 25

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Updates Politics

Covid counselling First Nations Health Managers Association reboots virtual town halls to fight second wave of pandemic by Patrick Quinn | Photo provided by FNHMA

hile they had hoped a second season wouldn’t be necessary, the First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) has brought back its virtual town hall series to provide credible information for Indigenous communities in the face of the second wave of Covid-19. “We really felt the need to come back, especially as we see cases increasing and the urgency in First Nations,” said FNHMA CEO Marion Crowe. “Right now, we’re seeing Manitoba hit hard and when it hits a nation it’s like throwing a match into a haystack because of other social determinants of health like overcrowding, tuberculosis, pre-existing health conditions, lack of infrastructure.” The weekly series is broadcast every Thursday at 1 pm until December 3 on ihtoday.ca and numerous Indigenous websites, radio and television stations. Crowe told the Nation that the series regularly attracts 15,000 to 20,000 live viewers, indicating that there is a significant interest. “The town halls have been alarmingly successful,” said Crowe. “We’re learning it’s not just health managers and leaders within our nations who are listening and watching. It’s providing education and context for First Nations service delivery to non-Indigenous people as well – that’s why we’re seeing the numbers so high.” Upcoming episodes will feature regulars like Carol Hopkins from the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and Brenda Restoule from the First Peoples Wellness Circle, as well as a talk with an Indigenous community that experienced an outbreak

but is now keeping new infections at bay. They will also discuss an FNHMA pandemic planning tool and a community wellness tool, written in partnership with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch. “We’re nimble, so we can adapt our scheduling in case anything urgent arises and we need that platform,” explained Crowe. “We’ve been successful in terms of bringing different voices to the table who have information for Indigenous communities. Unlikely partnerships as well – FNHMA now has a soft partnership with the Canadian Red Cross.” Besides the virtual town halls, FNHMA continues to encourage anyone to call or email its InfoPoint service to receive reliable Covid-19 information within 30 minutes. Its resources are regularly updated and will remain available to health managers even after the pandemic crisis eventually passes. While the organization’s programs and workshops have traditionally been delivered through intensive in-person sessions, they have been busy adapting them to online and hybrid formats. Their first pilot of a new hybrid certification program currently has over 90 students enrolled. “We’re happy that people are continuing to build a healthcare workforce that’s certified and prepared for the evolution of taking care

of our own health services,” said Crowe. “To have that – by us, for us – is something we don’t see in other places. It takes into account how we administer health, working with multiple jurisdictions, creating those partnerships, respecting our governance processes.” Focused primarily on Indigenous healthcare goals, the FNHMA certification program has credit transfer agreements established with institutions like Athabasca University, enabling students to proceed towards an online master’s degree in health. With recent instances of systemic racism justifying distrust of public services, there is a growing call to empower Indigenous healthcare managers and systems. “The example of what happened to Joyce [Echaquan] in the Quebec healthcare system is tragic but not shocking,” Crowe asserted. “It’s not just a Quebec issue. We need to decolonize services. Transitioning to First Nations control will ensure services have culture woven into them.” She cited the example of British Columbia’s First Nations Health Authority, the first province-wide healthcare delivery service of its kind, before highlighting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to hire more Indigenous health professionals to create culturally safe services.

“Minister Marc Miller has invited FNHMA with other Indigenous health organizations in meetings regarding systemic racism,” Crowe shared. “The Assembly of First Nations is calling a meeting on systemic racism as well. So, multiple sticks in our collective fire but all of them with hope we can continue to be a voice in building a much-needed workforce in our nations.” FNHMA will celebrate this growing workforce November 4 with a live broadcast on their website and partners’ social media pages from 1-4 pm. About 20 graduates of its certification program will receive a special award presented to an Indigenous healthcare leader managing through this difficult time. This virtual celebration will also feature messages of hope and gratitude from AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde and Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, plus a new song from Crystal Shawanda. “We have a conference every year at this time,” Crowe explained. “The easy thing would have been to cancel the event but now is the time to step up, hold these people up, and say thanks. These are proving to be challenging times but ones we will get through and it will only be together through collaboration.”

www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 27

November 2020 - Issue 1

Puzzles

Crossword

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.

SUDOKU

7 8 9

9 4 1 2

Previous solution - Very Hard

7 2 4 6 5 1 8 9 3

7 6

1 9 7 9 3 8 3 9 8 7 3 6

3 4

– ngle number can r column. But... are divided by black artments. These with numbers that t’. A straight is a set gaps but can be in ,5]. Clues in black umber as an option umn, and are not part nce at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. are formed.

4 5

7 5 2

6 5 8 9 7 3 1 4 2

3 1 9 2 8 4 6 7 5

5 9 1 4 2 8 3 6 7

8 4 7 1 3 6 5 2 9

2 3 6 7 9 5 4 1 8

9 6 5 8 4 2 7 3 1

1 7 3 5 6 9 2 8 4

4 8 2 3 1 7 9 5 6

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.

STR8TS Tough

SUDOKU

No. 263

Previous solution - Medium

8 7 9

6 1 2

7 9

2 1 5 1

10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Chop finely 15 16 14 6 Ballroom move 18 19 17 10 Similar (to) 14 Squirrel's snack 22 20 21 15 Bartlett, for one 23 24 16 Hard or soft ending 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 17 Sound reasoning 18 Among other 34 32 33 things 36 37 38 39 35 20 1992 thriller "Basic ______" 40 42 43 41 22 Deer's home 47 44 45 46 23 Cafeteria item 24 Bookkeeper's 48 49 stamp 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 25 Element 28 San Francisco 59 57 58 icon 61 62 60 32 Phony 34 Lunch place 64 65 63 35 That girl 36 Hyundai model Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate 39 Tupperware top 40 Seat anagram 65 Place of another 12 Bearded bloom 38 Last Supper 42 Eyeglasses 13 Shipshape diners feature DOWN 19 Muddy up 41 Wearable sou44 Equestrian event 1 Neighbor of 21 Birth-related venirs 47 Very serious Algeria 24 Part of a suit 43 Publishing brand 48 "My ___!" 2 Screen symbol 25 Needed liniment 45 Medical fluids 49 Bit of smoke 3 Eggy drinks 26 Give a buzz 46 Sports venues 50 Clothing 4 Animal 27 Spare anagram 49 Bottom of the 53 Airplane's wake 5 Completely sur- 28 River ride barrel 57 Co-signer, say round 29 "People" person, 50 Wide-eyed 59 Yorba ____, CA 6 Like Thai food briefly 51 London subway 60 Life sentences? 7 Revival setting 30 Mel's Diner wait- 52 Peacock's pride 61 Directs a 8 Devour ress 53 Unwakable state weapon 9 Kind of house 31 Equestrian 54 Stud fee? Previous solution Very Hard No. 263 Easy 62 Script direction 10 Given, as cus33 Argentine dance 55 Brainchild 7 6 3 5 8 2 9 1 4 63 Hair goops tody 37 Lacquer ingredi- 56 Fat for cooking 2 5 1 9 4 3 6 7 8 64 Brief quarrel 11 Cabbage kin ent 58 Bellboy's bonus 2

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

6 5 7 9 8 3 4 2 1

7 6 9 8 3 4 5

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

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

9 4 1 2

1 9 3 7 9 4 3 8 3 9 8 PREVIOUS 7 3 6 8

7 6

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 SOLUTION: 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.

28 the Nation October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

4 6 5 1 8 9 3

4 5

7 5 2

5 3 4 2

Easy

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

No. 263

Medium

by Margie E. Burke 1

8 9 7 3 1 4 2

9 2 8 4 6 7 5

1 4 2 8 3 6 7

7 1 3 6 5 2 9

6 7 9 5 4 1 8

5 8 4 2 7 3 1

3 5 6 9 2 8 4

2 3 1 7 9 5 6

Rez Notes

Getting burnt by Sonny Orr

ooking at today’s situation – the news, the drama, the ranting and outpourings of people without a shoulder to cry on – it seems that (human) life is screaming for attention for its woes and worries. Meanwhile, nature is hard at work doing natural things. One thing for sure, the human world is starting to transform into a place with people who have easy access to masks, medical attention and a large supply of disinfectant. It’s amazing how far this pandemic will move us to pay more attention to details – like, hey, cook your food before eating. Maybe eating exotic foods will be right up there in the puffer-fish category of dangerous delicacies, but it is worth paying attention to the fact that most animals have a lot of microbes, like a symbiotic relationship, a daring dance if you may. When this dance gets interrupted by some other creature, like a human, it may turn out to be a headbanger style of romp. The one where your head explodes into many tiny headaches and then fills with regret, like I should have eaten the jellied monkey brain instead of the live bat type of regret. But no, we all must deal with this deadly dance a year on and millions of infections later. It’s hard to swallow that pill, so start praying for a cure and freedom from breathing your own moist breath. It seems that life will remain inconvenient, until this bug dies out due to starvation and the lack of

hosts to feed it. As they say, wash your hands and wear masks, that’s the way to do it. But many of us have dared to flirt with danger by whipping off our masks and mingling with people, as we laugh harder than usual and spread ourselves more than six feet. Who says that everyone breathes the same way? I know several heavy breathers. Perhaps a high alcohol content drink could be used with a lighter to burn those little buggers along with a few tastebuds. A small sacrifice it would seem. On the home front, the good old-fashioned roadblock seems to work well enough. But the Covid is creeping North and soon we might go into another lockdown if we care not for others. Caring seems to be a solution here, so I’m hoping that there are a lot of people out there who care enough about their future. Enough to fight without prejudice, like the bug does. It has no bias. You could be the US President or British Prime Minister, it doesn’t care what colour you are or what social stature you have, it will still infect you. So, what’s it going to be folks, human ignorance or smart and caring? At least living should be a goal in life and being free from danger is a good addition. Maybe, we will have to resort to using fire-breathing apparatuses in the end, meaning we might have dry, burnt, chapped lips forever.

It seems that life will remain inconvenient

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www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 29

UTNS

Under the Northern Sky

www.underthenorthernsky.com

Oo-nee-kamik – the place outside by Xavier Kataquapit

itting outside listening to the birds, I can hear a squirrel or chipmunk scrambling around a few feet away in a tree. The wind is sweeping up the fallen leaves as a chainsaw screams in the distance. As I contemplate the here and now in a little outhouse at the cottage my world is focused and simple. The Cree word for outhouse is Oo-neekamik, which is the literal translation of “the place outside”. There is a commonly used but more vulgar word that is pronounced Mee-see-kamik, which translates to “place of feces”. Elders tend to prefer Oo-nee-kamik while younger people enjoy calling it Mee-see-kamik. Life away from the internet, television and smartphone gives an entirely different perspective on life and the world. That old saying that no news is good news rings true as we deal with a global pandemic and the rise of fascism around the world, but most importantly in the United States. The American elections are right around the corner and the news is full of alarming events 24 hours a

day – that’s if you are not off the grid, as I am in the here and now. In the outhouse by the lake not much else exists except for a necessary break. I am reminded of growing up in Attawapiskat in the 1980s. Believe it or not, no one had running water, indoor plumbing or easy access to clean drinking water. We all had an outhouse in the yard. At my home, it serviced 13 people. That outhouse had legs of its own as it moved all over the yard over the years to accommodate our daily deposits. The only modern residential units with indoor plumbing housed the nurses and teachers from away. Most of them were non-Native and if we were lucky, from time to time we would be invited into the luxury of their homes for a visit and maybe a tea, coffee or hot chocolate and a treat. We did not really mind at the time as it was our normal and all we knew to that point. Even today, however, there are still many First Nation communities across Canada without access to clean water.

Life in the outside world is still a challenge for many who venture to cities and towns in the south. Due to the reality of systematic racism, many Indigenous people are still treated as second-class citizens in education, health care and law enforcement. Most people are generally very open, yet there is a core of racism and bigotry alive and well in many of our institutions. A recent terrible example of this systemic racism was the treatment of Joyce Echaquan, an Atikamekw woman abused by staff in a Joliette hospital right up until she died there. When I head out on the land, it is an escape from the troubles of this world. All I have to deal with is physical work, fires by the lake, hikes along the pine trails and, of course, my visits to the outhouse. I rarely deal with people during this pandemic. My partner and I are extremely careful due to health conditions. We seldom go anywhere in public and when we do, we wear our masks when we are indoors with others, staying at least

two metres apart from people and encouraging others to take this virus seriously in order to protect everyone in our society. I am happy that many remote First Nations are locked down and people are generally not traveling all that much. Still, Covid-19 cases are starting to appear in our Native communities. I am sad that our schools, universities and colleges are still open to a degree and endangering students and teachers. Although there are many in these facilities wearing masks, they are finding it almost impossible to practice safe social distancing. Cases are appearing in education facilities across the country. How many more people must get sick or die before it occurs to us that conducting education online – or, in fact, taking a short break – might make more sense. Then again, what do I know? I am just a guy trying to get away from it all in the sanctuary of my little outhouse here in northern Ontario, where no news is good news.

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.

30 the Nation October 23, 2020 www.nationnews.ca

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