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CONTENTS 10 Virtual AGA 2021 Welcoming the new leaders, and discussing what the future holds
EDITORIAL How to kill a language
NEWS A pandemic of shame
5
Racial profiling
6
IN BRIEF
9
FEATURES A new to-do list
10
Cameras are rolling
20
Canoe culture cancelled
28
PUZZLES REZ NOTES
32 33
Kissing Gogum
20
Rezolution’s full schedule
UTNS Hate has no place in democracy
Community
28
ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ Nunavik Starts Here
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ᐃᓂᓕᐅᕐᓃᑦ RESERVATIONS 1 800 361-2965
4
Photo from Rezolution Pictures
ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS 1 800 661-5850
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Editorial
How to kill a language by Will Nicholls
T
he federal party leaders’ debate September 9 sparked a political firestorm in Quebec after the moderator confronted Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet over two controversial pieces of provincial legislation in Quebec: Bill 21, the banning of religious symbols in the public sector, which is now a law; and Bill 96, which would, if passed, more or less legislate French as the only language allowed in Quebec public life. But, because the question – in which Blanchet was asked to explain the two laws that many in Quebec and across the country view as discriminatory – came from a non-Quebecer, it was denounced as Quebec bashing. It was a gift to the Bloc Québécois, and Blanchet has since made much political mileage over it. But, with hungry eyes on Quebec’s federal seats, Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh all felt compelled to call for a formal apology from the consortium of media broadcasters responsible for the debate and the question. The Debate Broadcast Group issued a statement saying the question was designed to give Blanchet a chance to explain Bill 21 and Bill 96. They did not apologize and rightly so. It is the duty and obligation of journalists to ask hard ques-
tions and to hold politicians accountable for their actions. Not in Quebec, apparently. The National Assembly promptly adopted a motion condemning Shachi Kurl, the moderator of the debate for having asked the question. The motion said, without apparent irony, that Quebec is an “open, free, strong and proud nation that is totally capable of having frank discussions about often delicate subjects and to legislate on such subjects.” The motion adopted by Quebec MNAs could be viewed as ironic since both pieces of legislation mean that people in Quebec are not entitled to the same rights and freedoms that citizens in the rest of Canada enjoy. To our mind, the question was not an attack on Quebec but rather the politicians who would deprive us of those constitutional rights. The explanatory notes for Bill 96 state, “The bill specifies that it has effect despite certain provisions of the Charter of human rights and freedoms and the Constitution Act, 1982.” Ghislain Picard, the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, put it bluntly. “The Legault government’s Bill 96 is a formal attack on the constitutional language rights of First Nations.”
Picard added that the federal government should ensure the constitutional accountability of provinces to Indigenous peoples living there. That’s because Bill 96 would set a limit “on the duration and renewal of the exemption that allows certain children to not receive instruction in French.” That means more English-language schools will be forced to close. Courtroom rights to be tried in English are also threatened. In Eeyou Istchee, holding criminal court in French has led to situations in which some defendants didn’t even know that their pleas had been changed from not guilty to guilty. As well, Cree enterprises with 25 or more employees would be compelled to conduct all their business in French. Of the 60 Indigenous languages in Canada only three are expected to survive – Cree, Inuktitut and Ojibway. Given Quebec’s determination and desire to “protect, promote and preserve the French language,” one wonders why Indigenous languages are not afforded similar protection. To the contrary Bill 96 appears designed to kill any language in Quebec in order to protect French. It’s a mystery why, in 2021, that Bill 96 is not considered cultural genocide.
the Nation is published every two weeks by Beesum Communications EDITORIAL BOARD L. Stewart, W. Nicholls, M. Siberok, Mr. N. Diamond, E. Webb EDITOR IN CHIEF Will Nicholls DIRECTOR OF FINANCES Linda Ludwick EDITORS Lyle Stewart, Martin Siberok PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AND MANAGING EDITOR Randy Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, B. Powless, C. Herodier, A. German 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 September 24, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
CMCA AUDITED
Editorial News
A pandemic of shame Soar Above Stigma campaign targets social stigmas that create serious health problems by Will Nicholls
C
ovid-19 impacts First Nations across Canada in many ways. High infection rates are compounded by higher levels of substance abuse, mental health challenges and other health problems. How do we deal with this? Soar Above Stigma is a campaign that aims to do just that. “Stigma is when people hold beliefs and attitudes towards other people that is harmful,” explained First Peoples Wellness Circle Executive Director Dr. Brenda Restoule. “That makes it difficult for a person to perhaps to access resources and services in order to take care of themselves. It blocks them to attend to their well-being.” Restoule said that First Nations people need to show support, kindness, encouragement and compassion towards each other: “Collectively, we are stronger together than leaving people to cope on their own.” That is why three Indigenous Health organizations – First Peoples Wellness Circle, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and the First Nations Health Managers Association – have partnered with NationTalk to create the Soar Above Stigma campaign. They hope that by sharing stories, interviews, images and videos of people who have battled mental illness and substance abuse they can lessen the shame that fuels stigma. It’s never easy to share your story and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to listen to another’s story. Soar Above Stigma reminds us that we are not alone. Restoule said they also deal with fears related to sexual orientation, gender identity or on-reserve and off-reserve living. “There is also micro-aggression by the non-Indigenous community,” she noted. Research shows that when we are isolated, we experience more depression, anxiety, loneliness and physical ailments than when we are surrounded by a caring community. Many individuals avoid
Soar Above Stigma unites First Nations by recognizing that we need social and community connections to alleviate the challenges we are facing
seeking treatment or support for mental health or addiction problems due to fear of discrimination. Vulnerable individuals experience discrimination and racism not only on a personal level, but also in well-publicized incidents such as the Joyce Echaquan story. The Atikamekw woman posted Facebook videos of medical staff verbally abusing her with racist epithets in a Joliette hospital shortly before she was left to die from a lack of medical attention. First Nations people have all had to follow self-isolation protocols during the Covid pandemic, creating a larger gap between the shame that silences us and the love and support from the people in their lives. This shame makes us more susceptible to stigma from individuals in our communities. The campaign seeks to address these issues at a grassroots level. Social distancing measures have forced many of us to live a large portion of our lives virtually. With so much uncertainty, there is more unfiltered fear, anger and misinformation being shared on social
media and other platforms. Living with mental illness or addictions during the pandemic particularly affects vulnerable individuals in a variety of ways, including loss of social connection, greater anxiety, fear and isolation – creating a vicious downward spiral. So, what happens when one in three Indigenous people face challenges with mental wellness? The most serious consequence is an increase in mortality during the Covid pandemic, including from suicide. This is an agonizing fact. No one deserves to be shamed into dying alone. Soar Above Stigma unites First Nations by recognizing that we need social and community connections to alleviate the challenges we are facing. The campaign hopes to steer Indigenous communities to consider the ways that finding meaning, belonging, purpose and hope heals trauma. It allows us to listen and be listened to. Their website: soarabovestigma.ca
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Esau family alleges police abuse in Val-d’Or
O
If you need more information or have additional questions, contact our office in Val-d”Or. By phone: 819-874-2600 By email: justicevaldor@cngov.ca
6 the Nation September 24, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
n July 27, Charles Esau from Waskaganish loaned the family car to his daughter Phyliss Esau and her boyfriend Nick Mowat so they could enjoy a holiday in Val-d’Or. After checking into the Hotel Continental after midnight, Mowat went to park the car in the back, but was interrupted by an unexpected encounter with local police officers. “I guess [Nick] went through a stop sign or something just going to the back,” Esau told the Nation. “When he got out of the car, the police were very physical. He had a suspended license, but that’s not really an excuse. There were six of them. He was pretty upset that the police were manhandling him.” After being woken by his daughter’s call at 1:30 am in Amos, where he was getting his other vehicle out of the shop, Charles told Phyliss to point her camera at the police. She said she didn’t hear them tell Mowat his rights before they took him away to the jailhouse. “He did have a warrant out, but that’s not part of the story,” said Charles. “He had his own problems but after he had a job [at a mine in Washaw Sibi] he started to straighten his life out. He was driving without a licence. How would they find something like that out so fast and arrest him at the car? Racial profiling, I think.” Mowat’s case was remanded to Amos, where he has reportedly been working in the detention centre for $4 per hour while Phyliss takes care of their two young children. Meanwhile, Charles was told by the court that his car has been impounded until October. “Why are we the victims?” Charles complained. “Every time he’s supposed to have his case, they keep postponing it. It’s a very quick arrest and a slow process to hear his case. André Levasseur, the lawyer, has been avoiding me. I want protocols to get our vehicle back.” Levasseur did not respond to the Nation’s request for an update about the case. Phyliss believes that the police began following them as soon as they entered Val-d’Or. Earlier in the
by Patrick Quinn,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Racial profiling? day, she had stopped to pick up Mowat and give some fruit to his cousin at a local Subway before driving her father to Amos. They noticed the police observing them, including one officer Phyliss remembered from her time in the community three or four years earlier. “It was like they were waiting for us to get in Val-d’Or,” Phyliss told the Nation. “It was the same cop who is always aggressive with Crees. One time he slammed a guy on the ground – I guess he was unconscious, and we never saw the guy again.” As soon as they pulled into the hotel parking lot that night, Phyliss said the police blocked them in and aggressively asked for Mowat’s identification. As they twisted his wrist to apprehend him, Phyliss tried to embrace him, but was forcefully restrained by an officer. “My bruise was showing the next day,” she recalled. “It was really inappropriate the way he touched me. That’s when Nick got upset for five seconds and didn’t want to cooperate, then this other cop comes and twists his elbow. [Nick] started screaming. They were hitting him on his backbone and on his ribs, and one cop was kneeing him on his leg – he had bruises all over.” Mowat told Phyliss to call for help so she contacted her father by FaceTime and got some pictures of the officers. They refused her repeated requests for an explanation in English and within only a few minutes Mowat was shoved into
“It was like they were waiting for us to get in Val-d’Or” - Phyliss Esau
the patrol car. As they tried to cover his mouth, he told Phyliss to run. “I still feel offended, and I feel it’s very inappropriate what they did to him,” Phyliss asserted. “He has a hard time trying to call me. I can’t even go to work – it’s difficult to find a sitter so I have no choice but to stay home with my kids. They keep changing his court date, but Nick says he’s going to be finished September 20.” A Sûreté du Québec media relations officer told the Nation he is not authorized to discuss the case because it is now in court. “With regard to allegations, each citizen can file a complaint with the Ethics Commissioner when there is a police intervention,” stated Sergeant Hugues Beaulieu. “Obviously I cannot comment on allegations.” Patricia Johnson of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions told the Nation that Mowat was arrested for a violation of an earlier “mandatory driving prohibition”. “In addition, at the time of his arrest, an arrest warrant for a charge of being at large without excuse, under section 145(1) of the Criminal code, was in effect,” Johnson said.
“Regarding Mr. Charles Esau’s vehicle, it was not seized by the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales. You can verify with the police service involved and the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec for the grounds to seize the vehicle.” According to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) website, “peace officers” can seize and impound vehicles for 7, 30 or 90 days. However, car owners like Charles who were not driving the vehicle can apply to have their vehicle released if they did not consent to the driver using it, weren’t aware of a lack of appropriate licence or could not have foreseen that a licence violation would occur. “The big picture is it’s still the residential school syndrome coming from institutions in Quebec,” Charles explained. “The residential school syndrome is punishing the behaviour, but you don’t know the deeper roots of that behaviour. Why is there such a high rate of Indigenous people in the system? Where is the cultural sensitivity?”
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Study at Canadore College Canadore offers culture-based programs with a focus on history and tradition Health Care Administration – Indigenous Indigenous Pre-Health Sciences Indigenous Preparatory Studies Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention
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Indigenous students make up of Candore’s Student Population.
Our students like it here! We have one of the HIGHEST Indigenous student retention rates in Canada.
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North Bay, Ontario
In Brief School board regrets book burning A book burning or “flame purification” performed by the Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence of 4,700 books as a “gesture of reconciliation” is being denounced by federal party leaders. In 2019, Radio-Canada first reported that an Ontario French-language school board had removed over 4,700 books that featured negative stereotypes of Indigenous peoples from its 30 schools in southwestern Ontario. The books were then either burned or recycled and their ashes were used to fertilize trees they planted as a means of giving back to the earth. The board’s spokesperson, Lyne Cosette, recently told the National Post that prior to the book burning many Indigenous “knowledge keepers” and Elders had been consulted throughout the process of this project, but in retrospect they regret the book burning.
Orr designs new gold coin A new $200 gold coin from the Royal Canadian Mint will feature a design depicting the fur trade from a Nishiiyuu perspective; it shows Cree trappers leaving their camp to take their pelts to the trading post. Sheila Orr, a Reginabased artist who grew up in Chisasibi, told the CBC that she was “humbled” and “honoured” to be asked to create the design. The gold coin is the fourth in the mint’s Early Canadian History series.
An Ontario French-language school board had removed over 4,700 books that featured negative stereotypes of Indigenous peoples from its 30 schools in southwestern Ontario
According to Orr, giving this coin series an Indigenous perspective underlines the fact that the Hudson’s Bay Company would never have succeeded without the Eeyouch. In designing an image depicting the Cree perspective of the fur trade, Orr said she tried to imagine how the Cree dressed in the mid-1700s. She drew upon stories from her mother and grandmother, eventually submitting three drawings. Consultations were also done by the Mint with the Elders Council in Chisasibi, before the final image was selected. The coin – only 1,200 are available for sale – is pricey however: the Royal Canadian Mint is retailing them for $2,199.95.
Algonquins seek to expel fraudulent members A new analysis of a letter used at a 2013 hearing claiming that 19th century voyageur Thomas Lagarde was Algonquin has cast doubt on the Indigenous ancestry of over 1,000 people on the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) membership list. A CBC investigation has deemed a letter used to claim the ancestry in court is likely a forgery after undergoing a handwriting analysis, archival research and historical evaluation. The AOO government is currently in the middle of a land claim agreement with the federal and Ontario gov-
ernments that is comprised of almost $1 billion and more than 500 square kilometres of land. The news that the letter is likely fake has the Pikwakanagan First Nation in Ontario renewing their efforts to have people who had previously relied on the Lagarde letter for their Algonquin ancestry membership removed. According to statements from the Chief and Council of Pikwakanagan, not only will there be no tolerance for fraudulent actions, but that among those claiming Algonquin ancestry are political and academic leaders who have positions that actual Algonquin people should occupy.
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Features
A new to-do list Leaders look for change at virtual AGA 2021 by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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W
hile many were disappointed that pandemic precautions prevented the planned gathering in Waskaganish, Cree leaders believe this year’s virtual Annual General Assembly (AGA) September 1-2 represented significant progress for the Cree Nation on several issues. One of the common themes emerging from the two-day conference was a desire to reconsider the impact of existing resource extraction practices in Eeyou Istchee. This was a welcome development for new Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty and Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee, who have both worked extensively towards environmental conservation. “The delegates are looking for change,” Wapachee told the Nation. “There were a lot of talks on the environment, evaluating the forestry regime – I was very happy to hear that. I was touched because it was really what I stood for in my campaign. Our goal is to ensure that resource development is compatible with the Cree way of life.” Although Wapachee wasn’t widely known in the coastal communities before the election following 10 years of quiet life on his family trapline and working behind the scenes, his central campaign message of “giving the land a voice” clearly resonated with voters. “I honestly believe the land has life and breath, but no voice to protect itself,” asserted Wapachee. “It’s us Eeyou that are inextricably tied with the land who have that sacred obligation to be that voice, to be able to protect the land from over-exploitation and ensure future generations can benefit.” With moose hunting season rapidly approaching, one of the most urgent resolutions arising from the AGA was to develop strategies for protecting this vulnerable species that has sustained Crees for millennia. The Cree Nation Government (CNG) is demanding that the Quebec forestry minister immediately release results from the aerial survey conducted last winter so that discussions can be initiated. Two decades since the Paix des Braves agreement, the CNG resolved to undertake a comprehensive review of the resulting forestry impacts, in collaboration with the communities and the Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA). The cumulative effects of hydro-electric development will also be assessed, with the intention of restraining and con-
trolling negative repercussions in the territory. Another issue to be addressed with Hydro-Québec is that the Cree Energy Subsidy Program isn’t meeting the rising costs of electricity. “We’re looking at broadening the negotiating team, one to deal with Quebec on lands and natural resources and another dealing with the federal government,” Wapachee explained. “Once we establish those teams, discussions will commence with Quebec on a number of issues: the income security program, the energy subsidy and other matters.” In addition to revising the income security program that ensures hunters and trappers can pursue traditional Cree livelihoods, it was also resolved to relocate the CNG office that administers this funding to Mistissini. This reflects a growing movement to centralize Cree services within Eeyou Istchee, which has accelerated with the complexity of travel in the post-pandemic world. “They wanted to bring home all aspects of their governments to be within Eeyou Istchee to increase visibility,” said Wapachee. “During my campaign, it was clear that they felt the CNG was kind of disconnected from the communities. I want Cree Nation members to see their government in action within the territory.” As the pandemic and residual effects of systemic racism have made mental health a grave concern for all First Nations, including the people of Eeyou Istchee, all entities were called upon to prioritize Cree-based responses with the specific involvement of both youth and Elders and new funding support at the local level. “I felt a lot of the Elders and youth were trying to work together to find traditional ways of addressing the impacts of Covid,” Wapachee shared. “Now we’re trying to take mental health into consideration before making [pandemic] decisions. There was a discussion as well on reclaiming traditional medicine and traditional names.” In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Indigenous people have been able to reclaim their ancestral family names on passports and other federal documents free of charge since June 14. The CNG resolved to facilitate this process while educating about the importance of traditional names in Cree School Board curriculum. Perhaps the most moving presentation of the AGA came from Washaw Sibi, titled
“A resilient Cree Nation at a critical crossroad.” Chief Annie Mapachee-Salt detailed the community’s complicated history of forced relocation and its long-held vision of establishing a new village to protect and preserve their Cree language and culture. “We are now at a point where the support from the communities and the Cree Nation needs to be much more concrete,” Mapachee-Salt stated. “Our objective is to simply construct a village so that, after so many years, our people, who now number approximately 500, will have a place to call home.” While finding a potential site has been complicated by negotiations with the Algonquin and Quebec’s unwillingness to add more federal Category 1 lands within the province, Mapachee-Salt said their dream could be realized if each Cree community transferred 1 square kilometre to Washaw Sibi. “Hearing Washaw Sibi’s story reminded me of Ouje-Bougoumou’s history, living in Third World conditions in the 1980s,” said Wapachee. “They have a lot of support from the communities. It’s a file we’ll need to work on with Chief Annie Mapachee. I’d love to go back there – I went there during my campaign.” Gull-Masty and Wapachee have already begun community tours to meet with local leadership, which will continue after briefing sessions with the CNG and other groups. They plan to secure funding to upgrade neglected access roads to the coastal communities of Waskaganish, Eastmain and Wemindji, as well as Nemaska Road. As the only Cree community without an access road, Whapmagoostui is currently forced to rely on costly imports by sea or air and has been particularly isolated during the pandemic. While there was apparently no mention of the controversial Grande Alliance plan to build a railway and deep seaport, it was resolved at the AGA to expedite the development of an access road and examine the possibility of transportation alternatives or subsidized assistance. “They’re talking about having a barge so we can bring our own stuff from Chisasibi or Wemindji,” shared Wapachee. “When I was up in Whapmagoostui, they brought me to where the seaport would be and said it’s not going to work here – it would need to be further up north.”
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Draft Resolutions
Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) / Cree Nation Government Annual General Assembly Resolution 2021-##: Cree Energy Subsidy
IT IS RESOLVED:
WHEREAS members of the Cree Nation of Mistissini at an Annual General Assembly have adopted Resolution 2021-22 calling for the establishment of discussions to address the increasing costs of energy in Eeyou Istchee and the failure of the Cree Energy Subsidy administered by the James Bay Eeyou Companee to meet the needs of the residents of Eeyou Istchee;
THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/ Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government undertake a comprehensive study, with communities and entities, that could be utilized for future planning of the Cree Nation, on how the financial resources have been allocated and utilized by communities and entities.
IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/ Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government to establish discussions with the appropriate entities and organizations such as Hydro-Québec for the purpose of addressing the need to increase the Cree Energy Subsidy Program to reflect the actual costs and needs of energy for the people of Eeyou Istchee. Resolution 2021-## Study on Historical Use of Cree Nation Financial Resources WHEREAS pursuant to the presentation of the 2020/21 audited financial statements of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government delegates have requested additional information on the historical cumulative allocation, use and management of the financial resources available to the Cree Nation of a global basis;
Resolution 2021-##: Moose Studies and Preservation Measures WHEREAS moose is an integral part of Cree Culture and has sustained the Crees for millennia and continues to this day making them a critical species for the survival of the Cree Culture; WHEREAS the latest completed surveys conducted in Eeyou Istchee on the moose population dated back 12 years ago in Zone 17 (2009) and over 30 years in Zone 22 (1990) and the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP) in partnership with Cree Nation Government and Cree Communities of Waswanipi and Mistissini have conducted the moose aerial survey this past winter 2021; WHERAS it had become essential to conduct an updated moose survey and to ensure our continuation in harvesting rights while the moose hunting season is fast approaching in Eeyou Istchee; WHEREAS the report of the moose aerial survey is in the hands of MFFP and need to be share with
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the Cree Nation Government and the Cree Communities as soon as possible and urgent discussions are needed to take place in the Cree Nation and set up strategies that needs to be put in place to protect the moose population; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/ Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government demands MFFP release the moose aerial survey report to the Cree Nation Government and the Cree Communities immediately and initiate discussions within the Cree Nation to address: • Reducing the moose hunting permits issued in zone 17 and zone 22; • And/or asking the Crees to reduce harvesting moose as we did for woodland caribou; • And/or invoking section JBQNA 24.6.3 d) if game populations do not permit levels of harvesting equal to the guaranteed levels established pursuant to paragraph 24.6.2, the Native people shall be allocated the entire kill and may allocate a portion of this kill to non-natives through recognized outfitting facilities; • And/or other strategies to protect the moose immediately. Resolution 2021-##: Mental Health WHEREAS the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent discovery,
investigations into unmarked graves of residential school children and the residual effects of systemic racism which has defined the colonial actions and behaviors of federal and provincial governments in Canada, the mental health of all First Nations, including the people of Eeyou Istchee is of grave concern; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government to prioritize and facilitate the development of a Cree Nation approach to mental health with all entities and associations: • •
•
Creating Cree-based mental health responses with the participation of Elders; Seeking funding to support this Cree Nation response to enhanced mental health support at the local level; Engagement of youth in development of a youth response plan through CNYC.
Resolution 2021-##: Cree Community Access Roads WHEREAS the construction of the James Bay Highway (now renamed the Billy Diamond Highway) was completed in 1974, and provided an opportunity for the construction of access roads to the Cree coastal communities of Waskaganish, Eastmain and Wemindji (“Access
Roads”) so that these communities could become accessible by land all year round; WHEREAS the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (“JBNQA”) contemplated the construction and maintenance of the Access Roads in Section 28 regarding Economic and Social Development for the Crees; WHEREAS paragraph 28.16.1 of the JBNQA provides that “[n]egotiations will continue between Canada, Québec and the James Bay Crees to construct and maintain access roads to join the settlements of Eastmain, Paint Hills [Wemindji] and Rupert House [Waskaganish] to the main Fort George-Matagami road [James Bay Highway]”; WHEREAS the Access Roads were constructed as gravel roads between 1994 and 2001, with certain financial contributions from Canada and Quebec; WHEREAS for many years, the Cree Nation Government has sought to engage Canada and Quebec to undertake the rehabilitation and upgrading of these Access Roads, as well as the road connecting the community of Nemaska to the Route-duNord (“Nemaska Road”), which have a combined total length of 313 km, including all portions in Categories 1, 2 and 3 lands; WHEREAS since at least 2013, Cree representatives have raised this matter on a number of occasions with Canada and Quebec to request them to provide a contribution for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Access Roads and the Nemaska Road, including through high-level correspondence, and discussions and representations at the Cree-Canada
Standing Liaison Committee and the joint Cree-Canada and Cree-Quebec Standing Liaison Committees; WHEREAS despite these efforts, the matter of federal funding to upgrade the Access Roads and the Nemaska Road remains outstanding and unresolved; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/ Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government to diligently pursue discussions with Canada and Quebec to secure their contribution required for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Access Roads and the Nemaska Road, in compliance with Section 28 of the JBNQA, and to report on the progress of such discussions at each meeting of the GCC(EI)/ Cree Nation Government Board/Council. Resolution 2021-##: Reclamation of Traditional Names WHEREAS in response to a Call to Action No. 17 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015, the federal government on June 14, 2021 announcement of Bill C-15 that Indigenous people can now apply to reclaim their traditional names on passports and other federal government documents free of charge until May 2026; WHEREAS Article 13.1 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that
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Indigenous Peoples have the right to designate and retain their own names; WHEREAS many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, colonialism were robbed of their sacred ancestral family names which carry deep cultural meaning; WHEREAS at times, efforts to use traditional names have been met with everything from polite rejection to racism; WHEREAS measures should be taken to ensur e that ancestral names are restored and used appropriately to ensure the survival of the Culture and Language, and that those seeking to change names should not be confronted with arbitrary administrative barriers or financial burden; WHEREAS the restoration and importance of traditional names should be included in the education curriculum of the Cree Nation and Cree School Board; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/ Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government investigate and implement measures to facilitate the restoration of traditional names for the people of Eeyou Istchee. Resolution 2021-##: Whapmagoostui Access Road WHEREAS the Whapmagoostui First Nation is the only Cree Community in Eeyou Istchee that does not have
an access road to the community which affects many aspects of the community, especially the shipping and freight costs to order equipment, material, and other supplies to execute capital projects and the delivery of programs; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/ Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government to expedite the study and development of an access road for the Whapmagoostui which would include the examination of other means of transportation or subsidized assistance to help the community of Whapmagoostui to address the high transportation costs. Resolution 2021-##: Assessment of Forestry Regime in Eeyou Istchee WHEREAS the Cree Nation continues to value Eeyou Istchee as fundamental for the survival of the Cree Way of Life; WHEREAS the Cree Nation entered into an Agreement Concerning a New Relationship Between the Government of Quebec and the Crees of Quebec in 2002, in order to, among other matters, achieve a balance between forestry development and the hunting, fishing and trapping rights and interests of the Eeyouch; WHEREAS the Cree Nation, after two decades of implementation of the distinct forestry regime in Eeyou
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Istchee, acknowledges the necessity to evaluate the impacts of the said regime; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/ Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government in cooperation and collaboration with the Communities impacted by Forestry and the Cree Trappers Association, undertake a comprehensive assessment and review of the legal, environmental, social and cultural impacts of forestry activities in Eeyou Istchee. Resolution 2021-##: Consultations and Review of Income Security Program WHEREAS Section 30 of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “JBNQA”) establishes an income security program (hereinafter referred to as “the program”) to provide an income guarantee and benefits and other incentives for Cree people who which to pursue harvesting as a way of life. WHEREAS the last revision of the program and signing of the resulting Complimentary Agreement to the JBNQA was in June 2019 between the signatories of the JBNQA; WHEREAS the revisions to the program have benefited some individuals and families while a specific category of beneficiaries lost their benefits altogether; WHEREAS it is deemed necessary to have consultations and a review of the Income Security
Program eligibility criteria and benefits; WHEREAS Eeyouch continue to occupy the entirety of Eeyou Istchee and the program is fundamental to the continued preservation and promotion of the Cree way of life; WHEREAS Cree Nation should ensure the continuation of this program in Eeyou Istchee to proceed in a manner that enhances traditional activity and promotes the economic sustainability for Eeyouch; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government to initiate consultations with Government of Quebec and a review of the Income Security Program in consultation with local and regional Income Security Boards, local governments, organizations and associations such as Cree Trappers’ Association and Niskamoon Corporation with a view to ensuring the continuation of the benefits for beneficiaries and fair implementation of the program which is designed to promote and enhance our communities, protect our land users and the traditional way of life. Resolution 2021-##: Assessing, Monitoring and Managing Impacts from Hydro-Electric Development WHEREAS Hydro-Quebec has multiple dams, dikes and spillways in Eeyou Istchee which caused at times
catastrophic impacts on the land, wildlife and the ability to pursue the Cree way of life; WHEREAS the Cree Nation has always sought to use all means to restrain, reduce and control the impacts from hydro-electric development in Eeyou Istchee; WHEREAS there is a need to review, consolidate and expand the different tools that the Cree Nation has at its disposable to restrain, reduce and control the impacts from hydro-electric development in Eeyou Istchee; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government to review the impacts and cumulative impacts of hydro-electric development in Eeyou Istchee with a view to reviewing, consolidating and expanding the different tools that the Cree Nation has at its disposable to restrain, reduce and control the impacts from hydro-electric development in Eeyou Istchee in consultation with all organizations and land users of Eeyou Istchee so that they are properly informed of impacts and tools for addressing these impacts. Government of Quebec and a review of the Income Security Program in consultation with local and regional Income Security Boards, local governments, organizations and associations such as Cree Trappers’ Association and Niskamoon
Corporation with a view to ensuring the continuation of the benefits for beneficiaries and fair implementation of the program which is designed to promote and enhance our communities, protect our land users and the traditional way of life. Resolution 2021-##: Government Offices in Eeyou Istchee WHEREAS members of the Cree Nation of Mistissini at an Annual General Assembly have adopted Resolution 2021-23 for the relocation of offices of the Cree Nation Government outside Eeyou Istchee to the Cree Nation of Mistissini; WHEREAS members of the Cree Nation of Mistissini at an Annual General Assembly have adopted Resolution 2021-24 for the relocation of the offices of the Cree Hunters and Economic Security Board to the Cree Nation of Mistissini; IT IS RESOLVED THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government 47th/44th Annual General Assembly mandate the Board/Council of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government to ensure to the greatest extent possible the location of Government Offices related to the delivery of services and the delivery of programs for the residents of Eeyou Istchee within the Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee, such as the Cree Nation of Mistissini.
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ᒥᓯᐧᐁ ᐋᐧᐋᔑᒡ ᐃᔥᐯᔨᐦᑖᑯᓲᒡ ᐆ ᒉ ᓂᔥᑐᒥᑎᓅ ᒌᔑᑯᐧᐁᓰᑦ ᐱᓈᔅᒌᐅᐲᓯᒻ ᐁᐅᒄ ᒉ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐸᐦᑏᑲᓄᒡ ᒌᔑᑳᐤ᙮ ᐆ ᒫᒄ ᒉ ᒌᔑᑳᑦ, ᑲᔦᐦ ᐁᔑᑯᒻ ᒌᔑᑳᐤ, ᒋᑲ ᒫᒥᑐᓀᔨᐦᑕᒻ ᒥᓯᐧᐁ ᐊᐧᐁᓐ ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐃᔒ ᓂᒋᐦᒋᔥᑲᐧᑳᐤ ᒋᔐᐄᔨᔫᒡ ᐊᓂᑌᐦ ᒋᔅᑯᑕᒫᒉᐅᑲᒥᒄᐦ ᐅᐦᒋ ᑲᔦᐦ ᐊᑎᑖᐧᐃᓄᐧᐋᐦᒡ ᑲᔦᐦ ᑲᓇᑕ᙮ ᒉᐧᐄ ᒋᒋᔅᒋᓯᔨᓐ ᒫᒄ ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐄᔑ ᓂᒋᐦᒋᔥᑲᐦᒃ ᒋᔐᐄᔨᔫ ᑲᔦᐦ ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐄᔑ ᒥᔮᐅᔥᑲᐦᒃ ᐊᓂᔫᐦ ᒉᐧᑳᔫᐦ ᒫᒨ, ᑲᔦᐦ ᐁᒌ ᑲᓇᐧᐁᔨᐦᑕᐧᑳᐤ ᐅᑕᐄᔨᔫᐊᔨᒧᐧᐃᓄᐧᐋᐤ, ᐅᑕᐄᔨᔫᐄᔨᐦᑑᐧᐃᓄᐧᐋᐤ, ᑲᔦᐦ ᐅᑎᐹᒋᒧᐧᐃᓄᐧᐋᐤ᙮
EVERY CHILD MATTERS September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
On this day, and every day, we reflect on the tragic legacy of residential schools in our communities and throughout Canada. Let us be reminded of the challenges we have faced, our resilience as a people, and the importance of keeping our Cree language, culture, and history strong. eeyoueducation.ca
Where can you Where can you Where can you Where can you pick up a fresh pick up aafresh pick up fresh pick up a fresh copy of your copy of your copy of your copy of your Nation every Nation every Nation every Nation every two weeks? two two weeks? twoweeks? weeks?
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www.nationnews.ca September 24, 2021
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Don’t wait until it hits you. Get vaccinated.
A vaccination passport is now required to enter certain public spaces.
Québec.ca/COVIDvaccine
20 the Nation
Cameras are rolling Photos provided by Rezolution Pictures
As Hollywood bestows a major honour, Rezolution’s production schedule is full by Martin Siberok
T
he office of Rezolution Pictures is a beehive of activity. Ideas are flying, phones are ringing, and folks are moving. Ironically, however, the biggest buzz is being generated by a 12-year-old production – the widely acclaimed, multiple award-winning Reel Injun, Rezolution’s 2009 documentary about Hollywood’s portrayal of Indigenous peoples. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opens in Los Angeles September 30, is including Reel Injun in its permanent exhibit titled Stories of Cinema. This core exhibition is focused on the creation of the story and will exhibit screenplays, research documents, working materials and storyboards. In the case of Reel Injun, research notes and a page from the transcript will be on display aside a seven-minute clip from the film. News of the honour sent the adrenaline skyrocketing at Rezolution Pictures. Several key players in the production of Reel Injun are now booking flights to Los Angeles for the opening. They include director and writer Neil Diamond, co-director and producer Catherine Bainbridge, and producers Christine Fon and Lisa Roth. “I would like to thank the Academy.... This will probably be the only time I ever get to say those words,” laughed Diamond. “I never dreamed when I was a kid watching cowboy-and-Indian movies in Waskaganish that one day our movie would be featured in Hollywood.” Added Bainbridge: “It’s such a great honour knowing that Reel Injun is one of those films that will be around for a long time. It’s one of those good films that has become an essential teaching tool.” The number and variety of projects currently being worked on at Rezolution is overwhelming.
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Rezolution is developing Red Fever in the vein of Reel Injun and the Academyaward nominated film Rumble as the final component of a trilogy focusing on the unrecognized history and participation of Indigenous peoples in North American culture. As co-director, Diamond is dissecting this theme in music, fashion, sports and the arts as he embarks on an epic road trip to discover and explain how mainstream culture appropriates and profits from Indigenous culture.
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The timing couldn’t be better. Indigenous artists and creators are radically changing the mainstream narrative as they reclaim their history and share it through a lens that opens the eyes of viewers. “It’s about the incredible influence of Native culture on all of North America,” Bainbridge commented. “It can be found in all aspects of mainstream culture. Whether it was appropriated or romanticized, there is a foundational part of American identity that is Indigenous, but
it’s never been acknowledged or celebrated.” On the documentary front, Rezolution Pictures is shooting a second season of Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land this fall. The first season of this APTN series about Mi’kmaq fishers in eastern Canada was such a success that the network demanded more. Commented director Ernie Webb: “Instead of focusing on the conflict between Indigenous and commercial fishers about fishing rights, we offer a portrayal of a resilient community – of
men and women who have brought back their traditional way of life. You get to meet the people behind all those ugly headlines.” On the dramatic side, possibly Rezolution’s most ambitious project – created by Jennifer Podemski and Hannah Moscovitch – is Little Bird, a six-part series about the Sixties Scoop. It portrays the story of a young woman with adoptive white parents. The drama begins when she investigates her past as a way to recover her Indigenous identity as she pieces together what happened to her birth family. This will
be the first hour-long dramatic series made by Crave TV. Finally, news arrived in late July that Rezolution’s hit comedy series, Mohawk Girls, will screen in the United States. Co-created by Tracey Deer and Cynthia Knight, the series was picked up by NBC’s streaming service, Peacock. With its 54 million sign-ups, American viewers will be able to watch all five seasons of the show. “This is huge,” exclaimed Bainbridge. “Very few Canadian shows get on a big American streaming platform, let alone Indigenous shows.”
“I never dreamed when I was a kid watching cowboy-and-Indian movies in Waskaganish that one day our movie would be featured in Hollywood.” - Neil Diamond
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2021 National Gathering for Indigenous Education Canada’s Leading Voices on Indigenous Education
Join us November 24 - 26, 2021 | Taking place virtually A Shared Responsibility: Charting a Course for our Tomorrow
The National Gathering is a place where educators and partners can work together to improve the educational outcomes of K-12 Indigenous students. Attend presentations by educational professionals, hear from our keynote, learn strategies to engage students, share best practices and discover emerging trends affecting Indigenous students. If you consider yourself an educator at any level, guidance counselor, mentor or cultural advisor, the National Gathering is a must attend event for you as there is so much to discover during these three days.
Included Bonus Student Panel Discussion on personal experiences in post-secondary settings. Pre-Gathering Workshop November 24, Registration Required Climbing the Mountain teaches how to engage with the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action and create healthy spaces based on reconciliation and Indigenous history curriculum. Guiding the Journey: Educator Awards November 26, Included Recognizing Indigenous educators who have made valuable contributions to community-based education.
Learn more and purchase tickets at indspire.ca/national-gathering
24 the Nation September 24, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
The world’s first national Indigenous broadcaster seeks board members Are you looking for an opportunity to guide, shape and influence a world leader in Indigenous media? Would you consider bringing your skills to the national board level? APTN is seeking applicants to serve on its board of directors.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONS ADVISOR • Develop and submit proposals for telecommunications services • Ensure projects meet the company’s customers’ satisfaction • Harmonize billing of outside plant network construction • Contribute to the optimization of existing services and the development of new services on the territory
WORK AND MAINTENANCE PLANNER • Plan construction and preventive and corrective maintenance work • Conduct and schedule infrastructures permit request • Ensure the management and documentary updating of the external network • Provide first level technical assistance to the team of technicians • Actively participate in the improvement of methods and the maintenance process • Ensure the availability of consumable material necessary for performing work and maintenance
IT TECHNICIAN AT THE NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTRE • General IT technical support to internal teams • System, server, and database maintenance • Installation of PCs/laptops and software tools • Optimization and maintenance of reporting systems • Network devices configuration and testing • Part of the monitoring team for the network and its services • Effective troubleshooting with multidisciplinary teams, following existing processes • Escalate troubles to manufacturers as needed
ADVANTAGES PERMANENT | FULL-TIME POSITION FULL-INSURANCE | PROGRAM | 3 WEEKS VACATION/YEAR IN ADDITION TO FAMILY LEAVE PENSION FUND | SALARY MATCHING THE RESPONSIBILITIES WITH ANNUAL BONUS
eeyou.ca | rh@eeyou.ca
Apply to join a committed, diverse and talented team on APTN’s policy governance board, drawn from a wide variety of personal and professional backgrounds and Indigenous traditions. Our board is looking forward to the challenge of changing and expanding the operation of a modern news and multi-platform network in an increasingly technological world while still remaining true to APTN’s mission to “Share our Peoples’ journey, celebrate our cultures, inspire our children and honour the wisdom of our Elders.”
APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 4, 2021 aptn.ca/boardofdirectors
The Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government represents a historical initiative in the governance of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory located north of the 49th parallel by fostering harmonious relationships between Jamesians and Crees. This innovative approach enhances future opportunities for both communities to contribute in a significant manner to the prosperity of the territory by assuming municipal and land use planning responsibilities within the largest territory in Quebec. Within this context, that the EIJBRG is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated and experienced Senior Manager to fill the position of Director General in Matagami. • Reporting to the EIJBRG Council, executive management implements administrative and financial decisions by Council. The incumbent ensures coherent implementation of orientations by the various services. The Director General acts as a liaison between the Council and the municipal administrative services while ensuring a strategic advisory role. CORE • Responsibilities also include makings recommendations to authorities regarding orientations related to administrative, development and communication priorities. The incumbent also FUNCTIONS provides strategic information to elected officials as to define actions and to make informed decisions in compliance with municipal legislation. • The Director General also ensures an optimal performance of the EIJBRG human, material and financial resources. If required, the incumbent will also assume responsibilities as Legal Clerk and Assistant Treasurer.Within this context, that the EIJBRG is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated and experienced Senior Manager to fill the position of Director General in Matagami.
Forward resumé by email no later than October 1st 2021 to: recrutement@equipelebleu.com For a detailed description of the position, please visit: greibj.ca/images/Director_General.pdf
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
≠ ≠≠≠:≠≠≠ᓅ≠ ≠ :≠:ᒫ::ᒫ≠ᓅ: ≠≠≠: 819-342-5296
≠::ᒡ ::≠≠ CAVAC ≠: ≠:≠≠≠≠≠≠≠ ≠ ≠:::≠≠≠≠ : 1 (855≠ 603-6168 W sk sh, Nem sk , E stm ≠≠::≠≠≠≠ᔥ, ≠ᒫ::ᒡ, ≠:ᒫ:
≠::ᒡ ≠≠ᒫ::ᒽ ≠: ≠:≠≠≠≠≠≠≠ ≠ ≠:::≠≠≠≠ : 1 (855≠ 603-6136 Wh pm stu , Ch s s b , Wem dj ≠≠:ᒫ:ᔥ:≠, ≠ᓵᓰᐲ, ≠≠:≠≠
ᐋᔥᑎᒥᒄ, ᐸᒋ ᒧᐧᐃᑎᓯᐧᐋᒄ ᐅᑎᐦ ᑎᐹᔅᑯᓂᒑᐅᑭᒥᒄ ᐧᐋᔅᑳᐦᐄᑲᓂᐦᒡ᙮ ᐊᑎᑎᐤ ᒫᒃ ᐧᐃᓂᑐᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᓈ ᒑᐧᑳᓐ CAVAC ᐅᐦᒋ ᐊᓐ ᒑ ᐊᔨᒥᔨᓐ ᐊᓂᑎᐦ:
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
Cree Ce tr l CAVAC T ll Free: 1 (855≠ 603-6168 W sk sh, Nem sk , E stm
Cree S uther CAVAC T ll Free: 1 (855≠ 603-6137 M st ss , Oujé-B u um u, W sw p
Come and visit us at your local justice facility. For any CAVAC requests please contact: cavacinfo@cngov.ca
www.creejustice.ca
Community
Canoe culture cancelled The decline of eelgrass on the coast means another Cree icon is disappearing as well by Christopher Herodier
W
ith the slow but steady disappearance of eelgrass along the coasts of Hudson Bay and James Bay, the fall goose hunt is quickly declining. The thousands upon thousands of Canada Geese that used to feed on this special grass that grew from the Comb Islands in the south to Cape Jones in the north are increasingly migrating to better feeding areas. Researchers have not settled on a definite conclusion about why this is happening. But Chisasibi Elders such as the late Joshua Lameboy predicted (as quoted by his son John Lameboy) that, “One day, what you see out there will no longer be, because the water that will be coming from the dams will cause irreversible damage to the eelgrass, and it may not grow as it used too.” That’s why another key part of Cree culture in Chisasibi is disappearing. The Nor-West canoe, used by the Cree all along the coasts of James Bay and Hudson Bay, are not as numerous as they once were. Produced in Prévost, Quebec, they were the staple watercraft for many coastal goose hunters. Not so long ago, Elder Paul Lameboy noticed the numbers of Nor-West canoes being cut up for disposal. “We used those canoes to hunt for our families,” he commented. “It was us who carried the hunting culture of the coast-
Joshua Lameboy
al Cree people, it was us who took our families out there to live in the ways of our ancestors. It is really sad to see those canoes like that, because we used them for our needs when the geese were plentiful where we used to hunt out on the bay.”
28 the Nation September 24, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
Lameboy’s voice wavered from emotion when speaking about the canoes and how sad he felt seeing them being taken away from disposal. Asked about the decline of eelgrass, he responded: “Ever since the dams were built, the Shishkaabaashk [eelgrass] has most-
The teepees, the respect, the values, the teachings of riding the waves on the water – all of that is gone” - John Lameboy
ly disappeared – but HydroQuébec says it is not their fault.” Chisasibi Public Safety Officer Matthew Chishkamish notes that the many old canoes around the community were becoming a safety issue and needed to be disposed of. But their history still mattered. “Some Elders wanted them taken away in a respectful way,” Chishkamish observed. “Only two or three canoes were rescued before any were cut up, but I had talked about it on the radio to warn people that we would be doing this.” Chisasibi Chief Daisy House emphasized their historical importance. “Many of our Elders’ teachings are still valid today, with respect to the canoes. If you have ever heard an Elder speak about how they disposed of the birch bark canoes of our past, they used to do that in the most respectful of ways, because they had provided, not only a means of transportation, but a way of life, and providing a way for people to gain sustenance in how they lived out on the land,” House said. “Just that message and value system teaches us the importance of respect for the land, the people, and the tools
they used. It demonstrated their hard work, perseverance and how resilient they were no matter what they encountered in living off the land.” John Lameboy learned almost everything he knows about Cree hunting culture from his father Joshua. “I was there when the geese, the brants, the snow geese and others were plentiful where we used to stay during this time of year, at Kaapsaawii,” Lameboy said. “When the water started to recede the eelgrass would come to the surface, then the geese would come to feed and we would be waiting to harvest them. I didn’t even have time to pick up my downed geese, more would be coming endlessly.” Now, however, the geese are not anywhere near as abundant. “The teepees, the respect, the values, the teachings of riding the waves on the water – all of that is gone,” Lameboy lamented. “It is sad because our culture has great value, and it is not fair for our present generations to not be able to enjoy what we did because the eelgrass is no longer there, along with all the birds that fed on it.”
Some of the broken canoes
www.nationnews.ca September 24, 2021
the Nation 29
Weengushk Film Institute is currently recruiting students for exciting January 2022 programs including: Film Production, 3D Animation, The Business of Film (online), Indigenous Governance (online), as well as a 10 month land-based immersion program; Journey Jou for Knowledge. To find out more information and to apply, please visit
www.weengushk.com
Follow us on social media for all the latest updates! Instagram/Twitter: @weengushk | Facebook: Weengushk Film Institute | t : (705) 377-6011 | 5494 ON-540, M'Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0
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.
Puzzles Crossword
H
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: H O L E
S T E A M
P E N C E
R O S E G A R D E N
P A U L
A B L E
R A C E
U A N K A S S A W E N E G R S E O R S D P A C E W E L A L L T E E R R Y
V E R A M E T U N L A R A L O T M E T R E O S Y T O L I N E L A L G S E N T R U
S N E V E I Z D E E O D R D O E V C E A D E
T E N N E S S E E E R A S E
R I N D
A G U E
W H I R
P I N S T R I P E D
O T T E R
T E S T Y
S E E D
E S P Y
STR8TS
3
4
5
13
6
9
24
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34
33 37
40
41
44
45 47
28
29
30
50
51
52
25
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36
12
21
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32
11
18
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22
10
15
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53
8
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31
7
35
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39 42
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49 55
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66
Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate
66 Disease spreader DOWN 1 It's hot stuff 2 Showy display 3 Barbie or Batman, e.g. 4 TV titan Turner 5 Pizza topping 6 Hibiscus holder 7 Up-and-coming 8 Cabernet, e.g. 9 White as a ghost 10 Fan at the game 11 That certain something 12 Play thing? 13 Quote, as a source
17 2010 Gosling film, "Blue ____" 21 Fixed charge 23 Undergarment 25 Not having made a will 27 Queeg's command 29 Make waves? 30 Uno + dos 31 Cola starter 32 All worked up 33 Masonry material 35 Australia native 38 Landslide of stones 41 Bony fish 43 Cameron's "Knight and Day" co-star
46 Jewish greeting 48 Bette Davis flick, "Of ____ Bondage" 50 Contents of some cartridges 51 Take a piece from 52 Exterminator's target 53 Kind of flute 54 ____ d'etat 56 Anna's sister in "Frozen" 59 Do a checkout chore 60 18-wheeler
SUDOKU Medium
2 8 5 9 4 5 9 2 5 4 7 6 8 1 5 2 7 9 3 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com
Previous solution - Easy
7 8 9 8 6 7 9 7 8 5 6 3 4 4 3 4 1 2 3 2 1
© 2021 Syndicated Puzzles
No. 290
2
4 1 2 5 3 2 6 8 7 4 9 8 5 7 6 6 5 9 8 3 4 7
5 3 4 2 1 4 3 1 2 7 6 8 9 5 8 7 7 6 6 5
No. 290
Very Hard
3
4 7 8 3 9 5 6 1 2
2 6 7
4
1 3 5
1 3 2 1
8 2
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.
32 the Nation September 24, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
Previous solution - Tough
9 1 2 7
9
3 5
8 6
3
8
5
6 © 2021 Syndicated Puzzles
T R E S
ACROSS 1 Splinter group 5 "Get ___ it!" 9 Right away 13 Hidden hoard 14 Poor, as excuses go 15 Cowboy's gadget 16 Imprudent 18 Medal recipient 19 Bygone autocrat 20 State firmly 21 Postgame summary 22 Fit to be taken in 24 SF slugger 26 Moon shape 28 Anagram for "tap" 31 Beach robe 34 UC Irvine mascot 36 Grimm beast 37 Old hat 39 Hardly the life of the party 40 Arm-twisting 42 Radar may track them 44 Bio stat 45 Family tree listing 47 Green 2001 title hero 49 Act the clown 53 Misbehave 55 Heroic deed 57 No longer here 58 Weaver's apparatus 59 "Swan Lake" performers 61 Sandwich fish 62 Additionally 63 Like some gases 64 Pop the cork 65 Glitzy rock genre
by Margie E. Burke 1
5 9 6 1 2 8 7 4 3
2 3 1 4 6 7 8 5 9
9 5 3 2 1 6 4 8 7
6 2 7 8 3 4 5 9 1
8 1 4 7 5 9 2 3 6
7 6 9 5 4 1 3 2 8
1 4 2 6 8 3 9 7 5
3 8 5 9 7 2 1 6 4
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
Kissing Gogum by Sonny Orr
T
here’s not much to say about our lives now. The change is here, and we feel it big time as it cripples our economy and breaks our morale, while severing our link to what was once known as “vacation”. I know it sounds lame, but everyone needs a break occasionally, to get away from the dreaded carriers of this virus and avoid mankind in general. The great outdoors is now the new haven for escapism. A big nod goes to social media for keeping at least the thought of escaping alive. For us in the North, isolation isn’t such a big thing. But what gets me is the price of all this on the consumer for the same thing. A general slowdown of the global manufacturing system anticipated a drop in purchasing. However, it was the wrong bet. The pandemic actually increased our needs for many things, spawning a new brave new wave of online shopping and home delivery. That increased demands on businesses that were handicapped by the pandemic as they found producing items to sell is difficult without employees. Meanwhile, we said goodbye to the important things in life – pleasure travel and restaurant meals, cinemas and live concerts – all the great things that kept us entertained. We are so grateful that we can at least eat in a restaurant again. But be patient: a lack of cooks and wait staff means your stomach will grumble before a plate finally gets to your table.
Plants have no choice, but we do, so be like the plant – get vaccinated! I didn’t try going to a movie theatre on my latest foray to the south because the convenience of movie streaming in the comfort of our hotel room was a great alternative to rubbing elbows with strangers in the dark. We progress toward a possible football season, which is thankfully played outdoors, but the lack of a team to cheer for might be problematic. Baseball, maybe… I don’t think catching the high foul ball in the stands would be advisable, knowing that the pitcher spits on it for that extra curve effect. And the Expos won a World Series only after they were renamed the Washington (DC) Nationals. Where is Felipe Alou when we really need him? Perhaps the government could add an incentive other than the lottery it created to incite people to get vaccinated. They could offer a tax credit, for instance, and if your riding wins in the region for the most vaccinated, least spread of contagion, etc., then a refund would reward you for making life easier on the medical system. Money talks, and a sure thing is better than a one chance-in-7 million thing.
Up here, I’ve kept the habit of avoiding contact. Staying honest while answering questions about where we travelled is also helping. This is all still relevant. We need to continue to respect all the measures that are being asked of us. Think of it this way – it’s even worse than drunk driving or intentionally hurting others. It’s more sublime than that – it hurts everyone you love most in this world in an invisible way. That’s a big difference, but the risk is low if you follow the protocols. Think of it this way – keeping diseases out of the country is highly important in the agricultural industry. Who wants their entire crop to die of blight or something like that? So, if plants are important, so are humans. Plants have no choice, but we do, so be like the plant – get vaccinated! We are nearing a deconfinement level that might do away with the mask. But only if more people get vaccinated and the kids as well. Then, maybe, we can go back to the times when shaking hands didn’t feel scary, and you won’t have to worry about endangering your Gogum by giving her a kiss. And you know that she would really love a kiss from you.
LET’S DRIVE!!! LEARN HOW TO DRIVE WITH US
| S TA R T T R A I N I N G I M M E D I AT E LY
Don’t be a backseat driver anymore! Experience the freedom of the road and we’ll make it happen in no time at all. Contact Voyageur Driving School at 418-770-3699 or check out our Facebook page. Still on foot? Then just come and see us at 203 Mistissini Blvd. The course is available for everyone in Mistissini. SO DON’T DELAY! Come and sign up to expand your horizons
www.nationnews.ca September 24, 2021
the Nation 33
UTNS
Under the Northern Sky
Hate has no place in democracy
by Xavier Kataquapit
A
s an Indigenous person raised in a remote First Nation and on the land, I am very familiar with my cultural and traditional roots. It was a steep learning curve for me to adapt, adjust and fit into the non-Indigenous world when I first left Attawapiskat to further my education in the south. Part of my learning experience had to do with figuring out what federal, provincial and municipal elections were all about. I also had little knowledge of how federal, provincial, regional or First Nation community political systems operated. Once I started to write, my work demanded a lot of research on all kinds of topics and of course political systems and issues were of interest to me. Over the years I have learned a lot about Indigenous and non-Indigenous political systems – how they are set up, how they operate and what drives them. One thing I have discovered is about the kind of people that run for political office. Most of these people are motivated by money, power and ego. Thankfully, there are also many in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous politics that get involved because they want to make life better for people in general. It also took time to figure out what political parties were all about, who they represented, how they are funded and what issues and beliefs they align with.
We need to understand what it means to be politically right-wing, centrist and left leaning. Here in Canada because we don’t have all that many political parties, so it isn’t difficult to look at the history, actions and people who make these parties operate. Many people don’t realize the differences in these political parties, and they think they are pretty much the same when in fact all of them have historic traits that tell us who they really represent. I have come to understand that rightwing conservative parties and governments are more aligned with the very wealthy and the corporations of our land while holding on to status quo and outmoded ideals and beliefs. I have learned that more centrist or Liberal parties and governments represent a mix of serving the wealthy and corporate world while providing support, assistance and development for average working people, minorities and the disadvantaged. Over the years I have figured out that the left-leaning parties still have some support for the wealthy and corporate world. This of course has to do with the fact that the very wealthy and corporate entities in the world control the economy and they have a lot of power. Even leftwing parties and governments must satisfy the power brokers. However, they are
heavily committed to assisting people and that includes minorities, the disadvantaged, the poor, women and Indigenous people. At the same time, when you have a system that always bends to the wishes of powerful businesses, corporations and wealthy supporters and backers, it makes one wonder how democratic our political system is. Democracy comes from the Greek language meaning “demos” for people and “kratos” meaning to rule. When the influence of people to rule the land is weakened, it starts calling into question as to how much of a democracy we truly live in. A new trend of hate has accompanied the growth of social media and is affecting elections everywhere. Sadly, we see our political leaders slandered, demonized and hated and most of this trend seems to be coming from the right. All we need to do is look at the last election in the United States to see how dangerous this thug-like move to the right is threatening democracy. The most important thing that we can all do is vote, no matter what party we support. At the same time, we should recognize that those leaders spouting hate don’t have a place in our democratic system here in Canada. Hate, threats and thuggery have no place in our democracy.
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 September 24, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
ᐋ ᒌ ᑳᔮᐱ ᑎᑭᓂ ᐃᒡ ᒥᓯ ᑖ ᑳ ᓈᑖ ᐱᑎᒫ ᑖ ᐹ ᐃᓐ ᒑ ᐄ ᒋᔅᒑᔨ ᑖᑯ ᒡ ᐃᔮᒄ ᒑ ᒌ ᒦᓄᐱᔨ ᑖᑭᓂ ᐃᒡ ᒑ ᑳᓐ ᒥᔑᑳᒫ ᔮᐅᐲᓯᒻ 30 ᑎ ᑐᒌᓯ ᑳᓯᒑ ᓂᒧᐃ ᓈᔥᒡ ᐧᐋᔥᑭᒡ ᑳᐦᓈᑖᐦ ᑎᐹᔨᐦᒋᒑᓯᐤ ᒌᐦ ᔖᐳᐦᑎᐧᐋᐱᔨᐦᑖᐤ ᐧᐄᔓᐧᐋᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ 30 ᑎᐦᑐᒌᓯᐦᐧᑳᓯᔨᒋᐦᐋ ᒥᔑᑳᒫᐦᔮᐅᐲᓯᒻᐦ ᐋᑳ ᒑ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᓈᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐊᓐ ᒑ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᓱᓈᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑎᕉᕪ ᐊᓐ ᕃᑭᓐᓯᓕᔨᔑᓐ ᑳ ᐄᔑᓂᐦᑳᑖᒡ, ᐊᓂᑎᐦ ᒑ ᒌᐦ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᐋᐦ ᑖᐧᐹᒥᑭᐦᒡ ᑖᓐ ᓂᐦᐋᐤ ᑳ ᐄᔅᐱᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᐄᔑ ᐅᑖᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᑯᒋᔥᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒑ ᐧᐄᐦ ᒦᓄᐱᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᓐ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᐄᔑ ᓃᔥᑖᒥᐦᒡ᙮ ᓈᔥᒡ ᑭᔨᐧᐹ ᐋᐦ ᓂᑎᐧᐋᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᔮᔨᑖ ᒑ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᐅᑎᐦ ᑳᐦᓈᑖᐦ ᐊᓐ ᑳ ᐄᔅᐱᔨᒡ ᓈᔥᒡ ᐋᔥᒄ ᐋᐦ ᒫᑯᐦᐄᐧᐋᒡ, ᑳ ᐲᐦᑎᑭᐦᐋᑭᓂᐅᐧᐃᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᐧᐋᔑᔑᒡ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᑯᐦᒡ᙮ ᒌᔮᓂᐤ ᒫᒃ ᐋᐦ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᐧᐃᔨᐦᒄ ᓈᔥᑖᐧᐹᐦ ᒋᒥᔪᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑖᓈᓂᐤ ᑖᓐ ᐋᔅᐱᔨᐦᐄᑯᔨᐦᒄ ᐋᔮᓂᔅᒑ ᐋᐦ ᐋᑎ ᐹᐦᐹᔨᑯᑖᐅᓯᔨᐦᒄ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᐦ ᒌᐦ ᐅᑎᓈᑭᓂᐅᐧᐃᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᐧᐋᔑᔑᒡ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᑯᐦᒡ ᒑ ᐃᐦᑖᒡ᙮ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐅᑖᐦ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᔅᒌᐦᒡ ᐋᑯᑎᐦ ᑭᔮᐦ ᑳ ᐃᐦᑎᑯᐦᒡᐦ ᐊᓂᐦᐄ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᒄᐦ, ᐄᔑᓈᑯᓐ ᒫᒃ ᒑ ᒌᐦ ᓅᑯᐦᑎᐧᐃᐦᑯᒡ ᐊᓂᒌ ᑳ ᔖᐳᔥᑭᐦᒡᐦ ᐋᐦ ᒋᔥᑎᒫᐧᐋᔨᒥᐦᑯᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋᐦ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᔨᒥᐦᑯᒡ᙮ ᐄᔑᓈᑯᓐ ᒫᒃ ᒑ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡᐦ ᐊᓂᐦᐄ ᑎᐹᒋᒧᐧᐃᓐᐦ ᐋᐦ ᑖᐧᐹᒥᑭᐦᒡᐦ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐊᓂᒌ ᑳ ᔖᐳᔥᑭᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᔮᐦ ᐅᑐᑖᒥᐧᐋᐤᐦ ᐱᔥᒡ ᐋᑳ ᒦᓐ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒌᐦ ᐹᒋ ᒌᐧᐋᒡ ᐊᓂᒌ ᐊᐧᐋᔑᔑᒡ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᑯᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐲᐦᒋᒑᒡ, ᐋᑳ ᓂᐦᑖ ᒑ ᒌᐦ ᐧᐃᓂᒋᔅᒋᓈᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓐ ᑳ ᐹᒋ ᐃᔨᔅᐱᔨᒡ᙮ ᒋᐧᐄᒋᑳᐳᐧᐃᔥᑎᐧᐋᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒫᒃ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᐅᑎᐦ ᒥᓯᐦᑖ ᑳᐦᓈᑖᐦ ᐊᓂᔮ ᑳ ᐄᔑ ᐧᐄᐦᑎᐦᒡ - ᐋᑳ ᐧᐄᐦᑎᑭᓂᐧᐃᒑ ᐊᓐ ᐋᔑ ᑖᐧᐹᒥᑭᐦᒡ, ᓂᒧᐃ ᒋᑭ ᒌᐦ ᒦᓄᐱᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒋᑭ ᒌᐦ ᒥᔪᐱᔨᐤ ᒑᐧᑳᓐ, ᑭᔮᐦ ᓂᒧᐃ ᒋᑭ ᐃᐦᑎᑯᓐ ᒑ ᒌᐦ ᑖᐧᐹᐅᒑᔨᒥᑐᓈᓂᐧᐃᒡ᙮ ᒋᔮᓂᐤ ᐅᑖᐦ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᔅᒌᐦᒡ ᒋᐧᐄᒋᑳᐳᐧᐃᔥᑎᐧᐋᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᐅᑎᐦ ᑳᐦᓈᑖᐦ ᐋᑳ ᒑ ᒌᐦ ᐱᔑᐧᑳᐱᐦᑎᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᑯᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐲᐦᑎᑭᐦᐋᑭᓂᐅᐧᐃᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᐧᐋᔑᔑᒡ ᒫᔮᓂᐤ ᐃᔮᒄ ᑳ ᐄᔑ ᑎᐹᑎᑎᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒦᓐ ᑳᐤ ᐋᐦ ᒌᐦ ᐹᐱᔨᒡ ᐊᓐ ᑳ ᐄᔑ ᐋᐦᑯᐦᐄᐧᐋᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᑳ ᐄᔥᐱᔑ ᓂᓈᐦᑳᑖᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᐄᑯᒡ ᐊᓂᒌ ᑳ ᔖᐳᔥᑭᐦᒡᐦ ᐅᔮᐦ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᒄᐦ᙮ ᓂᒧᐃ ᒋᑭ ᐴᓃᓈᓂᐤ ᐋᐦ ᓂᔥᑯᔥᑎᐧᐃᐦᑯᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋᐦ ᔒᐦᒋᒥᐦᑯᒡ ᑎᐹᔨᐦᒋᒑᓯᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᐧᐋᓂᒌ ᐋᐦ ᒫᒨᐲᔥᑎᐦᒡ ᓂᓈᐦᑭᐤ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᐋᑳ ᒥᒄ ᐊᔨᒧᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᒑ ᐋᐱᒋᔥᑖᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᔮᔨᑖ ᒑ ᓅᑯᐦᑖᒡ ᑖᐧᐹᐦ ᐋᐦ ᐧᐄᐦ ᐧᐄᒋᔥᑖᒡ ᑳ ᐄᔥᐱᔑ ᒫᑯᐦᐄᐧᐋᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᔮ ᑳ ᐄᔅᐱᔨᔨᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋᔥᒄ ᐹᒥᐱᔨᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᔮ ᑳ ᐧᐄᐦ ᐄᔑ ᒦᔥᑯᒋᐱᔨᐦᑖᒡ ᐧᐄᔨᐧᐋᐤ ᐅᑎᑖᓰᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐅᑎᑖᔨᐦᑎᒧᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐤ᙮ ᒥᔑᑳᒫᐦᔮᐅᐲᓯᓐ 30 ᑎᐦᑐᒌᓯᐦᐧᑳᓯᒑ ᐋᑯᑎᐦ ᒑ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᒫᑭᓂᐅᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓂᒌ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑐᑎᐧᐋᑭᓂᐅᐧᐃᒡ, ᑳ ᔖᐳᔥᑭᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐅᑐᑖᒥᐧᐋᐤᐦ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᒌ ᑳ ᑖᐦᑭᐦᐅᑯᒡ ᐅᑖᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐄᔅᐱᔨᔨᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋᔥᒄ ᐋᐦ ᒫᑯᔥᑳᑯᒡ ᐊᓂᔮ ᑳ ᐄᔑ ᓂᒋᔥᑭᐦᒡ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᑯᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐲᐦᒋᒑᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᑎᐦ ᒑ ᒌᐦ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᒋᔅᒋᓯᔨᐦᒄ ᐋᔥᒄ ᒋᔮᓂᐤ ᐹᒫᑎᓯᔨᐦᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋᔥᒄ ᐹᒧᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐅᑎᐦ ᐊᔅᒌᐦᒡ᙮
Message to commemorate the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 The government of Canada has recently passed legislation making September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The purpose of this day is to bring awareness and allow all the Canadian population to learn more about a very dark part of Canada’s history, the Indian Residential School system. As Eeyouch, we are all too familiar with the intergenerational trauma residential schools have caused to our many relatives and fellow community members who are residential school survivors. Even within our own nation’s territory existed former residential schools to which we owe its former students our respect and honour. We also have a responsibility to the survivors of residential schools and to the families of those children who never returned home to uncover the truth and honour their spirits. In the same voice as many Indigenous leaders across the country have declared: “without truth, there can be no reconciliation”. The Cree Nation stands in unity with all Indigenous nations across Canada in acknowledging the horrific legacy of residential schools as recent revelations have caused a resurgence of pain and anguish for the survivors of these institutions. We will continue to stand and call upon the governments and organizations to go beyond just words and collaborate in establishing concrete actions to help address the deep scars left by past and present assimilation policies. September 30 will be a day to honour the victims, survivors and their families and to show our respect to those who endured the tragic history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system and to remind ourselves that we are still here. ᒪᓐᑏ ᑲᓪ-ᒫᔅᑏ ᒋᔖᐅᒋᒫ ᑳᓐ/ᑳ ᓃᑳᓂᐱᔥᑎ ᒃ
Mandy Gull-Masty Grand Chief/Chairperson
ᓈᕐᒥᓐ ᐋᐹᒌ ᑎᔮ ᒋᔥᑭ ᐋᑦ ᒋᔖᐅᒋᒫ ᑳᓐ /ᑎᔮ ᒋᔥᑭ ᐋᑦ ᑳ ᓃᑳᓂᐱᔥᑎᒥᔨᒡ
Norman A. Wapachee Deputy Grand Chief/Vice-Chairperson
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