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CONTENTS 10

EDITORIAL

NEWS

Louise

The final countdown

6 9

FEATURES

What goes on after hours at the Department of Justice

Unique holiday gift ideas

Building together

IN BRIEF

Sewing Project

My vacation

Community

Community seams

Holiday shopping guide

Proud to be Cree

Students walk out

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

24 25

Work season

UTNS We shall remember

Business

22 20

Photo by Donald Nicholls

Gestion ADC celebrates 25th

YOUR TRUSTED JAMES BAY CREE PHONE BOOK 2022 EDITION 25 Anniversary th

Remarks offend Concordia class

MESSAGE TO ALL COMMUNITIES’ MEMBERS OF EEYOU ISTCHEE Meegwetch to inform us of any changes upcoming James Bay Cree Phone Book.

Please call us before December 1, 2021 25th To update your contact info: Call 514-272-3077 | projects@beesum.com

Editorial

My vacation by Will Nicholls

ost of you think you’ll never re-use some of the work you had to do in school such as, What I Did On My Summer Vacation. Well, as a journalist you learn that’s not always true. It’s important to share this type of story, especially because of the travel restrictions we have all had to live with in this pandemic period. People lost family members or friends with whom they could not share their last moments, so reconnecting with those close to us is more important now than it has ever been. This would be only the second time that I would get to see mom in two years. Throughout my life I have been lucky to have such great parents. Mom was mom not only to me but to friends who I would bring home. She just has that aura of a mom about her. Dad wasn’t called dad except by his sons. Our friends always called him Mr. Nicholls at first. It was considered an honour to be able to call him Ken. He taught that independence meant being able to look after yourself. Repairing or knowing how find out how to fix one’s own belongings started at home. Taking your vehicle to the garage, or calling in a handyman for home repairs, was the last resort. Given the pay rate and parts costs that service people charge many of us have been grateful for his teachings. In Chibougamau November 8, I watched him lay a Veteran’s Day wreath at their memorial on behalf of the Chibougamau Eeyou Friendship Centre. He walked up, laid the wreath down, stepped back and saluted. We could all see how much this affected him as no doubt memories of fellow soldiers who had become friends who had passed

At the local grocery store, Meechum, they were already putting up the Wreath of Hope and the Tree of Hope to raise money and collect food for the less fortunate in Mistissini.

on, either during the Korean Conflict or later, went through his mind. Men and women who have served deserved to be honoured as they were willing to possibly make the ultimate sacrifice for us. When my brother Don and I visited the Friendship Centre later, Jo-ann, the director, informed us that Juliette was giving free haircuts that day. Juliette had a hair salon in Mistissini but returned to school for Indigenous Studies and was willing to give up a day to do this. Jo-Ann is hoping to convince her to do it once a month. This is a great idea that the Cree communities should adopt. Having a haircut is a boost to self-esteem and worth. With Covid, many have had to forego this seemingly

small thing, especially our Elders. Look your best, feel your best. At the local grocery store, Meechum, they were already putting up the Wreath of Hope and the Tree of Hope to raise money and collect food for the less fortunate in Mistissini. Once again, Covid has left many without jobs and money is tight for them. Help out when and how you can. Other Cree communities are following suit. We’ll talk about that more in the next issue. I was proud to see what type of people our communities have. Like all vacations this was one that refreshed my spirit and one I thank you all for making that happen.

the Nation is published every two weeks by Beesum Communications EDITORIAL BOARD L. Stewart, W. Nicholls, M. Siberok, Mr. N. Diamond, E. Webb EDITOR IN CHIEF Will Nicholls DIRECTOR OF FINANCES Linda Ludwick EDITORS Lyle Stewart, Martin Siberok PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AND MANAGING EDITOR Randy Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, B. Powless DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse THANKS TO: Air Creebec CONTACT US: The Nation, 4529 CLARK, #403, Montreal, QC., H2T 2T3 EDITORIAL & ADS: Tel.: 514-272-3077, Fax: 514-278-9914 HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 151, Chisasibi, QC. J0M 1E0 www. nationnews.ca EDITORIAL: will@nationnews.ca news@nationnews.ca ADS: Danielle Valade: ads@nationnews.ca; Donna Malthouse: donna@beesum.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: $60 plus taxes, US: $90, Abroad: $110, Payable to beesum communications, all rights reserved, publication mail #40015005, issn #1206-2642 The Nation is a member of: The James Bay Cree Communications Society, Circle Of Aboriginal Controlled Publishers, Magazines Canada Quebec Community Newspaper Assn. Canadian Newspapers Assn. Les Hebdos Sélect Du Québec. Funded [in part] by the Government of Canada. | www.nationnews.ca | facebook.com/NATIONnewsmagazine | Twitter: @creenation_news

4 the Nation November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

Building Preserving Cree identity together T D

he Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association (CWEIA) held their 4th Kuukuminuwich Gathering in Nemaska October 2-3, over a year after it was originally postponed uring a planned council and board meetingdue in to Covid restrictions. Ouje-Bougoumou October 26-27, The gathering together 50 Mistissini andbrought Waswanipi signed a memorandum of understanding people – the limit allowed under(MOU) comthat would seeprotocols the two communities munity health – for a fewshare days forestry resources, including a forestry of teaching and learning, giving grandengineer,and opening the way for commubroader mothers Elders from the Cree discussions in the nities a chance to future. share their knowledge MOU is a collaboration between with“This younger generations. Delegations Waswanipi and every Mistissini deal with of women from Creetocommunity, certain Whapmagoostui, forestry issues that affect both except attended this communities,” year’s event. Mistissini Chief Thomas Neeposh told the “We both have “It’s where theNation. grandmothers transfer forestry related business: they have the their knowledge to the younger generamill; we are finalizing the business plan tions so we can preserve the language, the and financial structure for Mistissini’s CLT culture and the practices of Eeyou peo[cross-laminated timber] modular housing ple,” explained Josephine Sheshamush, plan.” program coordinator for CWEIA. Neeposh says the MOU is in prepa“The teachings by the kuukuminuration for a larger agreement. At present wich – the grandmothers – aretoworkshops the communities have agreed share the where we try to capture theirengineer. knowlcosts for Waswanipi’s forestry edge, andalso from this 350,000 we make The MOU covers cubicbooklets metres of wood from the Paix des Braves agreement, 125,000 for Mistissini and 225,000 for Waswanipi, of which 155,000 would be designated for Mishtuk, Waswanipi’s forestry corporation, and 75,000 would be designated for the sawmill. “It’s something that’s been discussed for quite some time, even with Chief Paul Gull, Richard Shecapio, it eventually led to discussions at the Cree Nation Government to set something up for forestry and economic development on

Editorial News

Mistissini and Waswanipi to shared resources, encourage economic development summarizeintheforestry teachingsagreement in detail,” opened with a prayer by Rosie Tanoush,

to Sheshamush said. as well as a virtual presentation by newly Ben the Powless, Localwill Journalism Initiative Reporter She addedbythat booklets be elected Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty. made available at future events for free. Charlotte Ottereyes Ratt, the new presiThe organization was working reprint dentNeeposh forestry,” said Waswanipi Chiefto Marcel said sawmill the is nearly of CWEIA, alsothe addressed group. booklets from the previous gatherings and complete, and that if were everything Happyjack. Other workshops aboutworks baby theteachings, community’s modular housget Happyjack the booklet from gathering said the thatthird Eenatuk – then bundle first CLT kill rites, pregnancy can beginand nextthe spring. He said printed. Mistissini’s forestry corporation – and ing and plan breastfeeding, importance of had also been discussions with “The had gathering went very well. was there Mishtuk negotiations over theItsumstorytelling for children. A presentation communities who were affected beautiful to were have all the kuukuminuwich mer, which predated by meetings other of a plaque was made to the family of come to myfive community of Nemaska,”under said by forestry, including Ouje-Bougoumou, between Cree communities Rose-Ann Blackned, who died in 1991 and Kristen Moar, term who of sitsGrand on the CWEIA’s the previous Chief Abel Nemaska and Waskaganish. wasFor part of theWaswanipi documented Missing and former Chief Paul Gull, Board Directors and helped Bosum,ofwhile ex-Grand Chief organized Matthew Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls the president Coonevent Comeas was present. of the Nemaska who is now the president of Mishtuk, cases Local Women’s Association. “This is significant in that it enables these discussions are welcome and long Moar said that it was important to Moar said that some of theand highlights us to start working together show overdue. able tothe document the there workshops years I allthink was we can work all together, putcome our resourcwere “having the Elders together be “Over about four of five chiefs we went through, with video and audio recordings, which es together, Cree Nation and and learning show about the traditional teachhad dialogue – ‘We’re gonna do someQuebec can doteachings something our would be accessible on the organization’s ings. Wewe received on with the right thing together’ – and that was about 30 wood. They’ve asked whatiswe’re to passage, fromalways birth when a child born website. years councillor back “I ago. hopeI was that just thea Kuukuminuwich doing wood,” Happyjack to the with right our to passage ceremony, said. walking then when we first talked about it,” Gull optimistic that a more Gatherings continue as they are very out Neeposh ceremony,isand there was a teaching said. detailed agreement be forthcoming important for passing on traditional on the girls’ first moonwill time.” Gull says the initial goal was just to knowledge to future generations, and very thatShe will said allowanother the communities to deal highlight was the access timber and create value-added important in keeping as Cree with the forestry issues theythe have before entertainment night, where Elders got wood products at theour mill.identity Now the goal the Forestry Board of Quebec and the a chance to dance. The gathering was is people,” Moar to update theadded. mill so it’s fully functional Cree Nation Government, which would and use it as a capacity building initiative let the communities bring up collective for the community. Eventually, he would issues and enhance their political and like to see Cree mills able to deliver twoeconomic clout. by-fours to build houses in Cree commu“What happens is that when Eenatuk nities. or forestry corporations do some forestry “We talk about housing in the Cree work like cutting, they’re given poor qual- communities. The backlog is over 2,000 ity or hard terrain areas by the province,” more houses in Cree communities. We’re Neeposh explained. “We will be seeking trying to find a way to help that process better quality areas, better recognition of catch up on housing also by doing it ourour forestry corporations. We seek to be selves with our own wood,” Gull said. treated fair in everything we do.”

www.nationnews.ca November 19, 2021

the Nation 5

Cree Nation brings moose concerns to Forestry minister

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 November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

s the 46th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) arrived on November 11, the Cree Nation was still awaiting news from the province in response to its concerns about the significantly declining moose population. Results from last winter’s aerial survey showed a 35% decline in Zone 17 compared to 2009 along with disturbingly low reproduction rates and number of males. After receiving this news two months ago, the Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA) recommended the immediate closure of the sports hunt and Waswanipi Chief and Council formally requested that the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Committee (HFTCC) allocate the zone’s entire harvest to Crees, in accordance with guaranteed levels stipulated in the JBNQA. While the HFTCC submitted recommendations to Quebec’s Ministry of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) in mid-October, the expected announcement from Minister Pierre Dufour has been slow to materialize. At press time, the MFWP told the Nation that discussions are still ongoing and that the department will adapt to resulting decisions. “We’re waiting for an official reaction,” said Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty. “I did have the opportunity to speak to Minister Dufour, insisting that we receive a response. It’s urgent, impacting the hunters of the region. I informed the minister that his important position has a high level of impact on the Cree way of life.” Gull-Masty conveyed that a long delay could negatively impact the situation and told the Nation that Dufour expressed openness to her recommendations. With speculation about the issue spreading on social media, Gull-Masty reached out to newly elected leaders in the region and other stakeholders to move forward with transparency and unity. The Grand Chief met with Manon Cyr, Chibougamau mayor and vice-president of the regional government, to collaboratively respond to the needs of both Crees and their neighbours. She also initiated dialogues with the new mayors of Chapais and Lebel-sur-Quévillon to clarify the Cree Nation’s position.

Patrick Quinn,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The final countdown “It was very important that they hear the story straight from me,” explained Gull-Masty. “We work with them at the regional government and the spirit and intent is one of collaboration and partnership. I didn’t want them to come into their new mandate with preconceived notions of the Crees.” Reports of the moose decline have spurred passionate discussions in Cree communities, with land users in Waswanipi noting that wildlife disturbances have coincided with the increase of forestry in the region. Based on indicators like moose sightings, tracking and feces, Cree hunters first alerted wildlife managers about a significant drop in the late 1980s but were not initially taken seriously. In 1995, the HFTCC finally agreed with Cree requests to ban sport hunting by non-Natives in Zone 17, but Quebec’s Superior Court rejected an injunction. “The first time I hunted here 55 years ago there was not a single forestry road,” recalled Allan Saganash. “Hunting by snowshoes in the winter, the farthest I could see was 50 feet. Now I use my vehicle and can spot moose from a kilometre away. My whole way of life has changed because of development in the territory.” The Cree Nation hopes to leverage the expertise of tallymen and land users like Saganash to better understand the true situation on particular traplines. Traditional monitoring methods may also identify other factors impacting the population, such as disease, tick infestation and predation, which can be exacerbated by the habitat degradation caused by industry development.

“When forestry opens up roads, it allows some predators to travel more freely and quickly,” explained Gull-Masty. “Tallymen are seeing an increased number of bears and a very high increase of wolves. We are looking at a number of factors that contribute to this problem – the Cree way of life is what’s going to define our analysis.” Alongside plans to complete the aerial survey for Zone 22, a working committee has already been formed to consider how monitoring can be expanded to develop a comprehensive and ongoing assessment of wildlife and its habitat in Eeyou Istchee. All land users are encouraged to report what they see as much as possible using the CTA Wildlife mobile app to provide the Cree portrayal of the situation and support self-determination in environmental protection. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to use that CTA app,” the Grand Chief emphasized. “We will be using this as a primary source of information. It is anonymous. The purpose isn’t to disclose to the government but to showcase a strong portrait of land users’ needs in the territory. It really helps us go out and defend your rights.” Introduced by the CTA a year ago, the easily installed phone app enables real-time reporting of not only individual harvests, but also observations of endangered species, bird migration and land conditions. Waswanipi CTA administrator Naaman Cooper reminded hunters that they can also report their moose kills on Zone 17 traplines to their local CTA office. While the CTA app is seen as the most readily available reporting mecha-

nism for collecting wildlife data, it’s the beginning of a longer-term project of gathering land information. This would also promote wider acceptance of traditional approaches, as the MFWP has justified downplaying interpretations of aerial inventory results due to a lack of reliable monitoring. “Frankly, I did not appreciate some commentary in the way we received the results, that the portrait was incomplete because the Crees did not report,” asserted Gull-Masty. “I have complete trust in the tallymen of the Cree Nation territory to ensure they’re protecting their traplines. It’s not going to be a biologist or official who sits at a desk in Quebec City, with no understanding about the Cree way of life, who’s going to tabulate our needs.” While the Grand Chief intends to exercise every potential form of communication before considering litigation for breach of the JBNQA, she is determined to employ all possible resources to protect the Cree right to hunt, fish and trap. Before the end of the year, she wants to begin holding information sessions to hear directly from tallymen and land users. “The next goal is to work with each local community to see how we can look at previous data,” shared Gull-Masty. “I think we can work with Quebec for them to better understand traditional hunting in the territory. The success of our approach is dependent on land users and tallymen coming together to support us with traditional knowledge.”

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In Brief Cultural Institute brings home caribou coat The Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute (ACCI) in Ouje-Bougoumou is celebrating the addition of a traditional caribou coat that had been kept at a museum in Bristol, England, roughly since the 1830s. According to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the coat is believed to have belonged to a hunter from the Naskapi Nation although not much else is known. Naskapi and Innu nations agreed that the coat belongs at the ACCI. “It’s an honour to receive it here,” ACCI executive director Minnie Coonishish told CBC. “It’s like bringing part of our identity back home.” This type of coat was used by Cree, Innu, Naskapi and Montagnais hunters and in ceremonies between about 1700 and the 1930s. ACCI has contributed to research suggesting that the coats are believed to have spiritual powers that could help hunters achieve a desirable harvest. Coonishish thinks there is much to still be learned from the coat and is excited about its potential as a teaching tool. It will be part of a new exhibition planned for next spring and a 10th anniversary celebration that is expected to include Naskapi and Innu nations. Earlier this year, the institute repatriated a beaded hood believed to have belonged to Mistissini’s Jane Gunner in the 1850s. Efforts to transfer this coat began with temporary loans of local artifacts in 2014, which eventually led to a formal request for a permanent transfer. It joins another

caribou coat, already part of ACCI’s collection. “We can learn about the use of the jackets, how they were used, through ceremonies and hunting,” said Coonishish. “It’s really important to have items like this in our territory, so that our people can learn about our traditions and history.”

Maine voters reject Hydro-Québec power line Voters in Maine have voted against Hydro-Québec’s $1.2 billion, 1,200 megawatt transmission line that would have transported electricity from Quebec across New England. The project, called the New England Clean Energy

Connect (NECEC), was subject to a referendum in the state about whether to permit a 233-kilometre high-voltage line to go through Maine to Massachusetts. Just over a third of Maine voters came out for the vote, in which 59% voted against the project. However, HydroQuébec remained insistent that it would eventually get the transmission line built, saying it would take the issue to court. Its American partner, Avangrid Inc, filed a lawsuit in the Maine Supreme Court challenging the referendum. Hydro-Québec has sought for years to find a way to get its power south of the border, after it won a $10-billion contract in 2018 to supply energy to Massachusetts. A previous plan to send energy through New Hampshire was turned

down by regulators there. Nonetheless, construction had already begun on the transmission line in Maine, and it remains unclear what will happen next. The Natural Resources Council of Maine, an environmental group, said in a statement that, “Maine residents have voted decisively to terminate the CMP (Central Maine Power) corridor, which means the time has come for CMP to respect the will of the Maine people by stopping this project immediately.” Quebec Premier François Legault said he is still confident that the project will proceed, saying there are other alternatives on the table.

www.nationnews.ca November 19, 2021

the Nation 9

community seams by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative

10 the Nation November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Reporter

Sewing program teaches women traditional skills, while making friends

or the past five years, women – and a few men – have been joining Louise Coonishish’s Sewing Project to help deal with their problems, and to find a sense of community. “We knew there were people out there who need support in their grieving, their depression, so we asked those people if they wanted to join. I invite women to come in, people who need some therapy, just to be out of their homes and to do something else instead of being cooped up at home, being depressed,” Coonishish told the Nation. “I try to bring in single parents. I also have clients who need to do community hours or are referred to justice committee for help and guidance.” The program is so successful that some people keep asking to return. Unfortunately, there’s not always room. “I usually take new ones, and if I have space, I’ll call someone who wants to come in and see if they’re still interested.” Coonishish runs the program from Mistissini, where she serves as a Community Justice Officer Coordinator. Each sewing project takes up 10 sessions of two-to-three hours. The program is part of the Eenou Nadamaadun, the justice committee, which translates as “helping each other.” About 75 people come out every year. “At the beginning when we did moccasins, there were a few men who wanted to learn. I agreed for them to come and join us. We have other activities for men, like carving,” Coonishish noted. “Usually we make moccasins, or mittens with moose-hide embroidery and beads. We also make gun cases, shell cases, those kinds of things. Right now, we’re making parkas – it’s my first time.”

“I invite women to come in, people who need some therapy, just to be out of their homes and to do something else instead of being cooped up at home” - Louise Coonishish

www.nationnews.ca November 19, 2021

the Nation 11

“Today the younger generation hardly speaks Cree, and we want to keep our culture, and learn our culture” - Louise Coonishish

12 the Nation November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Coonishish hires experienced instructors locally, and Elders are brought in as counsellors to help with the teaching and the language, particularly to help teach new words. “Today the younger generation hardly speaks Cree, and we want to keep our culture, and learn our culture.” Currently, 17 people are making parkas for themselves or loved ones. The challenge with parkas is getting a lot of good quality material, which can be expensive. These parkas are lined with wool. Feathers take two years of planning

The program is part of the Eenou Nadamaadun, the justice committee, which translates as “helping each other.” About 75 people come out every year.

to acquire and use, since they can only be harvested once a year when the geese visit. Six women showed up for the first project, Coonishish remembers. “More people came after because those in there told their friends and families, their daughters, so it grew. I have a ‘limit” of 10, but now we’re 17 because I can’t say no when someone wants to do some sewing with us.” Coonishish puts up flyers and posts information on her Facebook page when

there are openings, after she’s contacted previous clientele. The program is open to those 18 and up, though occasionally some of the women bring their daughters who are 16 and up. Coonishish’s office also runs canoe excursions in July after school is out. They take young paddlers up the lake for 10 days near the traditional gathering to learn how to catch, clean and smoke fish. In the fall, there’s a 10-day moose program which takes young people and

young families out of the community to “refresh their mind.” During goose break, Coonishish takes families or individuals with community hours to spend time in the bush, helping Elders, helping around the camp, while they have the chance to hunt and harvest geese. Plus, there’s a bush program which involves spending 10 days with experienced trappers where individuals can go partridge hunting, rabbit snaring and learn how to clean their game.

www.nationnews.ca November 19, 2021

the Nation 13

To fight COVID-19,

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Features

by Patrick Quinn

s this year’s holiday season approaches, the Nation is once again offering some stellar gift suggestions to warm the hearts of your family and friends. With a growing number of creative Indigenous entrepreneurs, we tried to focus on ideas that support local communities and share the love with some of the other First Nations across Turtle Island. While procrastinators may be the leaders of tomorrow, we advise you to plan well ahead if you’re shopping online or you may be left scouring the aisles of the local store at the last minute. Now onward to the gift ideas!

The Nation’s

Holiday Shopping Guide Cree Origin Waswanipi’s Kory Saganash has a new printed hoodie clothing line that features the Cree Origins logo in a variety of colours. With a plushy soft feel to stay warm throughout the long winter months, the classic unisex fit is ultra-comfortable. The company plans to introduce monthly new concepts that promote Cree literature “to further embrace your heritage.” creeorigins.com/

Kokum scrunchies A sure solution for your next bad hair day are Kokum Scrunchies, created by 10-year-old Mya from Kitigan Zibi. Inspired by the traditional “kokum scarf”, all her colourful products are handmade with love. There are also beautiful scarves, baby bows, face masks and some lovely beaded creations available at the online store – not just for aspiring grandmothers. kokomscrunchies.ca/

16 the Nation

Boreal Kit

Eeyou Istchee Lifestyle The idea for the Eeyou Istchee Lifestyle clothing brand came to Waskaganish’s Raymond Jolly while he was studying at Carleton University. It’s about proudly embracing your Indigenous identity wherever you go. With a variety of colourful hoodies, toques, tees and long-sleeve shirts, many of the designs feature the company’s polar bear logo. eeyouistcheelifestyle.ca/

Nomad Yoga Leggings Nomad Entertainment offers the typical selection of hats, shirts and face masks but also more quirky branded items like phone cases, laptop sleeves, poker cards and, yes, high-waisted yoga leggings. Steve Einish’s company also organizes events in Wemindji and across the Cree Nation. nomad-ents.myshopify.com/

The Nation’s Christmas Shopping Guide

Cree tourism website “Escape Like Never Before” features a gift bag bursting with Eeyou Istchee pride. Containing their much-lauded Northern Flavours cookbook – written by renowned chef Stéphane Modat and inspired by Chisasibi Elders – as well as locally harvested black spruce essential oil and a good quality thermos, the kits are offered for $65 and packed in a branded reusable shopping bag. escapelikeneverbefore.com/en/online-shop/product/22/boreal-kit/

Beading, Sewing or Ribbon Skirt Kits Activate your inner artisan with a variety of affordable beading, sewing or ribbon skirt kits from Chisasibi’s Ouwah Store. With beadwork more popular than ever and gaining greater respect as an art form, there’s no better time to get started in this rewarding pastime. While Ouwah’s online service is currently closed, the store has many popular items available as well as gift certificate possibilities. facebook.com/ouwahstore/

Atikuss Mukluks Innu entrepreneur Josée SHUSHEI Leblanc launched Atikuss to promote Indigenous culture while providing a fair wage to women artisans. The company sells intricately designed mukluks, customized “hope boots”, fur-lined moccasins and baby rattles. atikuss.com/en/

18 the Nation November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

The Rez Life Sweaters Keep warm and sassy with clothing from Indigenous-owned and operated Rez Life. Featuring snappy slogans like “Big Auntie Energy”, “Don’t panic, eat bannock”, “Land Back” and “Burn sage, sweetgrass and the Indian Act”, these shirts keep you cozy while making a powerful statement. As a bonus, the company supports animal well-being through their partnership with “Save Rez Dogs”. therezlife.com/

Sustainably sourced from Nunavut’s Arctic Ocean coast, Uasau soaps are named after the ancient Inuit pronunciation of “wash”, which signifies “washing off the shadows and pain of the colonial legacy.” The company offers a diverse selection of luxurious soaps, body butters and natural balms that include traditionally harvested ingredients such as whale blubber, seal oil or Arctic seaweed. uasausoap.com

Cheekbone Beauty Dedicated to providing a high-quality, cruelty-free line of cosmetics products, this Anishinaabe company based in St. Catharines, Ontario, is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand. Founder Jenn Harper has been featured on CBC show Dragon’s Den and is focused on giving back, with 10% of profits donated to causes like Shannen’s Dream and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. cheekbonebeauty.com

Cards for Decolonization Move over, “Cards Against Humanity.” This satirical and humorous card game deconstructs stereotypes and encourages cultural storytelling. Made by and for Indigenous people, it’s one of many innovative products offered by Alaskabased Trickster Company. They have a particularly cool range of sporting goods, along with apparel, kitchenware and other interesting items. trickstercompany.com/products/copy-of-cardsagainst-colonialism-1

The Nation’s Christmas Shopping Guide

Uasau Soaps

Business

Proud to be Cree Cree company Gestion ADC celebrates 25th anniversary by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

estion ADC is celebrating 25 years of playing a vital role in the economic growth of Cree communities, continuing to build on its expertise in providing reliable food and maintenance services for remote northern work camps. Since becoming the first Cree company to make the prestigious Profit 100 list of Canada’s fastest growing companies in 2008, ADC has shown no signs of slowing down. “We’ve been working hard at trying to capture business outside of our territory,” said Derrick Neeposh, president of both ADC and its parent organization, Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company (CREECO). “Capturing opportunities in the south is one of the key components of the expansion of the company. We’re still eyeing some opportunities in Ontario and hopefully in other provinces as well.” Neeposh told the Nation that while an attempt to provide services for a mining campsite in Ontario’s Long Lake First Nation didn’t ultimately materialize, SOPFEU, Quebec’s forest fire suppression service, recently knocked on its doors. At the same time, ADC continues to expand its reach and business offerings within Cree communities. “We’ve done some initial work in specialized services, such as duct cleaning for air ventilation services in commercial buildings,” said Neeposh. “Other areas involve janitorial services

for the facilities of the Cree School Board, Cree Health Board, Cree Nation Government and local band offices. There’s just a never-ending network of possibility when it comes to working with the communities and regional entities.” Gestion ADC began as a joint venture between Cree Construction Development Company (CCDC) and Aliments Domco Cree, before CCDC

20 the Nation November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

became full owner of the company in 1996. CREECO designated it as an independent subsidiary a few years ago. As CCDC president Robert Baribeau recently remarked, “It was big enough to fly on its own.” “I think back to the start of this journey and how we had the vision to participate in the development of the territory,” Neeposh stated. “Development was happening all around us, and we

saw an opportunity to train and employ many people to provide essential catering and janitorial services on large industrial worksites.” Growing from early contracts with Hydro-Québec to overseeing the management of vast mining camps, ADC’s reliable service has enabled these companies to focus on their core business without worrying about their staff’s wellbeing. As the first Canadian Indigenous company to obtain ISO-9001 certification in its field, ADC has provided a wide range of site management solutions, including housekeeping, facility maintenance and security. “We’ve operated restaurants, bars, convenience stores, kiosks, cafeteria and anything the client requires in the remote site,” former director Anthony MacLeod told Canadian Business Journal in 2011. “But if you can imagine when there are 2,300 men and women living on a camp, all the necessities of a small town need to be there.” While the Covid pandemic complicated staffing and interrupted certain projects, ADC quickly introduced new electrostatic spraying technology to the region’s mine sites and schools to eliminate deadly germs. The company also leveraged its immense purchasing power to secure an ample supply of personal protective equipment, which it then offers to local stores. “We’re looking at providing that [electrostatic] technology to daycares, for example, where it gets important to take care of our people,” explained Neeposh. “If we’re given this opportunity, we take it to heart to be part of the solution. People come first, business comes second. That’s a testament to what the company is capable of doing.” Gestion ADC recently won a contract to renovate the kitchen and take over the operations of La Perle Bleue, the restaurant of the Espresso Hotel, which annually accommodates about 20,000 Cree patients and family escorts who require medical services in Montreal. “We heard their cries for help on social media, patient complaints about the quality of food they were getting

The first Cree company to make the prestigious Profit 100 list of Canada’s fastest growing companies in 2008

from the hotel,” Neeposh said. “The Cree Health Board approached us and gave us the opportunity to find a solution together. Today, we’re very proud of the fact that patients are getting better quality food.” Gestion ADC’s experience in serving a diverse clientele made it a natural choice for providing healthy and balanced meals that draw on Indigenous food traditions and ingredients. As a company proudly owned by the Cree Nation, supporting the Cree culture while contributing to the Nation’s growth has always been at its heart. Cree communities share in the success of CREECO companies – in 20202021, CCDC returned $2.8 million and Gestion ADC returned $1.4 million to the communities. Joint ventures with local partners remain an important component of both companies, including ADC’s partnerships with Mistissini’s Kiskinshiish, Wemindji’s Wolf Camp and Waswanipi’s Miyuu Kaa. “We always bear in mind that the shareholders are just as important as the staff that run these companies,” shared Neeposh. “We want to help other First Nations as well. How we run the company is one thing but sending out that example of who we are and where we come from is equally important.”

In celebrating this anniversary, Gestion ADC emphasized that its 370 dedicated employees are at the heart of its achievements. Training programs applied under Apatisiiwan Skills Development are a big part of operations, along with ample on-the-job empowerment. “An individual approached me a year ago and said, ‘I don’t want to be a janitor all my life, I want to start my own janitorial business cleaning homes,’” Neeposh recalled. “That’s an example of the training benefits. If a person has an entrepreneurial mind, they will develop that on their own.” With growing business volume necessitating the hiring of a director general and eventually a full-time president, Neeposh looks at emerging mine sites in Eeyou Istchee as an opportunity for both the company and Cree youth. At career fairs, ADC promotes benefits like working half the year on a full salary through 14-day shifts on- and off-site. “The workforce required for future mine sites is just a dropin a bucket when you look at the 500 youth who will turn 18 next year,” Neeposh explained. “That’s a big workforce we have to prepare for. It’s a wonderful experience for a lot of young people who come out of high school and don’t want to go to school in the south.”

www.nationnews.ca November 19, 2021

the Nation 21

Community

Students walk out Indigenous studies class guest speaker downplays Cree suffering in residential schools by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

guest speaker in a Concordia University class on Indigenous history sparked a walkout by students after she asserted that Crees attended residential schools voluntarily and suffered less abuse than others.

nancy@nordselect.qc.ca

22 the Nation November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

The speaker, Toby Morantz, was invited to the First Peoples Studies course on the history of Algonquian Peoples to discuss her 2002 book, The White Man’s Gonna Getcha: The Colonial Challenge to the Crees in Quebec. Morantz is a retired anthropology professor from McGill University. Student Mavis Poucachiche, from Waswanipi, said she felt “tricked” by the Morantz’ attendance after students had been discussing the book in class, unaware the author was in the room with them. “The teacher asked us to speak about the book and ourselves, and many of us didn’t like it. Then the teacher said, you know it’s customary to invite the authors of the books we read to class, so here’s Toby Morantz,” Poucachiche told the Nation. “We were shocked. It turns out she was listening to us talk

about her book. It felt like a trick.” “In her presentation she was making ill-informed remarks about the Crees, saying their attendance at the schools in James Bay, at Fort George, was voluntary,” explained Poucachiche. “[Morantz] said they weren’t forced to go, and they had suffered less abuse than other people. As she was making these remarks, we started voicing our concerns.” Poucachiche said a Cree student from Chisasibi spoke up to share that his grandmother attended residential school in Fort George and that her parents were threatened with their family allowance being cut if their children didn’t attend. But as he spoke, Poucachiche said, Morantz waved her finger denying that had happened. “I found that super disrespectful and I left the class because she didn’t want to listen to us,”

Poucachiche said, adding that a number of other students, mostly Indigenous, also walked out. Morantz’ research, according to Poucachiche, came from examining records at the National Archives and National Library in Ottawa, as well as the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives. Morantz also referenced Abel Bosum and Billy Diamond, saying their accounts on residential school showed their experiences were different and benefitted them by giving them contacts and networking. However, Morantz never actually talked to Billy Diamond or Abel Bosum and instead relied on their written accounts. Poucachiche said their experiences were not necessarily the same as others who attended residential schools. She also pushed back on relying on government-affiliated research, saying, “Those are archives provided by the government and they play such a huge role in marginalizing us, and I didn’t appreciate that she didn’t understand that her info came from the oppressors and most of it is wrong.” After the class, Poucachiche says students

Morantz never actually talked to Billy Diamond or Abel Bosum and instead relied on their written accounts

received an email from their professor, Emanuel Lowi, stating that he had never met Morantz, that he regretted inviting her and apologized for her comments. Lowi did not respond to a request for comment. Poucachiche says that in the future she wants professors to properly evaluate potential guest speakers, ensuring the invitees have both experience and the required cultural sensitivity for such discussions. Catherine Richardson, Director of First Peoples Studies at Concordia, agreed that professors have the responsibility to know what a guest speaker might say. “If a guest speaker is an author, they should under-

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stand the ideas presented in the person’s book before inviting them,” Richardson said. “When it comes to understanding colonial violence against Indigenous people in its context, there is no need for a devil’s advocate or, ‘Let’s have a debate with non-Indigenous people about the merits of systemic racism’. This is completely out of line.” Richardson said she held a healing/talking circle with the affected students over Zoom and then in person to create a safe space and let the students share their own experiences. She congratulated them on their activism in challenging the guest speaker and speaking out in the media.

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She said that the First Peoples program is actively working to centre Indigenous perspectives, which includes inviting in Elders and knowledge-keepers, while challenging historical records and examining their authorship and biases. “Most records, such as those held by churches, by the [Hudson’s Bay Company] or museum archives, were created from a European colonial perspective… by men who saw Indigenous people as ‘savages.’ We must be very careful with mainstream records because they can do so much damage to the Indigenous psyche and identity,” she observed.

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Puzzles Crossword 1 2 3 4 5 ACROSS 1 Weekly pickup 14 6 Castle feature 17 10 Marshal Dillon 14 Consequently 20 15 Wild about 24 16 State with conviction 27 28 17 Fit for a king 18 Palm reader, e.g. 32 33 34 19 Part of SWM 38 20 Highway crosser 43 42 22 Black as night, 46 47 e.g. 24 Watering hole 50 25 Reasonable 56 57 27 Young bird of prey 60 29 Blackboard ma64 terial, originally 32 Apt to gab 67 35 Sassy 37 Car protector 38 "I have no ____ idea!" 64 Alternative to a 40 Spotty ailment cab 42 Library date 65 Batman 43 Soup ingredient portrayer 45 Bear witness 66 Kind of spray 46 Overjoy 67 Piece of cake 48 Head of the pack 68 Inkling 50 Cause a chemi69 Solemn tolling cal reaction 52 Virus prefix DOWN 56 Bricklayer's tool 1 Afghan, e.g. 58 Type of flooring 2 Superman 60 "Ant-Man" actor portrayer Paul 3 Gabriel, for one 61 Revered one 4 Rhett's belle 63 Friendly relations 5 Fab Four flick 6 Prayer book

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: A L A M O

R E L I C

G U T E M I L A C T A H A B A C A S T S T O H Y E

D E E N A P A N E M S O O K R S Y N T E A R A D N I K D R I R L E N A

W E R A M E G O S T I M E D A E R A N I F T N T I E A C O L O P R E C P R O S A G

P A P M A A Y N A G Y B L A A S R I E S D O

L U L L C A B I N T S A R

A D U L A T I O N

N I T E R

S T O N E

D E O K G E

G U I L E

E A V E S

E L E C T

STR8TS

19 22

21 25

29 35

40 44

41 45

52 58

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 23 26 28 30 31 32 33 34

Ragtime dance Had a bite Bit of statuary Moose or mouse Ready for use Be a snitch Hammock holder Sock pattern Tuition category News tidbit Letter getter Spanish three Big Apple river Relinquish Use a big rig Some three-digit numbers

36 Bookstore patron 39 Holler 41 Sham argument 44 Peeper's place 47 Cheap and gaudy 49 Flowering shrub 51 Form of defense 53 Big racket 54 Final figure 55 Pastoral poem 56 Lauper hit, "___ Colors" 57 ____-dub-dub 59 Dungeonlike 62 "Dear old" guy

SUDOKU

No. 293

Easy

Previous solution - Medium

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

4 2 1 6 1 8 6 2 1 9 8 1 8 3 2 9 4 8

3 4

5 7 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

4 5 3 1 6 8 9 7

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

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

No. 293

Tough

8 7

9 3

1 4 6 9 2 8 7 5 3

1 8

2 3

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

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

24 the Nation November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Previous solution - Medium

5 2

C A G E D

by Margie E. Burke

9 8 5 7 1 3 6 2 4

3 2 7 4 5 6 8 1 9

8 3 9 2 7 1 4 6 5

5 6 2 8 9 4 1 3 7

4 7 1 3 6 5 2 9 8

2 5 8 1 3 7 9 4 6

7 9 3 6 4 2 5 8 1

6 1 4 5 8 9 3 7 2

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

Work season by Sonny Orr

arly every morning, the sound of heavy equipment isn’t open for debate. Like clockwork, the earth shudders and my eyes open, the same for all my neighbours, I imagine. It’s the modern-day version of the rooster – its shrill crow replaced by low rumblings and the screeching of cold metal. The contractors are running full tilt, taking advantage of the abnormally warm weather during this so-called winter season. My coffee gets an extra drop as the compactor rolls by slowly, shaking that precious liquid into my waiting cup. As the noise dies down, another neighbourhood is rudely awakened as the crew starts afresh in our town under construction. Thankfully, the weather holds up long enough to get a lot of work done as planeloads of supplies are flown in. Usually brought in by ship, this being a pandemic year, the need to grow continues, and we forge on. Soon the little snowflakes will annoy many outdoor workers. But hey, it’s the course of the season that dictates the outcome of an extra roofing job or a shutdown until the warm weather returns next spring. The rest of the work is indoors, so the interiors get the final treatment. That’s just to keep a few families safely under a roof and hopefully, overcrowding and other problems will be solved. Aside from that, I’m pleased as heck to use the new faucets in my washroom. The mysterious maintenance guys in dark coveralls showed up again and left me to discover that the drip-drip-drip

Those jokes set us apart from the ponytailed, hair-bunned men of Chinese water torture was mercifully over. Wow! Nice job! Even a light switch got repaired and I’m thankful for not having to stretch skywards to turn a bulb on and off while balancing on a kitchen chair. I check to see if anything else has changed in my slightly renovated home, but no, I should be happy for a while now. On another note, a cautious one at that, our Inuit brethren to the north have been hit drastically by the latest Covid variant, an extremely contagious one. Nunavik now has the highest rate of contagion per capita – changing from a territory relatively untouched to one whose spread has affected many and within a short time frame. Perhaps it will be contained and decrease as soon as all the regular safety measures are followed. Again, hope is near as children are now being vaccinated and schools will soon be safer too. Let us not let politics or other opinions sway from the fact that this little bug doesn’t care or know any better, but we do. As far as the south is concerned, the area is gradually allowing social gatherings and fans at hockey games. Bars get their dance floors and higher limits. Libraries, well, unknown yet as distance is measured in decibels, and you can

get thrown out on an ordinary day for talking out loud. Maybe another passport is needed besides the library card to enter the stacks of knowledge, forever encased in paper and made to last for decades. For those who don’t know, a decade feels like a century for today’s youth and can often lead to incredible changes or none at all during that time. Next thing you know, you’re 26 and wishing that you were sweet 16 forever. That’s what a decade feels like in real time. On a further note, I’ve been working with some cool dudes who just happen to be a few months apart in age as me and I discovered that they could understand some old jokes. Ribald and raucous, those jokes set us apart from the ponytailed, hair-bunned men. We jostled our faded jeans constantly and in between jokes, hardcore work got done. Sometimes you just gotta enjoy life even while swearing over an unbudging four-inch-wide bolt, that we somehow managed to snap off with pure aged brute strength. Naw, no problem, life goes on. So, I salute those hard-working men with the unbreakable safety hats and solid steel toes and wish them good weather for another month.

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

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www.underthenorthernsky.com

TUTNSB

Under the Northern Sky

We shall remember

by Xavier Kataquapit

very year many of us gather at the local city and town cenotaphs to remember the sacrifice of the men and women who fought in past wars. Many thousands were killed in battle, many more wounded and they returned to their communities after war, but things were not the same. My great-grandfather John Chookomolin and my grandfather James Kataquapit were part of a group of 24 young Cree men from Attawapiskat who were stolen away in the summer of 1917 by a military representative of Canada to fight in the First World War. They could not speak English, none of them had ever ventured to towns and cities in the south and they had no idea what this war was all about. They were traditional Cree men in their 20s, some had families and the only life they knew was living on the land. Annually they would come to the shores of the Attawapiskat River where the missionaries had built a church and where there was a trading post. Much of the time they were out on the land, hunting, fishing and gathering food so that they and their families could survive. It upsets me to think about how much of a shock it would have been to accompany this army recruiter by canoe down the James Bay coast, into the Albany River and towards the Pagwa River rail station where the group caught a train to points south. The young group would have marvelled at the newly built iron railway which had been completed just five

years before. They would have been very confused as they travelled to army training centres in the south to be introduced to the idea of world war, which would not have made any sense to them. As time went on, they would have realized that they were not appreciated in many ways and that they were viewed as less than fully human. They would understand what racism was and what position they held in the firing line. This would have been very difficult for these young men who knew little of the colonizing Europeans who had come to their lands. When they were transported to Halifax and boarded a huge iron ship these Cree men would have wondered where on earth they were headed. My grandfather James recounted to us that once they saw the land disappear west of them, they thought they were never going home again. Inside their ship, they would have been in cramped quarters with hundreds of soldiers heading off to England. Think of it as if some alien appeared at your doorstep, took you from your family and friends, put you on a spaceship and transported you to another planet to perform some unknown task. It would have been terrorizing. War has always been about the very wealthy wanting more power, more land and more resources. These people send us into conflict to take what they want, and they convince young men and women to go forward to kill and be killed. The very wealthy who start these wars use patriotism and all kinds of fake reasons to

convince people to go to war. The Second World War came about as a result of the very wealthy in Europe and the west who had no intentions of sharing the wealth in what had become a popular movement of social democracy. They funded and supported fascist regimes headed by people like Hitler, Franco and Mussolini to name a few. The crazy thing is that we never really learn from past wars and the push for fascism by the very wealthy who run this planet. Realize that less than 1% of the global population are billionaires who control half the wealth in this world. They don’t like unions, they don’t like nationalization of resources, health care or education. They don’t care about the average person and are more than willing to put us under the heel of fascism. Many historians, political scientists and academics are warning us that there is a growing worldwide movement towards more fascist and authoritarian governments. For all our family members, friends and neighbours who have ever been driven to war we owe it to them to deny the rich and powerful to take control of our lives and install fascist right-wing regimes. Many of those young Cree men who were stolen from their lands in Attawapiskat more than 100 years ago did not come home, those who did were traumatized and had difficult lives. Let’s do our best to make sure we are not tricked into heading down dark fascist paths full of violence and war. We shall remember.

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

26 the Nation November 19, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT ON VOTING RESULTS – MOCREEBEC EEYOUD

LOCATION FOR THE NEW COMMUNITY Moosonee has been chosen as the Location in a decisive vote by MoCreebec Eeyoud members in which to establish their new community.

362

Total eligible voters

210

Total votes cast

It’s been a long time coming but its ﬁnally happened. The ﬁnal outcome in the voting results was truly amazing.

002

Spoiled votes cast

142

MoCreebec Eeyoud has now taken a giant step forward towards having a community of their own. A place they can call home.

Votes for Location in Moosonee

068

Votes for Location in Timmins

(58%)

(67%)

(33%)

“…I am overjoyed and rejuvenated by this historic moment and in the overwhelming choice made by our people.” – Chief Allan Jolly

Your Northern Airline of Choice

Air Creebec is operating by respecting and exceeding the rules with extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the aircraft, social distancing on board and at all service counters. We encourage everyone to respect the rules and to stay safe.

For the latest Air Creebec updates, please visit aircreebec.ca/covid19