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CONTENTS EDITORIAL

He’s gone but not forgotten

NEWS

Vaccinating Eeyou Istchee

Get poked

Teaching differently

IN BRIEF

FEATURES

Moderna vaccine arrives in Eeyou Istchee, first doses given to Elders and frontline workers.

Covid vaccinations begin in Eeyou Istchee

Education guide 2021

Keeping hope alive

PUZZLES REZ NOTES Community

32 33

Battle plans

UTNS Dancing in the kitchen

20 Education paths

Meechum’s Wreath of Hope

Photo by Joshua Loon

Editorial

He’s gone by Will Nicholls and Martin Siberok

or years Dan Isaac has been a part of the Nation. An important part we must admit. He came to us as a young man full of morals and ideals. A necessary part of any person looking for a position in media. It took us a while to erode those parts of his personality, but we eventually succeeded. Perhaps we were too successful as he is leaving us for a higher-paying job. Not that we feel that is a bad thing as he is taking a job with a higher salary than we can give him. We know he will take the gifts of adulthood we have given and encouraged in him to his new career. Oh yes, perhaps we were hard on him at first but after we tossed him into the deep end and said “Swim”, he did. Not like an Olympic swimmer but like a person who wouldn’t drown in the morass that is the swamp that media has to handle. We are both proud and surprised at his ability to use water wings correctly. His first taste of working in the field was flying to North Dakota to cover the pipeline protest at Standing Rock. The excited cub reporter who left the office full of anticipation returned a seasoned journalist. Having witnessed an event of such historical significance had earned him his journalistic stripes. There have been many arguments and more about stories that have appeared in the Nation during the five years Dan has been with us. All of them have not gone beyond the less than physical because as journalists we know the pen is mightier than the sword… in most cases.

...but not forgotten

by Lyle Stewart

an Isaac certainly chose a dramatic day to leave his job as managing editor of this newsmagazine. While we were raising glasses of 12-year-old scotch to toast his five years of devotion to informing and provoking the readers of the Nation with his thoughtful writing, costumed mobs in Washington, DC, were trying to overthrow the US government and install the orange one as president-for-life. Despite Dan’s many talents, let’s just say that timing is not his strongest suit. Speaking of suits, we’ll miss his dapper dress code. No one in the Nation office can look so striking in a pair of worn-out Wranglers and a tattered t-shirt like Mr. Isaac. Perhaps it was his flowing half-Mohawk/ half Mi’kmaq dark hair that blends into his armpit dreadlocks that made him stand out. At least we finally shamed him into getting rid of the man bun he sported when he came to us all eager and innocent five years ago. Those of us who can no longer grow a man bun are only jealous, of course. But we can be proud to report that he is also no longer innocent. Five years in the journalistic trenches help a person to learn useful skills – like cynicism and alcoholism, for instance. The sartorial splendour, of course, was financed by the incredibly generous salary and benefits package we all enjoy here at this major media powerhouse. Seriously, however, it’s a wonder how Dan could afford to father two children during his time here on Clark Street in Montreal’s painfully hip Mile End neighbourhood. He probably saves his nickels to dress his beautiful kids better than he does himself. So, it’s a natural thing. We take untested, raw talent, and beat journalism skills into them while exploiting the hell out of them for a few years. Then – with tears in our eyes – we watch them go off into the big, wide world to finally earn a living wage. Dan Isaac deserves it, and we wish him all the best. But we sure will miss him. And we actually do have tears in our eyes.

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 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 January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

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

Get poked by Ben Powless

Vaccinations in Eeyou Istchee begin as communities return to Phase 3

s Covid cases continue to climb out of control across Canada, the first vaccines available to Crees were administered in Mistissini January 5. After Canada approved the Moderna vaccine December 23, Quebec informed the Cree Health Board (CHB) that the first doses would be sent to Eeyou Istchee January 5, with a goal of delivering more by January 11. Cree health authorities outlined a best-case scenario that would see all eligible individuals across Eeyou Istchee receive both necessary doses of the vaccine within eight weeks, in contrast to the estimated eight-month timeline for the rest of North America. “With the Moderna vaccine’s approval and distribution, we are one step closer to better protecting our most vulnerable community members during this pandemic,” the CHB stated on its website. “Vaccination is our best protection against spreading Covid-19 and getting very sick from an infection.” The CHB said it was working with Cree leadership and public health partners to prepare the logistics, storage, distribution sites and information about the vaccine’s release, and said that further information would be provided via radio and social media as to when and where people could get their injections. The Moderna vaccine is delivered in two steps, with at least a month between doses. All adults over 18 are eligible to receive it. They may be able to get the first dose in one community and the second in another. In the case of postsecondary students, it should be possible to receive the second vaccine outside of Eeyou Istchee. The vaccine is not mandatory, but is encouraged by Cree health authorities, and is considered safe and effective. In the case that not enough vaccines are available in the near term for all com-

“We are one step closer to better protecting our most vulnerable” - Cree Health Board

munities, Cree health authorities said that vaccine distribution will be prioritized both between communities and within communities, with inland communities closer to Chibougamau-Chapais considered most at risk. Age, vulnerability, profession and other logistical concerns will determine the order of who receives the vaccine in each community. Further information about the vaccine is online at www.creehealth.org/covidvaccine-faq. The first set of 1,200 doses were delivered to Mistissini as part of a test run, with the first vaccines administered to Elders, frontline workers and, ceremonially, to new CHB chair Bertie Wapachee. The vaccinations began as the Cree Nation of Nemaska mourned Elder Matthew Wapachee, who passed away just before New Year’s Day to complications due to a Covid-19 infection. The Cree Nation has now lost five Elders to the virus since the pandemic began, all contracted outside of Eeyou Istchee. Meanwhile, the Atikamekw community of Obedjiwan, 143 km south of Chibougamau, reported more than 100 active cases in recent days. The CHB said that Region 2 (Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean) had seen Covid-19 cases briefly decline, but they then began climbing again. Region 8 (Abitibi-Témiscamingue) has also seen a significant jump in cases. Chibougamau had cases of community transmission in December, which means that non-essential Cree visitors to Chibougamau must now isolate for 14 days when they return home. In Kuujjuaraapik, two cases of Covid were confirmed in people who had trav-

elled south, according to the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services. After contact tracing, Nunavik health authorities said that no community action for Whapmagoostui members would be necessary. After the rise in cases across Region 8, Cree health officials decided to move all Cree communities back to Phase 3 of confinement. That means that outdoor gatherings may have a maximum of 75 people or 10 households, while indoor gatherings may have a maximum of 25 people or three households. The only areas of travel within Quebec that were considered safe to visit were Region 8, Region 10 (Nord-du-Québec), Region 17 (Nunavik), and Region 18 (Eeyou Istchee). Residents of Mistissini, OujeBougoumou, Nemaska and Waswanipi may still visit Chibougamau – but only for essential purposes. In Ontario, the only areas considered safe to visit were Sudbury, Porcupine and the Timiskaming regions of northern Ontario, which includes the municipalities of Timmins, Moosonee and North Bay. With Quebec reporting over 2,500 new cases a day in early January with 50 or more deaths per day, Premier François Legault announced severe new lockdown measures in red zones that including closing schools and non-essential businesses and implementing an unprecedented 8pm-to-5am curfew. Nationwide, Canada was reported over 8,000 cases a day in recent weeks and over 200 deaths per day. That brought nationwide totals to over 600,000 cases and 16,000 total deaths.

www.nationnews.ca January 15, 2021 the Nation 5

Department of Justice and Correctional Services

≠::ᒡ CAVAC ≠ ::::≠:≠≠≠≠≠ (:≠≠≠≠ ≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠ ≠≠≠≠≠ ≠ ≠≠≠ ≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠

ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᐦᑑᑎᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᐧᐋᓂᒌ ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒌ ᐅᔑᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᐤ ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓂᒌ ᐊᐧᐋᓂᒌ ᐋᒌ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐅᔮᐧᐋᐦᒡ, ᐅᒥᑐᓈᔨᒋᑭᓂᐧᐋᐦᒡ ᑭᔮ ᐅᐱᒫᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐦᒡ ᐊᓂᔨᐤ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᒌ ᐲᑯᓂᑭᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᐧᐃᔨᔑᐧᐋᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮ ᒫᒃ ᐋ ᐊᔨᒦᔥᑎᐧᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒑᒌ ᐱᑯᐦᑖᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᒌ ᐋᐦᑯᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡx ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᑖᑯᔨᓈ ᓈᔥᑦ ᐋᒌ ᐧᐋᐱᐦᑎᒥᓐ ᐋ ᐲᑯᓂᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐧᐃᔨᔑᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ, ᓃᔑᓐᐦ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ CAVAC ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᔥᑎᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐃᔨᔨᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌᐦᒡx ᓂᓈᐦᑭᐤ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᐧᐋᔨᐤᐦ ᐊᓂᒌ CAVAC ᐋᐱᑎᓰᓯᐧᐃ, ᒋᒡ: ≠≠≠:≠ ≠≠ ≠:::: ≠≠≠: ≠≠: :≠ ≠: ::::≠≠≠: ≠≠≠≠≠::≠≠: ᐋ ᓂᑎᐧᐃᒋᔅᒑᔨᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᑎᐧᐋᔑᐦᑎᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ≠ ≠: :≠≠:≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠ ≠ ≠ ≠:≠ ≠:≠≠ ≠≠:≠ : ≠≠ ≠≠:≠≠≠≠≠ ≠: :: ≠ ≠ ≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠ ᐋᐧᐃᒄ ᑭᔮ ᐅᔥᑭᒡ ᐋ ᐊᑎ ᐱᒥᐱᔨᒡ ᐋ ᑎᐹᔅᑯᓂᒑᓂᐧᐃᒡ ≠:≠≠ᒡ ≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠: ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒑᒌ ᐃᐦᑑᑎᐦᒃ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᑎᐧᐋᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᒥᓯᓂᐄᑭᓐᐦ ≠ ≠≠≠≠ᐦ≠≠≠≠≠≠≠ : ≠≠≠≠≠:≠≠≠≠≠ :≠: ≠ ≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠ ᐱᑯᓂᒑ ᑯᔨᔅᒃ ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐧᐃᔮᑯᓂᒑᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᓂᑐᐦᑯᔨᓐ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᐱᒫᑎᓰᐤᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᓯᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋ ᐃᐦᑎᑯᓂᔨᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᒑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐃᐦᑖᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᒋᔥᑭᐦᒃ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᐧᐋᔥᑖᐱᔨᐦᐄᑯᑦ ≠ ≠≠ ≠≠≠≠≠≠: : ≠≠≠≠≠:≠≠≠≠≠ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᓂᒋᔥᑭᐦᒡ ᓂᑐᐦᑯᔨᓐ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮ ᐋ ᐃᐦᑎᑯᓂᔨᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᒑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐃᐦᑖᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᔒᑐᔥᑯᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᐱᒥᐱᔨᔨᒡ ᐋ ᑎᐹᔅᑯᓂᒑᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᐃᔥᑯᑎᒃ ᐋ ᒋᐦᒋᐱᔨᔨᒡ ≠ᐦ: ≠:≠≠ ≠≠≠ᒡ ≠: ::≠≠ ≠:: ≠≠ :::ᒡ ≠≠≠≠:≠:≠≠≠≠ᒡ :: ≠ ≠≠≠≠≠:::ᒡ ≠::ᒡ ::≠ᒫ≠:≠≠ CAVAC ≠: ≠:≠≠≠≠≠≠≠ ≠ ≠:::≠≠≠≠ : 1 (855≠ 603-6137 M st ss , Oujé-B u um u, W sw p ::≠:ᓃ, ≠≠ᐳ≠ᒨ, ≠≠≠ᓵ≠ᐲ

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CREE CAVAC SERVICES (Crime Victims Assistance Centre) CAVAC or crime victims assistance centre, has been created to help victims overcome the physical, psychological and social consequences of a crime, and to advocate on their behalf to help them obtain compensation for the harm suffered. If you are a victim or witness to a crime, then there are three Cree CAVAC offices that have been established to serve you in the Cree Nation. POST-TRAUMA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION, to assess the needs of victims of crime INFORMATION ON THE RIGHTS CRIME VICTIMS HAVE AND THE REMEDIES INFORM AVAILABLE TO THEM, which encompasses the main stages of judicial process TECHNICAL SERVICES, to assist crime victims in filling out required forms REFERRING VICTIMS TO SPECIALIZED SERVICES, such as appropriate legal, medical, social and community resources capable of assisting victims as they attempt to deal with problems they face ACCOMPANYING CRIME VICTIMS, through their dealings with medical and community resources, and providing sustained support throughout je judicial process as the case proceeds Sexual Violence Prevention Our front-line services are free of charge 819-342-5296 and strictly confidential with you. Cree N rther CAVAC T ll Free: 1 (855≠ 603-6136 Wh pm stu , Ch s s b , Wem dj

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Come and visit us at your local justice facility. For any CAVAC requests please contact: cavacinfo@cngov.ca

www.creejustice.ca 6 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

hile the Covid pandemic created many challenges for the Cree School Board (CSB), it’s also been an opportunity to reassess longstanding policies and develop innovative solutions for meeting the changing needs of students. The success of public-health measures enabled schools to reopen last fall and provide in-person instruction. As teachers returned to communities following the holiday break, many used their two-week quarantine to improve their teaching techniques with the online learning platform. “There’s been a lot of exploration and experimentation this year,” said Sarah Pash, the CSB’s chairperson. “I know a lot of teachers have been experimenting with different ways of approaching online instruction, even though it hasn’t been necessary. We’re all grateful we were able to provide a more normalized experience for our young people.” Last fall, students were surveyed to determine their capacity for online studies. The CSB’s information technology department loaned laptops to Secondary IV and V students who needed them, and Pash hopes over 2,000 laptops will be distributed in the new year. “Our education services department, especially our Cree department, have been working hard on beefing up the curriculum online,” Pash told the Nation. “In the spring, we were very concerned because we realized we were unprepared to meet special needs with an online learning platform. Now we’re looking at how to do speech, language and remedial work remotely, through our virtual platform.” These unprecedented times have given the CSB a chance to address previous technological limitations and leap into the future of education. Recognizing the online learning platform’s power to broaden learning opportunities and provide new ways to engage with students, a few months ago the CSB’s Council of Commissioners approved a new department focused on digital learning. “The school board has really had to look at its policies and where we might be behind the times,” said Pash. “This

News

by Patrick Quinn

Teaching differently The Cree School Board’s compassionate response to an uncertain world period allowed us to take stock of where we are and where we need to develop. We’ve been forced to be innovative and think about how we’re going to meet the needs of students.” The adult education department has also adapted virtual instruction to meet student needs. While most programs resumed via online learning, many technical education programs requiring in-person instruction have taken longer to implement. Adult students have been able to apply for allowances and access laptops from the CSB, the latter secured through a generous donation from the Eeyou-Eenou Community Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation last June. Sabtuan Adult Education Services is also attempting to remove traditional barriers for people wanting to return to school with a new “direct-to-employment” partnership with the Cree Health Board. Applications are currently being accepted for a 35-week beneficiary attendant training program offered in both Chisasibi and Waswanipi, which will provide graduates with a vocational diploma and a guaranteed job offer. With three Elders’ homes expected to open in 2022, qualified caregivers who can speak Cree are in high demand. The CSB is also anticipating the diverse needs of college and university students. As pandemic restrictions limited summer employment opportunities, the board provided additional financial sup-

port with special consideration for those students who are parents. “We’ve been hearing a lot from postsecondary students about the difficulties of the past term,” said Pash. “It is very difficult to continue to maintain motivation and engagement in an online learning environment. For the most part, our postsecondary students have been at least partially online.”

“Our role is not only to educate but to make sure we take care of people” - Sarah Pash, CSB Chairperson

With many students understandably reluctant to pursue education in Covid “hot zones” and several institutions offering exclusively online content, it’s been necessary to appreciate diverse needs. “When we think of supporting postsecondary students, we have to consider their comfort, mental health and ability to concentrate on their schoolwork,” explained Pash. “Last year during the shutdown period, we realized how import-

ant it was to focus on each student as an individual. That is the only reason we got through the spring the way we did with the ability to graduate so many students.” A record-breaking 248 graduates received their high school diploma in 2020, with an overall success rate of 90% – a remarkable increase over the previous year’s 54%. Pash praised the CSB’s extensive network for helping students meet their graduation requirements and said they are similarly attentive as their education journey continues. “We need to be listening to them very carefully because they are doing important service,” Pash asserted. “Not only for themselves, working on their own futures and qualifications, but we know how important they are for our communities and development as a nation.” This compassionate approach demonstrates how the CSB looks beyond immediate return on investment to the bigger picture of nation building. Moving into 2021, maintaining this flexibility is a natural response to the rapidly evolving state of education. “Our role is not only to educate but to make sure we take care of people,” said Pash. “This period has shown us a lot. We’ve learned we are resilient – the sacrifices we made were because we’re all in this together. When we approach what we do with care, love and conviction, we can make great things happen.”

www.nationnews.ca January 15, 2021 the Nation 7

PUBLIC NOTICE

In Brief Covid cases rising on reserves While Eeyou Istchee has remained relatively safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, the same cannot be said for First Nations communities across the country. The Mohawk community of Kahnawake, located just south of Montreal, announced January 4 there were nine active cases of Covid-19 in their community – two of which were attributed to workers at the local Elders’ lodge. Currently, more than 100 heathcare workers within Kahnawake have received their first dose of the PfizerBioNtech vaccine, while the community’s long-term-care patients were expected to begin the Moderna vaccine in the very near future. The Kanahwake Covid Task Force shut down all non-essential businesses in the community until at least January 31 to deal with the outbreak. Opitciwan, an Atikamekw community in the Mauricie region of Quebec, is also dealing with 75 cases of the virus. Carpooling with other families and visitors from other communities have been banned in the community until further notice. However, a shipment of the Moderna vaccine arrived by helicopter in Opitciwan January 3, where the vacci-

nation campaign began the following day. Opitciwan Chief Jean-Claude Méquish became the first person in the province to be inoculated with the Moderna vaccine. In the Gaspé region, the Mi’kmaq community of Listuguj is dealing with 13 active cases of Covid-19, and one hospi-

In total, at least 70 cases of Covid-19 were reported on reserves in Quebec since Christmas. Across Canada, 1,138 on-reserve cases were reported following the holidays. The new diagnoses since January 2 bring the total of active on-reserve Covid cases to 3,290.

In Brief

language. The inspiration for creating the learning tools came to her when she noticed a lack of learning tools for Cree when compared to the Blackfoot language. MacLeod, from the James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, complet-

Across Canada, 1,138 on-reserve cases were reported following the holidays.

talization. The community had been Covid-free prior to the Christmas holidays. Since the outbreak, Listuguj closed all non-essential businesses until January 31 and asked community members to limit interactions with other families. Listuguj Chief Darcy Gray told the CBC that the outbreak was traced to a student who returned from a red zone over the holidays.

Since the beginning of the pandemic the total number of on-reserve cases stands at 9,392, with 87 deaths and 425 hospitalizations.

Cree syllabics in 3D An Indigenous intern at the University of Alberta library, Kaia MacLeod, has created 3D-printed Cree syllabics to help people learn the Cree

ed the project as part of her master’s degree in Library and Information Studies. MacLeod told the CBC she is “hoping that this opens doors for how people are learning languages.” And apparently it already is. Another version of 3D syllabics found its way to Jasmine Fouillard, a Cree mother from Kehewin Cree Nation in Alberta. She says, after putting magnets on the backs of the pieces, her (nine- and four-year-old) sons have been using them to learn Plains Cree. “It’s just kind of become another tool for my sons,” Fouillard told the CBC. “They really enjoy it now and it’s more accessible for them.”

www.nationnews.ca January 15, 2021 the Nation 9

Features

Covid vacc begin in Eeyou Istchee W

e are fortunate to have collaborated with Cree Leadership, our neighbouring southern region, and to have had their full support from the beginning of this pandemic. Our joint efforts have led to good results over all and unfortunate losses of great people at the same time. It would be an understatement to say that 2020 was a challenging and testing year. It has been a difficult year for all, and mental health as well as health in general has been tested to the max – especially for our health and social service workers, our clients and others on the frontlines this pandemic. We have to thank the rigorous teamwork of our professionals in public health, CMCs, community groups and Cree Leadership for the past 10 months. The growing optimism for 2021, not only with the arrival of the Moderna vaccine in the territory, stems from our commitment to overcome this pandemic as a united Cree nation. With it brings a sense of new hope and belief that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Cree Health Board is very grateful for the support the vaccine has received, and the will of the people to take it and to be part of the greater battle to end this pandemic. As in any challenge our nation has faced, the majority of the people stand united. For that we say “thank you” to each and every one who has committed to take the vaccine. We encourage all within Region 18 to continue to follow all protocols to help bring an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

– Bertie Wapachee CHAIRPERSON OF THE CREE HEALTH BOARD

10 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

cinations Photos by Joshua Loon

Richard Shecapio, Assistant Executive Director, Miyupimaatisiuun and Jason Coonishish, Coordinator of Pre-Hospital Services and Emergency Measures, at handover of the advance shipment of Moderna vaccine for Covid-19. Chibougamau Airport.

www.nationnews.ca January 15, 2021

the Nation 11

FNTI Now Offers Virtual Indigenous Education! Prepare for your future career from anywhere in Canada with FNTIâ€™s virtual classes. FNTI programs are rooted in culture and Indigenous ways of knowing. If you are an agency with workforce development needs, FNTI may be able to develop a dedicated cohort to help! Standalone Indigenous Degrees Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work Bachelor of Indigenous Sustainable Food Systems Bachelor of Indigenous Law and Justice Bachelor of Indigenous Midwifery

www.FNTI.net

3 Old York Road Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory ON K0K 1X0 Toll Free: 800.267.0637 ext. 156 recruitment@fnti.net

Visit us today to apply for FREE

Study at Canadore College Canadore offers culture-based programs with a focus on history and tradition Health Care Administration â€“ Indigenous Indigenous Pre-Health Sciences Indigenous Preparatory Studies Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention

1000

Indigenous learners equalling 25% of our student population. Our students like it here! We have one of the HIGHEST Aboriginal student retention rates in Canada.

canadorecollege.ca/FPC 12 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

North Bay, Ontario

Martin Nyles, Head of Current Services, Mistissini CMC with the vaccines.

Laura Brien, a resident of the Mistissini Eldersâ€™ Home, was the first person in Eeyou Istchee to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Mrs. Brien received the Moderna vaccine from local hemodialysis nurse April Iserhoff. With the regional vaccination campaign anticipated in the week of January 11, the CBHSSJB received an advance shipment of Covid-19 intended to help test the systems that will be deployed throughout the nine communities of Eeyou Istchee. On January 5, residents of the Eldersâ€™ Home, frontline healthcare workers and first responders were vaccinated as part of this preliminary effort to prepare for the main campaign.

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April Iserhoff, Hemodialysis Nurse, at the Mistissini Eldersâ€™ Home.

14 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Elders and frontline workers getting vaccinated against Covid-19 at the Eldersâ€™ Home in Mistissini. Being vaccinated, from left to right: Jason Coonishish, Coordinator of Pre-hospital Services and Emergency Measures, Chief Thomas Neeposh

www.nationnews.ca January 15, 2021 the Nation 15

16 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

www.nationnews.ca January 15, 2021

the Nation 17

Be there for yourself the way you’re there for others You are always there when your loved ones are going through difficult times. But don’t forget about yourself—solutions exist to help you feel better. The current situation may cause you distress. Experiencing various levels of anxiety in some spheres of life is normal. When this happens, you may find it more challenging to deal with your thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Most people succeed in adapting, but listening to your needs is vital. Don’t hesitate to do whatever is necessary to help yourself.

Take care of yourself • Rely on your personal strengths and have confidence in your abilities.

• Remind yourself of the winning

strategies you used in the past to overcome difficulties. There is no one-size-fits-all solution! Each and every one of us must take steps to foster our own well-being.

• Enjoy life’s little pleasures, such as listening to music, taking a warm bath, reading, exercising, etc.

• If you live close to nature, make

the most of it. Breathe deeply and slowly as you walk.

• Learn to delegate, and allow others

• Lend a hand in your community in

a way that respects your personal limits and public health directives. By helping others, you can improve their wellness and your own as well.

• Think about what has meaning

and value for you. Reflect on the important things in your life that you can hold onto in hard times.

• Reduce the stressors in your life. • While it is important to stay informed, limit the amount of time spent reading about COVID-19. Information overload can increase stress and anxiety, and even cause depression.

to help you.

• Ask for help when you feel

overwhelmed. It is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength when you are strong enough to do what is necessary to help yourself.

The Getting Better My Way digital tool Getting Better My Way is a digital self-management tool for emotional health. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety or distress, this tool can help improve your well-being by identifying practical things you can do to feel better. Learn more at Québec.ca/Gettingbetter

Help and resources Give voice to your feelings • Keep in mind that having a range of emotions is normal. Feelings play an important role in life, and it is essential to experience them without passing judgment. • Use words to express what you are going through. Do you feel alone? Are you worried?

• Allow yourself to share your feelings

with a trusted friend or family member. It might also be helpful to write down how you’re feeling or call a helpline. Find what works for you!

• Those closest to you may not

necessarily be able to “read” you. Express your feelings.

• Leave space in your life for your feelings and those of your loved ones.

Choose healthy living habits • Try to keep to a routine for eating, resting, sleeping and other daily activities.

• Take time to eat well. • Go to bed at an hour that lets you get enough sleep.

• Be physically active on a regular

basis, while complying with public health directives.

• Reduce your consumption

We are all going through unprecedented times that can intensify our emotional reactions. For example, you might feel greater fatigue or have fears that you can’t shake, or even have trouble just dealing with the day-today. Focus on these signs of a problem and, as soon as you can, contact resources that can help you to better manage your feelings and develop new coping strategies.

• Info-Social 811

Info-Social 811 is a free and confidential telephone consultation service available 24/7

of stimulants like coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy beverages, chocolate, etc.

• Regroupement des services

tobacco consumption, or simply say no to them entirely. The same goes for gambling.

• Suicide prevention crisis helpline

• Drink lots of water. • Lower your alcohol, drug and

d’intervention de crise du Québec Provides 24/7 referral services for people in distress (French): centredecrise.ca/listecentres Crisis helpline that provides suicide prevention services 24/7: 1 866 APPELLE (277-3553)

For a host of other helpful resources, visit Québec.ca/gettingbetter

Make judicious use of social media • Use critical thinking before sharing

something on social media. Ill-advised information can have harmful effects and be detrimental to everyone’s efforts in these times.

• Use social media to share positive actions.

• Watch videos that make you smile.

Québec.ca/gettingbetter Info-Social 811

The Nation’s annual guide to continuing education programs, colleges and universities by Dan Isaac, Ben Powless and Patrick Quinn Photos provided by the CSB

he year 2020 was a hard one for both students and teachers. The entire post-secondary student body in Canada found themselves on Zoom instead of in classrooms. And while most colleges and universities are hoping to return to in-person instruction in the fall, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to make this goal uncertain. Vaccines have been approved by the federal government, but questions remain as to the availability of doses and willingness of populations to be inoculated in order to create herd immunity. There are also mutated strains of the coronavirus popping up all over the globe. So far, those variant strains of the virus haven’t been shown to render current vaccines ineffective, but doctors and scientists are just beginning to study them. The reality is, no one can say for sure whether life, or school, will be back to normal next fall. All you can do is apply and hope for the best while being prepared for at least one more “Zoomer” semester.

20 the theNation NationJanuary 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca 20

Eeyou Istchee Eeyou Istchee

If you’re interested in entering a trade right after graduation, looking to change career-paths laterby Amy German in life, or deciding to go back and finish your high school diploma, the Cree School Board offers vocational training and general education programs in most Cree communities.

General Education

The SAES also hosts a variety of vocational training courses throughout Eeyou Istchee in line with the needs of the local job market. Application deadlines for most of the spring pro-

Beneficiary Attendant (Institutional & Home Care Assistance) This 870-hour program will teach students how to become a personal support worker or nurse aide. Completing the course will teach you how to provide care to people of all ages and assist them in their recovery while

ensuring they maintain their autonomy. Students who complete this fulltime course, taken over 35 weeks, are guaranteed employment through the Cree Health Board. It’s currently offered in Chisasibi and Waswanipi.

Carpentry This hands-on program teaches future builders how to concrete frame, build and install furniture, walls, roofs and stairs as well as interior and exterior finishing work. The program will teach students how to plan, calculate and price carpentry projects. In total, the program is 1,350 hours and is to be completed in a full-time capacity over 54 weeks. It’s currently being offered in Mistissini.

The Nation’s Annual

Vocational Training

grams are in late January with more programs to be announced in the coming weeks and months for the spring, summer and fall 2021 terms. Prospective students should visit eeyoueducation.ca/adult/programs for more information and join the SAES mailing list to be informed when new programs are announced.

Education Guide

From September to June, Sabtuan Adult Education Services (SAES) offers general education programs in all Cree communities. These general education services help you with language skills and completing your Secondary IV and V courses, while working towards a diploma. The SAES promises one-on-one time with teachers as well as a welcoming, culturally rooted learning environment. Attaining a diploma through general education requires the completion of 54 credits in Secondary IV and V, with 20 of these credits coming from Secondary V. Twelve of these credits must be in language instruction (half in the Secondary V level); eight credits in a second language (half in the Secondary V level); four social science credits; and eight credits in math, science and technology (half in the Secondary V level). Prospective students should check available courses in their community by visiting eeyoueducation.ca/adult/ general-education or emailing sabtuanadulted@cscree.qc.ca for more information. Deadline to apply for the spring semester of general education is January 22.

the Nation 21

Carpentry being offered for those who enjoy working with wood and creating structures.

Secretarial Studies This 1,485-hour course prepares students for a career as a secretary, executive assistant or administrative officer. Skills taught in this course include writing professional documents, managing and proofreading spreadsheets, reports and presentations, and accounting operations. The full-time, 60-week course is offered in Mistissini.

Secretarial Studies â€“ Medical Specialization Currently offered in Chisasibi, this program prepares students to work as a medical secretary. Upon completion of this 450-hour program, graduates are guaranteed employment thorough the Cree Health Board. In this program, students will learn how to greet patients and schedule appointments on computer, transcribe, produce and manage medical documents, as well as manage medical supplies and perform basic accounting tasks. The 18-week program is a full-time commitment.

22 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

It’s a strange time for last year’s record-breaking number of Cree high school graduates to begin pursuing post-secondary education. Although the ongoing pandemic has likely resulted in more students choosing to continue their education closer to home, the prevalence of online and hybrid learning options means there are also more opportunities to start your studies with southern institutions while remaining in Eeyou Istchee. Here are some of the most popular Cégeps and colleges for continuing your education journey.

NORTHERN QUEBEC

Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue

UQAT has a uniquely Indigenous focus in much of its programming, research projects and governance. While most of UQAT’s programs are offered in French, there are also a good variety of culturally relevant programs in English for Indigenous students. These programs include family intervention, digital creation and hydrogeology. The First Peoples Service team at the Val-d’Or campus exists to meet the specific academic, personal and cultural needs of Indigenous students. www.uqat.ca/en

While its main campus is located near beautiful Lac Saint-Jean and programs are generally in French, Cégep SaintFélicien also regularly partners with the Cree Nation for unique offerings in English and Cree. Its Chibougamau campus has a First Nations pathway for introducing college studies and a natural environment technology program. An exciting new land stewardship program will be offered in Eeyou Istchee beginning March 1, featuring courses like outing and survival, harvesting activities, wildlife inventory and crafting tools. www.cegepstfe.ca

Kiuna College Designed by and for First Nations students but open to all, Kiuna College aims to democratize postsecondary studies by celebrating and reinforcing Indigenous culture. Located in the Abenaki community of Odanak, near Trois-Rivières, its introductory springboard pathway prepares students for college and can be used to complete missing high school courses.

Kiuna offers Indigenous-focused diplomas in either social science or arts, literature and communication. The latter includes a new two-year Indigenous cinema program, launched in partnership with Wapikoni Mobile. www.kiuna-college.com SOUTHERN QUEBEC

Dawson College This English-language Cégep is the largest in Quebec, conveniently located in a multicultural part of downtown Montreal. Dawson has impressive facilities and a variety of popular programs, preparing you for careers ranging from medicine and engineering to theatre and photography. The one-year Journeys transition program enables Indigenous students to explore their options within a supportive learning community. You can hang out at the First Peoples’ Centre and consider pursuing a certificate in Decolonization and Indigenization Studies. www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca

The Nation’s Annual

Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue (UQAT)

Cégep Saint-Félicien

Education Guide

Until there’s a Cégep in Eeyou Istchee, this is about as close as it gets, with campuses in Rouyn-Noranda, Amos and Val-d’Or. There are business, education and police technology programs specifically adapted for Indigenous realities, along with many other certificate and preparatory options. An Explorations semester is designed to help Indigenous students clarify their study path and improve chances of success. While the majority of programs are in French, the Val-d’Or campus offers English options. www.cegepat.qc.ca

Colleges and Cégeps

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Universities

John Abbott College Located on the western tip of the Montreal island, John Abbott has one of the most beautiful campuses in the public system and a broad range of pre-university and career programs. Since 1990, it has collaborated with First Nations communities, including the Cree School Board, to address the unique needs of Indigenous students. The friendly staff of the Indigenous Student Resource Centre provide a welcoming place to work and relax, with academic support, activities and workshops. John Abbott offers the culturally relevant Crossroads transition program for Indigenous students and an Indigenous Studies certificate. www.johnabbott.qc.ca

Champlain Regional College With campuses located on Montreal’s south shore, Quebec City and Sherbrooke, this English-language college offers a variety of pre-university and technical programs. Its Aboriginal Students’ Office offers student mentoring, collaborative instruction and social activities. The Saint-Lambert campus (near the Longueuil metro station) has partnered with Kahnawake’s Adult Education School Council to develop a First Nations Early Childhood Education program. www.crc-sher.qc.ca

Vanier College Vanier is an English-language Cégep in Montreal’s leafy Saint-Laurent borough with popular arts, science and technical programs. The campus has a good student life and a wide range of pre-university and professional course options to help choose your future education path. There is an Indigenous Circle organizing events and activities, the A’no:wara Centre providing a social gathering space and academic support for Indigenous students, and an Indigenous Studies certificate program focusing on diverse cultures, histories and local engagement. www.vaniercollege.qc.ca

Continuing further? Here are some of the more popular universities for continuing your education journey.

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue With campuses in Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d’Or, this smaller university specializes in supporting Indigenous students with a range of programs. Students can choose from a Certificate in Aboriginal Studies, a Certificate in Childhood-Family Intervention in Indigenous Contexts, Aboriginal Tourism Management, or other Aboriginal Studies microprograms. There are even courses in the Cree language. The university offers extensive services to support students, including a First Nations lounge and an Indigenous student committee that organizes activities.

Concordia University Concordia is one of Canada’s best-known universities, with two campuses in Montreal. While Concordia doesn’t offer an Indigenous studies program, there are a number of Indigenous-focused courses across a range of disciplines, looking at Indigenous history, globalization, Indigenous Peoples and the environment, and Indigenous cinema. The Aboriginal Student Resource Centre on campus provides cultural programming, while the Aboriginal Students Union works to support students. Concordia also offers a specialized program for Indigenous students interested in library and information studies.

McGill University McGill is one of the top universities in Canada, also located in downtown Montreal. The Indigenous Studies program began there in 2014 as a minor in response to student and faculty pressure. It features a range of Indigenous courses from anthropology, art history, history, law, political science and women’s studies. On campus, the First Peoples’ House includes academic support and advisors, a library, a residence for Indigenous students,

24 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

and cultural events and programming. The Indigenous Students’ Society seeks to connect Indigenous students, providing resources and events.

Bishop’s University This smaller university is located on Abenaki territory just outside Sherbrooke, about two hours from Montreal. Bishop’s features an Indigenous Studies minor, with courses chosen from history, sociology, English and political science, as well as offering courses studying Abenaki. There is an Indigenous student support office which among other services offers to be a liaison with the student’s home community.

Trent University Trent University, located in Peterborough, Ontario, has the distinction of being the first university in Canada to offer a degree in Indigenous Studies, and remains one of the few that offers a Master’s and PhD program in Indigenous Studies. There are also programs in Indigenous Environmental Science, Foundation of Indigenous Learning, the Art of Leading, and Indigenous Reconciliation and Resurgence. The First Peoples’ House of Learning works to support students and staff on cultural issues, academics, as well as support for moving to Peterborough. The Trent University Native Association works to support students and plan events. Trent also features a teepee, wigwam, sweat lodge, medicine garden and visiting Elders program .

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa, with its main campus in downtown Ottawa, offers both a major and minor in Indigenous Studies, as well as a specialized Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, and specific programs for Indigenous nursing, medicine, and law students. On campus, the Mashkawazìwogamig

Colleges (cont), Universities

Indigenous Resource Centre offers academic guidance and counselling, cultural events, an Elder-in-residence, and more. Thereâ€™s also an Indigenous Students Association active on campus.

Carleton University Carleton University, located outside downtown Ottawa, launched its honours program in Indigenous Studies in 2017, with a focus on pre- and post-contact Indigenous studies, Indigenous resistance, Indigenous representations and urban Indigenous issues. A broad range of courses are available from the anthropology, art, film studies, history, public policy, sociology and political science departments. The university has a Centre for Indigenous Initiatives to provide academic and other support to students, and features the Ojigkwanong Indigenous Student Centre, which has a medicine lodge, kitchenette, study lounge and computer lab.

Ontario College of Art and Design University This university, also located in downtown Toronto, offers programs focusing on a broad range of visual arts. The school has a specialized program in Indigenous Visual Culture com-

bining traditional arts education with Indigenous art history and general history. An Indigenous Student Centre supports students academically, socially and culturally, hosting weekly events, guest lectures, workshops, visiting artists and field trips, and offering a resource library, computer station, lounge and kitchenette.

University of British Columbia UBC is the largest university on the west coast, with its main campus on Musqueam territory in Vancouver. As part of the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies, it offers two programs in First Nations and Indigenous Studies as well as First Nations and Endangered Languages. The beautiful campus features a First Nations House

of Learning, which functions as a student lounge, an Indigenous-focused library, and a Health Research and Education Garden.

First Nations University of Canada Founded in 1976 as a college associated with the University of Regina, FNUniv changed its name in 2003 and now sees thousands of First Nations students attend one of its three campuses in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The university offers programs in Indigenous business, Indigenous education, Indigenous health, Indigenous languages, Indigenous social work, and more. There are several student services also offered, from Elder services, childcare, counselling, a library and a teepee.

The Nationâ€™s Annual

One of Canadaâ€™s leading universities, the U of T has campuses in downtown Toronto and Scarborough. The university has a well-known Centre for Indigenous Studies, combining courses from anthropology, English, geography, history, and political science, while also offering language courses in Inuktituk, Oneida and Anishinaabemowin. The university has a First Nations House, which provides academic support financial aid, cultural events, and meetings with Elders and traditional teachers.

Education Guide

University of Toronto

the Nation 25

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. 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.

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)

24-hour Jordan’s Principle Helpline

1-855-572-4453 Your child does not have to have a disability to be covered under Jordan’s Principle.

info@beesum.com www.beesum.com 514-272-3077

Community

Keeping hope alive Wreath of Hope helps record number of Mistissini families by Ben Powless | Photos provided by Meechum L’Inter marche

very year, Meechum L’Inter Marché’s Wreath of Hope serves as a bright spot for Mistissini over the long winter months, giving back to dozens of community members who need a helping hand.

But this year, the grocery store went above and beyond its normal 75-90 gift baskets as donations and fundraising broke all previous records in the store’s 30-plus-year history with the Wreath of Hope. This year, over 200 families received donations. “With what’s going on in the world and with more people in the community, there was a sense of coming together,” said Meechum manager Steve Rombotis. “Plus, people are more exposed to local fundraising, so they were at ease donating even more. This awareness contributed to a successful campaign – people knew exactly what it was for.” With more people staying in their community due to coronavirus restrictions, grocery stores have become not just an essential service, but a major community hub. 28 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Rombotis credited the youth council for a big part of the fundraising, including a food drive and Halloween trail, with all proceeds donated to the Wreath of Hope. Caisse Desjardins provided the biggest single donation of $10,000. Meechum also held a Tree of Hope fundraiser this year, raffling off a major prize which included a tree and numerous gifts, including toys, gift certificates and household items. In total, the raffle brought in $9,400. The other major success was an Asian lunch and supper fundraiser that had so many customers buy food that the store ran out. The band council had pre-ordered 160 plates through its social committee, in addition to community members, which was more than the store had anticipated. Meechum was forced to offer a second Asian meal

“With what’s going on in the world and with more people in the community, there was a sense of coming together” - Steve Rombotis, Meechum manager

day the following week to keep up with demand. There’s some good karma for the store, Rombotis noted. The baskets given out included a gift certificate and Meechum immediately saw a big influx of shoppers. He said they had nothing but positive responses but didn’t anticipate that it would be such a success. Considering this, they decided to continue fundraising. “Because our campaign was so successful, we’re able

to continue the financial aid throughout the whole year. We estimate we could help oneto-four families every month. That’s a major difference from previous years, when it was just folks around the holidays,” he explained. Rombotis says people can donate at any time. “We want to continue the spirit of the campaign, so expect to see more in the summer for Wreath of Hope.”

www.nationnews.ca January 15, 2021

the Nation 29

Your Your Northern Northern Airline Airline of Choice 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

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.

PREVIOUS SOLUTION:

ACROSS 1 Got a perfect score 5 Divvy up 10 Judge's order 14 Wild hog 15 Cashless deal 16 Put in a position 17 "So what ___ is new?" 18 "Crying" singer 20 Info bank 22 _____ of truth 23 Sitter's headache 24 Rider's handful 26 "Gosh!" 28 Night flier 30 Consecrates with oil 34 Frank or Joe of kids' books 36 Spanish flower 38 Word in a Paul Newman prison film title 39 Leer at 40 Kind of engineer 41 Hathaway of Hollywood 42 Like some chances 43 Cameo shape 44 Unescorted 45 Not easily debunked 47 Go on and on 49 Safety device 50 Alex Haley saga 52 Not as much 54 Ill will 57 Setting for many shootouts 61 Blue-green gem 63 Pro's foe

Medium

6 7

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

5 4 3 1

1 2 5 6 6 4

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

29 37

50 55

44 47

31 38

25 30

22 24

23 26

10 16

58 63

64 65 66 67

Extremist sect Pint-sized Bygone despot Where Bill met Hillary 68 Heeds a command 69 ____ and now

DOWN 1 Bead anagram 2 Pepsi or RC 3 Locale of a bygone wall 4 Gloomy, in poetry 5 Rock layers 6 Major-leaguers

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 19 21 25 26 27 29 31 32 33

No. 268

Previous solution - Tough

Cake section Wedding words Airport building Playfully eccentric Greet the day Chipping choice Circus structure One-named rocker Pampered one? With little effort Whoopi's Oscar film Top scout Hot-dish holder Strictly business Heavy metric weight Frozen rain

35 Set boundaries 37 Egg cells 40 Garden of the Gods state 44 Parodied 46 Explosive sound 48 Narrow side streets 51 Trough diners 53 Mower's path 54 Rather suggestive 55 Bluish hue 56 ____ and void 58 Pitch-black 59 Hollywood Blvd sight 60 Bicycle part 62 Chest protector?

SUDOKU

No. 268

7 3

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

8 7 9

3 4

2 1

Medium

5 3 8

32 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

9 5 2 6 8 4 7 1 3

7 8

3 1 2 4 2 9 9 2 6 7

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.

6 8 2 1 6 7 3

Previous solution - Easy

STR8TS

by Margie E. Burke 1

1 7 4 2 9 3 8 5 6

6 8 3 5 1 7 2 9 4

3 2 9 4 5 8 6 7 1

7 4 5 1 6 2 3 8 9

8 1 6 3 7 9 5 4 2

2 3 7 9 4 5 1 6 8

4 6 8 7 2 1 9 3 5

5 9 1 8 3 6 4 2 7

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

Battle plans

by Sonny Orr

y freshly sanitized hands are, at first, gleamingly dry and slightly chapped with cracking fingerprints. That’s before I discovered hand lotions designed for such times. I never thought I could appreciate the joys of wringing your hands without some sort of pain, alleviated greatly by a giant pharmaceutical company that had the foresight to supply both the problem and the cure for dry hands. I know this is small sacrifice for those who have experienced the pains and treatments of this woeful pandemic. I can imagine that people who have medical needs for ailments other than the coronavirus – say, those who twisted an ankle or stepped on a nail – are feeling sidelined. This dilemma is severely compounding the capacity to serve our society. Looking at my dry hands, I think that this is our only defense – keep clean, wear a mask and stay away from others until it’s over. Aside from a vaccine, of course. Besides the medical priority of curing chapped hands, a vaccine should let us go back to what we could call “freedom”. Freedom to do what we want, but with lessons learnt. Some people try to say it isn’t real, well, it is. Even the worst news coverage of other menial things like Twisted Teas and an attempted overthrow of the US government by people dressed in

Listen to the commander and don’t desert your post, protect your family and community Halloween costumes can’t avoid the reality that we have to win this biological war the good old-fashioned way: by following orders like soldiers. In a way, we are at war. We have command posts set up in strategic places, laws that are enforced by police action, and now, a curfew. I can almost hear the sirens in the background, but we are fighting a real enemy. It was more clear-cut when it was a war with a gun-carrying foe. We just sent the young ones out to fight and die for us. But this war is fought with thermometers and tests, and abstaining from contact with others, and then by trying not to land in hospital for treatment if things go south. The choice is clear – avoid it at all costs, that’s what it takes for this war to be won. Meanwhile, we do stay vigilant, but the travelling is causing backlogs for people to isolate so stay home for longer

unless it’s a real emergency. Aside from this doom-and-gloom message it should be a New Year’s resolution shared by everyone – disinfect, wear a mask and use lotion. Then get your vaccine when it’s your turn. I didn’t really have to be convinced to change for the better as it’s already a good habit that I have – I naturally avoid people like the plague – which makes me seem like a man before his time. So, follow my example and stay remote. While the south is in lockdown, we seem to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic. So, I am praying that the southern folks hunker down for the good of all – be the soldier you always wanted to be and fight this enemy. Listen to the commander and don’t desert your post, protect your family and community. Signing off from the trenches somewhere in the frozen North. Stay healthy!

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Under the Northern Sky

Dancing in the kitchen by Xavier Kataquapit

am spending a lot of time meditating in my kitchen. I just wrapped up a big breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and a generous helping of home fries. While cooking, I cleaned the pans, soaked some dishes and kept wiping down the counter. This choreographed dancing in the kitchen was something I learned years ago from my mom, Susan, in a fastfood restaurant that my parents ran in Attawapiskat. My mom was the driving force behind this venture due to her years of experience in a hospital kitchen, then later in catering and baking. Although we didn’t make much money, my brothers, sisters and I came away with a lot of experience and more confidence in our ability to prepare food. Mom’s main teaching for the kitchen implied that if you weren’t cooking, you were cleaning. If you weren’t cleaning, you were cooking. And if you weren’t doing any of those things, then it was time to leave the kitchen. To my mom, who was born and raised in the wilderness, this lesson applied to every kitchen, whether it was a fast-food restaurant, a commercial food service, a home kitchen, food prep area in a teepee or a makeshift camp in the woods. She taught us by example and whenever we ventured near the kitchen, we were expected to work. I can remember one of my first tasks she taught me was washing dishes. We

didn’t have running water back then in the 1980s, so the work took a long time. I had to heat water over the stove to pour into large bowls to wash the dishes. I then had to drain the grey water into buckets to be taken outside and dumped into a ditch that ran through town. We had a big family of nine children, two parents and, at one point, my grandfather James. When I was very young, half of our food came from the wild meat dad gathered from the land – geese, moose, caribou, rabbit, beaver and fish. I watched mom prepare many of the dishes and learned the basics of how to make fried fish, moose fry with onions and caribou stew. Every year during the spring goose hunt, we would all watch as mom prepared Canada goose in a variety of ways. She showed us how to barbecue, skewer, roast over a fire, stew with dumplings, roast in an oven and smoke dozens of these large birds in long stringy strands that looked like jerky. I remember spending days in the family teepee with mom as I helped her clean and cook gizzards and hearts over the fire. These were tasty favourites of mine. As a young man I began to experiment in preparing other foods, like tomato-based sauces, pastas, then stews and soups. For special feasts mom taught us how to prepare turkey, chicken, ham, beef roasts and all the fixings that go with

these meals. At the fast-food restaurant, we learned how to make restaurant-style hamburgers, hot sandwiches, clubhouses and everything to do with fries and poutines. This is also where I learned to make a full bacon-and-egg breakfast as efficiently as possible. When I came to live in the non-Native world, I learned from friends like Emily McGrath to make Irish stew, casseroles and chili. She also passed on her recipes for Christmas cake and a Miracle Whip chocolate cake. I also learned authentic Italian cooking from my friend Alana Pierini, who showed that simple was best and to always start with the freshest and tastiest ingredients I could find. Back in Attawapiskat, my siblings continue my mom’s teachings, and they are all comfortable working in a kitchen. My sister Janie Wesley started a catering business to bake, cook and prepare foods for others. She also created the successful April’s Coffee Shop, named after her daughter. Her other daughter Marissa studied culinary arts and is a fantastic chef in her own right. Thanks to my mom and dad I have some important skills to deal with this pandemic through time in my kitchen. At the end of the day, it is all about staying productive, being positive and providing nourishment and comfort to those you love. Stay safe and happy cooking.

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.

34 the Nation January 15, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

FROM JANUARY 23 TO MARCH 27, 2021

CREEHEALTH.ORG/WINTERACTIVE

WINTER ACTIVE Letâ€™s Build a Strong and Healthy Cree Nation

MAKE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PART OF YOUR DAILY LIFE Outdoor activities in fresh air help us face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. THIS WINTER, LET'S GET OUTSIDE.

For more information on activities in your community, contact: WALLY RABBITSKIN, PPRO Physical Activity, Public Health (CBHSSJB) 418-923-3355(42365) Cell: 418-770-3975 wrabbitskin@ssss.gouv.qc.ca