info@beesum.com www.beesum.com 514-272-3077
CONTENTS EDITORIAL
10
NEWS
A spectacular collection
Meeting delayed
A Covid tsunami
5
Road connection
7
Overdue account
9
FEATURES
Cultural Institute unveils new interactive website
16
4
Papa Legault
Community
Virtual history
10
Healing postponed
16
Putting the truth in reconcilliation
18
Following the nomads
20
Developing new partnerships 22
PUZZLES REZ NOTES
24 25
Wintry thoughts
20
Snowmobile expedition
T&B 26
Merry crisis!
Business
18
Demanding for the truth
ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ Nunavik Starts Here
22
Business Exchange Day
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Editorial
Papa Legault by Lyle Stewart
Q
uebec Premier François Legault’s press conference December 22 was an exercise in hubris and futility. When political leaders command the airwaves at 6 pm, cutting into supper-hour news programs, it is because they have something major to announce. The day before his press conference, Legault raised this anticipation by tweeting, in part, “Quebec is confronted with very difficult choices.... We will get back to you to tomorrow with our decisions.” Instead, all we heard was the squiff sound of air farting from a balloon. At the moment Quebec is approaching 10,000 new Covid cases per day (which may be far more by the time you read this), the only concrete measure Legault announced was that the allowable number of people at family gatherings would decrease from 10 to six the day after Christmas. Earth-shattering news, that. It’s pure improvisation. Remember that Legault had announced only two weeks previously – even as new infections were around 1,000 a day, five times the number when he locked down the province last year – that 20 people would be allowed at family gatherings over Christmas. Then he rescinded that order. Now he reduces it to six. “Very difficult choices.” Hmm... We are tired of being a yo-yo in François Legault’s political vaudeville act. Consistency, a well-resourced healthcare system and honesty would be far preferable. As Maïtée Saganash observes in her column this issue, however, Legault’s management of the healthcare system has been lackadaisical. Almost two years into the pandemic, we are still facing shortages of essential medical resources to confront this health emergency.
The CAQ is about backwardness, taking people back to a time when father knew best, even if it was transparently obvious that he was faking it
Most accept the need for measures to reduce the risk of transmission. Masks, disinfecting hands, social distancing and above all, getting vaccinated, are embraced by the vast majority of Quebecers. In fact, the only meaningful information we heard at Legault’s press conference was that fully half of the people taking up hospital beds with Covid illnesses are from the 6% of adults in the province who are unvaccinated. Legault had no measures to announce about how he would encourage or force that minority to stop doing immense harm to our society. Indeed, the people who eat up anti-vaccine disinformation on the internet are most likely to support populist, right-wing parties such as his inaccurately named Coalition Avenir Québec. As we have seen, the CAQ is about backwardness, taking people back to a
time when father knew best, even if it was transparently obvious that he was faking it. As Papa Legault is doing now. The empty political theatre on December 22 was about trying to pretend our dear leader is in charge. And is taking the situation very, very seriously. That’s the hubris part, the pride that kills... too many of us (11,600 and counting). The cover-up of his government’s absolute failure to address the catastrophe in CHSLDs in 2020 is part of the same need. Instead, his priority is to ensure that no qualified woman should be allowed to wear a scarf over her hair when teaching in an elementary school. Don’t look at the thousands of dead people on my watch, folks. Those otherwise excellent teachers wearing a hijab are the biggest threat to Quebec.
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 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 31, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
CMCA AUDITED
C O V I D - 1 9 U P D AT E
by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Covid tsunami Quebec shuts down to prevent Omicron variant spread
C
ovid has returned to Eeyou Istchee, with two confirmed cases detected in Chisasibi and seven in Mistissini, as an Omicron wave of infections washed across Quebec. The Cree Health Board (CHB) announced that the virus was detected in the community’s sewage system and asked people to get tested if they had any symptoms or had recently travelled to an area at risk. On December 18, they confirmed two people had tested positive and that contact tracing was ongoing. Chisasibi is running its Swab Centre for testing between 5:15 pm and 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday, by appointment only, so call or text 819-855-6994. In Mistissini, there were seven cases reported as of December 16, from an initial first case reported on December 11. The first case was a staff member at the Youth Healing Centre, but all staff and clients in contact with the individual tested negative. Three cases are isolating in Mistissini, and four are outside the region. To stop the spread of the Omicron variant, Quebec has closed schools, bars, gyms and movie theatres at least into the new year, as the province set a record for new daily cases, with over 6,000 reported on December 22. Daily infection rates of over 10,000 are being predicted. Hospitalization rates are also above half of the province’s capacity. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé said that the Omicron variant appeared to be doubling every few days, and so drastic action was needed to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed. “The epidemiological situation is critical. The community spread is astounding,” Dubé said at a December 20 press conference. Elementary and high schools across the province will be closed until January 10 at the earliest, and high schools will return to remote learning in the new year.
Adult and professional education centres will also close. In Eeyou Istchee, schools and Sabtuan Adult Education services will be online-only for the first two weeks after the holidays (January 4-14) as a precautionary measure. All schools are to communicate their post-holiday educational plans via social media, memo and on the radio. Bars, gyms, movie theatres, concert venues and spas were all ordered close as of December 20, while restaurants will only be allowed to have 50% of their capacity limits and will only be open from 5 am to 10 pm. The government also mandated that all non-essential workers work from home. Quebec is still allowing for gatherings of a maximum of 10 but is recommending people limit their contacts to the absolute minimum. Several hospitals had already postponed non-urgent surgeries.
In response to the rise in new cases, the CHB said in a statement: “We know the Omicron variant is more contagious than the Delta variant. It will soon take over as the dominant strain. Vaccination is still the best protection, but it is not as effective against Omicron. This is why it is so important to also use other layers of protection.” Vaccination continues across Eeyou Istchee, for anyone five and over. The CHB updated what it considered to be areas of risk to include all of Quebec, outside of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and northern Quebec, and virtually all of Ontario, after noting a “significant increase” in cases in northern Ontario, Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean and Outaouais. Canada is setting new daily case records, with over 110,000 cases reported on December 21, as the country passed the grim milestone of 30,000 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
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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.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐄᐙᔒᐅᒌᔑᑳᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ 6 the Nation December 31, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
Editorial News
Road connection
Ontario explores all-season routes for western James Bay communities by Patrick Quinn,
F
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
irst Nations communities on western James Bay are one step closer to getting an all-season road, after the Ontario government promised the chiefs of the Mushkegowuk Council it would explore the idea of linking four remote communities to the rest of the province. The province made the commitment during a December 3 meeting between Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford, Environment Minister Piccini, and chiefs of Missanabie Cree, Chapleau Cree, Taykwa Tagamou, Moose Cree, Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Attawapiskat. “The Mushkegowuk Council and its member First Nations have shown tremendous leadership in protecting the western James Bay and Hudson Bay coastal and marine ecosystems,” Piccini said in a statement, “and [they] will be strong stewards and partners as we explore Indigenous-led environmental assessment
and road access for northern communities.” In a pre-feasibility study, Mushkegowuk Council identified four potential routes to connect Moose Factory/Moosonee, Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Attawapiskat. The roads envisioned would either follow the existing railway to Moosonee, or run along one of three rivers – the Matagami, Kwata or Albany. A coastal road would then reach the remaining communities. The proposed routes range between 547 and 676 kilometres, linking them with Highway 11 further south either near Hearst or with existing roads north of Kapuskasing. Ryan Small, Director of Technical Services for the Mushkegowuk Council, said the chiefs started looking for the best way to transport freight to the region a decade ago, examining both rail and road options. The pre-feasibility study was completed in 2015. Discussions started in 2017 as chiefs leaned toward all-season roads for
western James Bay, conducting a First Nations-led environmental assessment of that proposal. Small warns that much work awaits before shovels hit the ground. “They still need to do geotechnical work, geotechnical design. Right now, there’s high level costing and lots of unknowns,” he said. “We still have to decide if communities want it,” Small added. “It’s a huge project, it’s going to be expensive, and hopefully we get to where the leadership is satisfied with the work we bring forward and a final decision can take place.” With opposition from communities to mining-related development, Small stressed that there is no mining proponent behind this proposal. Small said a report the Council commissioned identified both benefits and drawbacks to building an all-season road but highlighted improved access to the communities, a lower cost of living, and accessibility to health care, education and employment opportunities.
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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:
Overdue account Federal government sets aside $40 billion for child welfare compensation by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A
s talks continue to settle compensation claims, the Canadian government has set aside $40 billion for First Nations child welfare in its latest economic update. While the final amount is contingent on reaching an agreement with Indigenous groups, it is expected that the money would be roughly split between compensation for impacted children and families and long-term changes to the child welfare system. “The more important piece is that the government ends its ongoing discrimination in First Nations child and family services and that it reforms the department so that it never does this to another generation of kids,” said Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society (FNCFCS). The FNCFCS, along with the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation, is involved in a class-action lawsuit and longstanding human rights complaint with the Canadian government over the underfunding of First Nations child welfare. The inadequate funding was a key factor behind the separation of families. In 2019, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled that this discrimination was “wilful and reckless” and ordered Canada to pay the statutory maximum of $40,000 to each child and primary guardian who attended the on-reserve child welfare system. The federal government was also ordered to expand its criteria so more Indigenous children could access services using Jordan’s Principle, which
It is expected that the money would be roughly split between compensation for impacted children and families and long-term changes to the child welfare system
ensures jurisdictional disputes don’t prevent necessary support. After Ottawa announced it wanted to reach an out-of-court settlement on the matter while addressing outstanding issues within the child welfare system, Murray Sinclair, former chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, was brought on to oversee negotiations. “Frankly, if we didn’t have Murray Sinclair, talks probably would have broken down by now,” said Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller. “We’ve made progress that would have taken us years to be done in an adversarial process.” Details regarding who will qualify and how far back victims will be compensated
remain to be finalized. Blackstock said that fixing these inequalities decades ago would have only cost hundreds of millions and that this should be a “landmark lesson” that delaying action and justice only increases the ultimate cost. “The magnitude of the proposed compensation package is a testament to how many of our children were ripped from their families and communities,” stated AFN Chief RoseAnne Archibald. “Money does not mean justice. However, it signals that we are on the healing path forward as we finalize long term reform to ensure we meet our vision of children surrounded by the love and care of their families, living in safe and vibrant communities.”
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Features
Photos provided by Rob Imrie
virtual
Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute unveils new interactive website
history
10 the Nation December 31, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
by Patrick Quinn,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
W
ith exciting new additions to showcase but limited visits since the pandemic, the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute (ACCI) has launched a new interactive website to bring its spectacular collection to the world. “The impacts of Covid-19 have highlighted a need to offer a true ‘virtual museum’. Access to the collections will be extremely valuable for community members seeking information about their cultural heritage as well as those interested in expanding their understanding of
the Cree people of Eeyou Istchee,” said Institute President Alexander Moses. While the original website was cutting edge when ACCI opened 10 years ago, it couldn’t manage the material it can now display. With generous support from the Mastercard Foundation and the EenouEeyou Community Foundation, the redesign began a year ago. One of the updated site’s highlights is a virtual reality tour, compatible with Oculus goggles, that lets users browse the impressive facility from the comfort of their homes. Built from over a thou-
sand photographs and with clickable “hot spots” that pop up additional information, it’s the next best thing to an in-person visit to Ouje-Bougoumou. “There’s a lot of people interested in us but unfortunately not everyone can make it here,” said Program Diretcor Rob Imrie. “This is the way to have people experience what we have to offer and entice them to come to see it in person. You can see quite a bit of the building but there’s nothing like the real thing.” After receiving only 11 visitors throughout 2020, the easing of pub-
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lic safety regulations earlier this year allowed more people to experience the unique joys of discovery that a good museum can provide. On December 15, Aanischaaukamikw welcomed the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief to witness the unpacking of recently repatriated Cree cultural artifacts. A rare and fragile painted caribou jacket from the 1830s-40s was transferred from the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery in England this autumn while a traditional hood was permanently returned from the Lachine Museum by the City of Montreal earlier this year. The hood dates from about 1850 and is believed to have been owned by Jane Gunner, who was the wife of the Chief of Mistissini. Gunner’s great-granddaughter Dinah Simard was present for the unpacking.
“She was in tears, saying, ‘I feel like I just met my great-grandmother again’,” Imrie recalled. “They were the first to lay eyes on these objects that have been returned. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. It was such a powerful moment.” ACCI continues to communicate with other institutions to determine objects that could be loaned or transferred and to discuss knowledge-sharing opportunities. Library technician Annie Bosum is regularly asked about Aanischaaukamikw’s ever-expanding collection, including numerous rare books, and her expertise with the Brian Deer classification system. Staff were recently in contact with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, the world’s largest museum. Closer to home, the Chisasibi Cultural and Heritage
12 the Nation December 31, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
Centre has asked for training about organizing archives. The new website will simplify initiatives like the online workshops ACCI is holding for an Oregon library over the next few months in birchbark binding and other Cree craft making. Although they’ve already received some online orders, the website will soon have a fully functioning store enabling visitors to order arts, crafts and souvenirs created by Cree artisans and craftspeople. Another major attraction of the website will be an extensive database, providing easy access to a vast range of historical documents, videos and recordings. “The database is going to be really interesting,” Imrie told the Nation. “We have recordings that we’re in the process of digitizing. We are getting more and more archival information and audio cas-
cci
settes all the time. There’s another donation we might get that’s in the hundreds of boxes. Trying to sort that out and digitize it takes time.” Eeyou Istchee’s rich oral history is documented in the website’s stories and legends, with video testimonials from Elders continuing to be integrated. There will also be a new recording of Mind’s Eye, an award-winning ACCI theatrical production that toured Cree communities in 2014, directed by Shirley Cheechoo and based on a book of traditional stories collected by the late Emily Masty. “Once we get the Mind’s Eye recording edited, we’ll put it on our website and have educational programming to go along with it,” explained Imrie. “Teachers from any school can use these lessons that have Cree language aspects, vocab-
ulary and all sorts of thematic units for every single grade.” Inspired by the traditional Cree sabtuan, famous Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal developed the building’s bold design according to the highest environmental and international museum standards. From its towering spruce beams to its geothermal heating and cooling system, the building fits harmoniously into its surroundings in the heart of OujeBougoumou. Cardinal most recently designed Creeco’s new $100 million Odea tower in Montreal, named after the historic odeyak that took Cree and Inuit activists paddled 2,000 kilometres to downtown Manhattan in 1990 to successfully protect their territory from a massive hydroelectric project.
That odeyak is now a primary attraction in the museum. “It’s a powerful example of what can be done when you believe in something and put your mind towards making a change,” asserted Imrie. The institute’s 10th anniversary in spring 2022 is an opportunity to reflect on its immense contribution to preserving and promoting Cree culture. Aanischaaukamikw is preparing a special exhibit for this occasion. “My goal is to get everyone in Eeyou Istchee to come visit at least once in their lives,” Imrie said. “It’s free entry to everyone in the communities so they have access to their culture any time throughout the year. Our building is absolutely incredible. When people walk in, the first thing they say is ‘Wow’.”
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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.
T
he Indigenous delegation that had planned to meet with Pope Francis December 17-20 has postponed their trip to the Vatican due to escalating concerns about the omicron variant. A joint statement from the Canadian Conference of Canadian Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami called the decision “heartbreaking.” After consulting delegates and public health officials, it was determined that the Covid-19 risk was too high, particularly for the elderly delegates and those in remote communities. “Our shared commitment to walking together towards healing and reconciliation remains strong,” read the statement. “We understand that the Holy See is very much committed to rescheduling this visit in the new year.” First Nations, Inuit and Métis delegates planned to tell personal stories about the legacy of residential schools during private meetings with the Pope, with travel costs and mental-health workers provided by the Canadian Bishops. Approximately 30 residential school survivors, Elders, knowledge keepers and youth were to be part of the delegation, with Cree Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty invited by the AFN to represent Quebec. “Visiting the Pope isn’t going to give us the answers, but it will give us that high level direction from the head of the church that helps people work with those calls to action and heal from residential school history,” Gull-Masty told the Nation. “The group of Catholic bishops wanted to understand how they can deliver on the calls to action for reconciliation.” As Quebec’s first residential school operated on Fort George Island, the former site of Chisasibi, the Grand Chief
16 the Nation
prepared for her trip by consulting with the community. While a local meeting revealed diverse interpretations about the importance of meeting with the Pope, Gull-Masty appreciated their commitment to be part of this process. “Elders represent the memory of how this impacted individuals and families, and youth are inheriting the trauma of this history,” asserted Gull-Masty. “They will set the next steps for unlocking how this will not be carried forward onto another generation.” Gull-Masty hoped to communicate the impact of residential schools to the Pope, which has taken on new urgency since the numerous discoveries of unmarked graves at former school sites this year. Pope Francis expressed his willingness to come to Canada a few months ago, giving new impetus to the effort to obtain a formal apology from the Catholic Church on Canadian soil. “You cannot reconcile or expect people to heal from a very unfortunate history without trying to understand how they were impacted,” GullMasty explained. “When I see people making that effort to try to work with Indigenous peoples, it’s a good step in the right direction. You cannot decide how someone will heal but you need to understand what is it that they need to heal from.” The Grand Chief had hoped to address the release of residential school records so that families could find closure about their loved ones. But the Church has for many years stalled efforts to release
student files. The day before the postponement announcement, the Canadian government said it would release thousands of previously undisclosed records – after decades of refusals – as a “moral duty” to survivors. Despite running more than 60% of Canada’s residential schools, the Catholic Church has yet to formally apologize for the suffering of survivors – nor acknowledge the thousands of Indigenous children who did not survive. This is a matter of urgency for Elders like former AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine, the first high-profile person to speak publicly about abuse in the system during a1990 television interview. “We have to unburden ourselves from those feelings,” Fontaine told the CBC. “I carried the hatred part in me for a long, long time. It has to be the end – I can’t carry this with me forever.” Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron hopes it will be possible to reschedule soon so that survivors won’t continue reliving traumatic memories in preparation for these meetings. “There is definitely urgency in the conversation but ensuring their health and safety is our number one priority,” Caron told the Nation. “We owe it to survivors to see initiatives directed by our communities to heal, rebuild, and restore that balance to our communities and it all begins with an apology. Without that admission, how can we move forward in a positive way?” Elected to lead the MNC in September, Caron was contacted by the Canadian Bishops to
discuss the Vatican trip during her first week on the job. Now she is working to maintain a positive relationship with the bishops, since they will be responsible for ongoing reconciliation efforts after returning from Rome. “I will say it’s all successful when we see the follow-up from this step,” said Caron. “Going over to share our stories with Pope Francis is one stepping stone. Having him make that apology in Canada is another step. Then what are the actions we see to help our communities make these changes? It’s all in the follow-up.” During a virtual gathering of Indigenous leaders to announce the visit would be postponed, AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald demanded the return of diocese property to Indigenous communities. Archibald also demanded the Church increase the $30 million it announced in September for long-term healing, and that it encourage the Pope to meet with Indigenous leaders on traditional lands if he eventually visits Canada. Finally, Archibald said she intends to file a human-rights complaint against Canada at the United Nations. “Canada must be held responsible for their genocidal laws and policies,” she said. “We need to know the truth before we can walk the road to reconciliation.”
HEALING POSTPONED Indigenous delegates delay residential school meeting with the Pope over omicron concerns by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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18 the Nation December 31, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
Putting the truth
in reconciliation Indigenous groups push Catholic Church to release residential school records by Ben Powless ,Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
I
ndigenous groups are calling for the federal government, churches and even the Vatican to turn over all remaining records related to residential schools, even after Ottawa has said it has handed over all its records. In October, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada had turned over all residential school records to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), which the centre says is “not accurate.” The NCTR say the government has yet to hand over various records from Library and Archives Canada, records from provincial governments, including death certificates and coroner reports, as well as school narratives and supporting documents. The NCTR has a registry of 4,127 children who did not return from residential schools but said there are potentially thousands more that it cannot confirm because records have not been handed over. On December 6, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller committed to turning over thousands of previously undisclosed records. Miller said that previous record disclosures had fulfilled the government’s legal obligations but not its moral obligations, although the documents include around 12,000 pages of the same information that Catholic groups still refuse to release. Indigenous leaders are pushing for the Vatican to release any records in
its vast archives that are related to residential schools, the majority of which were run by the Catholic Church. Indigenous leaders, including Cree Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, were supposed to attend a gathering at the Vatican this month, but that visit was postponed due to concerns over the omicron variant. Gull-Masty said that her understanding is that records may exist on a case-by-case basis. “Some schools had a lot of information, some schools didn’t. Some places, we’re talking about archiving that goes back years, decades,” she said. “In asking for information, we have to ask the Catholic Church if they’re privy to how this information would be and how to access it. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) told the Globe and Mail that they were not aware of any residential school records at the Vatican. However, Gull-Masty said the CCCB wouldn’t necessarily know if those records existed. “They have to do their own research,” she said. “They should at least seek an explanation of what happened to those records. If they’re unavailable or were shredded, they should be up front with that and explain that.” The Catholic Church in Canada has been repeatedly criticized for failing to turn over records or comply with financial obligations from the
Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The church claims it was unable to raise the funds agreed to in the agreement. Other churches are more open to working with Indigenous groups. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate committed this month to granting the NCTR access to all residential school records at their archive in Rome. The Oblates operated 48 residential schools across Canada, including those in Cowessess First Nation and in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation – where mass graves were uncovered. Documents at the archives may include letters written by Oblate missionaries to their leaders in France or Italy. “This offer from the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to provide copies of records to the NCTR in order to make them available to all Survivors, their families, and all Canadians, is a representation of true reconciliation,” NCTR Executive Director Stephanie Scott said in a statement. “The sharing of information is key,” Scott added. “We currently hold almost 7,000 survivor statements and over five million records and are committed to finding all residential school records no matter where they are located or how long it takes.”
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Community
Following the nomads First Nations snowmobile expedition to raise awareness of Indigenous issues by Ben Powless,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A
group of 56 riders from seven different nations are getting ready for an epic journey covering 4,500 km of Quebec by snowmobile this February. The Expédition First Nations Expedition will leave from Uashat mak Maniutenam (Sept-Îles) February 16 and make its way north to Kuujjuak. Then they turn south to Chisasibi, carrying on to Eastmain and Nemaska before ending the journey in Manawan March 4. Robbie Tapiatic, Keith Bearskin and John E. Sam will be joining the expedition from Eeyou Istchee. Other riders will be coming from Atikamekw, Innu, Naskapi, Mohawk and Inuit communi-
ties, as well as some non-Indigenous supporters. Tapiatic says that the expedition wants to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Every Child Matters, and Joyce Echaquan, who died in a Quebec hospital in 2020 after being denied care. Tapiatic explains that his reason for getting involved “goes way back to when my grandfathers used to travel to different nations.”
A descendant of the Chismântâu family, who were nomads known for helping travellers, Tapiatic joined Bearskin and Jean Paul Murdoch last year on an expedition to Naskapi territory near Schefferville. “We decided to do an expedition to Schefferville because our late grandfathers would talk about how different the area looked from Schefferville to Kuujjuaq, when they travelled by snowshoe. So, we said let’s do
“It was the first time I felt like I was at home, not a visitor travelling” - Robbie Tapiatic (pictured above)
20 the Nation December 31, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
this by snowmobile,” Tapiatic said. After three days in whiteout conditions, with howling winds and snowstorms, Tapiatic said, “It was the first time I felt like I was at home, not a visitor travelling. I’d never seen the land myself. I knew I had to keep pushing to get to Schefferville, and I was breaking the trail.” It was Tapiatic’s first time using GPS, which he credits with helping him find his way despite not being able to see anything. Eventually the crew made it, and stayed with Derek Jeremy Einish, one of the founders of the Expédition First Nations Expedition, who asked the group to join the adventure. Tapiatic and Bearskin started to plan it by themselves but realized they would need help with funding, an estimated $100,000 to cover food, snowmobiles, parts, hotels and 56 custom-made suits.
“When you listen to the environment it gives you guidance. It’s a traditional offering – something I keep close to my heart”
“What I’m most looking forward to is seeing different nations working together to send a message of reconciliation and healing for our people,” Tapiatic said. “Seven nations will be going on this expedition, and I want to see the impact it will have when we’re done.” He added, “I’m excited to see the other cultures and the way they do things. Being out there is what our late grandfathers used to do, but we’ll be doing it now with more people.” The most important thing will be to pay attention to the weather, explained Tapiatic. “That’s how we’re taught – you have to listen to the environment. You never know if you’ll hit water or slush. Sometimes you can’t avoid getting stuck, but if you’re experienced you can minimize getting stuck in the slush.” He’s also worried about huge snowstorms that tend to occur in late February, which can bring a huge drop in temperatures. Snowmobiles sometimes must be chiseled out of the ice. A lot of fresh
snow can make it hard to break new trail, putting more strain on their machines. At night, the group will sleep in insulated ice fisherman huts, with a wood stove to stay warm and dry their clothes. “After five days your boots and duffels get wet, you need to dry them every night,” Tapiatic explained. Learning from his last expedition, when he only carried one insulated thermos and his drinks would freeze, Tapiatic plans to carry more liquids so he can stay hydrated on the grueling trip, as the group must cover around 250 kms every day. Tapiatic will be carrying a sacred item taken from under the skin of a caribou. “My grandmother was there when I harvested that caribou. She said, ‘This little thing gives you good luck even when you’re out hunting, so remember to take it with you.’ I feel protected. When you listen to the environment it gives you guidance. It’s a traditional offering – something I keep close to my heart.”
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
www.nationnews.ca December 31, 2021
the Nation 21
Business
Developing new partnerships Business Exchange Day connects businesses across northern Quebec by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A
bout 100 people gathered in Vald’Or’s Hotel Forestel December 7, with another 100 joining online, to participate in the 18th edition of the Business Exchange Day, hosted by the Secretariat to the Cree Nation AbitibiTémiscamingue Economic Alliance. “The Business Exchange Days, during which hundreds of businesspeople, leaders, entrepreneurs and decision makers meet and exchange ideas, are exceptional events which encourage the development of sustainable business relationships, foster the harmonious development of economic alliances, promote business relationships based on comprehensions of local expectations cooperation and trust,” Secretariat President Ted Moses said of the event. “I was very pleased with the Business Exchange Day this year,” said Secretariat Director General Chantal Hamelin. While Covid did not allow for a return to normal, the hybrid in-person and virtual gathering was still an improvement from 2020, which saw an entirely virtual gathering. “The format this year permitted us to feel safe and comfortable to gather in one room and interact with each other as normal as possible,” Hamelin said. “The reality is, despite the pandemic, there are some businesses and contracts and economic development in the
Secretariat President Ted Moses
region and in Eeyou Istchee that we felt the need to do this business exchange. “What I found this year was we had ‘new kids on the block’. Some new Indigenous companies that registered at the Business Exchange Day to just observe, did more – they had meetings that weren’t planned,” Hamelin said. Around 300 business matchmaking sessions were held to allow companies to network and develop potential partnerships or share contacts and ideas. The focus was on connecting Indigenous-run companies with non-Indigenous companies. “People want to restart the economy and be a part of it,” Hamelin added. “We were very pleased with the turnout this year and we’re building on that to be even bigger next year.” One of the inspirational speakers this year was John Kitchen, President and CEO of Miyuukaa. He discussed his history developing partnerships with
22 the Nation December 31, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
companies in the forestry and construction sectors to generate sustainable wealth in Waswanipi. Local Algonquin communities were also invited. “We are widening our circle to be as inclusive as possible and give the aspiration to the people of this region that if they want to grab the business opportunities out there, they can. All First Nations can participate in our business exchange, not just the Crees,” Hamelin explained. Hamelin encouraged business leaders and entrepreneurs who are interested in participating in the future to call the Secretariat’s office and get registered. “These meetings are extremely positive and serve to make the discussions richer. And that path we chart for the future of our regions is more effective thanks to these meetings. We get connected, we partner, we create alliances, we create opportunities.”
CREE YOUTH Development Funds 4 MAIN FUNDING AREAS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
CAPACITY BUILDING
Supporting programming that meets
Helping our youth to mobilize their skills
the youth strategic priorities both as
and knowledge to effectively contribute
singular and collective goals at
as members of their community, and
community and regional levels.
throughout Eeyou Istchee.
GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Working to build internal tools and
CULTURE, LANGUAGE AND ENVIRONMENT
mechanisms that enhance the
Creating partnerships
administrative capacity of the CNYC and
that increases programs and services that
the presence of Youth leadership across
promote culture, language and environmental
Eeyou Istchee
awareness in our youth.
WHO CAN APPLY • Not-for-profit organizations
• Educational Institutions
• Local Band & Youth Councils
• Private Sector Organizations
• Research Organizations
• Youth Organizations
TO APPLY CONTACT NELLIE W. GRAY, Program Technician Department of Social and Cultural Development EMAIL: nwapachee@cngov.ca P : 418-923-2330
Department of Social & Cultural Development www.nationnews.ca December 31, 2021
the Nation 23
Puzzles Crossword
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 "Not to mention 14 15 16 ...." 18 19 17 5 Biblical song 10 Trump acronym 22 20 21 14 Feudal estate 23 24 15 Place for pins 16 Some invest25 26 27 28 29 30 ments, for short 17 Snorkeling site 31 32 33 18 Office fasteners 34 35 36 20 Be superior to 22 Big name in 38 39 37 video football 42 40 41 23 1989 film, "Turner and ___" 43 44 24 Time anagram 45 46 47 48 49 50 25 Racetrack bet 27 Site for some 53 51 52 sales 55 56 54 31 Standoffish 32 Blood bank 58 59 57 visitor 33 Heflin or Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate Johnson 34 Whiskey ___ 53 Chevron rival 10 Humidity problem 36 Cut and run 35 Eagle's claw 54 Assist, in a way 11 Rarely rained on 38 Colorado ski 36 Container weight 55 Kind of change 12 Stare stupidly town 37 Harbor vessel 56 Elvis, to some 13 Professional org. 39 Reclined 38 Galahad's 57 ___ mortals 19 Play (to) 41 Probate concern strong suit? 58 Set foot in 21 Baker's unit 42 Beer, after a 39 Leg exercise 59 Vulgar 24 Word before shot 40 Stick-to-it"league" or 44 "___ Eyes" iveness? DOWN "keys" (1969 hit) 42 Price-fixing 1 Spherical 'do 25 Ziti, e.g. 45 David Bowie group 2 In ___ of (rather 26 Not silently rock genre 43 Attention ___ than) 27 Wise one 46 Brain section 44 "Wheel of For3 Like cellophane 28 Ahead of its time 47 Computer tune" category 4 Risque, as a joke 29 Clothing size operator 45 Celiac concern 5 Pope's office 30 Show respect, 48 Novelist's need 48 Cult horror film 6 Web address in a way 49 Flat-bottomed featuring the punctuation 32 He was Steamer boat Tall Man 7 Swiss peaks in "Mystic Pizza" 50 Candy shaper 51 "Dragnet" setting 8 Majors in acting 35 Isosceles, e.g. 52 Many, many 9 Achilles follower years
H
ere’s another edition of the Nation’s puzzle page. Try your hand at Sudoku or Str8ts or our Crossword, or better yet, solve all three and send us a photo!* As always, the answers from last issue are here for you to check your work. Happy hunting.
PREVIOUS SOLUTION:
C U D S A H E A D
A N O N
A G O G
S U N R I A S S N C E N A A T E T S C E T A R E D G E R U M E N S
B A K V E I S S T A A N D H I R A T E M S E V L I F E S E A B I R D
A W L F R O A Y O S E R R E S P U N T I N C I N G O N O R T V A K E N C O L O E R L N E A T A
S P A T T E R
H I S T O R I C C A L L O S S E A U G P A
O T H E R
P A Y E E
L O R E
E D D Y
U S E R
S E R E
STR8TS
SUDOKU
No. 294
Medium
4
5 7
6 5 1 2 3 4
2
9
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
© 2021 Syndicated Puzzles
3
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
5
8 7 9 3 6 1 4 5 2
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.
24 the Nation December 31, 2021 www.nationnews.ca
Previous solution - Tough
2
9 8 7 6
Very Hard
© 2021 Syndicated Puzzles
B A N E
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.
Rez Notes
Wintry thoughts by Sonny Orr
I
’ve lost a few shovels since last winter. Having to buy new ones for this winter is a hassle, but it’s worse when you have none and wait for days to be rescued by the heavy equipment operators, who seem to be working day and night lately. However, I have a new toy, something I got late last winter – a small hand-held electric snow blower. It’s effective at clearing the deep stuff and seems to perform as advertised. Also, I have a huge ice chisel for those stubborn icy patches that grow into an impenetrable mound, hard enough to give an impressive rebound from the steel shovel when jabbed with force. But this year I’m prepared, the only thing missing is the traditional gas snowblower, but sometimes it’s a hassle to get gas in the middle of a blizzard. Yes, winter has hit us hard this year, with trees slowly enveloped in the picture-perfect snow on the branches, only to be violently whipped off by a freezing hurricane the following day. The cycle repeats itself, a day of snow and blizzards, then winds, then snow again. Ahhh, the joy of frozen body parts has only just begun. I wonder if the stories we heard that the cold preserves living tissue just as well as that prime rib steak in the freezer, which is probably why I’m relatively wrinkle free at my prime age. The other great pleasure is how simple it was to install the latest in space technology on my roof. Yes, the fabled Starlink arrived and is now located above my head as I write this column.
The joy of frozen body parts has only just begun
I’m impressed at how it handled 100-kilometre winds and being ravaged by snow and rain, that more smiley wrinkles were produced on my face. Happiness can be achieved. I still have to finish the installation, as I and my hard-working construction elf were afraid of turning into Mary Poppins and flying off the roof with the dish in hand. After a lot of shouting and swearing at the elements, I finally plugged in the system and it worked flawlessly. I was tainted by reading so many negative posts about the system that I thought something was wrong with it. But so far, no problems. Nuff said. Now we are trying to outrun the ominous Omicron variant, which has hit the country with rapid fury, and left us to
worry about getting another virus-fighting jab. All I know is that it’s safer outdoors than staying cooped up inside, so you still have to succumb to either fear, claustrophobia or again, the safe cold of the great outdoors. There is no safe place to hang out this winter so look forward to a lot more sledding and skiing. I’ll stick to shoveling and sweating a bit, rather than venturing out too far into a blizzard or subzero weather, or getting hopelessly stuck in a truck, or having to wait outdoors again for the next wave of outdoor lineups coming to a mall or grocery store near you. Other than that, I wish everyone Happy Holidays and stay safe, stay healthy, keep up with the routine we’ve learned over the last 21 months.
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 31, 2021
the Nation 25
&
&B
T
Tea Bannock Merry crisis! by Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash
I
’m not going to lie, the recent rise of Covid-19 cases and the preliminary information on the Omicron variant have made my anxiety level skyrocket. The fact that we’ve been complying with very strict measures for most of the pandemic while Quebec Premier François Legault recklessly freestyles his pandemic response is a huge slap in the face. Thousands of people in the province will spend most of the holidays alone in isolation after a positive test, which is horrible. Quebec has been sitting on rapid tests for months. They were not available to the public until mid-December while some countries like Germany were distributing them in massive quantities for the past several months. Quebec’s roll-out is disastrous. Desperate people are lining up for hours in front of pharmacies, which only receive a limited number of boxes per day, and are almost fighting for them. It’s like the Hunger Games. To top it off, Legault’s pandemic response only exacerbated inequities in health services up North and we have to deal with ruptures of services in our clinics. In Nunavik, regional hospitals are operating with reduced services because there is a shortage of medical staff, and they had to deal with Covid outbreaks in many communities. This whole situation is an insult, especially for those working in the healthcare system. Navigating health services will get more complicated in our region as well, so please bear with the CBHSSJB employees, who are on the
I hate hearing Legault asking me to be patient and to comply with confusing measures, after 20 months of poor pandemic response
verge of burnout, as they try to deal with your medical needs. At this point, I feel very defeated and I am trying to process the news as it comes. I feel bad for the frontline workers who will have to power through another Covid wave, one with more complex challenges. I can live with not going to a restaurant, but I’d love to catch a break at work, especially during the holidays. Unfortunately, Legault’s inaction in the past few weeks – which was crucial to prevent the situation we are experiencing now – will probably make it impossible. I’m proud of my colleagues at the CBHSSJB for handling all these hurdles with resilience and confidence. The amount of work that has been happening
behind the scenes since the start of the pandemic is stellar. More than ever, we need our community members’ support and cooperation, because it gets overwhelming at times. I hope the Legault government will stop playing with our collective mental health. We, common mortals outside of the National Assembly, have been suffering the most from its careless decisions and lack of leadership. I hate hearing Legault asking me to be patient and to comply with confusing measures, after 20 months of poor pandemic response from his government. I am looking forward to the provincial elections next year to see if the people will hold him accountable for that.
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 December 31, 2021 www.nationnews.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
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