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CONTENTS 10

EDITORIAL 4

We’re so proud

NEWS

Historic Inauguration

Sharing the Joy

The final countdown

IN BRIEF

FEATURES The first female Grand Chief and its first leader that is second generation to the JBNQA

Kaitlynn Hester Moses reflects

Arts

Ready to lead

Passing the feather

Respecting the talent

The weight of a feather

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

Remembering the memories

UTNS All eyes on Wet’suwet’en (again)

30 22

Healing through song Photo by Donald Nicholls

Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards

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Editorial

We’re so proud by Will Nicholls

he Nation is proud to congratulate Neil Diamond of Waskaganish. Neil won the Multi-Disciplinary Arts Award. The award was handed out by the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association when they held their fourth annual Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards on November 11. The Multi-Disciplinary Arts Award is presented to an artist who has achieved excellence or has made a significant contribution to the field of multidisciplinary arts, including multimedia, storytelling and literature. “This is truly a great honour,” exclaimed Diamond. “I never ever win anything up North. Not even at Bingo or a hockey pool. “One more thing,” added Diamond with a huge grin, “I hope I’m not offered a Lifetime Achievement Award when our next film comes out. They’ve already put me in a museum in Los Angeles. It wouldn’t look good for my social life, if you know what I mean.” Congratulations once again from all of us here at the Nation and Beesum Communications.

I never ever win anything up North. Not even at Bingo or a hockey pool.

Nous proﬁtons de cette période de festivités pour vous souhaiter de joyeuses fêtes et une nouvelle année remplie de joie et de sérénité. We take this festive season as an opportunity to wish you happy holidays and a new year ﬁlled with joy and serenity. ᓄᑎᓈᓇᓐ ᐅᑎᐦ ᐆ ᒑ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᐋ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᐋ ᐧᐋᒋᔮᒥᑖᒡ ᐋ ᐱᑯᓵᔨᒥᑖᐦᒡ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᐃᐧᐋᔑᓈᓂᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐆ ᒑ ᐊᑎ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ ᒑ ᒌ ᓵᑭᔅᒋᓈᒡ ᐊᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᒋᔮᒥᐧᐋᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ᙮

sdbj.gouv.qc.ca 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 Martin Siberok PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AND MANAGING EDITOR Randy Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS M. Labrecque-Saganash, 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 December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

Editorial News

More homes needed As the prefab housing program nears its winter completion, some communities are facing delays

Preserving Cree identity

by Ben Powless,

A T

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

federal initiative to build dozens of modular homes across Eeyou Istchee is facing delays as the prefabricated homes have of failed to arrive in he Cree Women Eeyou Istchee the Cree communities on time.held their Association (CWEIA) 4thMarch Kuukuminuwich in On 17, the federalGathering government, Nemaska October a year after it in conjunction with2-3, theover Canada Mortgage was and postponed and originally Housing planned Corporation (CMHC) due and to Covid restrictions. the Cree Nation Government (CNG), The gathering together as 50 announced a $17.4 brought million investment people – Rapid the limit allowed underThe compart of its Housing Initiative. inimunity health protocols – for a few days tiative was slated to build 55 “affordable, of teaching and inlearning, grandmodular homes” the nine giving Cree commumothers and Elders from the Cree communities: 10 each in Chisasibi and Mistissini, nities a chance to share communities. their knowledge and five in the remaining withAtyounger generations. the time, then-Grand Delegations Chief Abel of women from “The everyCree Cree Nation community, Bosum stated, welexcept Whapmagoostui, this comes Canada’s investmentattended for the immeyear’s event. diate construction of 55 modular homes in the grandmothers transfer the “It’s Creewhere communities of Eeyou Istchee. their knowledge to the younger This investment complements ourgeneraefforts tions so we can preserve the language, the to meet the critical need for more than culture and the practices of Eeyou peo2,000 housing units through our innovative ple,” explained Josephine Sheshamush, Cree Nation Housing Strategy.” program coordinator for CWEIA. The program aimed to have the 55 “The teachings by the kuukuminuhomes completed and inhabited by the wich – the grandmothers – are workshops end of January 2022, according to Martin where we try to capture their knowlDesgagné, Senior Assistant Director of edge, and from this we make booklets Capital Works for the CNG. Desgagné said that all the modular units were to be delivered by December 8, with Mistissini,

Waswanipi and Eastmain still with pending modules to be delivered. “Construction started this summer. to in detail,” Thesummarize units werethe builtteachings in a factory setting Sheshamush said. and delivered to the community. They’re thatof the booklets will be still She in theadded process delivery – most commade available at future events for free. munities have received them, but some The organization wasofworking reprint haven’t,” Bert Hester the CNGtotold the booklets from the previous gatherings and Nation. get the booklet from the third gathering Hester said that the federal program printed. helps with the housing backlog, but that “The gathering went very well. It was there needs to be more investment to beautiful to have all the kuukuminuwich meet to themyestimated 2,000 housing units come community of Nemaska,” said designated by the Cree Nation Housing Kristen Moar, who sits on the CWEIA’s Strategy. Board of Directors and helped organized said that the had subthe Desgagné event as president of CNG the Nemaska mitted an application for 114 housing units Local Women’s Association. under the program, made up of triplexes Moar said that some of the highlights with two bedrooms, and he expected to were “having all the Elders come together and about thesoon. traditional teachhearlearning back from CMHC ings.InWe received teachings on the right Waskaganish, Housing Director to passage, from birth when a child is born Marty Cowboy says the five homes slated to right to passage walking forthe construction shouldceremony, be completed by out ceremony, and there was a teaching January. “They are modular units: they on thethem girls’ first time.” build in a moon manufacturer and ship She said another highlight was the them here. We hire a contractor, and entertainment night, where the Elders got the contractor prepares the foundations. a chance to dance. The gathering was There’s still some interior work to be done – electricity, power, plumbing and hooking up service connections,” he said.

Cowboy said it would be ideal if the houses could be built from scratch in the Cree communities, but the federal proopened a prayer Rosie Tanoush, gram haswith strict fundingby requirements and as well as a virtual presentation by newly deadlines that have to be followed, which elected Grand Chief Mandyhomes Gull-Masty. only allow the prefabricated to be CharlotteinOttereyes Ratt, the new presishipped from the south. dent“We of CWEIA, addressed group. need also more houses, the and we Other workshops were about appreciate any type of housing we baby can bundleCowboy teachings, first kill While rites, pregnancy get,” explained. the comand breastfeeding, andlike the to importance of munity would ideally build 30-40 storytelling for children. A presentation units in any given year, he said they’re of a able plaque family of of only to was build made aboutto10the because Rose-Ann Blackned, who died in 1991 and funding and the rising costs of construcwas materials. part of the documented Missing and tion Murdered Women and Girls As forIndigenous the soon-to-be-completed cases homes, Cowboy says the community has Moar said thatabout it was to posted information theirimportant availability, be able to can document all the and people apply now for workshops a space in with video and audio recordings, which the homes, some of which are specially would be accessible on the organization’s adapted for the elderly and those with website. disabilities. “I hope that the Kuukuminuwich The Rapid Housing Initiative is part Gatherings continue as they are very of a broader $1 billion investment by the important for passing on traditional federal government to build 3,000 affordknowledge to future generations, and very able housing units across Canada, with important in keeping our identity as Cree a number targeted for First Nations compeople,” Moar added. munities. The CNG applied for funding on behalf of the communities.

www.nationnews.ca December 3, 2021 the Nation 5

Cree communities getting in the holiday spirit

I “

Taapwaauchaayimiisu (Believe in Yourself) is a resource available for schools under our Youth Enrichment Services. We offer support to students between the ages of 10 and 17 who need a break from the classroom while continuing with their schoolwork. t Our trained team offers one-on-one and group workshops designed to improve behaviours, motivation, and self-esteem, and monitors students to keep up with the lesson plans the teachers send. The expression “Believe in Yourself” is dear to our program as we want to send a strong message of empowerment and self-worth to our youth.

Taapwaauchaayimiisu is currently offered in 4 communities: Waskaganish, Chisasibi, Mistissini and Nemaska. For information on our program, how to refer a student, how you can access services for your child, and more, please contact:

6 the Nation December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” That’s the theme of Chisasibi’s 25th annual Christmas parade, happening on Dec. 4 at 5pm – it’s also how people throughout the region are probably feeling as holiday events start to unfold. While some community coordinators couldn’t confirm their event schedule at press time, generally there are family-oriented skating activities, carol singing, a Christmas tree and lights contest, and a festive parade featuring a certain jolly visitor from the North Pole. The Chisasibi Youth Council has organized an annual “Gift from the Heart Foundation” since former Youth Chief Shadrock Trapper started the tradition in 2009. Before and during the holidays, volunteers develop many types of fundraisers for the foundation, sometimes hiring themselves out to local entities. Confidential application forms are available from the Youth Council for community members aged 13-35 who need financial support for the holidays. The Youth Council then makes ornaments for specific children, providing information to help community members choose appropriate gifts. There’s no limit to how many ornaments that people can take. “Written on the ornament is the information about the child,” explained Corrina Napash, Chisasibi Youth Chief. “Example: 3-year-old boy, wears size 3T & loves dinosaurs, PAW Patrol and cars. Then the community member who took the ornament buys the child a gift based on their age and interests, and then they bring the present to the Youth Centre wrapped. Without our community’s contribution, this would not be as successful as it is each year.” The Youth Council divides the funds raised between the families for gift certificates at the local grocery store and also buys turkeys for the families. Volunteers distribute the gifts on a certain day close to Christmas and sometimes families show their appreciation on social media. Eastmain’s annual Santa Claus parade will be held Dec. 23 at 1pm, with the judging for outdoor decoration and Christmas tree contests later that day. Among the other planned holiday activities are carol singing and snowman making on Dec. 24, a family portraits contest on Christmas Day and an 18+ gala with various contests on Dec. 27. In Ouje-Bougoumou, parents are asked to sign up for the children’s Christmas gala, held on Dec. 13 for children up to 7 and the following day for 8-to-12-year-olds. The wellness department purchases gifts that Santa distributes during the event, following games and a meal.

Sharing the Joy by Patrick Quinn,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

To counter seasonal isolation and spread intergenerational cheer, there is an Elders Christmas banquet as well as the “Adopt an Elder” program. After a list of eligible recipients is compiled, participating community members bring their gifts to the department and are encouraged to come in for a visit when the gifts are distributed. “We do this initiative to give back to our Elders and to give people the opportunity to take part,” Jamie-Fawn Mianscum told the Nation. “Before we close for the holidays, we have tea and bannock and wait for them to come by to mingle. Sometimes Elders are still in the bush, so we try to deliver the gifts before the office is closed. It’s very rewarding and we hope everybody enjoys the stuff we do for them.” Mistissini also has an “Adopt an Elder” event, which will be included at the Elders banquet on Dec. 10. After a social afternoon, the meal will be served around 6pm along with some entertainment. “Last year we couldn’t gather because of Covid,” said programs administrator Simon Metabie. “This year we’re hoping to reach out to many people. The Elders are happy to see their friends and have a get together. You can see in their faces their spirits are lifted.” Inspired by International Children’s Day on Nov. 20, Mistissini is holding an “Honour our Children” week Dec. 5-11 with a variety of activities planned. The week will start with a special Christmas-themed Sunday school that the minister’s wife leads each year. On Dec. 6, there is a large banquet for community members with special needs, featuring a meal, gift giving and entertainment.

During the afternoon of Dec. 7, there will be an arts and crafts session and “meet and greet” with Santa. A children’s gala for 6-to-8-year-olds will follow in the evening with dancing, contests and all kinds of activities. The local Head Start program will organize a similar gala the following day for children five and under, called “The Baby Ball”. Across

town,

Mistissini’s

Meechum grocery store is continuing its decades-long Wreath of Hope initiative, which lights candles as money and gifts are collected for families in need. The Youth Department is also collecting gifts for its “Adopt a Youth” project and names of low-income youth aged 13-17 for its annual Uschiniichisuu tree. The week will culminate with the ever-popular Christmas parade on Dec. 11, including the return of the float contest. “The

children

are very happy when they see Santa Claus,” Metabie confirmed.

www.nationnews.ca December 3, 2021 the Nation 7

COVID-19 VACCINATION

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FIGHT FLU

COVID-19 VACCINATION PROTECTS US AGAINST COVID-19

FLU VACCINATION PROTECTS US AGAINST THE FLU

COVID-19 and the ﬂu are different illnesses - they need different vaccines creehealth.org/covid

creehealth.org/ﬂu-vaccination

Contact your local CMC for an appointment

Happy holidays TO YOU AND YOURS!

Christmas is the chance to think about our community, our people, our culture and our hearts. We are fortunate to serve the beautiful and wide territory of Eeyou Istchee and James-Bay. The Eeyou Communications team wishes you a happy holiday season.

__ eeyou.ca

In Brief Mistissini hosts music and dance competition Mistissini’s first ever Nikamuusuu/Niimuusuu Kaschihuwin Music and Dance Competition was a great success, according to Lucy Trapper, one of the organizers of the event which attracted over 500 hundred people over two days, November 19-20. “We were surprised how well it went,” Trapper said, despite Covid protocols and preventative measures, and a few last-minute changes. “Everyone was happy the way it turned out.” Overall, seven bands participated in the music competition, while only two entrants signed up for the dance competition, which was suspended due to the lack of contest-

ants. However, the dancers who did show up were still able to perform and showcase their work. Top prize in music went to Nemaska-based band Miigwin, who walked away with $12,000. Second place went to an unnamed band led by Patrick Petawabano, while Kerisha Shecapio took third place. Trapper says the highlight for her was listening to Miigwin perform Anjobweh Indwaseem, a song that captures the sadness and anger about residential schools. “When Miigwin sang that song, it touched so many people. Everyone was very emotional listening to it.” Trapper says the idea of having a music-and-dance event started during the Covid lockdown. She pointed out that most community events tend to focus on sports like hockey and broomball, but the organizers wanted to have a talent show and concert so the youth could showcase their skills. “We wanted to promote music and dancing and get the youth to come out,” Trapper said. Trapper says she’s thrilled with all the participants. “I see them as talented young people, and hopefully, they will pursue those talents and never stop because I find it so healing,” she shared.

Cree added to Covid safety game A web-based mobile game intended to help kids learn more about Covid safety has a new Cree translation. Winnipeg-based educator Lorraine George translated GSI: Germ Science Investigation into Cree to reach more students in their native language. “It’s important to preserve our Indigenous languages, and when that can be applied to future digital work, it greatly improves the wellbeing of our children,” explained George. “Having GSI in Cree is a way for these kids to feel included. And it’s fun and they are learning. And then they bring that learning home!” The free teaching tool for schools was created by LOCI, a Canadian, women-led safety start-up, to empower people to make safer decisions and stop the spread of germs in their environment. With colourful graphics and an approachable interface, Germ Science Investigation teaches virus-related facts and guidelines in a kid-friendly way. “We saw a real need to release the game in as many languages as possible and find a way to reach communities most affected by Covid that

In Brief

have been left out of the conversation due to public infrastructure fraught with language accessibility issues,” stated Samantha Mathews, the game’s creator and LOCI CEO. LOCI’s Cree translation reflects a growing awareness about the importance of language accessibility for Indigenous audiences. While the international gaming community has recently been taking steps to be more inclusive of Indigenous cultures, Canadian initiatives like Translations 4 Our Nations have been aiming to translate pandemic information into Indigenous languages. GSI is now available in 17 languages and has over 1.2 million plays throughout the continent. Cree is the game’s first Indigenous language translation, although it wasn’t immediately apparent which dialect is featured. Matthews hopes that the multi-language game will encourage conversation around the importance of language and the benefits of exposing children to other languages.

www.nationnews.ca December 3, 2021

the Nation 9

Features Photos by Ben Powless

Ready to lead Waswanipi hosts historic inauguration for Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty

by Patrick Quinn,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

t was no coincidence that the historic inauguration ceremony for Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty was held on November 11, the 46th anniversary of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). This “first modern treaty” was a frequent reference point throughout the prestigious event, proudly held in the Grand Chief’s home community of Waswanipi. During her moving speech, Gull-Masty remarked that the Cree Nation had elected not only its first female Grand Chief but also its first leader that is second generation to the JBNQA. As she affirmed her determination to continue fighting for Cree rights, she reflected on the profound transformation that has occurred since the agreement’s signing. “Our way of living has completely changed in only one lifetime,” said Gull-Masty. “Now we take a moment and evaluate how far we’ve come. Most importantly, we create a clear vision of the path forward together united.” The local sports complex was filled with past and present Cree leaders, including most community chiefs and the two surviving JBNQA signatories. Robert Kanatewat and Dr. Phillip Awashish described the journey that began 50 years ago, when young chiefs and leaders first decided to unite as one nation to oppose the announced hydroelectric project. “There is tremendous power in the unity of the Eeyou people as one nation and one voice,” said Awashish. “We have been through many tough times and emerged stronger because we never stopped believing in our collective vision. It has indeed been an amazing journey that has led to the rebuilding and resurgence of the Eeyou Nation.” Like the late Billy Diamond, Awashish was in his early 20s when this movement began and he reminded the young leaders present of their responsibilities to continue preserving the culture. A new ceremonial transition of youth leadership was introduced this year, before Youth Grand Chief Adrian Gunner and Deputy Jordan Masty delivered powerful speeches in the Cree language. Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee emphasized the “sacred obligation” to protect

10 the Nation December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

www.nationnews.ca December 3, 2021

the Nation 11

the Cree lands and way of life in a highly industrialized world, achieving that delicate balance between conservation and resource development. He intends to promote participatory democracy and communication between organizations to strengthen the fundamental Cree right of self-determination in aspects such as land management. “We will continue rebuilding our nation out of the ashes of colonialism and industrialization,” Wapachee asserted. “We must not forget that nation building is not only about the physical development of our communities, it also means the building of our people. It is about capacity building, empowerment, investing in our Cree economy. This is the pathway to self-reliance and independence.” Wapachee pledged support for Cree trappers and finding meaningful ways to incorporate traditional values into current realities. He also commended the recent movement of Indigenous women chosen as leaders, “the mothers of our Nations”, and said he looked forward to working with the Grand Chief. Earlier in the week, Gull-Masty had joined other recently elected Indigenous women – Kahnawà:ke Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe SkyDeer and Assembly of First Nations’ National Chief RoseAnne Archibald – to meet the new Canadian Governor General Mary Simon in Ottawa. The four leaders discussed issues such as climate change and mentorship, including the idea of creating a national forum for Indigenous women in all types of leadership roles. At the inauguration, Gull-Masty expressed her goal of empowering future leaders and paid tribute to Violet Pachano, the first Cree female community Chief and Deputy Grand Chief, “for her opening remarks and for opening the door for me to stand here.” In thanking her team, GullMasty shared particular gratitude to Kristen Moar and Flora Weistche for helping manage her daily tasks. “Leaders develop other leaders,” said GullMasty. “This has been my mantra since the moment the people accepted me and entrusted me with leadership roles. It is truly an honour for Norman and me to share the stage with the Cree Nation Youth Council.” Weistche and Michael Neeposh hosted the ceremony, which also included a special address from former Grand Chief Abel Bosum, prayers from Elders Irene Otter and George Neeposh, and traditional music from Charlie and www.nationnews.ca December 3, 2021 the Nation 13

George Ottereyes. Before sharing his prayer, former Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come encouraged the new leaders to be innovative, not holding on to the way things have always been done because “greater things are yet to come.” Gull-Masty has said that one of her objectives is to analyze the effectiveness of current governance tools to determine how systems may be improved. She reiterated her four election commitments: to continue protecting Eeyou Istchee “because the health and beauty of our territory is central to our identity”; financial planning for future security; developing a Cree mixed economy; and maintaining Cree culture and language, including for those who don’t speak Cree but wish that they could. As she compassionately conveyed the changes and challenges experienced by each passing generation, Gull-Masty touchingly referenced her own family members. She thanked her husband and children for their encouragement and sacrifices, expressing gratitude for the presence of her extended family, including her late mother in the spirit world. Throughout her emotional address, the love and respect held for the new Grand Chief was demonstrated by the audience’s rapt attention and ensuing standing ovations. Perhaps the most stirring moment came with the recollection of a prophesy shared by Elder Robbie Matthew 10 years ago that she still pictures “like a vision in my mind.” “He said to me, ‘I don’t know who you are, but it has been shown to me that a woman is going to lead the people on a path,’” GullMasty recalled. “’Many will want to take a shortcut on a path over the mountain. That is not the way. Not everybody will be able to climb that path. You will take another longer path that will take you around the mountain. It will be longer, but everyone will be able to successfully complete that journey.’” After sharing that story, Gull-Masty declared that she was ready to lead the Cree Nation on a new kind of journey that will go through the land and include everyone. “Here I am today, ready to begin my journey with the direction and guidance from our Elders and the hopes of the youth to lift me up,” said Gull-Masty. “It may be a bit longer, but we will succeed in getting there together. It is only with your support and trust that I can take you over that mountain of change.” 14 the Nation

Kaitlynn Hester Moses reflects on her four years as Youth Grand Chief

s the Grand Council of the Crees and the Cree Nation Government recognized the newly elected Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief in Waswanipi on November 11, another inauguration ceremony saw the installation of Adrian Gunner as the new Youth Grand Chief and Jordan Masty as the Deputy Youth Grand Chief. Exchanging a feather back and forth four times, once per year of the mandate, and imbuing it with good thoughts, outgoing Interim Deputy Youth Grand Chief Stacy Anderson passed the feather and duties onto Jordan Masty as part of the ceremony. Outgoing Youth Grand Chief Kaitlynn Hester Moses then did the same, passing on her feather and responsibilities to Adrian Gunner. Youth Council MC Tania Lariviere explained to the packed auditorium of the Waswanipi Community Health and Fitness Centre that this was the first time the Deputy Youth Grand Chief had undertaken the rite, which was started when Bertie Wapachee was Youth

Grand Chief. Wapachee also spoke at the event inaugurating the two new leaders. Gunner, 25, from Waswanipi, has worked as a social work technician at his community’s high school after training and working as a police officer. He also worked as the youth development coordinator in the community. Masty, 29, from Whapmagoostui, was elected in 2016 as the Youth Chief of his community and was also elected that year as a local Cree Trappers’ Association board member. He also currently sits as the vice-chair of the Whapmagoostui Hunters and Trappers Association. Outgoing Youth Grand Chief Hester Moses said her four years in office were full of learning. As someone who was initially hesitant to get involved with governance and politics, her term really opened her eyes. “I got to learn more about our people, our youth issues, our youth’s abilities, the things they can do. So it was a learning experience for me. We faced a lot of challenges, and we

Passing by Ben Powless,

16 the Nation December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

learned how to get through those challenges,” she stated. Some of those challenges, she said, are having to decide what things are the biggest priority – since it feels like everything is a priority, but they can’t fix it all in just a few years. The other challenge is coordinating and implementing projects between all the communities, while problem solving along the way. Besides the challenges, Hester Moses said the role is also full of beautiful moments, such as the first Annual General Assembly she chaired in 2017, a month into her term. She described it as a touching event, getting to meet the youth from each community “where they can voice their concerns and their needs and interests and the things they want to accomplish in Eeyou Istchee, the things they want to challenge, and the things they want to see. It was one of the most powerful moments for me and I felt really

honoured to be able to be the chairperson for that.” Hester Moses said that there are a number of issues facing youth in Eeyou Istchee, including mental health, bullying, the Grande Alliance, and youth wanting help when they speak out. However, she said that these aren’t just issues for the Youth Grand Chief, “but all leadership in those areas need to deal with them.” For the incoming Youth Grand Chief, she said to “never give up on the nation-building they want in the Cree Nation, never stop speaking for all the youth, and to walk in places we haven’t walked before and to speak in places we never spoke before.” She encouraged young people who are considering getting involved in politics that desire is the only thing they need to succeed. “If they have the desire to be in that role then that’s the only thing they need, because if they have that desire,

they can accomplish anything with it. That’s how it happened for me. When I got nominated, I had that desire and I did it,” she added. Hester Moses said that the position does require some sacrifices too – missing out on time with friends and family, and other community events – but that you can learn to manage your time. She encouraged people to never stop learning, using both the old ways and the new “modern” information available today. “I want to thank everyone who walked this journey with me, and I want to thank the Deputy (Youth Chief) who sat with me, Robin Gull Saganash, Samantha Awashish and Stacy Anderson, and then I want to thank all those who supported me and supported the youth, who stood with the youth, and I’m sending all good spirits to our new leadership today,” Hester Moses said. “And I hope that we all walk to our nation-building together.”

the feather www.nationnews.ca December 3, 2021

the Nation 17

Your

Time, Your Claim, Your Journey

Your time You have waited long enough. Apply before the deadline: July

13, 2022

Claim what’s yours.

Your claim

Your journey

If you attended a Federal Indian Day School, see if your school is on the list

If you experienced harm, you may be eligible for compensation

For information or support visit indiandayschools.com or call 1-844-539-3815

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.

We all have questions

about the vaccine Why should I get my child vaccinated if they’re at lower risk of complications from COVID-19 than an adult? While some symptoms of COVID-19 may seem mild, others—like shortness of breath—can last for months. Even though children are less at risk of developing complications, they can still easily transmit the virus. Vaccination is the best way to protect your children and their loved ones.

Get answers to all your questions about the vaccine at Québec.ca/YOUTHvaccine Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect us all.

Department of Justice and Correctional Services ᐧᐃᔮᔅᑯᓂᒑᐧᐃᓐ ᑭᔮ ᑯᔨᔅᑯᓂᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᐧᐃᓐ ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᓈᓈᑭᒋᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ

ᐃᔨᔨᐤ CAVAC ᐋ ᐱᒥᐱᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ (ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᐦᑑᑎᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᐧᐋᓂᒌ ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ) 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 ᐋᐦᑯᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ᙮ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᑖᑯᔨᓈ ᓈᔥᑦ ᐋᒌ ᐧᐋᐱᐦᑎᒥᓐ ᐋ ᐲᑯᓂᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐧᐃᔨᔑᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ, ᓃᔑᓐᐦ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ CAVAC ᐋ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᔥᑎᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐃᔨᔨᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌᐦᒡ᙮ ᓂᓈᐦᑭᐤ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᐧᐋᔨᐤᐦ ᐊᓂᒌ CAVAC ᐋᐱᑎᓰᓯᐧᐃ, ᒋᒡ: ᐋᐦᐧᑳᒡ ᐋᒌ ᐃᔅᐱᔨᑦ ᐊᐧᐋᓐ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐹᒋ ᑭᔮ ᒥᑐᓈᔨᐦᒋᑭᓐ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᓯᐧᐃᓐ ᐋ ᓂᑎᐧᐃᒋᔅᒑᔨᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᑎᐧᐋᔑᐦᑎᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᐄᐧᐋᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᐃᔮᒡ ᑭᔅᒋᐦᐆᐧᐃᓐᐦ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓇᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑭᔮ ᑖᓐ ᒑᒌ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐋᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋᐧᐃᒄ ᑭᔮ ᐅᔥᑭᒡ ᐋ ᐊᑎ ᐱᒥᐱᔨᒡ ᐋ ᑎᐹᔅᑯᓂᒑᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᓂᓈᐦᑭᐤ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᐧᐋᐧᐃᓐ ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒑᒌ ᐃᐦᑑᑎᐦᒃ ᐋ ᐃᔑ ᓂᑎᐧᐋᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᒥᓯᓂᐄᑭᓐᐦ ᐋ ᐧᐄᐦᑎᒧᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᑖᓂᑖ ᒑᒌ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ 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 ᐋ ᐧᐄᒑᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᑦ ᑳ ᐧᐃᓂᑑᐧᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᓂᒋᔥᑭᐦᒡ ᓂᑐᐦᑯᔨᓐ ᐋᐱᑎᓰᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮ ᐋ ᐃᐦᑎᑯᓂᔨᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᒑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐊᓂᑖ ᐃᐦᑖᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᑭᔮ ᒑ ᔒᑐᔥᑯᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᐱᒥᐱᔨᔨᒡ ᐋ ᑎᐹᔅᑯᓂᒑᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᐃᔥᑯᑎᒃ ᐋ ᒋᐦᒋᐱᔨᔨᒡ ᓂᒧᔨ ᑎᐱᐦᐄᒑᓂᐧᐃᐤ ᑭᔮ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᒑᐧᑳᓐ ᒋᑭ ᑯᔨᔅᒃ ᑭᓂᐧᐋᔨᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᐤ ᑖᓐ ᒑ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᔨᓐ᙮

CREE CAVAC SERVICES

(Crime Victims Assistance Centre) CAVAC or crime victims assistance centre, have 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. CAVAC officers provide a wide range of assistance services, including: POST-TRAUMA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION, to assess the needs of victims of crime INFORMATION ON THE RIGHTS CRIME VICTIMS HAVE AND THE REMEDIES 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 Our front-line services are free of charge and strictly confidential with you. Community

Toll Free Number

Whapmagoostui, Wemindji / ᐧᐋᐱᒫᑯᔥᑐᐃ, ᐧᐄᒥᓂᒌ Chisasibi / ᒋᓵᓰᐲ Waskaganish, Eastmain, Nemaska / ᐧᐋᔅᑳᐦᐃᑭᓂᔥ,

855-603-6136 855-603-0009 855-603-6168

Mistissini / ᒥᔅᑎᓯᓃ Ouje-Bougoumou, Waswanipi / ᐅᒋᐳᑭᒨ, ᐧᐋᐧᓵᓂᐲ

855-603-6137 855-603-0044

ᐄᐦᑖᐧᐃᓐᐦ

ᓇᒧᔨ ᑎᐸᐦᐄᑲᓂᐧᐃᐤ

ᐄᓯᒫᓐ, ᓂᒫᔅᑳᐤ

cavacinfo@creejustice.ca 20 the Nation

www.creejustice.ca

ᐆ ᐁᐃᐦᑕᑯᐦᒡ ᐁᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᔮᐦᒡ ᑖᐧᐯᐅᒉᔨᒥᓲ ᑳ ᐃᔑᓂᐦᑳᑌᒡ ᐁᑯᓐ ᐆ ᐁᐃᐦᑕᑯᐦᒡ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᐧᑳᐤ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᒉᐅᑲᒥᒄᐦ ᐊᓐᑦ ᐅᔅᒋᓃᒎᒡ ᐁᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑲᓅᐧᑖᐤ ᐁᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ᙮ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᓂᔫ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑲᓅᐧᑖᐤ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒧᐧᐋᑲᓂᒡ 10 ᐁᐃᑎᑐᐳᓀᓯᐧᑖᐤ ᐲᐦᐄᒻ 17 ᐁᑳ ᐧᐄ ᐃᐦᑖᐧᑖᐤ ᐊᓂᑌ ᐁᐱᒋᓵᔨᒡ ᐁᒋᔅᑯᑎᒧᐧᐋᑲᓅᐧᑖᐤ ᔮᐸᒡ ᒉ ᒋ ᐃᐦᑑᑕᐧᑳᐤ ᐅᒪᓯᓇᐦᐄᑲᓄᐧᐋᐤᐦ ᐁᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᓱᐧᑖᐤ᙮ ᐊᓐᒌ ᒉ ᐧᐄᒋ ᐊᐸᑎᓰᒫᐧᑖᐤ ᑫᑌᐦᐹᓐ ᐧᐄᒋ ᐊᐸᑎᓰᒣᐅᒡ ᐊᓂᔫ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒧᐧᐋᑲᓐᐦ ᓀᔥᑦ ᒫᒨ ᓀᐅᒡ ᒉ ᒌ ᐊᔨᒨᑎᒧᐧᐋᑲᓄᔨᒡ ᒉᐧᑳᔫ ᒉ ᒌ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐄᑯᔨᒡ ᒉ ᒌ ᒥᔫᐸᔨᔨᒡ ᑖᓐ ᐁᐃᑌᔨᐦᑖᑯᓯᔨᒡ, ᒉ ᒌ ᐊᔅᒉᔨᐦᑕᒥᐦᐄᑯᔨᒡ, ᓀᔥᑦ ᒉ ᒌ ᒥᔫᑲᓄᐧᐋᐸᒥᓱᔨᒡ ᓀᔥᑦ ᓂᓈᑲᒋᐦᐁᐅᒡ ᐊᓂᔫ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒧᐧᐋᑲᓐᐦ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᐦᑑᑕᒥᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᔫ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᒥᔮᑲᓄᔨᒡ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᔑ ᐊᐸᑎᓰᐦᑲᐦᑕᒥᔨᒡ ᑖᓐ ᑳᐃᔑ ᐧᐃᔅᑖᔨᒡ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᒉᓲᐦ᙮ ᐆ ᐁᐃᔑ ᒌᓱᐧᐋᓅᐦᒡ “ᑖᐧᐯᐅᒉᔨᒥᓲ” ᒥᔅᑕᐦᐄ ᓂᑎᑌᔨᐦᑕᒥᐦᐄᑯᓈᓐ ᐆ ᐁᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᔮᐦᒡ ᐧᐁᔥ ᓂᐧᐄ ᒋᔅᒉᔨᐦᑕᒥᐦᐋᓈᓐᒡ ᑯᔅᒋᓃᒌᒥᓅᒡ ᑖᓐ ᒉ ᒌᔑ ᒥᔅᑯᓰᐧᑖᐤ ᓀᔥᑦ ᒉ ᒌ ᒥᔫᑲᓄᐧᐋᐸᒥᓱᐧᑖᐤ᙮

ᐊᓂᑌ ᐧᐁᐦᒡ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᐆ ᑖᐧᐯᐅᒉᔨᒥᓲ ᐊᓂᑌ 4 ᐃᔨᔫ ᐃᐦᑖᐧᐃᓐᐦ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᓐ: ᐧᐊᔅᑲᑲᓂᔥ, ᒋᓵᓰᐲ, ᒥᔅᑎᓯᓃ ᓀᔥᑦ ᓀᒪᔅᑳ᙮ ᐁᑎᑑ ᐧᐄ ᒋᔅᒉᔨᐦᑎᒣᐧᑫ ᐆ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ, ᑖᓐ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᐦᑏᓐ ᐁᐧᐄ ᐲᐦᑌᐸᔨᐦᐄᑦ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒧᐧᐋᑲᓐ ᐊᓐᑦ, ᑖᓐ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᐦᑏᓐ ᒉ ᒌ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑲᓅᑦ ᒋᔅᑕᐧᐋᔒᒻ, ᓀᔥᑦ ᑲᔦ ᐁᑎᑑ ᐧᐄ ᓇᓇᑑ ᒋᔅᒉᔨᐦᑕᒥᓀ ᒉᐧᑳᓐ, ᐅᑌ ᒋ ᑳ ᒌᔑ ᐯᒋ ᑖᐦᑲᐱᐦᒉᓂᒉᓐ: ᑖᐦᑳᐱᐦᒉᓂᑲᓐ ᐁᐃᑎᓯᓈᑌᒡ: (418) 923 2661 ᒦᓐ ᐁᒪᑯᓂᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᐊᒋᐦᑖᓱᓐ 1172 ᐁᒋᓯᐸᔨᐦᒡ ᐁᐃᔑ ᐲᐦᑌᓯᓇᐦᐄᒉᔨᓐ: YES@cngov.ca

CREE JUSTICE FUNDS 2021-2022

CALL FOR PROPOSALS FUNDING PRIORITIES

CRIME PREVENTION FUNDS

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FUNDS

To prevent and combat crime in Eeyou Istchee by addressing the underlying causes

To empower and engage youth by promoting positive lifestyle choices that reflect our cultural values

Prevention of Violence

Alcohol/Drugs Abuse and Addiction

Prevention of Crime

Addressing Trauma and Mental Health

TO APPLY CONTACT: Desiree Ottereyes, Justice Funds Administrator Department of Justice and Correctional Services

P: 819-978-3300 F: 819-978-3301

info@creejusticefunds.ca www.creejusticefunds.ca

The North Stars 22 the Nation December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Respecting the talent.

Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards honours more artists by Ben Powless,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

he Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association (CNACA) held their fourth annual Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards on November 11 in a virtual ceremony, recognizing Cree artists in a variety of mediums. The Contemporary Arts Award was besowed on Katie-Joy Matoush of Mistissini, while Chisasibi’s Jonnathan Longchap took home the Visual Arts Award. Neil Diamond of Waskaganish won the Multi-Disciplinary Arts Award. Nemaska hip-hop duo The North Stars picked up the Performing Arts Award, while Nellie Gray of Mistissini walked away with the Traditional Arts Award. Paula Menarick of Chisasibi won the Self Innovator Award, and Angel Baribeau of Mistissini collected the Rising Star Award. The Best Fiddler Award was presented to Ronnie Rupert of Chisasibi, while Youth Artist of the Year was given to Nalakwsis of Whapmagoostui. The Buckley Petawabano Award went to Luke Macleod of Mistissini. The CNACA Arts Leadership Award was given to the Chisasibi Indigenous Arts and Crafts Association. The final award of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to poet Margaret Sam-Cromarty of Chisasibi. The event was broadcast live on the James Bay Cree Communications Society’s Facebook page, where over 1,800 people watched the awards presented by MC Joshua Iserhoff. CNACA President Kenneth Gilpin and Executive Director Gaston Cooper also delivered virtual messages as part of the awards ceremony. Traditional Arts Award winner Nellie Gray said she found out via Facebook and email that she had won the award. “I was surprised, and I was excited, and I was happy,” she said. While she was supposed to keep the award a secret, she couldn’t help but tell her husband and daughter. “They were so happy and excited for me.” Working with moosehide to make moccasins and beading, Gray also does mittens and slippers, as well as create “new stuff” like hair pins and jewelry. For her the award is “being recognized for my arts and crafts that I’ve been doing for a while now.” Gray began doing arts and crafts when she was young, watching her mother make mittens and moccasins with embroidery, but only in the past seven years has

“We’re not just people who sew or make traditional products, we have models, musicians, dancers, performers, comedians. We have many different types of artists, traditional or contemporary. In the future, we hope these awards will be like the Oscars for Eeyou Istchee.” - Gaston Cooper, Executive Director

www.nationnews.ca December 3, 2021

the Nation 23

- Gaston Cooper, Executive Director

she been seriously working with moosehides. She does workshops on beading and other arts and crafts online, and makes her art available through her Facebook page, Gookum Nellie’s Crafts. Cooper views the awards as a “stepping stone” for the artists, and said, “Even the nomination can take them far and inspire them. The recipients get that recognition for the hard work they’ve contributed throughout their careers as artists.” Cooper said the awards began several years ago when CNACA members identified the need to recognize Eeyou Istchee artists and their talents. In the beginning there were only four awards, but this year the association expanded the categories to 12. “When you look at the types of artists in Eeyou Istchee, we’re not just people who sew or make traditional products, we have models, musicians, dancers, performers, comedians. We have many different types of artists, traditional or contemporary,” he added. “In the future, we hope these awards will be like the Oscars for Eeyou Istchee.” Part of that process is opening up the nominations to grassroots community members, and sometimes they get artists nominated who the association isn’t even aware of. To get a wide range of nominees, the information is posted on social media, sent to the local radio stations and to all the band councils. Then when the final list of nominees is announced, many artists are surprised to find out they are on the list, according to Cooper. “They are extremely happy and proud to be nominated by their own people,” he said. Then he added that many of them use it as an inspiration to take their work “to the next step,” and commit to being an artist, knowing they have the support of their community. “I want to thank everyone who filled out the nomination papers, without them we wouldn’t have the Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards. I want to send a message to all the nominees: you are all winners, and you will succeed where you want to go as an artist. And to the winners, I want to congratulate them and let them know we stand behind them and every artist in Eeyou Istchee 100%,” Cooper said.

24 the Nation December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Top left to bottom right; Luke Macleod, Angel Baribeau, Nellie Gray, Neil Diamond, Jonathan Longchap, Ronnie Rupert, Katie-Joy Matoush, Saige Mukash

To the winners, I want to congratulate them and let them know we stand behind them and every artist in Eeyou Istchee 100%

May the Peace and Joy of the holiday season be with you throughout the coming year. Happy Holidays from all of us at CCDC. ᑭᒫ ᒋᔮᒫᐅᐙᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᑭᔮ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᐆ ᒑ ᒥᑯᔖᒌᔑᑳᒡ ᑭᔮ ᐆ ᒑ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ᙮ ᒑ ᒥᔪᒥᑯᔖᒌᔑᑭᓂᐦᑖᔮᒄ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐅᑖ ᓂᔮᓐ CCDC.

Que la Paix et la Joie du temps des fêtes soient avec vous durant toute la prochaine année. Joyeuses Fêtes de toute l’équipe de CCDC. Cree Construction and Development Company

CCDC.CA

28 the Nation December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

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the Nation 29

Arts

The weight of a feather

Healing residential school heartbreak through song by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

ree rock band Miigwin has been enjoying a resurgence this year. After a triumphant performance at Nomad Entertainment’s Empowwowment Festival in Whapmagoostui on October 28, they won the $12,000 first prize at the Nikamuusuu/Niimuusuu Kaschihuwin music competition in Mistissini on November 20. While the Nemaska group is known for their energetic live shows, frontman Reuben Wapachee has recently been attracting a new fan base for a more sombre song that addresses his feelings of anger and sadness upon hearing about the unmarked graves of 215 children found this past summer on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. “The title of the song was what I’d visualized when I was writing it,” Wapachee told the Nation. “I saw the grandma or mother standing by the shoreline just whispering Anjobweh Indwaseem, an expression of how you feel towards your

child. I’m expressing for the mother of the child taken away, the father who didn’t know what was happening, the grandfather too, tears in his eyes, heartbroken and confused.” Since the song was shared on social media in early November, it’s attracted more than a thousand views and has been shared over 80 times. The response has been immediate, with comments flooding in from listeners to share tearful reflections about their loved ones who are residential school survivors. Wapachee said the song came together gradually over a month earlier this year, helping him to process the difficult emotions that recent revelations have brought to so many. Both of his parents are resi-

“The part that I think hits most people in the song is when I sing about the people who never made it home” - Reuben Wapachee

30 the Nation December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

dential school survivors. Wapachee was sent to the Mistassini Hostels for four years at a young age, which accommodated students attending a day school and are part of the federal residential school settlement agreement. “The part that I think hits most people in the song is when I sing about the people who never made it home,” said Wapachee. “Some people will cry but there’s healing in that. I’ll be honest – I haven’t been able to hold back my tears every time we do that song. I shed a few tears when doing it on Facebook on my own, but when we do it live, I have a hard time keeping my composure.” Despite its painful subject matter, Wapachee has been getting booking requests ever since releasing Anjobweh Indwaseem, with people saying they’re coming to the show just to hear that song. When a non-acoustic version appears on the next Miigwin album, the band could be poised for its biggest hit since Bej Dabwetuback in 1996. “That’s still being cranked up today, even by the younger generation,” said Wapachee. “In 1994, we went to a studio in Montreal and recorded two songs for a James Bay Cree compilation album which was released in 1996. One of them is still a hit today. It’s pretty amazing. Sometimes people listening to it are surprised when I’m there – ‘Hey, that’s that singer from 1996.’”

As the other original band members – Dominic Swallow, Ronnie Neeposh and David Wapachee – were only 14 or 15 in the early days of Miigwin, they required chaperones for that first recording session. Like many bands, they began in the early 1990s as teenagers rocking out in their homes, soon solidifying their lineup with Michel Cheezo on bass. “It started with three boys in a basement,” Wapachee recalled. “One day, I just happened to visit (Swallow’s) older brother and heard them. I went downstairs to go check, grabbed the mic and we went from there.” Named after the Cree word for feather, “floating around everywhere” as their music aspires towards, Miigwin was inspired by local bands like the Northern Eagles, Chiistin, Blue Thunder and Kashtin. When they record their album in the new year, they plan to include covers from three influential Cree artists – Morley Loon, the late William Matthew and Kenny Mianscum. “The ones we want to put on the album are the ones that really inspired us,” Wapachee shared. “Back when we started, Kenny was basically the only one doing Cree songs. To hear Kenny and the older guys singing in Cree was what pushed us (to sing in Cree) – we have to hold on to this.” After a good run in the 1990s, Miigwin went silent around the turn of the millennium for about 13 years. When Innu folksinger David Hart came to Nemaska, the guys dusted off their instruments to perform as his backing band and slowly

started getting back into the swing of things. “We thought we should do this more often,” said Wapachee. “We realized we could still rock it. We basically started where we left off, with a lot of unfinished material. Now we’re making music all the time, basically sleeping with our guitars sometimes. It feels good to be back out there.” While replacing original drummer David Wapachee was a challenge, James Wapachee Jr has become a natural fit. With future shows in the works back in Whapmagoostui, Eastmain and even out west, Miigwin try not to dwell on opportunities lost by their long hiatus. Considering their recent successes, it’s hard to argue that they’re exactly where they need to be at this moment. Miigwin’s performance of Anjobweh Indwaseem in Mistissini was made even more emotional when a young boy came right up to the stage. While this was a highlight for many in attendance, the moment had particular resonance for lead guitarist Dominic Swallow, who happens to be the boy’s cousin. “I made so many mistakes with my children,” Swallow told the Nation. “The kid reminded me that my children and grandchildren are still here, and I can still give them the best I have left in me. I took it as the kid telling me, and everyone in the Cree Nation, that on behalf of all children and grandchildren of residential school survivors: ‘No one will take us away from you now. Don’t forget us. Live life with us – We Are Here.’”

Named after the Cree word for feather, “floating around everywhere” as their music aspires towards, Miigwin was inspired by local bands like the Northern Eagles, Chiistin, Blue Thunder and Kashtin.

www.nationnews.ca December 3, 2021

the Nation 31

Puzzles Crossword

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ACROSS 1 Sounds from the 13 14 15 16 meadow 18 19 5 Cry like a baby 17 9 Word with ''gift'' 20 22 23 21 or ''thrift'' 24 25 13 Cattle breed 15 "The Mod 29 26 27 28 Squad" coif 16 Fillable bread 30 31 32 33 34 17 Everybody's 35 36 37 38 39 opposite 18 Fight stopper 42 43 40 41 19 Pasty-faced 44 45 46 47 20 One who etches 22 Sofa's cousin 50 48 49 24 Nile wader 51 52 53 54 55 25 Do museum work 57 58 59 56 26 Black currant 61 62 60 liqueur 29 Fourth-down 64 65 63 player, often 30 Up in the air Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate 32 Anger, with "up" 35 Genetic letters 59 Renter's 6 Way off 34 Water whirl 36 Part of DWTS document 7 Kind of humor 37 Hemingway 39 Atlantic food fish 60 Lily plant 8 Give some slack work 40 Fill beyond full 61 Quarterback's 9 Splash in drops 38 Snack bar? 42 Future organ protection 10 Like some fiction 41 Holds high giver's document 62 Hole-boring tool 11 Survey choice 43 Macro lens shot 44 Casual top 63 Scout groups 12 Check casher 45 Omelet 47 ____ Forge, PA 64 Crumbly cheese 14 Pelican or puffin ingredient 48 Film material 65 Pear homophone 21 Scenic outlook 46 In and of _____ 50 Gambling game 23 Jersey time zone 48 On the horizon 51 Sheiks' bevies DOWN 25 Altercation 49 Core members 52 One of the 1 Source of misery 26 Cows' mouthfuls 50 Where Hawkeye ancient Seven 2 Mysterious by27 Tolstoy heroine served Wonders line, for short 28 Double-barreled 52 Dime division 56 Chrome 3 Keyed up weapon 53 It's a long story alternative 4 Eagles tune 29 Lace edging 54 "Ruse" anagram 57 Glade or green "Tequila ____" 31 Agassi of tennis 55 Dried up starter 5 Makes a cake 33 Old stories 58 Compete (for)

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:

C E D E T R U E

R E E V E

A N G E L

S C A R L E H A T A R T U E L A T C A R O W U D D B E R A S Y

H E L P A R A G T Y H L L E E T A E L I B I

M I S S A L

O N E S T E P

Y E K L E L Y H D O A L D E

A T T O E R S I O T E R M E A A D Z E A R L E A

M A M I M N A S L T A S T T E R A D W A M N A K N

A V A I L A B L E

T E L L

T R E E

T R E S

E A S T

N O I S E

T O T A L

I D Y L L

STR8TS

SUDOKU

No. 294

Medium

5 7

6 5 1 2 3 4

2 3

4 1 1 3

9 9 7 5

8 9 6 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

No. 294

Previous solution - Easy

4 5 6 8 1 2 3

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

3 2 5 4 7 8 6

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

4 3

8 7

8 7 9 3 6 1 4 5 2

4 8 6 1 9

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

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

32 the Nation December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Previous solution - Tough

9 8 7 6

Very Hard

T H R O W

by Margie E. Burke

6 4 2 9 5 7 8 1 3

5 1 3 8 2 4 7 6 9

9 3 1 7 8 2 5 4 6

7 5 6 1 4 3 9 2 8

4 2 8 6 9 5 1 3 7

3 6 7 4 1 8 2 9 5

2 9 4 5 7 6 3 8 1

1 8 5 2 3 9 6 7 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.

Remembering the memories

Rez Notes

by Sonny Orr

met an old friend, someone who brought me back to the pre-adolescence years when our Cree culture teachers taught us a lot of different things that we needed to know to stay alive. Many of the teachings were basic but solid like the paddles and snow shovels we carved. The hunting bags and moccasins were the same, handmade and built to take a lot of use. No Gucci in sight, I’m afraid. The sleds we made were rudimentary but exacting. The planks planed to the right angle and the snow-piercing runner had modern steel on it, that could be fixed with an axe if and when it broke. One teacher showed us how to hunt the snowy owl. A naturally curious bird always on the hunt for food, hovered above the stuffed rabbit we dragged behind a long twine, and was close enough to knock out with .22 in mid-air. We would trek along the snowy willowed banks of the island and repeat the baiting ritual while testing our sharpshooter’s eye. No one noticed the cold, and time and distance went by far too quickly as we headed back for lunch. Those days were rare as most activities were enacted indoors during lousy weather, but carving figurines and tools kept us busy. It was better than repeating the “passe-composer” over and over again. The storytelling by our dedicated teacher kept us quiet and our culture was taught to us in school. The other classes were not as interesting except maybe geography, where we figured out where we were in the

I thank him for yanking those memories out of storage for me to recall.

world. Math was an excruciating experience for a few and so was history, never realizing that it was mostly misinformation anyways. As far as I remember, recess was the best part of school, and that’s where friendships began allowing us to remember each other for decades to come. Like my old friend who might have mistaken me for my brother, until we talked about the way education was done back then. That 10-minute conversation sparked my memories. I’m glad we didn’t talk about all the church attending we had to do as it was by far the most painful part of life, enacted rituals in a slow monotonic manner in the chapel of the residential school. At least in the local church, the preacher added some fire and spit in his readings of the Bible, thoroughly entertaining some as we stuck to an unmoving state, too scared to be struck by lightning if we acted up. At least that what it sounded like.

But at the turn of that decade, the 1970s rolled in with a new type of education, controlled by us. It was a better way to teach the masses, all within our temperament and needs. My buddy and I really don’t have much to talk about, except those lingering memories. All the other information is literally at our fingertips these days, but memories of those unrecorded days are numbered and should be kept alive and shared. I head back carefully waving bye to my old friend. Although we never stayed in contact for over 50 years, it just seemed like it was yesterday instead of yesteryear, and I thank him for yanking those memories out of storage for me to recall. After being drenched with social media and movie streaming, I feel that my memories are being overwritten and again, real life is reality after all.

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 December 3, 2021

the Nation 33

Bannock & All eyes on Wet’suwet’en (again) Tea

by Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash

ensions are rising yet again on the yintah, on the Canadian West Coast. RCMP enforced a 2019 court injunction that favours the Coastal GasLink pipeline and arrested 29 land defenders and journalists in the process. After a few days, the BC Supreme Court released everyone in custody, including journalists Michael Toledano and Amber Bracken. The irony is blatant. Back in September, the whole country was sporting orange clothing saying that all children matter. Yet, the RCMP is arresting journalists trying to cover the Wet’suwet’en resistance against the pipeline as well as Indigenous protesters, many of them being youth, for defending their own land. After blocking communication lines and setting up special injunction zones for the press, the RCMP is back at it using sketchy tactics against press freedom and free, prior and informed consent. Fortunately, Indigenous solidarity demonstrations have started once again across so-called Canada. We will have to remain vigilant and actively fight against the narrative that colonial violence is long gone. Canadians

We have the moral responsibility to support human rights talk about the Indian Residential School system as a “dark chapter of our history”, but they fail to mention that Indigenous peoples are still being displaced, policed, criminalized and erased on their own land every single day. The erasure of the ongoing violence protects the integrity of a state that was built on genocide, the very same state that took our children away and placed them in residential schools. The Canadian government likes to point its finger at the Catholic Church and wants the Pope to apologize for residential schools because it buys them time and feeds into the fallacious belief that by taking the Church out of governmental businesses, they stopped colonial violence. By supporting the nations currently

in violent altercations with Canadian systems, we prevent Canadians from forgetting about the fact that they benefit from the theft of our lands, cultures and languages, whether they like it or not. I have opinions about the internal dynamics at the frontlines, but I think we have the moral responsibility to support human rights. Human rights have priority, it is one of the most important aspects of the concept. You might question the legitimacy of the land and sovereignty claims by hereditary chiefs on the West Coast, but one thing must remain clear – the RCMP is actively violating the human rights of Indigenous peoples in a country that claims to champion them.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From all of us at the Nation Magazine, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

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 December 3, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Your Northern Airline of Choice

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

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

As the Chief Administration Officer and most senior public servant of the Cree Nation, the Executive Director is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the Cree Nation Government. Experience • A deep appreciation of the concerns and customs of the Cree people. • Extensive experience in public affairs to be creative in developing and presenting Cree positions and interests and in forming strategies for gaining political objectives. • Experience in negotiating and working with and/or coordinating negotiating research teams. • Experience in a policy-development role. Language: • Fluency in English, French and verbal Cree. Knowledge and key competencies: • Strong leadership qualities, ability to manage and inspire different personalities as well as manage staff in remote locations. • An open, approachable communicator with superior interpersonal skills and the ability to influence through personal credibility, as well as through the authority of the position.

Visit our website for the full job description: www.cngov.ca/services/careers For inquiries, please contact: hr@cngov.ca