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EDITORIAL
Damn Holidays by Will Nicholls
W
hen I was young and filled with the pride of youth, I made the biggest mistake. I was kissing this girl I liked behind a building near the fence of the base in Moosonee. My brother Robie teased me about kissing her. For some stupid reason I denied it, even though I had red cheeks. Even in later years I would not admit to those innocent kisses. Such is the folly of youth. We want to not only believe in ourselves, but we deny what we have enjoyed.
I did try to get another kiss, but she rejected me as she said she wanted more. I understand the hurt for those as young as we were then. Life is not a kiss but rather being close and enjoying each other to the fullest in each moment. The holidays draw us closer to what we need to know in order to enjoy them. But we need the slap on the ass to let us know that Mrs. Santa loves us, and we don’t even know why. I’ve told my oldest son that we will make sure he is taken care of. But I
HAPPY HOLIDAYS From all of us at the Nation Magazine, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!
Nation
wonder what being taken care of really means these days. The youngest has so much fun just living in the moment. While Hunter, the oldest, is smarter than a whip, Declan gets along with everyone. I love both of them and that will never change. I’ll always have a problem with what life costs me, but I will never have a problem with my relationship with the boys. They are smart, have moral standards and have a way to acknowledge their relationships. The holidays are part of that relationship. A kiss denied because of youthful embarrassment when we are mocked for an innocent moment of romance. Yet you remember that kiss and what it meant. We all try to be better than we are, but it never seems to make the grade. How many damn holidays do we have to live through before we can just acknowledge the moment and accept it. For those we love, and those we have lost but continue to love. Keep those you love close during this damn holiday. These moments might never be repeated.
P. P.
4 Stop Shooting Santa 7 In Brief...
FEATURES
NEWS
VOLUME 33 | NO. 05 | DECEMBER 26, 2026 P.
P. P.
EDITORIALS
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3 Will Nicholls
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22 Under the Northern SKy
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Documentary reflects on Blackfoot masculinity
Indigenous Women’s Art Market
18 CWIEA New President
Cover Photo by Samuel Coombes
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 // STORY COORDINATOR Patrick Quinn // CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, P. Quinn, J. Janke, N. Fedosieieva, J. Pashagumskum // DESIGN Matthew Dessner // SALES AND ADVERTISING Donna Malthouse // THANKS TO: Air Creebec CONTACT US: The Nation News, 918-4200 St. Laurent, Montreal, QC., H2W 2R2 // EDITORIAL & ADS: 514-272-3077 / ads@nationnews.ca / 514-943-6191 // HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 151, Chisasibi, QC. J0M 1E0 www.nationnews.ca // EDITORIAL: will@nationnews.ca news@nationnews.ca // ADS: 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. // ONLINE AT: www.nationnews.ca | facebook.com/NATIONnewsmagazine | Twitter: @creenation_news With the financial support of
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HOLIDAYS
Stop Shooting Santa
A
t a recent Cree Nation Government meeting in Montreal, the Nation spoke with several of the top people in the Cree Nation. Some gave us a holiday message and others answered a question or two. We didn’t manage to talk to everyone as time and space were a consideration. Rodrick Pachano, Elders Council Corporate Secretary
Mistissini Chief Micheal Petawabano
Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch
All of us here would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays and a prosperous New Year. I hope we all maintain our health.
The Nation: We noticed on Facebook that you invited long-term patients for a meal here in Montreal. Petawabano: Actually, this was our third time for the patients coming in. One of the things we identified when I came into office and working with the council was to make sure we didn’t forget our people. And some of these people have been here for years. This is because they can’t get the care and service they need at home. It’s mostly the ones on dialysis. It gets lonely and I know that feeling. We’re trying to give them the feeling that home is still there. We bring it to them. The last one we had we brought traditional food and we got the workers here in Montreal who were from Mistissini to set up and cook for our long-term patients. We also give them a little something to help them. We know it’s an everyday struggle. Most of them don’t work and have a low income. That’s why we try to give them a little something. Besides essentials we give them a little gift to help them get by during the holidays. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be careful. This is a time to enjoy your family and have a good meal with them. I know from time to time we’ll have a drink, but be reasonable about it. Just remember it’s to be with family.
The Nation: We heard you talking about developers coming into Eeyou Istchee communities and not knowing how to present themselves to the people. Murdoch: There are two things going on. One is a lot of developers do not educate themselves on the particularities of the Cree territory. That there’s a treaty and there’s an environmental impact assessment process. So, they really need to be educated on that. The other is that I wish they would listen more because even when they talk to the people, sometimes they adhere to this label called consultation. There are too many developers who think consultation means I’m going to tell you what it is I’m going to do and that’s it. They’re there to tell us. but they’re not there to listen. But if they would listen to the Cree regulators, if they would listen to the Cree land users, they would waste so much less time and money. Things would be much more efficient. I think two things need to be fixed. One, we need to make the information more accessible to them on what the realities of our territory are. Two, when they come, they come in listening mode and not just to make some sales pitch and to hear themselves speak. For the holidays enjoy your families, hug your kids, hug your parents, and call up a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Enjoy your family because we don’t know how long we’re going to
Waswanipi Chief Irene Neeposh The Nation: Waswanipi is looking to change the location of some of the Category 1A lands; what are the benefits for your community? Neeposh: We’ve be looking at reconfiguring lands for a long time now. When I got in, I thought we were wrapping up the project and ready to celebrate the whole process. The benefits we’ll get from it is the protection of the historic site of Old Post Island and to have access to lands next to the provincial highway. I would like to wish everyone in Eeyou Istchee, members and non-residents, professionals who work with us, a happy holiday and a prosperous New Year with good health and success.
Waskaganish Chief Greta Whisketchan-Cheechoo My Christmas message to Eeyou Istchee is have a safe holiday, take care of each other and spread joy to those around you. 4
the Nation | December 26, 2025 | www.nationnews.ca
Holiday wishes from Cree Nation leadership by Will Nicholls
be around, and we should do everything we can to enjoy every minute. And lastly, we need to stop telling kids on New Year’s Eve we are shooting Santa. We need to stop that. I’m still traumatized about that from when I was a kid. So, hug your family and stop shooting Santa. That’s my holiday message.
Ouje-Bougamau Chief Gaston Cooper The Nation: So how was the year for Ouje? Cooper: 2025 wasn’t a very good year for our community. People have been very vocal in terms of what they want their leadership to do for them. The CNG AGA was held in Ouje-Bougamau and from there it sprang into different projects. We did a lot for our community. We managed to do Phase 2 of our road. We beautified the road and surrounding area as you come into OujeBougamau. We’ve gotten approval to start the construction of the mini-mall which will house a grocery store, the gas station, the post office and most likely a hunting store. On the second floor will be offices and a gathering place. These are things we started building. Of course, housing is a big issue in Ouje-Bougamau. We’ve finished up everything from last year to almost now. We’re just finishing up the last batch of social housing. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. At this time of year, it’s a celebration of all our people. Everybody contributes to the holiday spirit. Our Nation is very giving. People don’t just give a present here and there, they give as many as they can and not just to family members. And that is
the spirit of our Nation and I hope that it is that way in the years to come. On behalf of the Cree Nation of OujeBougamau, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may God bless you all.
with this and that’s one of the highlights this year. I’m also working on the residential school file, but getting funding from the federal government is the biggest challenge. We’ll see what happens. Have a safe fun Christmas.
Youth Grand Chief Jade Mukash
Derrick Neeposh, CreeCo President and Board of Compensation Chair
The Nation: How is it going for the youth council? Mukash: It’s going very well. We had our elections halfway through so it’s a major shift, but we have been continuing the work of the previous co-chairs and strengthening those connections for the future. We’re working on three major resolutions, which is a funding document to disperse to all youth councils to have more opportunities within their communities. Another resolution is prioritizing the youth councils for the upcoming NRA [New Relationship Agreement]. We’re looking at a violence awareness prevention that we are working on with the Eeyou Eenou Police Force. These are our main priorities at this point. I know the holidays are an extremely busy time for youth councils across Eeyou Istchee, so I want to thank you for keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Rodney Mark, CNG Director of Social and Culture The Nation: So how has the culture been going these days? Mark: Things are moving. We’re working on a variety of different projects. One of the things is domestic violence. My team is working to create awareness to deal with problems. We are going to schedule a meeting or gathering to deal
The Nation: So how has your year been? Neeposh: My year has been very interesting. It’s been very busy. A lot of planning, every company is going over their plans. It takes a lot of time to do that. Despite all that I have had some medical challenges for a few months. But it didn’t keep me down too long. I managed to keep doing what I am required to do. One of the exciting projects we have completed is Odea. The first move in was this year and condo sales have slowed down, but rentals are up. So, it is pretty much on target. For the condo sales we have to extend the period of stabilization. But all of this doesn’t affect the overall success of the project. Nation: Have the US tariffs hit CreeCo hard? Neeposh: On the construction side we are starting to feel the pinch. We’re starting to see an increase in the construction costs like steel and wood. Aviation wise, it’s difficult to find aircraft as companies are shutting down and parts are becoming rare. There are challenges pretty much everywhere. For my Christmas message I would like to say greetings to everyone, especially our people in the Cree Nation. I wish them a very prosperous New Year from all of us at the Board of Compensation and CreeCo.
www.nationnews.ca | December 26, 2025 | the Nation
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IN BRIEF MacLeod is new CNG executive director Anthony MacLeod was appointed executive director of the Cree Nation Government December 2. Members of the CNG Board/ Council were unanimous in the nomination of MacLeod, who has been leading the CNG’s Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) since 2018. “With his team, he has brought innovation, pride in our local entrepreneurs and experts, and a series of dynamic events to Eeyou Istchee,” stated the CNG. “The vast experiences and skills he gained throughout the years will be invaluable as he continues to serve Eeyou Istchee in his new capacity.” The executive director position is one of the most important in Cree governance, involving liaising between the board and management, leading negotiations at federal and provincial levels, and overseeing the CNG’s longterm plans. MacLeod replaces the late Davey Bobbish, who passed away suddenly October 5.
The DCI has yet to name MacLeod’s successor. One of his last initiatives was to increase Cree Entrepreneurship Assistance Fund (CEAF) grants, effective October 23, from a maximum of $100,000 to $150,000, while maintaining a threshold of up to 25% of total project costs. “Our entrepreneurs have told us that they need greater support to fully participate in our economy,” said Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch. “Enhancing the CEAF cap empowers Cree businesses to invest, expand and claim the
space that rightfully belongs to them in Eeyou Istchee.” This holiday season, DCI is promoting the “Keep it Local” campaign, encouraging people to upload local receipts to the DCI app for a chance to win gift cards. “When we support our business owners, we strengthen our entire Cree Nation,” said Deputy Grand Chief Linden Spencer. “It empowers Cree entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, create jobs and keep our local economy strong.” .
Mistissini to design community safety plan Mistissini will hold workshops in the new year to shape a community safety plan. The Public Safety Canada initiative aims to build community-based solutions to social issues. Community members are invited to join a core group of 12 to 18 people to create the plan. The core group will participate in three two-day workshops over 6-8 months, work with a facilitator to ensure the plan reflects community voices and gather community input. Organizers suggest the group is a great way to connect with others passionate about the community and build skills in planning and community engagement. Those interested in joining the core group can email kcamacleod@gmail.com or call 613-668-9134.
www.nationnews.ca | December 26, 2025 | the Nation
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FEATURES
GENTLE MEN OF THE PLAINS by Patrick Quinn,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Siksikakowan documentary reflects on Blackfoot masculinity
A
new documentary by filmmaker Sinakson Trevor Solway about life in Alberta’s Siksika Nation – Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man – reflects evolving attitudes towards Indigenous gender roles, identity and vulnerability. The 77-minute documentary produced by the National Film Board of Canada previously won the APTN Indigenous Spirit Award, the Audience Choice Award at the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, and an honourable mention at the Calgary International Film Festival. It will be available for free streaming on NFB’s online platforms in February. Solway recently won the prestigious Jean-Marc Vallée Discovery Award from the Directors Guild of Canada. After leaving film school in 2012, he made several short doc-
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the Nation | December 26, 2025 | www.nationnews.ca
umentaries, directed television shows like horror/comedy anthology Tales from the Rez and founded the Napi Collective, a grassroots filmmaking society. For Siksikakowan, Solway returned to his home community on Siksika Nation to explore what it means to be a Blackfoot man. “All my films have danced around the topic of masculinity and for this one I decided to explore it head on,” Solway told the Nation. “I have a great love of Siksika so this was a dream project to observe my community, always having my camera handy for those magical moments.” Growing up in a family of cowboys, Solway said he was a sensitive kid who moved through life differently than his brothers and cousins. These relationships bring a freewheeling intimacy to his portrayals
of their daily lives, shot in a cinema véritéstyle over four years. There are authentic moments when people question why a camera is present, but Solway was surprised at how open his subjects were to discuss their challenges. Most were excited to participate, and he attributes their trust to the importance of narrative sovereignty. “Indigenous creators owning our stories and being the ones with the camera, we come with this lived experience that you’d never be able to replicate,” asserted Solway. “If you’re not of that community, then by default you’re putting them in a costume and dressing it up through your own understanding of what Indigenous people are.” Solway believes that a documentarian’s role is to reflect unfiltered truth. He found the raw fly-on-the-wall approach took some unlearning of his formal training, with significant moments often only revealing themselves late in the editing process. “When we’re staging or lighting an interview on the subject’s behalf, it becomes our own interpretation of what their life is,” Solway said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s out of focus and the camera’s shaky and every-
one’s shouting around you – the point of the film is to capture real life.” Through candid conversations, cultural activities and lingering looks at the vast Prairie landscape, Siksikakowan gently dissolves stereotypes of Blackfoot life. Some of its most potent moments are seen through a child’s eyes, such as the pure joys of catching frogs by the river. Children face pressures to “cowboy up” in scenes showing the pervasive influence of rodeo culture. Viewers experience the fear of a boy about to ride a bull as all around him egg him on. “When you feel that pressure, it feels at that moment that you absolutely have to do it,” explained Solway. “I think that’s a lot of people’s experience in Siksika. That’s probably the inner dialogue in some of our men’s heads every day, this kind of harsh buck-up mentality because that’s the environment they grew up in.” These attitudes reinforce images of the stoic warrior romanticized by popular culture, Solway says. The Blackfoot were known as the “Lords of the Plains” because they fiercely protected their buffalo hunting territory.
www.nationnews.ca www.nationnews.ca || December November 26, 14, 2025 | the Nation
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“Our image has been co-opted throughout history in Western films, sports logos and Halloween costumes,” Solway said. “A lot of young men growing up think they have to live up to this warrior figurehead who holds it all in and carries the weight for their Nation.” Demonstrating there are many ways to be a man, the film spends time with radio DJs, basketball players, ceremonial drummers and local rappers. Audiences expressed their appreciation for this nuanced depiction of regular people in post-screening dialogues. Between glimpses of powwows, hockey games and roping cattle on the rez, title cards pose questions such as “What are our people without the buffalo?” Blackfoot people were almost synonymous with buffalo, Solway noted, a way of life for food, shelter, clothing and spirituality. Siksikakowan shows how men adapted to modernity while retaining a connection to their land and ancestral spirit. While intergenerational traumas shaped expectations of a hardened masculinity, many of the men portrayed reveal themselves as sensitive, flawed and complex. “Through them, we are reminded of a vital Blackfoot teaching: Ikkina’pitapiiyissinni [gentleness] lives at the heart of our fathers, brothers and sons,” Solway’s cousin, Kelsey No Runner, told the Calgary Guardian. “And in our collective healing, we have a responsibility to help the men in our lives reconnect to that part of themselves.” Solway feels that younger generations are looking for answers in traditional ways. His next NFB documentary, he says, will be about the Blackfoot chicken dance that has become a mainstay of powwows, dismantling the “beads and feathers tropes”. “We’re still shaking off the residue of residential school, almost making us afraid of our own ceremonies and spirituality,” said Solway. “It’s an exciting time for Indigenous cinema because we’re seeing where those things intersect, our storytelling and spirituality.”
We’re still shaking off the residue of residential school, almost making us afraid of our own ceremonies and spirituality - Trevor Solway
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the Nation | December 26, 2025 | www.nationnews.ca
www.nationnews.ca | December 26, 2025 | the Nation
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐄᐙᔒᐅᒌᔑᑳᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᒑ ᒥᔻᔨᐦᑎᒫᒄ ᒑ ᐅᔅᒋᐱᐳᐦᒡ
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the Nation | December 26, 2025 | www.nationnews.ca
Showcasing Indigenous Creativity Photos and Story by Jamie Pashagumskum
Ottawa’s Indigenous Women’s Art Market keeps on growing
T
he Indigenous Women’s Art Market drew a record number of Indigenous artists and artisans to the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa December 14. The market is run by the Indigenous Theatre staff, a group that started in September 2019 as a reaction to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Indigenous artists across the country decided there was a need for a national Indigenous theatre department when such shows were rare. Mairi Brascoupe works as cultural advocate for the Indigenous Theatre
and has been organizing the art market from its inception in 2018. “Every year we seem to get bigger and bigger,” Brascoupe observed. “When it started it was very local with all the artists being from the Ottawa area.” In the beginning, there were only 30 vendor-artists. This year’s event hosted nearly 100 vendors that included artists, entrepreneurs and artisans of all types. Jill Simser is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation and has been offering her crafts at the market since it was created. This year she was selling handmade www.nationnews.ca | December 26, 2025 | the Nation
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The Indigenous Women’s Art Market has grown mostly by word of mouth as a great forum for Indigenous women to showcase their art
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the Nation | December 26, 2025 | www.nationnews.ca
Christmas ornaments, beadwork and moccasins. She said the market has been invaluable for growing her home business. “I heard someone on the radio say, ‘It’s the Super Bowl for First Nations vendors,’” Simser told the Nation. Originally from Moose Factory, Simser was adopted out and grew up in Ottawa. Learning to bead as a young woman has been an important part of her path to reclaiming her Cree culture. She reconnected with her family in the 1980s and 1990s and was told
her beading style closely resembles that made by her late grandmother Janie Louttit. “I think I inherited it through blood memory,” Simser said. “My mother doesn’t bead but my aunties and cousins do. That’s where my gift comes from. It’s what I love doing. I just like making beautiful things.” During the Covid pandemic her daughter had a child, so Simser learned to make baby wraparound moccasins. She has been using her grandson as a model ever since. She said her craft is a great way for her
Photo by Samuel Coombes to connect with her daughter, who also beads. “We get together with some of my friends and we just bead for the afternoon. It’s a way to socialize and eat and bead and talk,” Simser said. Also represented at the market was Nunavut Sivuniksavut, an Inuit college in downtown Ottawa. Partnered with Algonquin College and Carleton University, its 65 students learn Inuit culture, language and history. The college calls its students “ambassadors for Inuit culture educating the southern public.”
According to student Hailey Garbig, “It’s a way for us to reconnect with our old ways.” An important aspect of the program is an annual cultural exchange with other First Nations. The students sell their artwork to raise funds for the exchange, making the Indigenous market a valuable outlet. “They are all designed by students,” said Garbig. “A lot of us take time to do it together after school.” The Indigenous Women’s Art Market has grown mostly by word of mouth as a great forum for Indigenous women to showcase their art.
Brascoupe said that because there are normally multiple venues in use every day, the only obstacle at the NAC is limited space and manpower available to host a large event. Nonetheless, Brascoupe welcomes new applicants and all types of artwork. One consideration for next year is offering space for Indigenous performing artists. Applications are available on the NAC website and those interested in participating in future events should watch for announcements from the NAC Indigenous Theatre on Facebook.
www.nationnews.ca | December 26, 2025 | the Nation www.nationnews.ca | October 17, 2025 | the Nation
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COMMUNITY
Working for Real Change A new president takes the helm of women’s association by Natalia Fedosieieva Photos provided by the CWEIA
T
he Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association (CWIEA) elected Tina Mark-Ottereyes as its new president during its Annual General Assembly held in Ouje Bougoumou November 22-23. A traditional blanket ceremony was held in Mark-Ottereyes’ honour, with Elders and local women offering prayers. “It means a lot to me to have the trust of Cree women,” she said. “I’m deeply honoured that the women believed in me.” Mark-Ottereyes promises to continue working on the CWIEA’s mission: “It’s about empowering women and providing tools and opportunities for them to grow,” she said. “It also means carrying our values. My role is to bring people together, strengthen our organizations and advocate for the well-being of our women.” A significant moment during the Assembly was a ceremony marking the formal transition of the Men’s EeyouEenou Istchee Regional Association into an independent organization. “For years, the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association supported the Men’s Association in its development,” Mark Ottereyes explained. “Now they are ready to move forward on their own, while continuing to work with us as partners.” The creation of the Men’s Association emerged from CWIEA’s five-year action plan on domestic and family violence, engaging men as part of healing, prevention and community well-being.
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CWEIA communications coordinator Darren Weistche said full autonomy for the Men’s Association is a significant development in efforts to address domestic violence. “The Regional Association allows us to identify local issues and bring them forward collectively,” Weistche said. “That’s how we support programming, business development, advocacy and initiatives addressing violence and community needs.” Outgoing president Charlotte Ottereyes gave farewell remarks before the Assembly concluded with a gift exchange and communal dinner.
the Nation | December 26, 2025 | www.nationnews.ca
Reflecting on one of the events under her presidency, Ottereyes emphasized the importance of moving from dialogue to action. Noting that CWEIA recently met with Quebec Native Women, the Saturviit Inuit Women’s Association and other allies to advance concrete steps to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. “By joining and uniting together we strengthen each other,” Ottereyes said. During the meeting Lizzie Calvin, a board member at the Saturviit Inuit Women’s Association, shared the story of her cousin, who went missing in Montreal in 1994. Her body was found in the St. Lawrence River a month later.
“At the time, we kept calling the police, both in Montreal and back home,” Calvin told The Nation. “We were told to wait. We never got the help we needed.” Family members and the cousin’s boyfriend searched on their own, walking the streets of Montreal and checking places they feared most. When her body was finally recovered, Calvin said the death was quickly ruled a suicide, attributed to alcohol. “But I know my cousin,” she said. “She would never have taken her own life.”
When the family asked for an investigation, Calvin recalled, “we were told the case would be reviewed,” but decades later there are still no answers. Only after attending gatherings focused on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls did she fully understand how widespread the issue is. For Calvin, participating in meetings with Indigenous women’s organizations is not only about advocacy, but also about ensuring that stories like her cousin’s are heard and not dismissed.
Mark-Ottereyes believes “although we represent different Nations, we still share the same issues.” Indigenous women’s leaders and allies are working to build a safer future for Indigenous women and girls. “Real change requires investment in culturally grounded prevention, healing and support programs,” Mark-Ottereyes insisted. “A strong future is where women and girls can thrive, participate fully in social, cultural and economic life, and reach their full potential.”
www.nationnews.ca | December 26, 2025 | the Nation
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Under the Northern Sky
Christmas is all about love by Xavier Kataquapit
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veryone is in the holiday spirit with music, decorations, department store shopping and stocking up on food for big family feasts. Decorations are everywhere and this year, we had an early supply of cold and snow. So, we in the North, will definitely have a picture postcard Christmas filled with mounds of white, frost and crystalline snow. This is also a bittersweet time for me and many other people. We lost people during the holidays and there are tragic memories or commemorations that are inextricably tied to this time of year. We also have to deal with rampant consumerism where we are constantly badgered, bothered or encouraged to buy, spend and consume as much as possible whether we have the money or not. As the world grows more financially difficult for all of us, it is getting harder to fulfill that promise of achieving the Hollywood, Hallmark, all-American white Christmas we’ve all grown up seeing in movies and TV shows. For those of us who are older, Christmas is also a double-edged sword of happiness and nostalgia. Many of us celebrate these holidays without those people we always had in our lives. I’ll always remember my childhood Christmases with my parents in Attawapiskat. My mom Susan would conduct her annual tradition of making Christmas fruitcake. When we were young, she only had time and resources to make one mid-sized cake and that treat would be cut up into blocks and handed out to aunts, uncles and grandparents who we would visit during this time of year. Mom would take time to see her Paulmartin / Rose family, and my dad Marius would lead us to visit as many of the Kataquapit family as possible. By the time I was a
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teenager and my older siblings had started their own families, mom produced five or more large Christmas cakes during the holidays. The bright side to Christmas is in seeing children who are experiencing their first lifelong memories of this holiday. It’s exciting to see young people being thrilled and happy as they look forward to the delivery of presents by Santa on Christmas morning. Santa Claus was an unusual image for us in the 1980s. Mom and dad didn’t fully understand it and all we ever saw was a commercial image of a jolly old man in a red suit who was everywhere in pictures, videos, movies and decorations. For me, he was just another decoration that came with European ideas of Christmas and the images of the Christmas tree, tinsel, colour lights and Christmas cards. Santa to me had more to do with Coca-Cola advertising than anything else. Like everyone else in North America, my family participated in the tradition of buying and giving gifts. Even though we were considered poor, mom and dad always found gifts for all nine children. We participated as best we could, but it was a surreal time for me. It was a very chaotic period as there was a great deal of alcohol abuse in the 1980s and it created many terrorizing and traumatic situations for our family and community members. I am a great believer in going along with anything that makes people happy and that includes Christmas. Anything that brings a smile and sparkle to a child’s face, even if it’s as fleeting as gifts or images, is something good. These days things are better in many ways in Attawapiskat with my family, friends,
the Nation | December 26, 2025 | www.nationnews.ca
relations and community members making a good living in the areas of health, education, transport and business opportunities. Although alcohol use has decreased, it’s been replaced by an epidemic of drug abuse with all kinds of newer modern drugs like opioids and fentanyl. These drugs are small items that are easily hidden and transported. Due to this as well as their toxicity, they are causing a huge problem for remote First Nations as well as every other Indigenous and non-Indigenous community across Canada. The combination of alcohol or drug abuse this time of year in freezing temperatures is a major concern as people can become incapacitated at the wrong time, in the wrong place and put themselves in danger of hypothermia. Our First Nation leadership is aware of all this, and they are doing their best to direct funding towards experienced First Nation drug and alcohol addiction counsellors and support workers. My hope this year is for everyone to have a safe, happy and meaningful Christmas. This is a time for kindness and being good to each other and making sure that children feel loved, supported and cared for. If you need help, then reach out to First Nation alcohol and drug abuse counsellors, traditional healing circles or a support worker in your area. There are also Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, or even traditional teachers and Elders you can reach out to for support. Sometimes the best gift you can give your children is to make sure that you are taken care of, so that you can provide them with the best loving care possible.
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OLIDAYS ! JOYEUSES FÊTES ! HAPPY HOLIDAYS !
Creebec would like to thank you for take this opportunity to extend the w hes to you and yours. May Christma fill your home with peace, goodw
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Creebec tient à vous remercier pour ofite de cette occasion pour vous tra es, ses meilleurs vœux les plus chale Air Creebec would like to thank you for your continued support ue les vacances detheNoël etsincere du best Nouv and take this opportunity to extend warmest and wishes to you and yours. May Christmas and New Year holidays fill your home peace, goodwill prosperity volont maison dewithpaix, de and bonne Air Creebec tient à vous remercier pour votre soutien continu et profite de cette occasion pour vous transmettre, à vous et aux vôtres, ses meilleurs vœux les plus chaleureux et les plus sincères. Que les vacances de Noël et du Nouvel An remplissent votre maison de paix, de bonne volonté et de prospérité.