The Nation | Vol. 29, No. 17 by nationmag

ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᒥᒄ ᐋ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᒥᐦᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅ ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᒥᒄ ᐋ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᒥᐦᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐅ ᒋᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ! ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐅ ᒋᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ!

ᐆ ᒎᓐ ᐲᓯᒻ 21, ᐋ ᒨᒋᒫᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐋ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᒥᐦᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐆ ᒋᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒋᐧᐋᐱᐦᑖᓈᓂ

ᐆᐊᓐ ᒎᓐ ᐋ ᐲᓯᒻᒥᔅᑳᑖᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ 21, ᐋ ᒨᒋᒫᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐋ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᒥᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐆ ᒋᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒋᐧᐋᐱᐦᑖᓈᓂᐤ ᐋ ᐅᐦᐦᐃᔨᐦᒄ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑳ ᐅᑐᐦᑖᒡ, ᐋ ᒥᓯᒋᓰᒥᑭᓂᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᔮᔨᐤ ᐅᑎᐦ ᐄᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋ ᐊᓐ ᐋ ᒥᔅᑳᑖᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᐋ ᐅᐦᐦᐃᔨᐦᒄ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᑳ ᐅᑐᐦᑖᒡ, ᐋ ᒥᓯᒋᓰᒥᑭᓂᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᔮᔨᐤ ᐅᑎᐦ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᔮᔨᐤ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐱᒋᔅᑎᓂᐦᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐅᑎᐦ ᑳᓈᑖᐦ ᐋ ᐲᒫᑎᓯᓈᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ, ᐄᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐤ ᒋᐦᒋᑳᔮᐱᐦᑎᐧᒫᓈᓂᐤ ᑭ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᔮᔨᐤ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐱᒋᔅᑎᓂᐦᒡ ᒑᐧᑳᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐅᑎᐦ ᑳᓈᑖᐦ ᐋ ᐲᒫᑎᓯᓈᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ, ᒋᐦᒋᑳᔮᐱᐦᑎᐧᒫᓈᓂᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᔮᔨᐤ ᐆᓲᐦᒋᑳᐱᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐤ᙮ ᐊᔅᑯ ᐋ ᒋᔅᒋᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᒥᐦᒑᐧᑖᐤ ᒋᓵᒥᑖᐦᑐᒥᑎᓂᐤ ᐋᑳ ᐅᐦᒡ ᒋᐦᒋᓂᐧᐋᒋᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃ ᐊᓂᔮᔨᐤ ᐆᓲᐦᒋᑳᐱᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐤ᙮ ᐊᔅᑯ ᐋ ᒋᔅᒋᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᒥᐦᒑᐧᑖᐤ ᒋᓵᒥᑖᐦᑐᒥᑎᓂᐤ ᐋᑳ ᐅᐦᒡ ᒋᐦᒋᓂᐧᐋᒋᐦᑖᑭᓂᐧᐃᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᑎᐦ ᐋ ᒌ ᓂᐦᐄᑭᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋᐧᐋᔑᔕᒡ, ᐊᑯᑎᐦ ᐅᑎᐦ ᐧᐋᐦᑎᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᐆ ᒫᒨᑳᐳᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐤ ᑯᑎᑭᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᑎᐦ ᐋ ᒌ ᓂᐦᐄᑭᐧᐋᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐋᐧᐋᔑᔕᒡ, ᐊᑯᑎᐦ ᐅᑎᐦ ᐧᐋᐦᑎᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᐆ ᒫᒨᑳᐳᐧᐃᓂᐧᐋᐤ ᑯᑎᑭᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋ ᐃᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᒡᐅᑎᐦ ᐅᑎᐦ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐋ ᒌᔅᒌᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᑳ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᓲᓈᓂᐅᒡ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᒄ ᐃᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᒡ ᐆ ᐆ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐋ ᒌᔅᒌᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᓐ ᑳᐊᓐ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᓲᓈᓂᐅᒡ ᕆᔅᑎᓐᓯᓪᕆᔅᑎᓐᓯᓪ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᑑᑭᒥᒄ ᐋᑳ ᓈᔥᒡ ᐋᑳ ᓈ ᐧᐋᔅᑭᒡ ᐅᑖᐦ ᐃᔑ ᐅᑖᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒫᒃ ᐋ ᓯᑐᔅᑳᑐᔨᐦᒄ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᐱᒧᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐆ ᐋ ᐧᐄᐦ ᒥᓂᐧᐋᒋᐦᐄᓱᔨᐦᒄ ᐧᐋᔅᑭᒡ ᐅᑖᐦ ᐃᔑ ᐅᑖᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒫᒃ ᐋ ᓯᑐᔅᑳᑐᔨᐦᒄ ᒫᐧᑳᒡ ᐋ ᐱᒧᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐆ ᐋ ᐧᐄᐦ ᒥᓂᐧᐋᒋᐦᐄᓱᔨᐦᒄ ᒫᔅᑭᓂᐤ᙮ ᒫᔅᑭᓂ

ᐄᔨᔨᐤᐊᔅᒌ, ᐊᔅᒌ, ᐅᑎᓈᓈᐆᐤ ᒫ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒌ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐃᔑ ᐧᐄᐦᒑᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐅᑎᐦᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᒋᑉ ᒋᑉ ᐅᑎᓈᓈᐆᐤ ᒫ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᒑᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᑖᓐ ᐋ ᑖᓐ ᐃᔑ ᐋᐧᐄᐦᒑᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐆ ᐊᔅᒌ, ᐆ ᐋ ᐊᔅᒌ, ᐅᑎᐦ ᐋᓲᒥᔨᑐᔨᐦᒄᐊᓐᐊᓐ ᒋᔅᑖᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᔅᑎᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᔅᐱᐦ ᒋᔅᑎᒫᐧᐋᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᓃᔅᑖᒥᔅᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐋᓲᒥᔨᑐᔨᐦᒄ ᐋ ᐋ ᐃᔑᐃᔑ ᒋᔅᑖᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᔅᑎᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᔅᐱᐦ ᒋᔅᑎᒫᐧᐋᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᓃᔅᑖᒥᔅᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐋ ᐹᔨᑯᑖᐅᓯᔨᐦᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒫᒃ ᒋᑎᐦᑖᐧᐃᓂᐤ᙮ ᐊᓐ ᐋᐊᓐᐃᔑᐋ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᒋᒋᑎᔅᒋᓂᐤ,ᒋᒋᑎᔅᒋᓂ ᐹᔨᑯᑖᐅᓯᔨᐦᒄᒋ ᒋᒥᔪᐱᒫᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᒥᔪᐱᒫᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᒫᒃ ᒋᑎᐦᑖᐧᐃᓂᐤ᙮ ᐃᔑ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᒋᐹᔨᑯᑖᐅᓯᐧᐃᓂᐤ ᐋ ᐊᐅᐦᒡ ᐊᓐ ᑖᑖᐅᐦᒡ ᐋᐦᑎᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᒫᐦᒋᑯᓂᒥᐦᒄ ᒋᐹᔨᑯᑖᐅᓯᐧᐃᓂᐤᑭᔮᐦᑭᔮᐦᐊᔅᑎᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᐤ ᐊᔅᑎᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᐤ ᐋ ᐊᐅᐦᒡ ᐊᓐ ᑖᑖᐅᐦᒡ ᐋᐦᑎᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᒫᐦᒋᑯᓂᒥ ᐊᔅᑎᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᔅᑎᐊᔨᒧᐧᐃᓂᐤ, ᐋ ᑖᐧᐹᒥᐦᑭᐦᒡ ᐋ ᐃᑐᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐅᑖᐦ ᐊᑑᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐆ ᒥᓐ ᒑ ᐊᔅᑎᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᔅᑎᐊᔨᒧᐧᐃᓂᐤ, ᐋ ᑖᐧᐹᒥᐦᑭᐦᒡ ᐋ ᐃᑐᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐅᑖᐦ ᐊᑑᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐆᐊᑎ ᒥᓐᒥᑖᐦᑐ ᒑ ᐊᑎ ᒥᑖ ᐱᐳᓐᐦ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒥᓐ ᓂᓈᐦᑭᐤ ᐋᔨᒧᐧᐃᓐᐦ (2022-2032)᙮ ᐊ ᒥᔅᑰᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐱᐳᓐᐦ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒥᓐ ᓂᓈᐦᑭᐤ ᐋᔨᒧᐧᐃᓐᐦ (2022-2032)᙮ ᐊ ᒥᔅᑰᐦᑖᔨ ᐊᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᔨᐦᒄ, ᐊᔅᑎᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᔪ ᑭᔮᐦ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᔅᑎᐊᔨᒧᐧᐃᓂᐤ ᐋᐅᒄ ᐊᔑᓈᑯᐦᒡ ᒑ ᒌ ᓯᑐᔅᑭᒥᐦᒄ ᒑ ᒌ ᑖᔨᐦᒄᒑ ᐊᓂᑎᐦ ᐊᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᔨᐦᒄ, ᐊᔅᑎᑖᑎᓯᐧᐃᓂᔪ ᐊᔅᑎᐊᔨᒧᐧᐃᓂᐤ ᐋᐅᒄ ᐊᔑᓈᑯᐦᒡ ᒑ ᒌ ᓯᑐᔅᑭᒥᐦᒄ ᒌ ᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐊᓂᑎ ᐊᔅᑏᔅᒌᒥᓈᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᒫᐦᒋᑯᓂᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᓐ ᒋᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒧᐧᐃᓂᐤ ᐊᓐ ᐊᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᔨᐦᒄ ᐋ ᒌ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ᙮

ᐊᔅᑏᔅᒌᒥᓈᐦᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒌ ᒥᒫᐦᒋᑯᓂᒥᐦᒄ ᐊᓐ ᒋᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒧᐧᐃᓂᐤ ᐊᓐ ᐊᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᔨᐦᒄ ᐋ ᒌ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦ

ᐅᑖᐦ ᒫᒃ ᓂᑳᓂᐦᒡ ᐋ ᐄᑖᐱᔨᐦᒄ ᐋ ᒋᔅᑖᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋ ᓂᓈᔅᑯᒧᔨᐦᒄ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᑳ ᐅᐦᑐᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ, ᐋᐅᒄ ᐆ ᐋ ᐅᑖᐦ ᒫᒃ ᐋᓂᑳᓂᐦᒡ ᐋ ᐄᑖᐱᔨᐦᒄ ᒋᔅᑖᔨᐦᑎᒥᐦᒄ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋᐅᑎᐦ ᓂᓈᔅᑯᒧᔨᐦᒄ ᐊᓂᑖᐦ ᐅᐦᑐᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ, ᐋᐅᒄ ᐆ ᒫᒨᑳᐳᔨᐦᒄ ᐧᐃᒋᑳᐳᔅᑑᐦᑰᒡ ᒋᒋᓵᓂᐅᒡᐋ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒌᒋᓵᓂᔅᐧᑳᒥᓂᐅᒡ ᐆ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᑭᔮᐦᑳ ᐋᓱᐧᐃᓂᔅᒑᔨᑐᐦᑯᒡ ᒫᒨᑳᐳᔨᐦᒄ ᐋ ᐧᐃᒋᑳᐳᔅᑑᐦᑰᒡ ᒋᒋᓵᓂᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒌᒋᓵᓂᔅᐧᑳᒥᓂᐅᒡ ᐅᑎᐦ ᐆ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋᓱᐧᐃᓂᔅᒑᔨᑐᐦ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᒌ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᐊᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᔨᒡ ᒌᐧᐃᒑᐧᐋᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒫᒃ ᒋᐧᐋᐦᑰᒫᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᐋ ᐧᐃᒋᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᒧᒥᐦᑯᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐊᓂᒌ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᐊᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᔨᒡ ᒌᐧᐃᒑᐧᐋᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒫᒃ ᒋᐧᐋᐦᑰᒫᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᐋ ᐧᐃᒋᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᒧᒥᐦ ᒥᒥᐦᑖᑯᓯᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᐆ ᓈᔥᒡ ᐋ ᒥᔨᐧᔮᔨᐦᑖᑯᒡ ᐋᐦ ᒋᐦᑳᔮᐱᐦᑖᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐆ ᒥᒥᐦᑖᑯᓯᐧᐃᓂᐦᒡ ᐆ ᓈᔥᒡ ᐋ ᒥᔨᐧᔮᔨᐦᑖᑯᒡ ᐋᐦ ᒋᐦᑳᔮᐱᐦᑖᑭᓂᐅᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᒋᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ᙮

ᒋᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ᙮

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!

This June 21st, as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day and recognize our unique heritage, rich21st, culture andcelebrate countless National contributions to the fabric of Canadian society, we also This June as we Indigenous Peoples Day and recognize our uniqu honour the resiliency of Indigenous Peoples. As we continue to reﬂect upon the discovery of heritage, rich culture and countless contributions to the fabric of Canadian society, we als thousands of unmarked graves of Indigenous children, this is a time for solidarity with other honour the resiliency of Indigenous Peoples. As we continue to reﬂect upon the discovery o nations across the country as we remember the legacy of residential schools of a not-so-disthousands unmarked graves of another Indigenous children, is a time for solidarity with othe tant past and of continue to support one on our healing this journey.

nations across the country as we remember the legacy of residential schools of a not-so-dis

Intant Eeyou Istchee, we must to take the opportunity to celebrate our connection to the land, the past and continue support one another on our healing journey. sharing of our traditions and the importance of placing the well-being of our family and comIn Eeyou we bond must to take opportunity celebrate munity as a Istchee, priority. Our thethe land, our familiesto and traditionsour hasconnection been centraltotothe theland, th preservation of culture and language, a fact beingof acknowledged as we enterof into Inter-and com sharing of our traditions and the importance placing the well-being ourthe family national of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032). Strengthening our identity, culture munityDecade as a priority. Our bond to the land, our families and traditions has been central to th and language means that we need to further support our connection to the land and our tra-the Inte preservation of culture and language, a fact being acknowledged as we enter into ditional knowledge. national Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032). Strengthening our identity, cultur

that we need to further support our connection the landwith and our tra Asand we language look aheadmeans with respect and honour of our histories, it is in the spirit oftosolidarity ditional knowledge. our brothers and sisters across our many territories and an extended hand towards our many non-Indigenous friends and relations that we celebrate with pride a very happy National As we look aheadDay. with respect and honour of our histories, it is in the spirit of solidarity wit Indigenous Peoples

our brothers and sisters across our many territories and an extended hand towards our man ᐧᓈᕐᒥᓐ ᐧᐋᐹᒌ Nationa and relations thatᑎᔮᐦᒋᔥᑭᐧᐋᑦ we celebrate with pride a very happy ᒋᔖᐅᒋᒫᐦᑳᓐᐦ/ᑎᔮᐦᒋᔥᑭᐧᐋᑦ ᑳ ᓃᑳᓂᐱᔥᑎᒥᔨᒡᐦ Indigenous Peoples Day.

ᒪᓐᑏ ᑲᓪ-ᒫᔅᑏ non-Indigenous friends ᒋᔖᐅᒋᒫᐦᑳᓐ/ᑳ ᓃᑳᓂᐱᔥᑎᐦᒃ

Mandy Gull-Masty Grand Chief/Chairperson ᒪᓐᑏ ᑲᓪ-ᒫᔅᑏ ᒋᔖᐅᒋᒫᐦᑳᓐ/ᑳ ᓃᑳᓂᐱᔥᑎᐦᒃ

Mandy Gull-Masty

Norman A. Wapachee Deputy Grand Chief/Vice-Chairperson ᐧᓈᕐᒥᓐ ᐧᐋᐹ

ᑎᔮᐦᒋᔥᑭᐧᐋᑦ ᒋᔖᐅᒋᒫᐦᑳᓐᐦ/ᑎᔮᐦᒋᔥᑭᐧᐋᑦ ᑳ ᓃᑳᓂᐱᔥᑎᒥᔨ

Norman A. Wapache

CONTENTS EDITORIAL

10 Seniors’ housing network The first of three new homes built in Chisasibi

Community

Happy Indigenous Day

Empowering voices

A Cree candidate

NEWS

BRIEFS FEATURES

A home for the Elders

Treading water

Reading the future

Scaling the wall

PUZZLES REZ NOTES

32 33

Travel woes

T&B Democracy in danger

Cree language learning books

Sports

18 Flooding crisis

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

ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ ᓄᓇᕕᒃ ᐅᕙᓂ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᐳᖅ Nunavik Startsᓄᓇᕕᒃ Here Eeyou Starts Here 28Nunavik bouldering

Photos courtesy of the CBHSSJB

ᐃᓂᓕᐅᕐᓃᑦ RESERVATIONS 1 800 361-2965 ᐃᓂᓕᐅᕐᓃᑦ RESERVATIONS

ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS 1 800 661-5850 ᖃᖓᑦᑕᔫᓂᒃ ᐊᑦᑕᑐᐊᖃᕐᓂᖅ CHARTERS

Editorial

Happy Indigenous Day by Will Nicholls

ll of us at the Nation wish everyone a great National Indigenous Peoples Day. For those of you who may have forgotten when it is because of being socially distanced for the past two years, it’s June 21, the longest day of the year. Now that we are allowed to mingle again, get out there and enjoy yourselves. It’s the 26th year since Canada officially recognized this day in 1996, but we have the 24th and 25th years to make up for. It’s our day.

Scenes from Indigenous Day 2018

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT Have you graduated from college or university in the last year and a half?

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-Sagasnash, S. Orr, J. Janke, 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 June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

Empowering voices A creative collaboration highlights Indigenous Peoples Day events in Montreal

by Joshua Janke | Photo from Indigenous Day 2018 by Heather Waldron

ational Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and inspire hope for the future. In Montreal, a series of performances will lead up to the big event on June 21. Portions of a barrier-breaking exploratory work, “Around the Work Uiesh”, will be performed by the Nouvel Ensemble Moderne chamber orchestra at the Salle Claude-Champagne June 16. The verses of renowned Innu poet Joséphine Bacon come to life through the voice of Inuk soprano Deantha Edmunds and the music of Montreal composer Tim Brady. Anticipating its world premiere at the First Peoples’ Festival in August, the performance will tease audience members with excerpts for an early taste of this multifaceted collaboration. Brady spoke with the Nation about the inspiration for his partnership with Bacon, as well as key elements to watch for. The opportunity to incorporate the “beautiful poems and ideas of the very established, articulate” Bacon drew him to the project. “The presence of Indigenous culture in Canada should be and is becoming front and centre,” he stated. “We must recognize and appreciate this.” The show is based on Bacon’s 2019 collection of poems, Uiesh (Somewhere), written in Innu-aimun and accompanied by a French translation. Brady emphasized the importance of using the original language in the show. “I did not use translations and instead set the poems in Innu-aimun. [For me] it was a big challenge to work in a non-Eu-

ropean-based language, but also a great experience learning the phonetic differences and subtleties of the language.” Bacon’s contributions to preserving and revitalizing her language – through her work as a poet, teacher and translator for over 40 years – are extensive. “Around the Work Uiesh” is a statement on the impact Bacon has on Indigenous art and language. Deantha Edmunds, Canada’s first Inuk opera singer, will bring Bacon’s poems and Brady’s compositions to life with the soprano voice that has put her in high demand for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous projects. “She’s a highly skilled professional,” expressed Brady. “As an Inuk singer, she possesses a cultural link [to the event] that a settler soprano would not have.” Brady underlined the importance of having the voices and stories of his Indigenous co-stars guide the project’s direction and suggested that this should be the case for political dialogue and Indigenous reconciliation in Canada. “The main thing I want to do is listen, I want to hear their stories,” Brady stated, when asked about his place in the show. He added that all people – not just politicians and authority figures – play a part in recognizing the injustices that Canada was built on and in creating a better future. “[Our] job isn’t to fix everything… it is to establish a dialogue which understands that Indigenous people are the experts on both the problem and the solution.”

Many other events also highlight Indigenous culture and history. The Cinémathèque québécoise will screen two films: Mémoire battante (1983) by Arthur Lamothe on June 15; and Six saisons attikameks (1983) by Pierre Dinel on June 18. The former focuses on the Innu, while the latter highlights the Atikamekw and their traditions. The Grande Bibliothèque hosts a lunchtime concert in the library’s gardens June 17 with Mashteuitash singer-songwriter Mike Paul performing songs focused on the protection of the earth. The following day, poet and performer Natasha Kanapé Fontaine will deliver a reading in Innu-aimun of An Antane Kapesh’s autobiography Eukuan nin matshi-manitu innu-ishkueu / Je suis une maudite sauvagesse. For National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21, a sunrise ceremony will mark the summer solstice in the Botanical Garden’s First Nations Garden, a setting that highlights Indigenous peoples’ traditions in the natural world. Later, at 11:30 am, a civic ceremony at the Quai de l’Horloge in Montreal’s Old Port will officially salute National Indigenous Peoples Day. On the musical side, Pop Montreal joins forces with the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and Resilience Montreal to present Indigenous artists of all genres, including Shauit, the Buffalo Hat Singers, Scott Sinquah and Geronimo Inutiq. This free event will shake up Cabot Square from 3 pm to 7 pm.

www.nationnews.ca June 17, 2022 the Nation 5

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

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

6 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

ree voters will see a familiar name on their ballots in the provincial election this October. Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash announced May 29 her intention to run as a Québec solidaire candidate in the Ungava riding. “I was minding my own business in December when some people I respect in Cree and Inuit communities strongly suggested I run,” recalled Labrecque-Saganash. “After I got a message from the co-leader of Québec solidaire, it was looking like the stars are aligned. If my Nation thinks I would be an asset to self-determination by sitting in [the National Assembly], I’m willing to try.” Labrecque-Saganash has known party co-leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois since working together on the “Faut qu’on se parle” (We Need to Talk) tour in 2016, which stimulated public debate around issues like diversity and inclusion. She’s also earned the respect of co-leader Manon Massé, who worked to develop relationships with Indigenous communities. “We’re welcoming a candidate of whom we are particularly proud,” said Massé. “Maïtée is a woman of her word, a woman of conviction, and she is a model of social involvement.” Labrecque-Saganash turned down previous invitations from political parties because of her familiarity with the job’s challenges. Her father is former NDP MP Romeo Saganash, who represented the federal Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik– Eeyou riding from 2011 to 2019. “It’s not an easy adventure for anyone, let alone for a young Indigenous woman like her,” tweeted Saganash. “But I know her courage and her passion for social justice; I wish her much strength and love.” Before becoming a columnist for the Nation in 2018, Labrecque-Saganash wrote weekly columns about Indigenous issues in Métro, a free Montreal daily newspaper, and was frequently invited to appear on television talk shows and to speak at conferences.

Editorial News

A Cree candidate Labrecque-Saganash to fly the colours of Québec solidaire in the provincial election by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Her campaign has mobilized more than 40 volunteers in non-Native communities. Another key to winning the riding is her extensive network in Nunavik, where people are excited about her candidacy. “The Arctic is one of my favourite places and I’m happy I’ll get to advocate for people there,” she said. “The president of Makivik said we would have endorsed any Indigenous person from the region but knowing that you know Inuit communities and customs so well makes me really happy.” While she says Québec solidaire’s platform isn’t perfect, LabrecqueSaganash believes it’s the only party pushing a progressive agenda. With two other Indigenous candidates, Benjamin Gingras in Abitibi-Est and Michaël Ottereyes in Roberval, the party is taking steps to introduce diverse perspectives to the National Assembly. “I know I’m not going to be backbenched if I disagree with them,” Labrecque-Saganash told the Nation. “I’ve done it many times before and my critiques are always well received. I hesitated for months before this decision, but the political climate right now is so concerning.” She felt compelled to oppose a Coalition avenir Québec government that refuses to acknowledge systemic racism and minimizes threats posed by an emboldened far-right. As someone whose Facebook page’s cover declares “capitalism is the virus”, Labrecque-Saganash

believes rethinking provincial social services is urgent, particularly in northern communities. “The quality of life is quite incredible up North, but if you can’t meet your basic needs and access decent public services then you can’t really thrive,” asserted Labrecque-Saganash. “The goal is to bring better services to have a more diverse economy so youth could feel comfortable living up North.” Since moving back to Waswanipi a few years ago to work with the Cree Health Board, Labrecque-Saganash has witnessed frequent ruptures in healthcare services, including the temporary closure of Nunavik’s regional hospital. While the Cree Nation offers retention bonuses and housing to attract workers, many people living in the communities lack these same opportunities. “It’s costing our Nation a lot of money trying to fill that gap that Quebec is not addressing,” Labrecque-Saganash said. “I understand we need housing for nurses, doctors and teachers for communities to function. But at the same time, a Cree person comes back to their community, and they don’t have housing.” Recent strikes by Cree School Board workers protested inequalities in working and living conditions between their Indigenous and non-Indigenous members. Labrecque-Saganash has personally experienced the challenges of securing housing and noted that rising prices are making it even harder to make ends meet.

“You have teachers on your street with beautiful houses while yours is full of mould,” she commented. “Without withholding resources to outsiders, we need to make sure we do the same for young people, especially the ones who come back after graduating. Insecure housing doesn’t make a Nation that’s creative and thriving – everyone’s busy on autopilot trying to survive.” At her core is the fight for social justice. “I’m tired of begging for my human rights,” said Labrecque-Saganash. “I want to live in dignity and explore my other passions but the only thing I can do is revolt. While my friends are having kids, I’m worried how the world is going to be in 30 years – why have a child in this burning world?” Her father and aunts survived residential school – but not her uncle. She feels that leveraging her inherited knowledge and strength is her way of honouring them. While she understands that many Cree people have never felt respected by the country’s political structures, she hopes to gain their support on voting day. “I hope I can rally my people behind me because if I win it’s a win for all of us,” Labrecque-Saganash insisted. “I enter this long journey with a lot of conviction and respect for my people. After all, I’ll still be living in Waswanipi – I don’t want to stray from that too much because my community is what brings me joy.”

www.nationnews.ca June 17, 2022

the Nation 7

May this National Indigenous Peoples Day be a day of celebration for all. Manon Cyr, Chairperson / Présidente

ᐆ ᒑ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐋᐦ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐅᒌᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ, ᑭᒫ ᒥᓯᐙ ᐊᐙᓐ ᒨᒋᒑᔨᐦᑎᐦᒃ!

ᐆ ᐁᐃᐦᑕᑯᐦᒡ ᐁᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᔮᐦᒡ

Que cette Journée Nationale des Peuples Autochtones soit une célébration pour tous!

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

ᐊᓂᑌ ᐧᐁᐦᒡ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᐆ

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Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᒑ ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐋᐦ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐅᒌᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ!

ᐆ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐋᐦ ᒋᐦᑳᔮᐱᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐅᒌᔑᑲᒥᐧᐋᐤ

ᑖᐧᐯᐅᒉᔨᒥᓲ ᐊᓂᑌ 4 ᐃᔨᔫ ᐃᐦᑖᐧᐃᓐᐦ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᓐ: ᐧᐊᔅᑲᑲᓂᔥ, ᒋᓵᓰᐲ, ᒥᔅᑎᓯᓃ ᓀᔥᑦ ᓀᒪᔅᑳ᙮ ᐁᑎᑑ ᐧᐄ ᒋᔅᒉᔨᐦᑎᒣᐧᑫ ᐆ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ, ᑖᓐ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᐦᑏᓐ ᐁᐧᐄ ᐲᐦᑌᐸᔨᐦᐄᑦ ᒋᔅᑯᑎᒧᐧᐋᑲᓐ ᐊᓐᑦ, ᑖᓐ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᐦᑏᓐ ᒉ ᒌ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐧᐄᒋᐦᐋᑲᓅᑦ ᒋᔅᑕᐧᐋᔒᒻ, ᓀᔥᑦ ᑲᔦ ᐁᑎᑑ ᐧᐄ ᓇᓇᑑ ᒋᔅᒉᔨᐦᑕᒥᓀ ᒉᐧᑳᓐ, ᐅᑌ ᒋ ᑳ ᒌᔑ ᐯᒋ ᑖᐦᑲᐱᐦᒉᓂᒉᓐ:

ᑭᔮᐦ ᒫᒃ ᐊᔑᑯᒻ ᒋᔑᑳᐤ, ᒋ ᒧᒋᒑᔨᐦᑖᓈᓂᐤ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒋᒋᔅᑖᔨᒫᓂᐅᒡ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᐊᓂᒌ ᓂᔥᑎᒻ ᑳ ᐃᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᒡ, ᒥᔨᑌᔨᔅ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐱᑯᐦᐧᑖᓲᒡ, ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᒥᔨᐧᐋᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᓈᔥᒡ ᐊᒥᔅᑯᐧᐋᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᔮᔨᐤ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐸᒋ ᐱᒫᑎᓯᒡ᙮

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, and everyday, we celebrate and honour First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples achievements, contributions and vibrant culture.

ᑖᐦᑳᐱᐦᒉᓂᑲᓐ ᐁᐃᑎᓯᓈᑌᒡ: (418) 923 2661 ᒦᓐ ᐁᒪᑯᓂᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᐊᒋᐦᑖᓱᓐ 1172 ᐁᒋᓯᐸᔨᐦᒡ ᐁᐃᔑ ᐲᐦᑌᓯᓇᐦᐄᒉᔨᓐ: YES@cngov.ca

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In Brief Honouring Bill Namagoose Carleton University will name Waskaganish Eeyouch Bill Namagoose an honourary Doctor of Laws June 24. The Ottawa university is recognizing Namagoose’s “outstanding contributions to the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee over a period spanning nearly 40 years.” Namagoose is a longtime defender of the rights of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee. As the Executive Director of the Cree Nation Government since 1988, he managed a complex court case addressing the failures of provincial and federal governments to implement the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. He has been involved in the negotiations of over 80 agreements since the signing of the 1975 Treaty. Namagoose co-ordinated opposition to the HydroQuébec’s Great Whale Project in the early 1990s. During the referendum campaign on Quebec independence in 1995, he played a key role in ensuring Cree rights would not be swept under the rug. Namagoose also worked to ensure respect for the Cree right to self-determination under international law, and that Cree consent was required in any discussions of Cree lands. Namagoose said that the university wanted to recognize his work. “I accepted it in honour of the Cree people. I feel this is an honour that is shared by the Nation that trusted me to

use my abilities on its behalf. I interrupted events and recommended actions. The final choices were theirs always and I thank them for having trust in me.” Currently, Namagoose is the chair of the First Nations Bank of Canada, which manages assets of $1.4 billion.

BC driver plows into marchers A hit-and-run that took place June 4 during a march honouring residential school survivors in Mission, BC, has First

Nations leaders deeply concerned. Witnesses report say the driver uttered racist remarks and threats, before driving his pickup truck through the demonstration and injuring four marchers before fleeing the scene. Two days later, a 77-yearold man turned himself into police, but no charges have been laid. Many march participants and Indigenous leaders are critical of the police response. Mission RCMP released a statement saying the driver was “impatient” and trying to

get around the group “despite the safety risk.” The statement said police didn’t believe the driver targeted marchers or their cause, despite not having spoken to him. Witnesses say that their efforts to report their experiences to the RCMP were rejected, despite a call for public information. The BC-based First Nations Leadership Council is calling for the RCMP to uphold the law and conduct a full investigation into the incident.

www.nationnews.ca June 17, 2022

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Features

A home

e h t r fo

Ceremony marks beginning of seniors’ housing network in Eeyou Istchee by Will Nicholls, Photos courtesy of the CBHSSJB 10 the Nation June 17, 3, 2022 2022 www.nationnews.ca www.nationnews.ca

hile the youth population may be booming in Eeyou Istchee, some may forget that the number of Elders is growing as well. In the past, clinics employed a couple of nurses and offered limited medical supplies. Doctors visited every now and then in the 1960s and 1970s.

s r e d l E

With the signing of the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, the Cree began taking charge of their health services – with real budgets to offer real health care. This led to a marked increase in life expectancy. But even today there still are needs that are not being met. The construction of a new

Elders’ home in Chisasibi, one of three planned for Eeyou Istchee, will begin answering some of them. The home will serve the communities of Chisasibi, Whapmagoostui and Wemindji with 32 beds, including one for palliative care. All bedrooms will have their own bathroom, while the facility

will feature indoor and outdoor spaces designed for residents’ benefits. The groundbreaking ceremony took place June 6 in Chisasibi. On hand were Chisasibi Chief Daisy House, Cree Health Board Chair Bertie Wapachee, Quebec Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière, as well as the Minister

www.nationnews.ca www.nationnews.caJune June17, 3, 2022 the Nation 11

12 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

12 the Nation May April20, 22,2022 2022 www.nationnews.ca www.nationnews.ca

“Providing Elders with a space where they are cared for – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually – is an act of community love” - Chisasibi Chief Daisy House

Responsible for Seniors and Informal Caregivers, Marguerite Blais. Ungava MNA Denis Lamothe and Health Board Executive Director Daniel St-Amour rounded out the list of dignitaries. Chief House said the community is grateful for the services that are becoming reality. In addition to the Elders’ home, there is an 80-unit transit building for Cree Health Board employees, a future healing centre, and a birthing home. “Respecting and caring for Kiniwaaphmaakinch [Elders] is one of the most important Cree customs that we are taught as Eeyouch,” said House. “Providing Elders with a space where they are cared for – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually – is an act of community love.” Blais was all smiles at the event, and her excitement was contagious. “We’ve been working very hard for years on this major project to build homes for seniors and adults with special needs,” Blais said. “Our government has sought to develop a living environment that will be more home-like and provide human contact. There will be mobile beds that caregivers from the family or friends can use to stay overnight in the room with loved ones.” Lafrenière mentioned his promise to visit all 55 Indigenous communities in Quebec, saying that his visit to Chisasibi that day checked off one of those boxes. “This represents a real gain in quality of life,” Lafrenière said of the future Elders’ home. “This is a project inspired by your culture and your identity, which will meet the needs of these three communities, their seniors and their families.” Lafrenière noted that the population of Eeyou Istchee is expected to reach 22,000 by 2031 with about 2,100 residents aged 65 or older – justifying the need for a facility that would assist not only in Elders’ needs but to bring generations together in a culturally enriching manner. Wapachee said that while there may have been disputes in the past between the Cree and Quebec it was a welcome experience to see both sides working to develop this project. The Cree language would be used as much as possible in the new home, which would create an environment that reflects Cree cultural values, Wapachee noted. Asked when he thought he would be making use of the Elders’ home, Wapachee chuckled and said, “I don’t plan to retire until the end. That’s the hope. If I do need it, I will make good use of it and move in with the rest of the Elders my age.” There will be two more Elders’ homes in Eeyou Istchee, including one in Waskaganish (construction to begin this year) to serve Waskaganish, Eastmain and Nemaska. The other will be in Mistissini with a 2023 groundbreaking to serve Mistissini, Ouje-Bougoumou and Waswanipi.

www.nationnews.ca June 17, 2022 the Nation 13

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!

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We wish everyone a Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! ᓂᐱᑯᓵᔨᒫᓈᓂᒡ ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᐊᐧᐋᓂᒌ ᒑ ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᐦᒡ ᒑ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐲᔨᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄᔅᒋᒫᐅᒡ ᐋᐦ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐱᒫᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐅᒌᔑᑳᒥᐧᐋᐤ! - From the Niskamoon Board of Directors and staff. 2 lakeshore Road, Nemaska, Quebec JOY 3BO 14 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

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Smoke Alarms Save Lives

The Newmont Éléonore Mine, located in Eeyou Istchee – James Bay territory, and its partners are preparing to launch two training cohorts for the purpose of training and hiring new Cree employees, both women and men.

number of jobs held by Crees has remained stable and barely increased, due to recruitment, retention and training reasons. Furthermore, we are proud of the sustained progression of Cree employees within our company. This internal mobility sometimes leaves some entrylevel positions difficult to fill, Background given the current labour shortSince the signing of the age. We must therefore rethink Opinagow Collaboration our recruitment approach. Agreement in 2011, Newmont Éléonore, the Cree The solution: Adapted Nation of Wemindji and the Grand Council of the Crees and custom training (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation programs Government have worked Developed with the finantogether for training and cial support of our partner, employment. Since the begin- Apatisiiwin Skills Development, ning of operations and the end the new training, offered comof the construction period, the pletely on the mine site with

direct coaching, is paid and offers automatic job opportunities if completed successfully by the candidates. This training is intended to be inclusive, offered both to women and men. It does not require any previous experience, only a marked interest in the mining industry and camp life.

Surface Operations The first training program, which is scheduled to begin in June 2022, will meet various needs related to surface operations. Under this recurring program, four apprentices per cohort will have the opportunity to discover and develop their knowledge of different trades related

Happy National Indigenous

ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᒑ ᒥᐧᔮᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐅᑎᐦᒋᐱᔨᒡ ᒥᓯᐦᑖᔅᑭᒥᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐄ 16 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Rocky Georgekish, Development miner – Bolter, has accepted the role of mentor for apprentices to the underground training program.

to this department’s operations: the mill, surface services and the analysis laboratory. Theoretical and practical training will be assured by Minopro Cree, a Chibougamau and Oujé-Bougoumou company. It is important to mention that this custom-designed training program would not be achievable without their expertise and dedication. “We are open to our Cree partners about our recruitment and training difficulties, as well as our retention problems. By collaborating in complete transparency on common objectives, we have found the courage to develop this innovative program which we hope will benefit everyone. “ - Donal Fortin, Director, Processes and Maintenance, Newmont Éléonore

Underground Operations to become the bridge between The second training and coaching program seeks to meet the workforce needs in underground operations. In six months, the Cree apprentices will see the essential theoretical and practical concepts to become miners, including the modules on mining, stope preparation and driving vehicles underground. Éléonore thus wishes to establish a continuous workforce creation channel. In addition to a firm management commitment to establish and maintain this program, a Cree employee, who has worked for the company for several years who is at the top of the progression scale, has agreed to leave the normal context of his work as a development miner

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the mine and the apprentices. This trilingual facilitator-trainer (Cree-English-French) will coach the apprentices on the path to success while progressing toward a supervisory position. The first-level supervisors who will coach the apprentices also play a key role in this program’s success. In addition, they have received training on sensitivity and Indigenous culture with UQAT, specifically for the Éléonore context.

“With our partners’ collaboration, we think we have the beginning of a solution to our needs for labour, which we hope will be as local as possible. To date we have received a tremendous amount of interest in these two cohorts!” - Daniel Guay, Director, Human Resources and Camp Services, Newmont Éléonore

Treading

ikangikum First Nation, Sioux Lookout and other northwestern Ontario communities remain in crisis after water levels swamped the province throughout the month of May. As of June 3, 14 First Nations had declared a flooding emergency along with eight neighbouring municipalities. The Surface Water Monitoring Centre issued a provincial flood watch for the entirety of northwestern Ontario June 4. Rapidly melting snow and unprecedented rainfall since early April caused water levels this spring to surge past previous records set in 2014. Ontario’s two new disaster relief programs, Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO)

18 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

and Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA), began in 2016 and offer financial and social aid to those affected by natural disasters. However, First Nations communities are ineligible for these programs. But the response from First Nation communities is founded on advanced emergency relief strategies, as well as strong communication and support systems between nations. The Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) is focused on building Indigenous self-reliance and providing “customized support” to Whitesand, Lac Seul, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Muskrat Dam, and Pikangikum First Nations.

water

Ontario First Nations face unprecedented flood emergency with little help by Joshua Janke | Photos by Chris Pollard

“Our lake [Minnitaki] has risen to levels not seen since 1954... Over 20 households have been evacuated and 30 more have experienced major flooding damages.” - Doug Lawrance, Sioux Lookout Mayor

www.nationnews.ca June 17, 2022

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20 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Nicholas Rhone, IFNA’s Integrated Emergency Services Director, told the Nation there is a community-led response to the floods. “We assisted [Pikangikum] with monitoring the water treatment plan, water testing, and general administration and coordination tasks,” he said. Rhone praised Chief Dean Owen and the entire Pikangikum First Nation for their ability to find quick solutions. When the flooding began, the community swiftly responded, helping reduce damages and safety threats. “Throughout [the floods], the community has been handling multiple emergencies at the same time,” said Rhone, citing a Covid19 outbreak that occurred shortly after the flooding started. “Chief Owen and his council have done a great job keeping their community safe, no matter what they have faced in the past years.” Rhone says this example serves as a reminder that those most affected by emergencies become experts in short order and should be involved in coordinating response efforts. “The takeaway from the crisis is that we must continue to empower Indigenous communities and support them with what they need, when and how they need it,” he concluded. The flooding also devastated Ontario municipalities that provide health and essential services for remote First Nations. Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance expressed concern for infrastructure and the affected population. While the crisis began in May, Lawrance said, flooding in Sioux Lookout and adjacent communities remains a major and immediate problem as June begins. “The water has yet to recede,” he observed. “It’s just not going down.” More than a quarter of the 536 square-kilometre area of Sioux Lookout consists of lakes and wetlands, making residents of lower-lying neighbourhoods vulnerable to flooding and related issues. “Our lake [Minnitaki] has risen to levels not seen since 1954,” said Lawrance. “Over 20 households have been evacuated and 30 more have experienced major flooding damages.” Commercial and health sectors are also experiencing major losses, which has had a rippling effect on the rest of northwestern Ontario. Known as The Hub of the North, Sioux Lookout provides health services for over 30 surrounding First Nations; members fly in for medical aid and the municipality’s largest hotel accommodates the health centre’s common overflow. Unfortunately, flooding has forced the hotel to close, and 120 rooms were lost to water damage. Lawrance called for a change to provincial policy and emphasized that “the immediate concern is for the families who have been displaced, the homes that have been damaged, and how we can get relief for them.” Despite a history of annual flooding and the current emergency situation, Sioux Lookout, along with other northwestern municipalities and First Nations, remains off the list of the province’s declared flood areas. “[Being] declared a flood area by the province would help people get access to provincial assistance,” Lawrance asserted, explaining how the municipality’s request for approval has yet to be answered. Ontarians who do not reside in declared flood zones often experience added difficulties when applying for the DRAO relief program. “We haven’t been rejected but we haven’t been accepted either. This generation is experiencing the highest flood levels in 60-70 years [and] we still can’t get a definitive answer.” www.nationnews.ca June 17, 2022

the Nation 21

Kahnawà:ke invites you to join us for our

22 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

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ᒥᓯᐧᐋ ᓂᐧᐄᒑᐧᐋᑭᓂᓈᓂ ᒡ ᑭᔮ ᑳ ᐋᐱᑎᔒᔥᑑᒋᐦᒡ ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᐋ ᐃᑎᔅᑳᓈᓯᒡ,

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INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY JUNE 21, 2022 The Department wishes to acknowledge the courage, diversity and strength of Indigenous Peoples on the National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. There has been a long history of relations between our many Nations, and Indigenous communities and societies celebrate the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We continue to advocate for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the many other steps towards healing and reconciliation. Indigenous Peoples and communities continue to build capacity, retain and revitalise their culture, and contribute to greater society in incredible ways. We thank all who take the time to celebrate and acknowledge with us today!

www.nationnews.ca June 17, 2022

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Community

Reading the future New books for preschoolers promote Cree language learning by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

o combat language loss, the Cree Nation Government’s Child and Family Services department is expanding Cree language resources by providing seven new books for preschoolers. Books in both coastal and inland dialects arrived at community childcare centres June 3. “If we look back 30 years, all of our children were primarily interacting in the Cree language,” said Child and Family Services Director Kelly-Lee Pepabano. “Today we’ve seen a significant shift where children in the childcare centres, my grandchildren included, are interacting in English. That’s sort of alarming.” Concerns were raised at the Eeyou Istchee Language Engagement Session, which brought over 100 people to Ouje-Bougoumou in 2018. Shortly after the Cree Language Act became the CNG’s first ever law the following year, Pepabano’s department received federal funding from the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. “We all need to be unified in our mission of retaining and restrengthening our use of the language,” Pepabano told the Nation. “It can’t just be one organization. Even in our department, we’re taking initiatives to invite more Elders and Cree language experts so we can have that knowledge to assist our centres.” A call for stories in January 2020 yielded 24 submissions, from which

seven were chosen by a selection committee who weren’t provided the authors’ names. Four of the seven – Animals We Eat, My First Fish, My Grandpa’s Big Teepee and My Cousin’s Walking Out Ceremony – were written by young Mistissini author Megan Blacksmith, who was only 14 at the time. Other books include Mila’s New Snowshoes by Jiyâmeyihtam Brousseau, Gookum’s Gift by Corie Druggett and The Legend of Kanu by Stéphanie Sicard-Thibodeau. Mohawk artist Kim Delormier illustrated these books while Natasia Mukash and her daughter Nalakwsi Mukash from

26 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Whapmagoostui illustrated Blacksmith’s contributions. “I’m happy they’re in Cree syllabics and beautifully illustrated,” said Melissa Rodgers, a pedagogical advisor with the CNG who led the project. “We did put the Cree roman words and English in the back for those who don’t know how to read in Cree. They stimulate early literacy skills and children’s imagination, curiosity and creativity, helping them understand their world.” The books join a growing array of Cree language resources, including 12 children’s books that were first published about a decade ago. A series of eight large and colourful posters were

distributed to the region’s 16 daycares in 2018, teaching fundamental words related to emotions, transportation, weather, numbers and shapes. A songbook and DVD is a hit with young children, who often sing the songs at home. Released in 2012, The Singing and Learning Adventures of Neebin & Waabin follows a sister-and-brother puppet duo as they travel to Cree communities, teaching songs and skills like counting and colours. “We also have flash cards,” said Rodgers. “A [Cree snakes-and-ladders] board game is coming, recipe cards and an interactive magnetic calendar with the weather and seasons. I hope more things will come. We have the resources in coastal and inland dialect.” Child and Family Services printed 17,500 copies of the books for Cree daycare centres. Copies can be found through the Cree Health Board’s Â Mashkûpimâtsît Awash program, which supports pregnant women and young families. “These are all educational tools, created for the educators to deliver the educational program in the childcare centres,” explained Pepabano. “We’d like to ensure we have the appropriate materials that promote the Cree language so not only our educators are using them, but parents have access to these resources to engage in activities with their children.” The Child and Family Service department has transmitted Cree values, culture and language since its childcare network was created in the 1990s.

“We all need to be unified in our mission of retaining and restrengthening our use of the language” -Child and Family Services Director Kelly-Lee Pepabano

Childcare centres follow the provincial ministry of education program with a special focus on Cree priorities, such as teaching syllabics. “In our childcare centre, we use Cree syllabics, and our educators are very familiar with it,” confirmed Pepabano. “I’m one of them; my father was a Cree language teacher for many years, so I was able to learn it. Many of our children are learning it in school as well.” As a study showed many students don’t possess “mother-tongue Cree”, the Cree School Board introduced innovative tools in recent years to reinforce language skills at various stages of learning. In 2016, a Cree Syllabics Virtual Reality project called Niwîchewâka encouraged students to travel a landbased world in Cree. “We found that we were starting to lose the Cree language,” former CSB director general Abraham Jolly said at the time. “You want them to learn their language and maybe find the means to do that more effectively, where they’d be engaged with it. The best learning is when kids don’t even know they’re learning, because they’re having so much fun.”

Two new books are for infants, two are for toddlers and three are for preschoolers. Rodgers said these early childhood resources are vital for developing lifelong Cree speakers as 90% of brain development happens in the first five years of life. “We decided to have the books printed in Cree syllabics on the cover and in the story to encourage children to see the words in syllabics,” explained Rodgers. “They’ll come to understand later that it makes a sound, and these sounds together make a word. I can’t wait to hear more about it from our childcare centres and families.” For her part, Pepabano noted that her first two grandchildren interact with her primarily in English. But now her daughter-in-law speaks with her sixmonth-old more in Cree. “She asks, ‘Where’s your dad?’ in Cree. and he turns around and looks at him,” Pepabano shared. “He already understands her. Children’s brains are little magnets, so it doesn’t take a lot for a child to pick it up. That’s why, as a childcare centre supporter, we’re doing what we can to provide enough resources to promote that.”

Sports

Scaling the wall Eeyou Bouldering helps Waskaganish youth climb higher by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

outh in Waskaganish are enthusiastically taking to the sport of bouldering thanks to a new climbing wall installed as part of a two-month pilot project in the community. Eeyou Bouldering is the dream of Vincent Rodrigue and Jeanne de Metz, who both taught for two years at the local elementary school. “We grew very attached to the youth, our students and the community at large,” Rodrigue explained. “We felt we could have a bigger impact with youth by not being their teachers but opening a place for them where they could hang out, feel safe and have something to keep them active.” Seeing that their students wanted constructive ways to spend time and energy, the pair decided to share their passion for rock climbing by creating this ambitious facility in a former supermarket. Bouldering is a more accessible form of climbing as it doesn’t require a rope or harness. “It’s easy to fall in love with bouldering because it’s so simple,” said de Metz. “You don’t need expensive equipment. If you have climbing shoes and a wall, you can climb for as long as you want.” The 14-foot climbing wall features different lines of coloured footholds that are each “problems” for climbers to solve using balance, strength and strategic thinking. Socializing and developing problem-solving skills are an integral part of climbing culture. Every week the wall’s holds are reset with new problems, so regulars remain engaged with the sport.

“We like to create problems for every level of climbing,” de Metz told the Nation. “At the bottom of each problem is a small square that tells you how hard the problem is, so we have some for beginner 5-year-old kids and some that are so hard almost no one can climb.” The free space quickly became a popular fixture in the community, with a daily after-school rush of kids running for their climbing shoes, which are available in all sizes. It’s open six days a week, from 4-7 pm for youth aged 8-11,

28 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

and from 7-10 pm for youth aged 12 and up. On Sunday afternoons, everyone from toddlers to Elders are invited. Eeyou Bouldering opened April 21. Interest steadily increased as families returned from Goose Break. With comfortable couches, art supplies, air hockey and foosball tables, board games, magazines and a kitchen corner, it offers something for everyone. “The climbing wall is an excuse to attract the kids and keep them active,” shared Rodrigue. “They are happy to have something new to do, somewhere

to go. The energy behind it is really a youth centre, a place they can come and climb if they wish or just hang out – we make the best smoothies in Waskaganish.” Rodrigue admitted it took some convincing to gain community support for the little-known sport. Their experience as teachers helped earn trust from local sponsors, regional funding from the Cree Youth Development Fund and some federal funding through Indigenous Services Canada. Coordinating the facility’s development during the pandemic was another logistical puzzle. It required them to dig deep into their climbing contacts, some of whom donated shoes and holds. Although walls are typically built by specialized teams, they needed a creative solution that could be self-assembled, portable and custom-fit for the available space. “We found this company called Nomad Walls, young engineers who have a bouldering gym in Montreal,” explained de Metz. “Their goal is to bring climbing to remote places. They drew and created the wall and we brought it by ourselves to Waskaganish and built it with just a friend of ours.” The project wraps up at the end of June, and the pair are focused on securing the building and necessary funding to relaunch for next winter, when indoor activities are most needed. They believe the initiative satisfies a community need for safe spaces where youth can spend their time in a positive way. Parents appreciate he project, de Metz said. “One said her kid never goes out except to Eeyou Bouldering. The plan is to come back next winter from January until after Goose Break.” High school student Stormie Diamond was hired to handle the after-school rush, registering children’s names and ensuring parents sign risk-acceptance waivers. Volunteers help with washing dishes and cleaning mats. Involving local youth as much as possible is one way to ensure the project’s continuity. Although they dream of bringing Eeyou Bouldering to other Cree communities, the pair pointed to community pools that opened too quickly and then shut down as a cautionary tale to ensure operations grow gradually and organically. “We want to make sure we do the first part of the project in Waskaganish well,” said de Metz. “If we have youth working here and can slowly step out of the project, maybe we could do this in another community.” Another goal is to help youth discover some of the natural climbing opportunities that Eeyou Istchee has to offer. Although that would require specific safety training and additional equipment, Rodrigue and de Metz already have some destinations in mind. “Here in Waskaganish, there is an amazing spot at km 28 with big boulders of quality rock,” suggested Rodrigue. “We also made a few trips to Nemaska where there are large cliffs. Plus, we’ve heard rumours of rock in Wemindji and there are amazing cliffs in Chibougamau, near Mistissini.”

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tourismevaldor.com | 1-877-582-5367 30 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

AT YOUR SERVICE FOR OVER 60 YEARS HAPPY NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY!

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the Nation 31

Puzzles Crossword

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Stinging remark 14 15 16 5 Light on one's 18 19 17 feet 10 ___ we forget… 22 23 20 21 14 Direction at sea 15 Blanchett film 24 25 26 set in 1950s 27 28 29 30 16 Quite fond of 17 Castaway's 31 32 33 34 35 36 place 37 38 39 40 18 Rowing teams 19 Hot pot 43 44 41 42 20 A little cuckoo 45 46 47 22 "Gunsmoke", e.g. 48 49 50 51 24 García Márquez 52 53 54 55 56 work, "Love in the Time of ___" 58 59 60 57 26 Coastal bird 27 Colony member 61 62 63 29 Vegas hotel 65 66 64 with gondolas 31 Front-runner Copyright 2022 by The Puzzle Syndicate 33 Seeking payback 37 Eaten up 61 Discovered, 7 Steamed state 34 Equitable deal 38 Watchful slangily 8 Tidal extreme 35 Impel 40 Seldom seen 62 Twirler's stick 9 "Anything ___?" 36 Give for a bit 41 Sloth cousin 63 Anagram for 10 Radio audience 39 2024 is the next 43 Junior naval "aide" 11 Set foot in one officer 64 Poke 12 Back at sea? 42 Arkin or Ladd 45 Cruise purpose 65 "___ we all?" 13 Word with ghost 44 Kind of tide 47 Roulette bet 66 Hatchling's home or boom 46 All together, 48 Parlor piece 21 Moved, with "in" 50 Winner's flag nautically 48 Sub detector 52 Series of DOWN 23 Just for men 49 Go one better contests 1 Can of worms? 25 PRNDL pick 51 Kind of situation 54 Tariffed goods 2 ___-ran 27 Aquatic plant 52 Pound (down) 57 Lock opener? 3 Not eager 28 Kind of sign 53 Isle of exile 58 Buy alternative 4 Nut-bearing tree 30 Type of camp 55 "___ chic" 60 Ending with hard 5 Speed up 32 Like fish and 56 Backside or soft 6 Veggie patch chips 59 Bolted down

PREVIOUS SOLUTION:

Solution to Crossword:

A N T I T E S L A

A O N E

R O T C

O P E R A B A T O D E W O S L E E A A S T S C A T E W E N A R T Y

R E S T

R E S T H O M E

S T R S I N P I P E

A S H N T E R T A T E G U N Y P A I R L E E T L F I S D E M O R E F S T G N G B A U L A R R O L L U L L

STR8TS

No. 602

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

4 5 3

4 5 6

8 7 6 8 9 9

9 3 2

3 4 4 5 1

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

H O P E S

P E R T

S A Y S

M U T E

S L A W

Previous solution - Medium

7 6

S T O K E

SUDOKU

Easy

1 5

3 3 1

G A S M A I N

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

2 3 5 9 9 8 8 6 6 7 5 7

9 8 4 3 2 7 6

9 6 7 2 1 5 3 8 4

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

No. 602

8 1

Tough

9 7 6 4 8 5 2 1 3

3 2 3 7 4 9

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

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

32 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

Previous solution - Medium

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.

T H I S

by Margie E. Burke

8 3 5 1 6 2 4 7 9

1 2 4 7 3 9 6 8 5

2 5 9 6 7 1 3 4 8

4 6 7 3 5 8 1 9 2

3 8 1 9 2 4 7 5 6

5 4 3 8 1 6 9 2 7

7 9 8 2 4 3 5 6 1

6 1 2 5 9 7 8 3 4

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Rez Notes

Travel woes by Sonny Orr

’m rolling down the highway at the legal speed limit, fully aware that my gas-tank setting drops the faster I drive. These days, the price of gas is more than those in the far North, where high prices for everything are normal and if the price goes down, people go into economic shock. What? Gas prices have nearly doubled! What happened since the last lock down, did I miss anything? Well apparently, there’s is a war in Ukraine and the free world is doubling up all kinds of sanctions and blocking the Russian aggressor. Meanwhile, as I pull up to the drivethrough window to get a cup of coffee and fully wake up, I glance again at the pumps. Nope, it’s really the price and I’m not having a bad dream that I can wake up from. Leaving the fast-food outlet, I hear a metal-clicking sound emitting from my tires. That’s right, I haven’t changed them, and the studs grind away as I pull out into traffic. My southern foray hasn’t exactly been living up to my expectations. I am not alone, as hundreds of northerners leave their homes to venture out into an area that was once a pandemic hotspot. Maskless and revealing every grimace and expression, complete strangers can now see my happiness or displeasure. The face does not lie as two years of only using your eyebrows and eyes to express yourself is a hard-tobreak habit. Yes, my eyes glower and my brow furrows as I pump gas and realize that bottled water costs less these days. I wonder what the future has in store for us?

As I pull up to the drive-through window to get a cup of coffee and fully wake up, I glance again at the pumps. Nope, it’s really the price and I’m not having a bad dream

I continue down the highway, after spending a night in a remote town in the only room available at this hour. My partner is busy doing what she did for 30 years as the band receptionist – finding a room in the immediate area. Apparently, there are no vacancies within 500 kilometres and we still have to change my tires and find a room. Fortunately, I find a car dealer who is more than happy to handle my American auto, stating that his vehicles don’t show up too often in his garage and that the mechanics need more work to do. Changing my tires in record time, I head off to grab that reserved room. Being lucky and all, we reach the hotel just after sundown and when my tired head hits the pillow, I pass out from sheer exhaustion. Waking up in an unfamiliar place takes my foggy mind a few moments

to find its state of awareness, enough to realize hunger is setting in and the restaurant awaits us. After ordering what we thought would be a skimpy meal, heavily mounded plates of food arrive. Is this what a one-egg breakfast looks like? Gobsmacked, we devour the food and slurp down hot java. After driving 1,500 kilometres, some well-deserved shopping is in order. I’m hoping that the prices haven’t risen too much since last year as my wallet – and my heart – can’t take too much shock in one trip. At least there’s no sales tax as the next-door province respects our taxation rights. When I finally win an election of any kind, I’ll start working on it. But in the meantime, leaders will have to deal with other issues.

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 June 17, 2022

the Nation 33

Bannock & Democracy in danger

Tea

by Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash

nly 43.5% of eligible voters showed up at polls during the recent provincial election in Ontario, making it the province’s lowest electoral turnout in history. That’s what often happens when parties don’t campaign for innovative social projects. One of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s big electoral promises was to mine the Ring of Fire, a region in northern Ontario believed to be rich in minerals. To be frank, after two years of a debilitating pandemic, I don’t think most Ontarians care about mining wetlands in northern Ontario, and I don’t think it’s a project that is appealing enough to get youth to vote, especially in an environmental crisis. Boring platforms feed on cynicism. Unfortunately, I think we’re headed towards something similar in Quebec with elections just around the corner. After freestyling their pandemic response, you’d think that the Legault government would at least try to rethink the systems that so obviously failed during the past couple years. But no. So far, amid paralyzing inflation, all we got is a $500 cheque and discriminatory language legislation in Bill 96. Shoving your language down everyone’s throat is not a common political strategy. It’s disgusting to, once again, scapegoat immigrants, Indigenous people and anglophones at a time when most of the population is facing economic and social challenges. Legault no doubt knows that, but he believes it’s good politics. Don’t forget that he won his last election by promising lower immigration levels.

Bill 96 will only make it harder for minorities to navigate and access public services. Once again, we’re a convenient target for governments that are incapable of introspection when it comes to their failures. Bill 96 will reinforce discriminatory biases in people who work in the public sector and enable bureaucrats to deny services to someone who doesn’t speak French fluently or at all. Even though the bill has legal limitations, not everyone has enough literacy to know how to apply it in the real world. We are no strangers to this in Eeyou Istchee. We all know how hard it is for community members who don’t speak French to negotiate public services

outside of Cree entities – especially in regions like Abitibi-Témiscamingue or Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean. I’m tired of populist spins, especially when they’re aimed at marginalized communities. They’re damaging to social cohesion. They’re also fallacious. If social systems are failing in Quebec, it’s not because of immigrants or people on welfare who receive a measly $500 per month that is supposed to cover their needs. During the campaign, I hope we will get a better quality of debate that will reflect the urgency to address problems like the housing crisis, the shortage of personnel in healthcare and schools, the state of our social safety net and our climate response.

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34 the Nation June 17, 2022 www.nationnews.ca

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