The Nation | Vol. 29, No. 08 by nationmag

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᙮

Do you have COVID-19 symptoms?

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

Self-isolate

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

and take an at-home rapid test.

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

www.creejustice.ca

To learn more Québec.ca/selfisolating

Let’s continue to protect ourselves.

CONTENTS 10

EDITORIAL 4

We got us a convoy

NEWS

A Mutual Understanding for sustainable caribou harvest

Authorized Innu hunters to harvest up to 300 caribou this winter on Cree territory east of Chisasibi.

Omicron optimism

Internet problems

BRIEFS FEATURES

Sharing the bounty

Bringing the past to life

Artistic empowerment

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

Matters of life and breath

UTNS 26

Good news hunting

Arts

Andrea Shecapio’s comic tribute

ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ Nunavik Starts Here

Photo by

Mistissini Mikw Chiyâm

ᐃᓂᓕᐅᕐᓃᑦ RESERVATIONS 1 800 361-2965

Sylvain Paquin

ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS 1 800 661-5850

Editorial

We got us a convoy by Will Nicholls

efore OnStar and cellphones many drivers in the past had Citizen Band radios. They were two-way communications devices that allowed drivers to talk to each other. Hailed as a safety need, they also became a way for drivers to warn each other about speed traps by letting each other know where the police were. The biggest customers were truckers, and that produced a popular song (and movie) in the 1970s called “Convoy”. The lyrics included: ‘Cause we got a great big convoy Rockin’ through the night Yeah, we got a great big convoy Ain’t she a beautiful sight? Come and join our convoy Ain’t nothing gonna get in our way One could guess that the trucker protestors in Ottawa may have heard this song more than once. The protest looked massive, protesters acted massive and didn’t give a damn for reality. It’s understandable that so many people supported them in a GoFundMe campaign to the tune of $10 million. Two years of restrictions, lockdowns, closed businesses, not being able to see loved ones, people dying alone, mental health problems, rising alcoholism and drug abuse – all that and more has taken its toll on all of us. So here was an outlet for that anger. Unfortunately, many politicians – mostly Conservatives – played into that fear and anger. But the stated purpose of the convoy was flawed from the start. Even if Canada

would have given in and allowed unvaccinated truckers to cross the border it wouldn’t matter. The US has the same restrictions that forbid unvaccinated truckers to enter their country. Thus, the protest is meaningless. Freedom for all Canadians is a great idea but what does that mean? Having truck horns blaring all night does not give residents in the Ottawa downtown the freedom to have a good night’s sleep. It did not give homeless people the freedom to enjoy a meal when protestors stormed a meal centre and stole their food. The Freedom Convoy prevented elderly people from being able to go to pharmacies to get their medication. Does freedom mean it’s okay to urinate and defecate on peoples’ lawns? Or threaten youth at fast-food restaurants because they legally asked them to wear a mask? Neither is dancing and urinating on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier consistent with the freedom concept. Many Canadians lost their lives fighting for freedom. Such disrespect needs to be addressed. The use of the Terry Fox monument to send a political message angered more than just his family. So, everyone is starting to wonder about the convoy and the support they

have. While Canadians have helped to fund the effort because of frustration there are others who have used this for their own purposes. The GoFundMe site has frozen donations to allow Canadians to take back their money after the people behind it were revealed to have ties to racist organizations. I believe in fighting for your rights and freedoms but there is no right to endanger another person in pursuit of those rights. And in the end, how many Indigenous actions have we seen the police exercise the restraint we saw in Ottawa? Did the unmarked graves of Indigenous children, murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls or unsafe drinking water in First Nations communities receive the same response? Not for years. Apparently white privilege has it benefits even while carrying a Nazi or Confederate flag, and inappropriately wearing the yellow Star of David that Jewish people had to wear under the Nazis. Yes, there were people who believed in what they were doing but the message got lost somewhere. Let’s all hope we can find what the Canadian people really want to say rather than those who usurp the banner of freedom for their own purposes.

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

4 the Nation February 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

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

by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Omicron optimism New cases still reported in Eeyou Istchee as wave slows and some measures relaxed

ree leadership says Eeyou Istchee is “recovering from the most severe wave of Covid-19 to hit the territory, province and country.” In a statement they thanked the people of Eeyou Istchee for their sacrifice, dedication and resilience as they outlined a path out of the current pandemic that swept through Cree communities for over a month. Still, there were reports of dozens of new cases, with 431 reported active as of January 27. With 1,153 recovered, that means there have been 1,584 confirmed cases of Covid in the Cree communities, with many more likely as not everyone who was a contact and asymptomatic has been tested. A total of 20 people had been hospitalized. Mistissini still has 246 active cases, followed by Chisasibi with 78, OujeBougoumou with 30, Waswanipi with 26, Waskaganish with 24, Wemindji with 11, Whapmagoostui with 7, Eastmain with 6, and Nemaska with 3. Chisasibi, Mistissini and Waskaganish were in Phase 1 of deconfinement protocols, meaning all indoor and outdoor gatherings were forbidden, and only essential travel in and out of the community permitted. The rest of the communities were in Phase 2, meaning a maximum of two households were permitted to have indoor or outdoor gatherings. Only essential travel in and out of the community is permitted. The Cree School Board was moving to a hybrid education model, with elementary and secondary schools rotating between online and in-person learning. Online learning is to continue in Chisasibi, Waskaganish and Mistissini. In-class instruction started February 1 in Whapmagoostui, Wemindji, Eastmain, Nemaska, Ouje-Bougoumou and Waswanipi, and on February 7 in Chisasibi and Waskaganish. Mistissini school return dates were yet to be determined. That schedule also applies to Sabtuan

There have been 1,584 confirmed cases of Covid in the Cree communities, with many more likely as not everyone who was a contact and asymptomatic has been tested

Adult Education Services, except for Waswanipi, which is continuing virtually for now. The Cree Health Board reported that a number of healthcare workers also contracted Covid during this outbreak, with some now returning to work, but that staff shortages have affected local health services. Following a Covid outbreak at the Chibougamau hospital, patients are now allowed only one caregiver visit a day, with the hospital recommending all hospital visits be postponed. As of January 24, Cree health authorities were reporting that 64% of children aged 5-11 had received their first dose, while 87% of those aged 12 or above had received at least two doses. Meanwhile, 60% of those aged 18 and above had received three doses, for a total of 69% of the population considered fully vaccinated. The CHB also said that it upgraded the Covid info-line to an automated system to direct callers to staff lines, which can give information on mental health support, isolation supports and rapid testing, general Covid information, and general vaccine information. The number is available at 1-866-855-2811.

Across Quebec, a ban on in-person dining was lifted on January 31, with restaurants now allowed to operate at half-capacity. Cinemas, theatres and places of worship were to open again as of February 7. Bars and gyms remain closed. While classes resumed across Quebec high schools and elementary schools, Quebec’s Ministry of Education reported that over 49,000 students and more than 2,000 teachers were absent due to Covid. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, said that cases of the Omicron variant had peaked across the country, even though hospitalization rates were still at record highs. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended that children aged 5-17 who are severely immunocompromised receive a third shot. Meanwhile, thousands of truckers and supporters descended on Ottawa in protest of vaccine mandates that they say are preventing them from working across the US-Canada border. Meanwhile, truckers’ associations said they did not support the convoy, and pointed out that 90% of their members are vaccinated.

www.nationnews.ca February 11, 2022 the Nation 5

Alfred Loon

Internet problems Eeyou Communications Network explains why residents may experience issues by Ben Powless,

6 the Nation February 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Editorial News

ith many Eeyou Istchee residents complaining on social media about issues with internet service, the Nation invited Eeyou Communications Network (ECN) President Alfred Loon to answer questions about why customers may be facing problems.

Customers complained about waiting weeks for installation, being charged while they hadn’t been correctly connected, that their service cut out or was intermittently slow, and about being unable to access tech support. According to Loon, two of the major reasons for service interruptions are from power outages as well as breaks in the fibre-optic line. “The southern part of the network is all on poles, and sometimes the line crosses over a road,” Loon explained. “The most common thing is when those heavy dump trucks don’t put their buckets down and catch the cables. Sometimes they don’t know they cut the cables until someone tells them.” If the fibre is broken repeatedly in one place, the company works to find alternatives including burying the fibre under the road. As for speed variations, Loon said that the company relies predominately on wireless connections in residences, where the distance between an individual and their router can vary. “I’ve had this kind of problem, my router is in the basement and I’m on the second floor and so I had to get a booster,” Loon noted. ECN is trying to provide better bandwidth by wiring new houses with CAT-5 ethernet cables so that customers can simply plug in their devices anywhere they want. However, older houses must rely on wi-fi. Loon says the internet works like a series of highways and smaller roadways – with the main network arteries shared by all Eeyou residents and the rest of the world, and a customer’s individual internet package being shared by all the users and devices in a home. “If you want a 25 [megabit per second] package with Netflix and lots of devices running, you’ll experience some slowdown. We have sometimes heavy congestion on the network itself,” Loon said

The average Canadian downloads 340 gigabytes per month, he said, while the average Eeyou Istchee resident downloads over 1,000 GB. ECN has two types of customers, Loon pointed out. Institutional customers, like health, educational and band council offices, have direct fibre optic connections. Their residential customers, however, receive their internet through Distributel, which also offers television and landline telephone service. (ECN is also a partner behind Eeyou Mobility.) Currently, ECN has an exclusivity con-

opments so they can install fibre-optic infrastructure at the same time. Obtaining the proper permits to install fibre cables across Hydro-Québec’s poles is also a problem. This process is time-consuming, as a permit is required for every pole, which then must be inspected for things like corrosion. The pandemic also affected operations. ECN added many connections after schools moved online, causing a surge in demand for service. Loon noted as well that delays in installations come if customers aren’t home when technicians

The average Canadian downloads 340 gigabytes per month... while the average Eeyou Istchee resident downloads over 1,000 GB

tract with Distributel, but Loon revealed that the company’s board of directors recently decided to move the company towards an open-access network by 2023, which would allow them to provide internet, television and telephone service from any other major retailer, like Vidéotron or Bell Canada. “There will be a bit more competition, so people can choose,” Loon said, adding that it could lead to lower prices. “Even though the residents are not our direct customers we want to make sure everyone is connected no matter the provider and gets good service.” As for delays, Loon said that generally the biggest issue is that newer housing developments in each community aren’t necessarily connected to the fibre-optic network. ECN has asked band councils to inform them when building new devel-

arrive; an adult must be always present. Regarding technical support, Loon explained that residential customers need to contact Distributel. When call centres experience high volumes, calls are routed to an overflow call centre located anywhere in the world. Customers in Eeyou Istchee have had their calls forwarded to call centres in Egypt and complained about language barriers as a result. Still, Loon said Distributel is supposed to prioritize calls from Eeyou Istchee to avoid rerouting. Loon added that ECN will soon announce fibre service in Whapmagoostui, the last community without that service. “We’re pretty excited about that,” Loon said. “The fibre is being built; everything is being connected. They’re going to let me know when they light up the wire.”

www.nationnews.ca February 11, 2022

the Nation 7

Day Scholars, it’s time to submit your claim

If you attended an Indian Residential School during the day only and did not sleep there overnight you may be eligible for compensation. In cases where the Day Scholar died on or after May 30, 2005, an Estate Claim may be submitted on their behalf.

Dawn is rising on a new day

justicefordayscholars.com Speak with the legal team: 1.888.222.6845 • Questions about the claim form: 1.877.877.5786 Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1.855.242.3310 • Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1.866.925.4419

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.

In Brief Homeless hotel opens in Montreal A new 24-hour shelter managed by Projets Autochtones du Québec (PAQ) opened in downtown Montreal January 24. The temporary facility in the city’s downtown Latin Quarter will provide 50 beds and three meals a day for homeless Indigenous people. Located in the Hotel des Arts on St-Dominique Street, visitors will have access to private single or couple rooms, laundry facilities and a supervised consumption site for drinking and smoking in a heated tent outside. Substance use will not be permitted within the shelter itself. “This type of resource was long overdue,” PAQ’s intervention manager Nathalie Julien told the CBC. “People with addictions are an integral part of our society. This site will offer them a holistic, culturally safe approach.” Psychosocial workers, nurses and a security team will respond to client needs. PAQ will also offer culturally adapted services, including visits from a Kahnawake Elder a few times each week. The initiative is a significant improvement from a 50-bed facility that had been only open overnight. Visitors won’t even have to leave this facility, unlike other homeless shelters that kick everyone out into the cold each morning, forcing them to find somewhere to keep warm and store their belongings. At least two homeless people have died in the extreme cold downtown since an Inuk woman was found dead near a construction site in November. The Raphael Andre warm-

ing tent outside Resilience Montreal, named for the homeless Innu-Naskapi man found dead during last winter’s pandemic curfew, has been receiving over 600 people some nights despite only being able to accommodate 15, according to public health restrictions. While the City of Montreal was able to requisition the hotel used by PAQ after declaring a state of emergency in November, Mayor Valérie Plante said long-term solutions including more housing are required. For now, Indigenous people experiencing homelessness will have access to this hotel until at least March 31.

Snowmobile expedition postponed Organizers of a 4,500-kilometre Indigenous snowmobile expedition that was to take place February 16 to March 4 have decided to postpone the event until next year due to the continuing Covid pandemic. Over 50 mostly Indigenous participants from seven different nations had planned to travel in the Expédition First Nations Expedition over 18 days, carrying a message of healing and hope. Organizers are postponing the event both to protect communities from

the virus and to allow participants “to fully live this magnificent experience”. This inaugural event, also called “The Expedition of the Sacred Fire”, had intended to stop in all of Quebec’s Indigenous communities with gatherings and performances bringing a spirit of harmony and reconciliation. First Nations women were to carry charcoal from a sacred fire lit on the first day in Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam and light six other sacred fires along the route. Organizers said the expedition will continue to honour Indigenous children who didn’t make it home from residential school, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and the memory of Joyce Echaquan. Echaquan’s widow Carol Dubé was to be one of the riders. Robbie Tapiatic, Keith Bearskin and John E. Sam from Eeyou Istchee were to join the expedition. Tapiatic had wanted to carry on the nomadic traditions of his grandfathers but said the postponement will give them more time to prepare. “We will be hitting and marking the trails for next year’s Expedition,” Tapiatic shared on social media. “Keith and I picked up our Expedition Machines, but we will continue preparing. It’s better for everyone.”

Concordia launches In Brief Indigenous research competition Montreal’s Concordia University has created an annual competition based on research excellence. The Indigenous Directions Storytellers Competition, Miywâcimo, intends to provide Indigenous students with a platform to present and highlight the importance of their research interests to an audience. Open to Indigenous students registered at the university, the competition emphasizes Indigenous values and knowledge systems while seeking to highlight research projects that stand to benefit Indigenous communities. Shortlisted applicants will receive funds to prepare their presentations with support from faculty. On March 30, finalists will be invited to make a short four-minute pitch in front of an audience before being judged by a panel of Concordia professors and Indigenous community members. The winner will be awarded $5,000 and runner-up will receive $2,500 to help them complete their research and sustain them during their graduate studies.

www.nationnews.ca February 11, 2022

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Features

Sharing the bounty

by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Photo by Sylvain Paquin

Cree and Innu nations reach Mutual Understanding for sustainable caribou harvest

n January 24, Cree and Innu leaders signed a Traditional Mutual Understanding – the Maamuu nisituhtimuwin/ Matinueu-mashinaikan atiku e uauinakanit – that allows authorized Innu hunters to harvest up to 300 caribou this winter on Cree territory east of Chisasibi. As both nations have long survived scarcity by following caribou trails in overlapping territory, in 2019 Innu Elders formally asked the Cree for help in preserving the caribou harvest.

10 the Nation February 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

“For us, this community hunt will not only meet a need for our Elders’ food security, but also perpetuate a sharing relationship that dates back to time immemorial,” said Mike McKenzie, Chief of Uashat Mak Mani-utenam and the spokesperson for nine Innu communities. The agreement is based on principles of sharing, sustainable harvesting and respect for the animal. The agreed-upon protocols – developed during long discussions with Cree Elders – reinforce the role

of the tallymen as stewards of the land while ensuring the safety of individuals. “This Understanding between two nations would not be possible without the input of the community’s tallymen through their openness, understanding and willingness to work with the Innu Nation,” said Grand Chief Mandy GullMasty. “Returning to this traditional relationship is a form of decolonization but it also indicates that Indigenous people have the ability to lead conservation and preservation measures.”

While the Leaf River herd’s population in Chisasibi territory has stabilized at approximately 190,000, caribou numbers overall have declined sharply over the last 20 years. The George River herd has recovered slightly to about 8,100 – a number which is still only 1% of its peak in the early 1990s. Several Indigenous nations came together in 2013 to develop a management strategy through the Ungava Peninsula Caribou Aboriginal Round Table (UPCART). After this agreement was signed in 2017,

Quebec finally announced a moratorium on sport hunting. “I really battled with Quebec about the wastage and security concerns that trappers had expressed,” said Cree-Quebec governance coordinator Nadia Saganash. “It prevented people from going into the territory because they were afraid for their security. There were high-powered firearms, bullets going into cabins. When the sports hunt finally closed, it was a the Nation 11 victory for us.”

www.nationnews.ca February 11, 2022

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Photo by Ben Powless

12 the Nation February 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

While the disrespectful practices of sports hunters were a source of outrage, land users also recognized the need for common harvest limits. This became apparent after an Innu community hunt harvested about 280 caribou last winter without notifying tallymen. The Understanding specifies that hunting activities require a letter of consent from local authorities accepted by both the Cree and Innu nations. It emphasizes the use of all parts of harvested animals with no wastage. Prolonged chases are proscribed, and harvests shall only be made for cultural and sustenance needs, not monetary profit. “There’s a process in place that has to be followed,” Gull-Masty told the Nation. “There’s a selection of dates and areas identified where they can go, they have to have a member of the trapline accompanying them, report to us what they harvested and follow all safety protocols. I hope it will be clear to everybody this doesn’t mean just show up and hunt.” In coming weeks, each Innu community will identify a hunting group to harvest their agreed-upon allocation, arriving one after another in coordination with the local Cree Trappers’ Association and concerned tallymen. Quebec has been informed to prevent interventions by wildlife officials. Above all, however, Gull-Masty’s priority is to build healthy relationships with other First Nations. “We have longstanding overlap issues with the Innu Nation,” said Gull-Masty. “I’m excited we’re already starting to see what kinds of cultural exchanges we can organize with our youth. We’re talking with the Naskapi and Inuit communities as well. I think you’ll see similar announcements like this one concerning a number of topics.” Recognizing that the Leaf River herd remains vulnerable, it was determined that 300 caribou would be “gifted” to the Innu Nation out of the guaranteed Cree harvest of 850 stipulated in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Chisasibi Chief Daisy House said the process will be reviewed in March “when they start calving and little caribou come around.” Guides designated by each trapline will ensure safety, particularly near bodies of water that can be dangerous. Both sides agreed not to hunt at night or from moving snowmobiles – nor to post their harvests on social media. “That’s how we came up with ‘understanding’, Maamuu nisituhtimuwin,” House told the Nation. “Our ancestors hunted together with the Innu. In one of the discussions, they said of course we’re going to say yes. That’s our custom – we help those in need. They need to eat; they want to practice their traditions.” Chisasibi Elders and other land users were instrumental in developing the Understanding, as Nadia Saganash and Tina Petawabano directly translated their words with the help of legal counsel. “That’s true consultation – making a document out of the words of these land users and tallymen,” House asserted. “We always heard teachings. It was as if we were there. It was real, special. I hope someday the stories are recorded because they are amazing – all you can do is imagine.” While results of an aerial survey planned this summer could modify next year’s harvest, all participants are proud of this “historic event”. “What really stood out for me was the meeting on December 16 with the Innu Chiefs and our local CTA,” recalled House. “How excited and happy the Elders were that this was finally coming to fruition. They were so eager. That was icing on the cake.”

“There’s a selection of dates and areas identified where they can go, they have to have a member of the trapline accompanying them, report to us what they harvested and follow all safety protocols. I hope it will be clear to everybody this doesn’t mean just show up and hunt” - Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty

www.nationnews.ca February 11, 2022

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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS The Health and Welfare Commissioner’s consultation forum

2022–2025 CONSULTATION FORUM RECRUITMENT The Health and Welfare Commissioner (CSBE) is recruiting members for the consultation forum, in accordance with the Regulation respecting the procedure for choosing persons qualified for appointment to the consultation forum (CQLR, c. C-32.1.1, r. 1). Members of this unique deliberative body, which includes 18 members of the public from all regions of Québec and 9 health and welfare experts, will be appointed by the Commissioner in June 2022 for a three-year term. How to apply a) General public: Go to faitesentendrevotrevoix.com and apply by 11:59 p.m. on March 10, 2022. Institut du Nouveau Monde (INM) will review the applications and recommend at least three per region to the Commissioner. To contact INM, call 1-866-646-5089 (toll-free). b) Experts: Express your interest to the organization or university department you are affiliated with on the list at faitesentendrevotrevoix.com. The Commissioner has asked these establishments to recommend no more than three applications by April 11, 2022. CSBE cannot receive applications directly. See faitesentendrevotrevoix.com to learn more.

14 the Nation

by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bringing

Andrea Shecapio’s comic tribute to her late grandfather makes a far-reaching impact

n English and History project at Mistissini’s Voyageur Memorial High School is so successful that teachers are trying to find it a wider audience. In it, Andrea Shecapio uses a digital comic-strip medium to create a moving tribute to her grandfather, Peter Shecapio, who passed away in 2020. Her one-page story contrasts his painful experience at residential school with accomplishments later in life, including supporting other survivors, playing music and starting a family. Shecapio’s comic is now available on Voyageur’s Facebook page and is already motivating other students. “That was my first time making a comic like that,” Shecapio told the Nation. “I wasn’t expecting all of the feedback. I found it really cool for my comic to get that much attention. I feel more motivated to create more stories.” The project asked students to depict a historically significant event within the last 150 years, inspired by the graphic novel anthology This Place: 150 Years Retold, which collects stories of resistance and renewal from Indigenous creators. Several students chose to illustrate the impact of residential schools. “He would talk about his experience a lot with me,” Shecapio said about her grandfather. “He would tell me how he was treated by the nuns. He would have trouble sometimes trying to tell his story – some parts were too much for him. It made me very sad and kind of angry.” With classes currently online, Secondary 4 teachers in History and English developed a project that integrated both disciplines with technology to

the

help students work from home. Shecapio embraced the task and impressed with her research, composition and artistic abilities. “Andrea jumped on the project right away,” said history teacher Krista McNamara. “The late Peter Shecapio was so involved in the elementary school and such a big voice in the community. She did a beautiful job of connecting all the pieces and really thinking through which specific sections she wanted to highlight.” Andrea brought her grandfather’s story to life by using the web app Pixton, which enables students to build personalized avatars, select from various backgrounds or even integrate residential school scenes. The medium helps explore historical events and narrative techniques while provoking students’ artistic talents. “Many are gravitating towards difficult histories, but I think the medium of a cartoon depiction is not as jarring as something photo-realistic,” explained McNamara. “The big goal was to give students an opportunity to do additional research on a passion area of an event throughout history. We’re also hoping this creates a sense of ownership over their history and their stories.” While some students used flashbacks to explore skills their grandparents had taught them, others featured events like the Oka and Ipperwash crises. Others focused on prominent figures such as actor Saginaw Grant or women’s rights activist Mary Two-Axe Earley. A student in the Mikw Chiyam arts program is working on a hand-drawn chronicle of Francis

Pegahmagabow, the greatest Canadian sniper of the First World War. “It’s giving students a sense of voice in their own history,” English teacher Logan Taylor said of the project. “Instead of doing a standard short story, they can choose something more creative and potentially more personal.” One student is analyzing the impact of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreeement by inserting herself as a character in its development. Another interviewed former student Justice Debassige about his internationally recognized role in Mistissini’s youth-led stand against uranium mining. “We want the students’ work to be at the forefront of all of this,” said Taylor. “We gave them a basic scaffold with a website, but the students are really owning it and doing such a great job.” Project organizers would like to develop an anthology from this project, or at least a blog, for those who consent to sharing their work. They plan to make it an annual project, seeing it as a valuable learning resource for students and their audience. By introducing this digital-media platform, students can pursue career paths they may not have considered. While Shecapio’s post-secondary plans currently focus on training as a helicopter pilot, her grandfather was always supportive of her artwork. “He was very caring and encouraging,” the 16-year-old remembered. “I was very close with him. I’m glad he told me some of his experience so I could spread more awareness about what people went through at these residential schools.”

past to life www.nationnews.ca February 11, 2022

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FROM JANUARY TO APRIL 2022

WINTER ACTIVE Let’s Build a Strong and Healthy Cree Nation

SNOWSHOE, WALK, HUNT, WORK, SLIDE, SKI, OR PLAY YOUR WAY OUTSIDE THIS WINTER Staying active with your friends and family helps us face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about Winter Active across Eeyou Istchee, contact: WALLY RABBITSKIN PPRO Physical Activity, Public Health (CBHSSJB) Phone: 418-923-3355(x42365)

Cell: 418-770-3975 wrabbitskin@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

creehealth.org/winteractive

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Arts

Artistic empowerment Mistissini’s leadership in Mikw Chiyâm programming by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Artwork by students in the Mikw Chiyâm program

istissini was chosen as the site for the Mikw Chiyâm pilot project seven years ago because of Voyageur Memorial High School’s eagerness and readiness to implement all the program’s music, visual arts, drama/multimedia and dance components. This early adoption resulted in an enviable collection of equipment and materials that students are free to use, including digital animation tools and frames for screen printing. It’s safe to say not every school is fortunate enough to have a professional recording studio as Voyageur Memorial does. “Parents say I wish I had that when I was in school,” shared Marcela Henriquez, the local program’s teacher. “Mistissini has been lucky. For every residency we have a budget for ordering materials, depending on the project we’ll be doing with the artist.” After hearing about Mikw Chiyâm from friends who helped found the program, Henriquez quit her tenured position in Montreal and moved to Mistissini in 2016. As she’s encouraged students to take ownership of the program, its success has been shaped by an openness to continuously evolve. “We try to shape it to the way they see it,” Henriquez told the Nation. “Every year we adapt, see what works and what doesn’t. Seeing how empowered students are through self-expres-

sion is inspiring not just as a teacher but as an artist, pushing myself to learn new things. I tell students I may be your teacher but I’m still learning.” From seven Mikw Chiyâm students in its first year, Mistissini currently has 118 enrolled in all five levels of secondary school – far more than any other school. This results from a pandemic-related decision to assign participants based on their expected suitability for the program, an imperfect system but preferable to previous pandemic years when only Secondary 1 and 2 students were admitted. With not all participants sharing artistic motivations, Henriquez hopes to return to an open application process with interested students divided into junior and senior cycles. While managing five large classes is challenging, it’s

20 the Nation February 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

been even harder trying to work online since schools closed before Christmas. “It’s really challenging finding lessons or activities accessible to everyone,” admitted Henriquez. “Not everybody has colouring pencils or even paper at home. Being teenagers, they won’t necessarily say it, but I can tell they miss being in school.” The omicron outbreak has delayed the next artist residency involving textile techniques and beading, guided by Melanie Garcia and potentially local beadwork artists. Before the holidays, Alberta Cree/Métis artist Cindy Paul led students in free-writing, beat-making and mixing exercises to develop two songs that were ultimately played on local radio. Prior to each artist’s arrival, a guiding question such as “what stories do you carry” is determined with the input

of the artist and youth artist assistants (YAA), who are hired from recent graduates of the program. Last year’s YAA, Sara Gunner, is now working with the organization as YAA lead for all Cree communities, demonstrating the opportunities Mikw Chiyâm is creating for youth. “You can see the cycle of how they get inspired to take their place in the education of our youth in the Cree Nation,” explained Henriquez. “Angel Baribeau graduated from the program and is now an artist for Mikw Chiyâm

working with different communities. Students see you can really pursue your dreams. It is possible to build a life with the skills you learn – Angel is a clear example of that.” While Baribeau, the artist who now uses the name Siibii Petawabano, has

“You can see the cycle of how they get inspired to take their place in the education of our youth in the Cree Nation” - Marcela Henriquez

always been passionate about singing and songwriting, they were initially reluctant to participate in the music workshop that became Mikw Chiyâm. As they acquired skills and confidence during the program’s first three years, Petawabano gradually grew comfortable being an artist and became the first former student to become an artist-in-residence. “Before the program, I didn’t see any pursuit of a career in the arts to be viable,” Petawabano told the Nation. “It wasn’t until I started meeting folks in those classrooms who made art their lives, I started to understand it is legitimate. They helped push me out of my comfort zone and understand I loved doing certain things I never would have realized otherwise.” Already a gifted singer, Mikw Chiyâm taught Petawabano the importance of equipment and meticulous production as they assembled the layers of their first self-produced song. Equally valuable have been the unexpected connections formed with both Elders and young artists. “InPath and Mikw Chiyâm created a web of artists that extend beyond Eeyou Istchee,” Petawabano asserted. “That’s something I’ll always be grateful for. I’d see them on Facebook and wish I lived in that community because [they’re] so cool. I’ve had the honour of working with some of my heroes.”

Working with youth as an artist-in-residence is a natural fit for Petawabano, whose mother is a teacher. Remembering clearly their struggles with mental health as a student just a few years earlier, they can now share lessons in technique and self-acceptance from the other side of the classroom. “I’m like, ‘Guys, I came from here just like you’,” Petawabano recalled. “I went somewhere and you’re going to go somewhere too. You have alternative routes in life. Go to college if you see your future there or if you see yourself pining away in a little studio making something you love, you can do that too.” As the recent grand prize winner of Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program and with over 200,000 streams of their last EP, Petawabano is taking a break from residencies this year to focus on their next project. They encourage everyone to support kids at Mikw Chiyâm’s celebrations with intimate knowledge of the profound impact that can generate. “When community members see this amazing art, that helps deconstruct the narrative that art is not a career or lifestyle,” said Petawabano. “We’re a nation of artists. Making snowshoes, even hunting – it’s intrinsically part of our culture.”

www.nationnews.ca February 11, 2022

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If you need more information or have additional questions, contact our office in Val-d”Or. By phone: 819-874-2600 By email: justicevaldor@cngov.ca

www.nationnews.ca February 11, 2022

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Puzzles Crossword

ere’s another edition of the Nation’s puzzle page. Try your hand at Sudoku or Str8ts or our Crossword, or better yet, solve all three and send us a photo!* As always, the answers from last issue are here for you to check your work. Happy hunting.

PREVIOUS SOLUTION:

A C I D A R T S

I V O R Y

L O T T O

E N C I R C W O L A V E R E E N O C S S E E E L A R O L A T

P A L L E A P L M A U N T E A S T E C A T

F I N E P R I N T S E T T O

E N T R A I N O P I N I O N

E T H Y L G A L L S T O N E

T A R A S A T G E E R N N D A C A E R N E

A R C H E R

L A I R

M I T E

S L E W

M A O Y V A E R C T A I N M A E L

A G E S

N O D E

H I F I S

N O N E

1 2 3 4 ACROSS 1 Exotic vacation 13 spot 16 17 5 Bath powder 9 Garland 19 13 Midterm, e.g. 14 October stone 22 15 Theater platform 25 26 16 Let go 18 Roadside stop 31 19 Additional 34 20 Never-ending 22 Excellent, 37 slangily 41 40 24 School tool 25 Interrogate 43 44 27 Quitter's word 46 47 28 Scottish cap 31 Garage gadgets 53 33 Opera house box 56 34 Straight, at the 59 bar 35 Canoe material 36 Missing from the Marines, say 58 Word before 37 Anagram for "break" or "keel" "bale" 59 Bird feeder tidbit 38 "Terms of 60 Husky's tow _______" 61 Fender blemish 40 Like Willie Winkie 41 Serpent's sound DOWN 42 Vegan no-no 1 Kind of blocker 43 Pick pockets 2 Canned 45 Marble feature 3 Frying medium 46 Gloomy 4 Without delay 49 Mystic's deck 5 Boatload 53 San Antonio 6 Quickly landmark 7 Overdue 54 Written account 8 Department 56 Begin, as winter store event 57 Acronym for 9 Lifted, so to bad PC data speak

STR8TS Medium

Previous solution - Tough

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

7 3 2 1

7 5 2 3

6 2 3 1

7 5

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

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

No. 297

15 18 20

24 27 33

32 35

39 42 45 48

10 Tall town landmark, often 11 Forever and a day 12 Hair goops 15 Refine, as metal 17 False gods 21 Awning, e.g. 23 Commoner, in ancient Rome 25 Cousin of a loon 26 Zillow industry 27 Half of Miss Muffet's meal 29 Great distress 30 Cheesy sandwich 31 Vex, with "at"

Medium

6 2

3 9 6

32 Lemony cocktails 33 Coated with plastic 39 Indian yogurt dip 41 Marsh wader 44 Swollen 45 On the __ of (close to) 46 Impudent talk 47 Sheltered, nautically 48 Catch in the act 50 Tear apart 51 Chef's need 52 Revival setting 55 Stewart of song

9 8 6

24 the Nation February 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

1 2 5 7

7 8 1

Previous solution - Easy

5 7 3 8 2 6 1 9 4

6 8 5 4 7 4 8 9 2

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

8 9

SUDOKU

No. 297

3 2

T A R A

by Margie E. Burke

9 1 4 5 3 7 8 2 6

2 8 6 1 4 9 3 5 7

3 2 1 9 8 4 7 6 5

6 9 7 3 1 5 2 4 8

4 5 8 6 7 2 9 1 3

1 4 9 7 6 8 5 3 2

7 6 5 2 9 3 4 8 1

8 3 2 4 5 1 6 7 9

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.

Matters of life and breath

Rez Notes

by Sonny Orr

he handshake, the two-cheek kiss, the back slap, the hug – remember those things? Yes, they’ve been around for thousands of years and now are on the edge of extinction. Is this an evolutionary turn of events for humankind, the end of the casual or affectionate greeting between good friends and family? Will these signs of passion be replaced by hands together, separated by a glass window, or a heart etched out of the frost on the pane? Have we moved to another phase of society where we cannot mingle or get together except by chance in a lineup? So many questions of our uncertain future. I know one thing – the habit of washing your hands will be hard to give up and the clutching of a face mask will become a matter of life or breath. Now think of how we used to manage our sneezes. Remember the handkerchief? The cloth artifact would be whipped out of your pocket and loudly snorted into with incredible gusto and air pressure, then neatly or hastily put back into your pocket. It was a fashion to keep a few hankies handy each day. They have been replaced by Kleenex and chemical wipes which are immediately tossed into an incinerator, the ashes isolated to be examined for traces of contamination by scientists in hazmat suits. But most people don’t have incinerators handy, so they just toss them into the garbage. Now which method is handier or safer? I suppose these observations might spark an “anti-cruelty to

As for me, the fortress of sanitization measures – aka my home – is soon to be tested for cabin fever, as some symptoms are becoming more evident living microorganisms” march across the country. Now, the rag mop had its day ever since some deck-swabbing sailor came up with the idea of mixing water with rags wrapped around the end of his wooden leg – and invented the mop. What he forgot to invent were cleaning fluids and soaps, so the world carried on without disinfection for centuries before the microscope was invented and revealed a whole new microbial world living under our dirty fingernails. Yuck, why did we ever have to know about things like that, instead of accepting the pain and aches of whatever was ailing us? As we learn more, it appears everyone is now highly educated in microbiology, often leading to arguments during Zoom meetings based on how much the team leader knows about this virus and its variants. In our world, that also include vari-uncles. Speaking of our world, the reality finally set in that we can get sick just like the rest of the planet. Still, we shouldn’t forget that the colours of maps aren’t just in shades of orange, red and yellow, and the GPS is not yet programmed on to helps us avoid areas that might be hazardous to our health. Perhaps the virus

should be featured in forecasts much like the weather news, mixed in with the ultraviolet rays and pollens. Let’s see, should we go to town? There’s a slight chance that we could pick up a mild variant and the deadlier one has moved to a larger population centre, so it’s wiser to hit the beach today as the UV quality is normal. Don’t forget to pack bug spray, nose guards, suntan lotion, disinfectant wipes, six-feet-wide perimeter walls that are transparent to let the sun in and, finally, individually wrapped hotdogs for those with tender palates or some sense of taste. Those without working taste buds, be careful not to chew down on the paper wrapping. As for me, the fortress of sanitization measures – aka my home – is soon to be tested for cabin fever, as some symptoms are becoming more evident. As for the lack of face-to-face contact with other humans, there’s always the indiscreet texting that works just fine. If you get into any disagreement, then blocking comes in handy. So, since I haven’t had any real close contact with anyone, it’s safe to say that I am antisocial by law and not by choice.

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 February 11, 2022

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www.underthenorthernsky.com

UTNS

Under the Northern Sky

Good news hunting

by Xavier Kataquapit

s an Indigenous person, world news is very confusing and overwhelming for me. The world has always been troubled and now everything is getting more confusing. It is difficult to figure out what is true or false in the news. The way we use social media has complicated reality even more. Right now, there is news about Russia’s possible invasion of Ukraine, which is being supported by western allies including Canada. In our current age of misinformation, it’s difficult to tell where truth ends, and falsehoods begin. All we can understand is that all the sabre rattling is adding to the possibility of war. The worry is in wondering what a war would look like for the world with major nuclear powers involved. It has become a normal part of the news cycle that the Middle East is forever lost in war and conflict. We have become numb to the sad and tragic headlines of African nations. We ignore the inequalities taking place in Southeast Asia. No one bothers to listen to the political and economic troubles taking place in Central and South America. Much of these conflicts, wars and tragedies stem from our human greed for natural resources, economic resources and human resources in the form of cheap labour and exploitation of developing nations. What is wrong with us as human beings? Wouldn’t you think at this point in our global civilization we possess a more sane and secure world reality. Now we are dealing with the global Covid-19 pandemic. Millions of people

have died, millions more have been hospitalized as our lives have been restricted and turned upside down. Most people realize it is a good idea to trust in the world’s scientists, epidemiologists and virologists who are promoting the use of vaccines to keep us from getting extremely sick or dying of Covid. However, there are groups that are hesitant, spreading false information and conspiracies about this pandemic and vaccines and restrictions. Although these groups are small, they are very vocal. The recent demonstrations in Ottawa provide us with examples of how groups can organize in ways that are dangerous for our elected officials and our democracy. How do we figure out for ourselves what is real and what is contrived and untrue? We should turn to trusted and established media for our information. National television news services like the CBC, CTV News and Global News are run by trained journalists and media professionals who are required by law to follow strict standards in reporting and journalism. They verify their sources and do their best to report the news in a fair and impartial manner. These networks do have content on social media, so it is important to know that any news you see actually comes from them directly. It is dangerous to follow unknown and unnamed sources on any social media. Any unverified news story or headline you read on any social media feed that has unknown sources was likely assembled by an individual with little or no training

in media or journalism at best and at worst by a malicious group that is actively spreading misinformation. Internationally, I trust recognized public news services like Deutsche Welle (DW), France 24, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), as well as well-established international news agencies like Associated Press and Reuters. For Indigenous news I watch Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and read Wawatay News, the Nation, Windspeaker and The First Nations Drum. As a democratic nation, the news we are exposed to should be readily available and easy for us to find. We shouldn’t have to search through truth, half-truths, misinformation and lies. Governments must find a way to manage and regulate how news and information flows through the social media we consume. Network television, cable networks, newspapers and news organizations are already heavily regulated to protect everyone from runaway forms of misinformation. Why can’t we do the same for the social media feeds we all read and watch every day? We need to be careful with the information we see and read because it is the basis of our democratic society. If we are mindful of the sources we read and watch, we can find our way through the confusion. Good news hunting to everyone.

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26 the Nation February 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

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