The Nation | Vol. 29, No. 11 by nationmag

CONTENTS 10

EDITORIAL

War costs

NEWS

Midwifery program

Second phase of deconfinement 5

Safe water

BRIEFS FEATURES

Returning Cree births to the territory

Birthing at home

A smart racer

Divide and conquer?

Emotion healing

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

A machine for all seasons

Politics

T&B

Thoughts on Ukraine

The battle over resource extraction

20 Health

Ouje snowmobile challenge

ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ Nunavik Starts Here Nunavik Starts Here

ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ Nunavik Startsᓄᓇᕕᒃ Here Men’s healing Starts Here 23 Nunavik workshop

Photos by

Tatiana Philiptchenko

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Editorial

War costs by Will Nicholls

aving grown up during the Cold War, I was taught how to take safety positions to take in case of nuclear attack. I watched my parents debate their friends over the merits of building a home bomb shelter. What’s old is new again. Russia’s attack on Ukraine is designed to create, at minimum, another cold war. At worst, it could end in a third world war, with nuclear options. Think that’s not a possibility? Russian President Vladimir Putin raised Russia’s nuclear alert level. One small accident or misunderstanding could have drastic repercussions. Intelligence analysts feel that this move is just to deter the West from providing additional support to Ukraine. Analysts and former consular staff say that Putin is showing his anger and frustration at the length of the war and the sanctions imposed on Russia. Among the sanctions is the freezing of bank accounts that would have helped Russia weather the sanctions. Canada has put more than 900 people involved in the war on a sanctions list. In response, Russia banned more than 300 Canadians including the prime minister and almost every Canadian MP. It would be interesting to look at those MPs who didn’t make the list. Speaking via video link to our Parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an impassioned plea for Canadian assistance over and above sanctions. He wants a no-fly zone over Ukraine. But that would involve NATO forces in direct combat with Russia, which would drastically escalate the danger of a wider war. As well, analysts question how effective that would be given that ground missiles can be launched from anywhere without air support.

Illustration CC by DonkeyHotey

Zelenskyy asked how Canadians would react if Russia attacked Canada. He asked us to imagine targets with no military value – like our hospitals, schools and homes – being destroyed. We’ve all seen the images of Russia’s military might rolling into Ukraine and what they are doing. He also asked for a complete trade embargo on Russia. All Canadian political parties are aghast at Russia’s actions. They have included arresting thousands of Russian citizens who protested the war. Democracy is under attack, make no mistake about it. One could even include those here in Canada participating in it. The high price of fuel at the pumps and rising food

costs are examples of war and pandemic profiteering. A friend who looked at Statistics Canada figures found that in 2009, when a barrel of oil was priced at $141, the pumps in Ottawa were charging $0.91 per litre. The current price is around $111 a barrel for oil but the price of gas in Ottawa is $1.71 per litre. One would think that this is something the politicians could investigate. Such a level of profits made off the backs of Canadians, negatively affecting the economy and laying the blame on the RussianUkraine war is despicable. Contact your local MP and ask why, repeatedly. Just like the spinning numbers at the gas pumps when you try to fill up your vehicle.

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 March 25, 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

Second phase of deconfinement Vaccine and mask mandates to end across Quebec

eyou Istchee has now entered Step 2 of the Deconfinement Management Plan, as Cree health officials maneuver away from a policy of preventing Covid entirely toward one of managing it, as many jurisdictions worldwide have also done. Step 2 requires that vaccinated individuals returning from more than 72 hours in an area of risk take a rapid test on Days 1, 3 and 5 after returning. Those who are unvaccinated no longer are required to self-isolate, but rather follow a period of “reduced activity protocol” for seven days, while also getting tested on Days 1, 3, 5 and 7. The reduced activity protocol means individuals cannot enter indoor public places, cannot attend private indoor or outdoor gatherings, cannot go to other people’s homes, and may only go outdoors or to workplaces and schools that have authorized their return. Step 2 is in effect until March 24. Step 3, which is set to begin on March 25, will phase out the requirements of the reduced activity protocol, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals who do test positive are still required to self-isolate for 10 days, and 10 days isolation is required for those who are close contacts of a positive case. As of March 11, there were 374 reported active cases of Covid in the Cree communities, with 140 cases in Waskaganish and 95 in Chisasibi. There were five reported deaths from the current outbreak, an increase by one since the last update, while 27 people were hospitalized. Eastmain, Nemaska, Wemindji and Whapmagoostui were in Phase 4 of deconfinement protocols, allowing for no restrictions on the number of households gathered indoors or outdoors. Outdoor gatherings were restricted to 150 people, while indoor gatherings were restricted to 50 people.

Cases continued to decline, with 5,000 new cases – down from a record high of 49,000 in December

The remaining communities were in Phase 3 of deconfinement, with indoor and outdoor gatherings restricted to three households, and 25 people and 75 people, respectively. The entirety of Quebec and Ontario was still considered an area at risk, outside of Eeyou Istchee and northern Quebec. Nationally, reported cases continued to decline, with 5,000 new cases – down from a record high of 49,000 in December. Quebec removed proof of vaccine requirements for businesses including bars, restaurants, large retailers, movie theatres and sporting events. However, the vaccine mandate remains in place for federally regulated transportation, including air and rail.

The news also came with the announcement that capacity restrictions for all spaces would be lifted, including gyms, spas, bars, restaurants and saunas. Dancing, karaoke and buffets are also now allowed. Seniors’ homes no longer have visitor limits and private senior homes no longer require signing in. The Quebec government signalled that mask mandates may be removed by mid-April for public spaces and by May for public transit. The mask requirement was removed in elementary and high schools after the March break. Quebec health officials are discussing recommending a fourth dose of vaccine to vulnerable seniors, as the third dose became available for people of the age 12-17.

www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022 the Nation 5

by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Safe Water

Federal compensation deal for First Nations affected by water crisis

6 the Nation March 25, 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Editorial News by Patrick Quinn,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

fter enduring years and sometimes decades without safe drinking water, a historic $8 billion settlement is giving First Nations hope that “boil water” and “do not consume” advisories will soon be a relic of the past. The federal settlement allocates $1.8 billion in compensation to impacted First Nations with a $6 billion commitment for construction and maintenance of safe water infrastructure across Canada. Any First Nation member who lived in a community affected by a boil-water advisory lasting over a year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021, is eligible for compensation. The legal battle began in 2019 with two separate lawsuits against the federal government – one by Curve Lake and Neskantaga First Nations and another by Tataskweyak Cree Nation. Altogether, 120 First Nations and 142,000 people from 258 First Nations could be compensated. “You’re never going to hit a number that is going to be satisfactory for all the pain that this caused for the people who lived under these things,” said Harry LaForme, a co-counsel for the plaintiffs and an Anishinaabe from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. “Indigenous communities have had to suffer from these problems for decades and decades.” The settlement also includes $50 million for eligible individuals who suffered certain injuries due to a drinking water advisory, modernization of Indigenous water legislation and the creation of a First Nations Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water. The creation of a First Nations Economic and Cultural Restoration Fund has been allocated $400 million. The claims process opened March 7. Eligible First Nations have until December 22 to file their claims while individuals have until March 7, 2023. Compensation amounts will vary according to unique circumstances of drinking water advisories, including the “nature of the advisory, the length of residency, and the remoteness of the First Nations lands.”

| Photo provided by Neskantaga First Nation

Eligible communities are entitled to $500,000 for agreeing to the settlement, without detailing the ways the community was harmed. “This is a historic moment for Tataskweyak Cree Nation and First Nations across the country,” Tataskweyak Cree Nation Chief Doreen Spence told the CBC. “First Nations will now be able to work with Canada in a more meaningful way and have access to water standards on reserve that have never existed before. We look forward to seeing the day where all First Nations have access to safe water, now and forever.” Justin Trudeau campaigned in the 2015 election on a pledge to lift all long-term advisories by March 2021. When that deadline passed, Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller recommitted to the goal without providing another date. As of February 24, 36 long-term drinking advisories remained in 29 communities. Auditor General Karen Hogan found last year that Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) was constrained by a lack of regulation and a funding policy that hadn’t been updated in 30 years. She called on ISC to work with First Nations to address problems with their water systems and develop legal protections comparable to other communities. According to a 2015 report, people on First Nations reserves were 90 times more likely than other Canadians to be without running water with 26 times the number of water-borne infections. While most current advisories are to boil water, Bearskin Lake First Nation’s community centre has had a “do not consume” order for over 15 years. Neskantaga First Nation has had the longest water advisory in Canada – 27 years. The remote Oji-Cree community of about 300 in northern Ontario has been under a “boil-water” advisory since its water treatment plant failed in 1995. The crisis has resulted in the local school’s closure and hundreds of evacuations. Now it wants the feds to help dispose of the thousands of empty plastic bottles that accumulated over the

years. Ottawa sends Neskantaga weekly water shipments but doesn’t bring back the used bottles. While the community’s water treatment plant was recently upgraded, work remains to address leaks and test its aging distribution system. “It shouldn’t be like that in a country like Canada,” said Chief Wayne Moonias. “The faith and trust in the system is very low right now. Our community has suffered far too long.” While 128 long-term water advisories have been lifted since November 2015, resolving these issues often requires a combination of feasibility studies, repairs and design work, construction of new infrastructure and improved monitoring systems. A new water treatment system takes up to four years to complete. Last July, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation in northern British Columbia celebrated its first clean drinking water in decades after collaborating with a team from the University of British Columbia (UBC). The remote village of 50 members drilled two wells in 2008 but found they had elevated contamination levels. Beginning in 2014, UBC Professor Madjid Mohseni listened to the community’s needs and included them in all phases of development. The resulting water treatment facility is scaled to be simple but sustainable, using ultraviolet light and chlorine to disinfect the water. Eeyou Istchee is fortunate to have tap water that is almost always safe and regularly tested for contamination. According to a 2013 report from the Cree Health Board, people often say they prefer the taste of water from traditional sources, and many spend long periods in hunting camps where tap water is unavailable. While in the bush, people reported drinking from springs, lakes or rivers, melted snow or rainwater. As testing several of these sources yielded inconclusive results, it is recommended to boil water from natural sources for one minute before use – even to make tea. Household containers should regularly be cleaned with dish soap and rinsed thoroughly.

www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022

the Nation 7

First Nations Health Managers Association

TOWN HALL by us for us

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July 13, 2022 is the last day you are able to submit a claim. It’s free and confidential. For information or legal support visit: indiandayschools.com or call 1-844-539-3815 Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310

In Brief Callingbull becomes Sports Illustrated model Ashley Callingbull is again making history as the first Indigenous woman selected to pose in the famous Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. On International Women’s Day, the magazine announced she was one of 14 women chosen as a finalist for the 2022 SI Swim Search program. The model and actress from Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta is also the only Canadian in this issue of the magazine. Since breaking the news, her social media accounts have been flooded with supportive messages from other Indigenous women and girls. “It just feels so surreal because it’s something I couldn’t have imagined when I was a little girl,” Callingbull told CTV. “It’s such a dream come true. When I walk in these spaces, I’ve got to make sure that other women feel confident and comfortable to walk in these spaces after me so they can shine as well.” After learning she had been selected in early March, she was quickly on a plane to the Dominican Republic where she was able to choose from hundreds of swimsuits in the fitting room. The 14 Swim Search finalists are competing

Ashley Callingbull

to be a “rookie” for the 2023 SI Swimsuit issue. The models include an astronaut, a lawyer and an ICU nurse. Callingbull looks forward to using her platform to amplify the voices of other women. “Representation really does matter,” she told APTN. “I’ve been getting hundreds of messages from Indigenous people. They feel represented when they see a face that looks like theirs. I’m the first but I won’t be the last.” Callingbull first gained international attention when she was crowned Mrs. Universe in 2015. She then

appeared in the TV series “Blackstone” and in season 4 of “The Amazing Race Canada” with her father. She also serves as a spokesperson and model for Nike N7.

Fire at Mohawk airport destroys fleet A fire that broke at the Tyendinaga Mohawk Airport the night of February 24 destroyed the entire fleet of 13 aircraft and the building itself. Nobody was injured, but the fire consumed the 40,000-square-foot hangar.

The airport housed the only training program for Indigenous pilots in Canada. It is operated by the nearby First Nations Technical Institute, which had just recently purchased five new planes. Those were also lost in the fire. Losses are estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. The building, built in 1943 during the Second World War, was designed to burn quickly as a war measure so that the fire wouldn’t spread. The institute is collecting donations and talking to partners about rebuilding the facility and fleet so it may again offer pilot education programs. According to the CBC News, the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Due

to a production glitch,

the author of the editorial in the last issue,

Vol. 29 No. 10, The writer is Lyle Stewart. was misidentified.

www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022

the Nation 9

Features

he movement to return Cree births to the territory will take a step forward when a midwifery education program is launched by the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) later this year. The training initiative was approved in a CBHSSJB resolution last June. Although a university midwife degree is a four-to-sixyear program combining science and social science courses with hands-on apprenticeships, Quebec’s Midwives Act enables Indigenous communities to provide training and provincial licences to their own midwives with equivalent competencies. “The goal behind creating it differently is to build a program that is accessible, realistic and sustainable for Cree people and one that is more aligned with how Cree people learn and work,” said Jasmine Chatelain, a registered midwife and the program’s planning, programming and research officer. The Cree program uses teaching materials from Nunavik’s Inuulitsiviup Nutarataatitsijingita Ilisarningata Aulagusinga (INIA), which started in 1986 as the first midwifery program of its kind. Chatelain and a small advisory group will travel to Nunavik in early April to learn from a program that enables nearly 95% of women to give birth in their communities. “They have actually better outcomes than the south,” Chatelain told the Nation. “Lower pre-term labour, lower depression

10 the Nation March 25, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Birthing at home

Cree midwifery program launching in Eeyou Istchee by Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Photos by Tatiana Philiptchenko

www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022 the Nation 11

12 the Nation March 25, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

It took us all day from beginning to end with a baby doll. I’m still emotional – people were sobbing even though it was a doll. Fast forward six years, we had that kind of birth for real at a lodge on the land. It was so healing for everyone.” - Jasmine Chatelain, registered midwife

and addiction, better breastfeeding. The impact of a woman giving birth in the safety of her community is really big. I believe you’ll see in the next 20 or 30 years more Eeyouch women become low risk because we’re promoting this cycle.” Cree midwives will learn traditional and modern techniques as they qualify to perform ultrasounds and other medical practices but also pass along cultural rites of passage. About 110 videos of Elder interviews are included in a training website, conveying rituals like the naming ceremony and kauutinaaushuut, which involves the person catches the newborn. While there are currently no Cree midwives, natural midwives traditionally delivered babies on the land until the practice was outlawed in the 1970s. In 2016, a CBHSSJB midwifery demonstration in Chisasibi involving Chatelain and community Elders showed how the different practices could complement each other. “Jane Matthew said why don’t we just pretend that we’re having a birth and see what it looks like,” recalled Chatelain. “It took us all day from beginning to end with a baby doll. I’m still emotional – people were sobbing even though it was a doll. Fast forward six years, we had that kind of birth for real at a lodge on the land. It was so healing for everyone.” Since 2018, Quebec midwives have served about 250 clients in Chisasibi, resulting in an estimated 78 births in Eeyou Istchee. The midwives work with Cree birth assistants, who manage equipment, provide translation and integrate traditional practices. A new interim birthing home featuring a bathtub, kitchen and other comforts of home, welcomed its first baby in November. A boarding home is also available for Cree mothers from other communities. Many midwife clients still don’t give birth on-territory because they may require hospitals for pre-natal or post-natal care. “Midwives are experts in what you may call low-risk pregnancies,” explained Chatelain. “One of the reasons out-of-hospital birth is safe is because of screening – midwives are constantly looking for risk factors.” Midwives are trained to manage complications and make appropriate referrals as trusted advisors for mothers before, during and after childbirth. They help mothers make informed choices and always support these decisions, even if that means going against medical recommendations to give birth down south. While there is “overwhelming” interest in the program, only a limited number of applicants will be accepted at first. The advisory group hasn’t yet confirmed the application process, but the only education requirement will be to read and write in English, with www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022

the Nation 13

qualities like patience and being able to act quickly emphasized. “What’s important is a high level of commitment,” asserted Chatelain. “It’s very hard to be a midwife. It means that you live with disappointment, you miss family events, you can’t go away on Goose Break. You’re also responsible for two lives – you’ll miss happy days with your family in order to make a happy day for another family.” The program is open to any Cree woman, but studying and working will be in Chisasibi, Waskaganish or Mistissini, where birthing homes are to begin construction in 2022. To be exposed to sufficient birth volume and medical procedures, students will initially be rotated more often to Chisasibi. Along with tutorials and group discussion, students will primarily learn by doing – following experienced midwives as they assist births. Birth assistants interested in the five-year program may be credited for their accumulated experience. “We’re talking about starting birth assistants at level two because that brings us to our goal faster and opens up space for other people,” Chatelain said. “We all need to do what we can to graduate as many midwives as quickly as we can.” Birth assistant Shannon Chiskamish at Chisasibi’s Awash health clinic is so motivated to become a midwife that she applied to Ryerson University’s midwifery program before hearing about the Cree initiative. She first learned about midwifery while studying nursing down south, following a traumatic racist experience at a different nursing college. “I love being here and coming to work,” Chiskamish told the Nation. “I’m so excited for the midwifery program to start. Seeing women here not being sent down south, they’re happier and they look forward to going home to their family usually three or four hours right after birth. That makes them happy.” Chiskamish was present with her baby at that first meeting about bringing back midwifery in 2016. She understands how difficult it can be to both pursue studies and give birth far away from home. “It’s a totally different feeling seeing these young mothers bringing life into this world at home, in the community,” shared Chiskamish. “It’s amazing. Seeing how proud of themselves they are afterwards with their babies in their arms, they’re always so thankful they decided to give birth here.”

“Seeing women here not being sent down south, they’re happier and they look forward to going home to their family” - Shannon Chiskamish, Birth assistant

14 the Nation March 25, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022

the Nation 15

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 Justice and Correctional Services 16 the Nation of March 11, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

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

info@creejusticefunds.ca www.creejusticefunds.ca

The vaccine isn’t effective against this,

You need it? We’ll get it for you!

Gunsmith on location

but it’s very effective against COVID-19. Québec.ca/COVIDvaccine Vaccination remains the best protection.

A smart

18 the Nation

racer

by Ben Powless Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ouje snowmobile winner says it’s not all about the speed

uje-Bougoumou hosted the 2022 Snowmobile Challenge March 5-6, attracting over 175 racers and hundreds more onlookers for the annual

race. In the Professional category, Jayden ShecapioBlacksmith (Ouje-Bougoumou) took first place with a time of 4:55:31 on the 310km track, picking up the grand prize of $6,000. He was followed by Silas Neeposh (Mistissini) at 4:56:46 and Sylvain Menard (Chibougamau) at 5:06:58. Shecapio-Blacksmith said he felt “very good” about winning the race. “It was an unexplainable feeling, an unbelievable feeling. It was emotional. I went home and relaxed, it took a while for it to sink in.” Then he added, “Everyone was proud of me. The whole community was there for me, supporting me.” Shecapio-Blacksmith got his racing start in 2017, first in the Beginner’s category and taking home a second-place win. He followed that impressive start by racing in Chisasibi in the Semi-Pro category, also taking second place. This recent race wasn’t without its issues – Shecapio-Blacksmith said he hit a stump and wiped out twice. “It took a while to recover. I was tired and I had a hard time flipping my skidoo back on track and I lost time,” he said after narrowly winning the race by just over a minute. Between races, he plays hockey and gets exercise skating. He also likes to take time in the bush to relax and get in a good state of mind. He always says a prayer for the safety of all the competitors and himself before a race. He advises those thinking of racing to be in shape, and to race smart. His mentor, who passed away in 2018, would tell him to “race with your mind, not with your thumb – your throttle,” Shecapio-Blacksmith said. “He told me that it’s not about being crazy fast, it’s about being smart. But we all make mistakes, that’s how we learn,” he added.

After winning in Ouje-Bougoumou, ShecapioBlacksmith’s sights are set on upcoming races in Mistissini, Waswanipi and Chisasibi, before the season ends for the year. “There are always people who want to see me race and I’m thankful to have that kind of support from family and friends. I wouldn’t be racing if it wasn’t for them, so I thank them a lot.” Then he added, “I just want people to believe in themselves and chase their dreams. Anything is possible – if you work for it.” Results in other categories: In the Women’s category, first place was won by Sarah Neeposh (Mistissini), who finished the 120km race in 2:29:36, winning a $2,500 prize. She was followed by Waapikun Coonishish (Mistissini) at 2:43:53, and Jewel Neeposh (Mistissini) at 2:44:52. The Semi-Pro category was won by Kent Careen (Labrador City), who achieved a time of 4:29:51 on the 248km route. He was followed by Victor Coonishish (Mistissini) at 4:50:09, and then by Emile Paquet (Chibougamau) at 4:50:38. In the Amateur category, Terrance Mattawashish (Mistissini) came first in the 120km race with a time of 2:00:03, followed by Tyler Bush (Ouje-Bougoumou) at 2:02:39, and Dawson Petawabano (Mistissini) at 2:05:18. The Junior Boy’s category was won by Morgan Mianscum (Ouje-Bougoumou) with a time of 1:06:17. He was followed by Tayshawn Shecapio (Mistissini) at 1:13:07, and then by Lennox Coonishish (Mistissini) at 1:13:07. The Junior Girls’ category was won by Sarah Neeposh (Mistissini) with a time of 1:25:16. She was followed by Brooklyn Careen (Labrador City) at 1:30:44, then by Brianna Coonishish (Ouje-Bougoumou) at 1:32:50. www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022

the Nation 19

Politics

Divide and conquer? Critics raise questions over mining project consultation process by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

esource extraction was a hot topic at last year’s Annual General Assembly, with expressing concerns about the cost of development in the territory. With every impact benefit agreement (IBA) it seems there are some who realize greater benefits and some who feel more of the impact. Construction is to begin this summer on the Rose Lithium-Tantalum open-pit mine in Eastmain’s territory. Chief Kenneth Cheezo celebrated the 2019 Pikhuutaau Agreement – the first mining project IBA signed by Eastmain – for giving the community a role in the decision-making process. “This partnership will endure because it was built on trust and respect,” declared former Grand Chief Abel Bosum at the time. “It is another vibrant example of how the Crees can strike the right balance between protection of our traditional way of life and environment and our growing need to participate in the modern economy.” Besides undisclosed financial compensation, the agreement provides for

Cree training, employment and business opportunities, and Cree involvement during all phases of environmental monitoring. Built by Critical Elements Lithium Corporation, the mine is expected to produce about 4,500 tonnes of ore daily for 17 years, creating 300 jobs at peak production. While Environment Canada determined the project isn’t likely to cause significant destruction if mitigation measures are followed, two lakes will be drained.

Crees can strike the right balance between protection of our traditional way of life and environment and our growing need to participate in the modern economy - Former Grand Chief Abel Bosum

20 the Nation March 25, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Meanwhile, tallyman Ernie Moses will lose much of his trapline’s land for 30 years. Moses was shocked to learn about this during a virtual consultation held by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. “It’s like I’m selling the details of the territory but it’s not me who decides – it’s you,” said the 64-year-old Moses at the virtual meeting last April. Moses unfortunately lost phone signal on his trapline before the Nation could connect with him for an interview. But Pakesso Mukash remembers that consultation in his role as Cree translator because Moses was “so passionate and well-spoken in Cree.” “He was holding the presentation in his hand, basically crushing it, and he said, ‘Nobody told me this,’” Mukash recalled. “‘You, the leaders, and you, the lawyers, you never speak for us and when

we come and it’s time for us to speak, you push us aside.’ And he was just sick of it.” Moses has been forced to adapt to development before – from another mining project along with the Eastmain-1 hydroelectric dam, which flooded over 600 square kilometres shortly after the Paix des Braves agreement was signed in 2002. However, when Mukash visited him in his election campaign for Grand Chief last summer, Moses seemed particularly shaken. “Within five minutes he’s got tears flowing from his eyes talking about his trapline, all the memories and all the damage he’d seen,” explained Mukash. “I spent hours with him telling me stories about what that trapline means to him. That’s one of his best hunting grounds and all he was worried about was how was he going to teach his kids and grandchildren how to hunt in that area.” While he still has the land, Moses has been passing along traditional knowledge like beaver trapping learned from his grandmother Eliza to his 17-year-old grandson Winston. With no choice but to accept this development, Moses may have access to contracts. He has already participated in conducting a beaver inventory by helicopter with a biologist from the mining company. “I don’t want anything to do with it,” Moses told APTN. “It really hurts. I don’t know what else to say other than it’s only my trapline I’m thinking about. I don’t think I’m going to win this one for my family – it’s for the community here.” Although lithium powers electric vehicle batteries that help fight climate change, its extraction often raises environmental concerns. Critical Elements claims to follow industry best practices in tailings management by recirculating processed water and treating water before it’s released. Results of regular monitoring are to be shared with tallymen and the consultation committee. Environment Canada issued 221 legally binding conditions regarding wildlife protection, including capturing a portion of fish before lakes are drained and building a sturgeon spawning ground on Eastmain River. While the company agreed to reduce blasting during hunting seasons and reduce night transport to avoid colli-

“I know for a fact that the CNG look at our trappers as a bad investment. Nobody is speaking for them. They say they are, but I’ve not seen any sense of respect or understanding” - Pakesso Mukash, Cree translator

sions, the community expressed concerns about and average of 22 trucks passing each day during operations. “The main concern was that 90-tonne trucks were going to pass every 20 minutes,” said Mukash. “People are going to end up in head-on collisions. That was a big concern for noise pollution, animals getting run over. One family has their cabin not far from the gravel road – a truck is going to kick up dust and ruin their air quality.” Despite consultations in Eastmain, Nemaska, Waskaganish and Waswanipi, the virtual sessions held just before Goose Break were sparsely attended. “If there’s only eight people here, do you tell the government the feedback is enough to speak for the entire Nation?” Mukash asked. “Those eight people overrule the one trapper who does not agree with what’s happening. There’s no way I would say those consultations were satisfactory to the answers our people wanted.” The consultations provide little opportunity for debate or to fact-check prepared

responses. With concerns about individual developments kept localized, Mukash says Quebec and the resource industry are gradually dividing and conquering the Cree Nation. “It’s just take what you want and tell everybody it’s a beautiful agreement,” Mukash asserted. “I know for a fact that the CNG look at our trappers as a bad investment. Nobody is speaking for them. They say they are, but I’ve not seen any sense of respect or understanding.” Neither Critical Elements nor Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty responded to requests for comment. Mukash was the candidate most critical of the Grande Alliance when running for Grand Chief last summer, which he said was inspired by the many stories that trappers have told him. When a proposed railway and other development cuts through the territory, he wonders if anyone will listen to people like Ernie Moses. “I try to remind the new generations when they go off to university and everything is paid for, a trapper paid for that with their sacrifice,” said Mukash.

www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022

the Nation 21

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:

Health

Emotional healing Two-day workshops focus on intergenerational trauma and healing for men by Ben Powless, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | Photos provided by Wayne Rabbitskin

hen Wayne Rabbitskin was working for social services, he would get calls from men who needed someone to talk with, but who would never set foot in the offices or attend any type of treatment program. “These were men with spouses, with partners, and one of the things I learned is… they didn’t know how to talk to their women about certain issues from their pasts,” Rabbitskin explained. “They needed someone to talk to, but they didn’t want to talk to a woman, or their partners.” Now, years later, Rabbitskin is conducting workshops across the Cree communities to give men the opportunity to talk – and to listen – to each other in a safe space, addressing a crucial need he sees in the lack of resources available for men. The two-day workshops – which have already occurred in Waswanipi, OujeBougoumou, Mistissini and Nemaska – are organized with the support of the Cree Health Board, Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services, and Robin’s Nest. Rabbitskin says the workshops, titled “Chiiwaaschaau Program – Building Healthy Communities”, are meant to help deal with trauma, including intergenerational trauma, emotions, and how to express emotions in a healthy way. “Native people are storytellers. So, I use storytelling so these men can tell their stories and be heard and validated. Sometimes it’s a story that starts when they’re young and continues to the day they’re in the workshop,” he says. Because of that, the workshops are flexible with time – some discussions may only take 15 minutes, while others may require an hour. However, there are still facilitated elements. “One workshop I do is on the impacts of colonialism, talking about intergenerational trauma, developments of what happened to us as Cree in regards to hydro projects, those kinds of impacts. They know where some of those things come from because when you look at colonialism, those were done with the intent to take the Indian out of them with religion.”

Rabbitskin says he sees this in the communities where people try to use religion against one another, to denigrate traditional spirituality and healing methods, or when it comes to lateral violence, gossip and internalized oppression. Rabbitskin also likes to use his own experiences to help people understand. “I talk about my dad as a residential school survivor. It was almost a military upbringing with my dad,” he said. “Even though he was physically there, he was not emotionally there for me and my siblings. I was chasing my dad for a long time, wanting him to tell me he loved me and was proud of me, but I never heard those things. I became bitter and resentful towards him. That’s intergenerational trauma.” Rabbitskin says that many of the participants can relate to that story, and had similar relationships with their fathers, and they’re then ready to engage in conversations. Recognizing that some of those memories may be repressed or unconscious, he tells participants that they may feel a reaction from the stories that tells them there’s something that needs to be addressed. “When I point this out, they say, ‘Oh wow, I never experienced this. I never heard of this or done this – I was afraid to relive the trauma. I never believed there’s another way to deal with it and let go of emotions that are causing me to have blockages in my life.’” Rabbitskin said he understands that many men may be cautious about attending the workshops. “There’s a stigma happening around men who are supposed to be really tough and not cry and share emotions. A lot of it comes from this intergenerational trauma.”

“There’s a stigma happening around men who are supposed to be really tough and not cry and share emotions” www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022

the Nation 23

Puzzles Crossword 1 2 3 4 5 ACROSS 1 Equestrian gear 13 14 5 Say further 18 17 8 Part of REM 13 Medicinal herb 20 21 14 Fedora feature 16 Battery terminal 24 25 17 Buddhist leader 26 27 18 Spanish wine 19 Hollywood VIP 31 32 20 Makes a scarf, 36 37 say 22 60's sitcom, 41 "_____ Junction" 45 46 47 24 Venomous snake 50 26 Having no key, in music 52 53 54 28 Barricade 58 31 Sassy talk 32 Jobs for Perry 62 Mason 65 34 Pulled apart 36 Periodic Table entry 38 Called for a 64 Kind of flute pizza 65 Billy goat feature 41 Desertlike 66 Wall St. locale 42 "Lou Grant" 67 College bigwig portrayer 44 Sister of Amy, DOWN Beth and Jo 1 Kind of radio 45 Shine brightly 2 Turing of math 48 Mock 3 Gilbert & Sullivan 50 Under the genre weather 4 1989 "Batman" 52 Spotted horse portrayer 55 Killed, as a 5 CBS competitor dragon 6 Cover, in a way 58 Indian condiment 7 Widely varied 59 Simone of jazz 8 Like some 61 Reed instrument profiling 62 Torch job 9 Personal 63 Fair to middling account

PREVIOUS SOLUTION:

Solution to Crossword: A X E D

L A R D

G N A W

G R E B E

S A S S

A L E E

R E A L E S T A T E

I M M E D I A T E T U M I D

T A L C O P A L I N A T E C E A D O P E R L L C A S E G U N B I R C E N D E H I S S E A L V R N I N E N A R O G I G N S L E

S M S E U L N T S H A R D A E I T R A O D

STR8TS

No. 586

S T O L E L A M I N A T E D

W A T E R T O W E R

A G E S

G E L S

A G O N Y

M E L T

R I V E

O V E N

T E N T

Previous solution - Medium

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

5 1 9

2 1 3

6 7 5 6 9

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

4 2 1 3 9 6 8 5 7

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

5 6 3 7 4

28 33 38 42

4 7

1 6

64 66

10 Ralph Lauren label 11 Notion 12 Creditor's concern 15 Tim of "Virgin River" 21 Part of NASA 23 Tetley product 25 Scheme 26 Stein fillers 27 Flooring pro 29 Daunting 30 Shackled no more 33 Penn and Union, e.g. 35 Advantage 37 Dispute referee

8 1 7 6 2 9 3 5 4

4 2

6 2

39 Overhaul 40 Boutique buy 43 Legislative period 46 Away from the sea 47 Big fuss 49 Browser action 51 Spring bloomer 52 Kuwaiti, e.g. 53 Cut back 54 Leaning Tower city 56 Shred 57 Gas light 60 NYC rep since 2019

Previous solution - Medium

6 9

3 5

5 2

2 1

1 4 2 3

7 8 8 9

Tough

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 March 25, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

No. 586

4 8

7 15

SUDOKU

Easy

7 3 1 8 7 3 4 6 9 5

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.

B E T A

by Margie E. Burke

6 9 3 5 8 4 2 7 1

5 4 2 1 7 3 9 6 8

1 3 6 8 9 5 7 4 2

9 7 8 3 4 2 6 1 5

2 5 4 7 6 1 8 9 3

7 8 1 2 5 6 4 3 9

3 2 9 4 1 7 5 8 6

4 6 5 9 3 8 1 2 7

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.

A machine for all seasons

Rez Notes

by Sonny Orr

t was a proud moment – we got our first skidoo, a second-hand Elan made by Bombardier. It was the early 1970s, and it seemed like it was Christmas already. The first snowfall swept in, and I took off with the machine. After a quick ride to a friend’s place, I shut it off and spent some time visiting. Visiting was a way we used to interrelate to keep conversations private. In those days sharing a common telephone line with four other households was common so whatever was said it was generally public news. Then I went out to start this new machine. After a half hour of pulling and yanking, I was told to use the choke. I wondered what that was and somehow, after diddling around with something that looked like it moved, the skidoo started. Eureka! Today, I see these nice, quiet machines glide by and wonder if they are made any better than that trusty old two stroke. I bled my hands on that machine, as it taught me just about every bush trick to keep it running throughout the winter. Bogie wheels and springs and spark plugs became part of my vocabulary and spare parts weighed heavy in my pockets. As I tinkered my way to being some sort of gas-carburetor genius, technology changed. Direct fuel injection became the norm, and fuel filters and mixed gas became a way of the mechanical past. Today, it’s all about injection and keeping your machine cool enough to operate. I see many machines that were made for deep mountain snow, but nothing really for hard-packed snow and ice. The

Snowmobiles are a way of life around here – it’s just getting a little expensive for people to use them for hobbies.

radiator-cooled engine replaced air-cooling. The large cooling fins are now smaller and covered with something that looks hard to take off and maintain. Upon turning on the ignition and starter, you have to make sure that you have a good battery as quite often the good old pull start is optional. When it doesn’t start because the computer tells you to change the oil or else, you can’t move until the task is done and the computer reset. Back in the day, simply taking off your hood would keep your operating temperature low enough without melting the piston rings. As far as technology goes, the more tech on a machine, the further away you are from a certified mechanic, multiplied by the number of days spent in a garage for maintenance and the actual number of days on the trail zipping along at highways speeds equals an awful lot of time and money. Today, with gas prices

reaching record levels and mechanics becoming scarcer and in high demand, it pays to start thinking of smaller bore engines and slowing down so that fuel is sipped and not gulped down at hundreds of dollars per day of riding. Heck that’s about the same as rent. So, the snowmobile has a great following, and it shows that we do have time on our hands to get out on the land. But sometimes I think that the snowmobile needs to be a year-round machine, without having to buy another one for the snowless seasons. But hey, snowmobiles are a way of life around here – it’s just getting a little expensive for people to use them for hobbies. It’s back to utility work and plowing through deep slush this coming spring. Stay safe and wear helmets! Enjoy what’s left of winter.

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www.nationnews.ca March 25, 2022

the Nation 25

Tea Bannock Thoughts on Ukraine

by Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash

n Cégep, I did a class presentation on a conflict for my politics course. I was always a bit over the top with research projects because I genuinely liked them, and I chose the conflicts stemming from Russian imperialism in Chechnya. To paint an accurate picture of Chechnya, you have to go back in time to fully contextualize the historical tensions between the breakaway territory and Russia. It was so much information that I asked my professor the permission to present for a full hour, which I did. It taught me that analyzing wars and conflicts can be complex, and that you really need to know the historical, sociological and economic factors behind a story that can seem quite simple. Over the last few weeks, the coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by some media outlets really cut corners and didn’t lay out all geopolitical facts to understand the conflict. Right now, we’re being presented a narrative that’s almost superheroes movie-like with the good guys and a bad guy. If you know me, you know I am not a fan of imperialism, whether it’s Russian or Western. The countries that are part of NATO also have economic and military ambitions just like Russia, and those ambitions are not always more ethical. As a people who have been subject to imperialist violence on our own land for centuries, we can understand that very well. A few years ago, Canada met with and discussed providing weapons and training to the Azov battalion, a paramil-

You can support Ukraine’s right to self-determination while being critical of its domestic problems

itary group in Ukraine. Members of this ultra-nationalist unit possess neo-Nazi and white supremacist views and even sport the SS logo on their uniforms. This means that Canada was willing to arm a neo-Nazi group on the other side of the ocean to keep Russia away from Ukraine. The Azov battalion has been formally incorporated into the Ukrainian National Guard, so there is a presence of far-right groups fighting for the defense of Ukraine. There is a known racism problem in the region, and it was made even more obvious by the footage of nearby countries refusing to take in Black refugees at the Ukrainian borders. Europe dealt with over two million Ukrainian refugees in a matter of days, but we all know Syrian refugees didn’t get the same treatment a few years ago. Ukraine has formally requested its wish to join NATO many times. However, all members must vote unanimously for a state to join the alliance and Ukraine

didn’t manage to get that yet; there are certain criteria a country must meet to join the treaty like political stability. Ukraine is a strategic location for many reasons, including its access to the Black Sea which is crucial for resource exports like oil. This is one reason why the country is subject to international interference, which adds to the political instability. You can support Ukraine’s right to self-determination while being critical of its domestic problems. You can also be against Russian imperialism without cautioning the West’s long tradition of interference in conflict zones around the world. Invasions, arming rebels and destabilizing elected governments often leads to more conflict and more unjust deaths of civilians. My advice is to carefully research conflicts before giving your opinion. Not having an opinion after witnessing so much horror is also fine; war is an ugly thing and it’s not a hockey game where picking sides has no impact.

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 March 25, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

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