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about the issues that affect our lives and culture. Many relationships built in those years continue to this day. The Nation was never part of a particular group or faction and gave voice to as many sides as possible to a story or issue in order to allow people to make up their own minds. I felt our people were too often presented with decisions made behind closed doors about how things were going to be. This still happens and I want to change that. Our local businesses feel that Mistissini's Band Council has too many rules that interfere with their ability to prosper. We need to interfere less and offer more support. In the past, Mistissini had a Chamber of Commerce. Maybe it’s time to create a similar organization to give businesses a unified voice when sharing their concerns and ideas on how to improve our local economy. I will be there to listen and seek solutions. For the last two years, Mistissini residents have not had safe water in their homes. A temporary solution could be to install a water-filtration system. I did this for my home, and the cost is less than $400 per household. Clean water should be an absolute priority. It is irresponsible that this problem has not yet been solved.
was asked to offer my candidacy in this year’s election for the Mistissini Band Council. I talked it over with family and friends and decided to run for Deputy Chief. It would mean returning to Mistissini full-time, away from my young sons in Montreal. But Hunter, who is 14, and Declan, 10, both encouraged me to run. I have learned throughout my life from Cree Elders, family and the people of Mistissini. One of those skills is to be able to define and communicate the actions that create the greatest benefit for our people. When Hydro-Québec attempted to undertake the Great Whale project in the early 1990s, I knew that I had to do my part to oppose a massive development being imposed on Eeyou Istchee without our consent. Despite an initial lack of support, my efforts led to a position representing the Grand Council to people outside the territory, including in the United States. After an epic struggle, we, the Crees, won that fight. I joked at the time that I was trying to work myself out of a job. Well, I was successful. My resulting unemployment was one of the reasons that the Nation was created in 1993. But for me, this newsmagazine was part of the same work I did during the campaign against Great Whale: to give a voice to the Cree as we informed them
Everyone knows there is a problem with crime and violence. Community involvement makes a difference. A combination of traditions responding to new realities is something we should all support. We could encourage neighbourhood watch groups. In the past, Mistissini had a Lions Club composed of locals who wanted to make the community better. We should revisit this idea or any other model that helps the people of Mistissini address local issues and dreams together. For instance, I don’t understand why there is a sign across the road from our clinic promising that an Elders residence would be under construction by 2021. This is an embarrassment. Regional entities have not lived up to their promises or the needs of our community. We need to pressure – and help – these entities to provide essential services. We know Elders are an important part of the Cree way of life. Their stories, memories and traditions must be preserved for future generations. We need to keep what we have been taught over the past 10,000 years. I have ideas on how we can make this happen. There are many other issues to address, but I will leave you with one thought for now: Where there’s a Will, there’s a way.
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, 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: $90 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.
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n a stunning come-from-behind victory, the Cree Nation Jr Trappers defeated the Moose Cree Scrappers 4-3 in overtime to secure their first-ever national title at the National Indigenous Junior Hockey Championships held in Toronto July 16-19. In a gold medal game dubbed “The Battle for the Bay”, the two Cree teams from opposite coasts of James Bay left it all on the ice. The Jr Trappers faced off against a stacked Moose Cree team that included tournament MVP Sam McCue, a 7th-round draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024. “Everyone was gunning for us, and we knew it was going to happen,” said Moose Cree coach Jordan Cheechoo. The defending champion Scrappers opening the scoring with an unassisted goal by McCue two minutes into the first period after a Trappers turnover in their zone. The Trappers tied the game just three minutes later on a goal by Chisasibi’s Jeffrey Kitty off a sweet centring pass by OujeBougoumou forward Ivan Simard. McCue made the Cree Nation team pay for another defensive-zone turnover five minutes into the second period as the Moose Cree forechecking overpowered the Trappers. In a tight, back-and-forth, hard-hitting game, the Cree Nation Trappers tied it again when Chisasibi’s Zane Washipabano set up Mistissini forward Andrew Mark with a nice feed. Moose Cree captain Billy Biedermann gave his team a 3-2 lead in the third with a powerplay goal during a Trappers
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penalty for too many men. The Scrappers would make it 4-2 just 30 seconds later on another Trappers penalty. Through perseverance and tenacity, the Trappers scored two unanswered goals to force overtime. Then the ultimate drama: streaking Chisasibi forward Zane Washipabano split the defence to net the OT winner with a highlight-reel goal. As good as both teams were, Trappers goaltender Tre Altiman from Walpole Island First Nation was the story of the game, facing 22 shots in the third period to stave off the Scrappers’ relentless attack. Altiman played the 2025-26 season for the Leamington Flyers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. “I got a lot of shots, a lot of action and that just makes it fun for me,” said Altiman, who was named the tournament’s top goalie. “I’m very competitive and I never give up. I’m focused and I believe my mental game is one of the best there is.” After winning gold at the 2025 NIJHC, the Scrappers team was coached again
this year by Jordan Cheechoo, brother of famed NHLer Jonathan Cheechoo. “We came in ready with a strong team and made it right to the end. We met a really good team and they just outlasted us,” Cheechoo told the Nation. The coach added he was proud of his Scrappers and excited for the future of hockey in Moose Factory, noting there was “tons of good talent” at this year’s NIJHC. The tournament showcased top Indigenous prospects from across the country with 11 teams in the men’s category and four women’s teams. Legendary NHL coach Ted Nolan and Mervin Cheechoo, father of Jordan and Jonathan, were in attendance. “I’m still passionate about supporting my kids,” Mervin said. “I told Jordan I like the way you’re coaching; you’re pulling a lot of great moves out there. Keep it up.” Mervin stressed the importance of parental and fan support. He noted there was an improvement on last year’s tournament with more fan support, but he feels more can be done.
“You see it in the adult tournaments,” he said. “But I would like to see the children and youth tournaments where it’s just packed. If we can get more of our community members coming out that would be great. We’ve got a lot of good talent out there and we need to keep encouraging our youth.” Tournament organizer Hockey Indigenous confirmed this year’s attendance was way up, with an estimated 180 spectators per day last year compared to 400 to 500 per day at this year’s championship. The men’s category standings had the Cree Nation Jr Trappers winning gold, the Moose Cree Scrappers with silver and the Blackfoot Confederacy Kakato’siiks winning bronze. The women’s category champions were the Wiki Rockets, with the One Nation Selects winning silver and Team Wabanaki winning bronze. Next year’s NIJHC will again take place in Toronto with the dates to be announced.
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The Lac-Simon Anishinabe Nation Council is suing the Government of Canada for its alleged refusal to protect threatened boreal caribou, arguing that this violates constitutional promises made to the Algonquin Anishinabeg. Two years ago, former federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault stated that an “emergency order” under the Species at Risk Act was necessary to protect caribou habitat because of an “imminent threat” of extinction. Lac Simon supported this action at the time, but the First Nation said Ottawa reneged on this promise on June 29. “It secretly negotiated an agreement with Quebec to drop the emergency order, in exchange for giving Quebec $25 million – effectively a large cash reward to Quebec for destroying our Aboriginal right to caribou, which Algonquin people hunted for thousands of years,” the Council stated. Through the agreement, Ottawa will send Quebec $25 million over five years for caribou conservation initiatives, with another $15 million going to Indigenous communities. The funding is in addition to Quebec’s $59.5 million for conservation measures covering 2024-2028. Indigenous communities are to be involved in the implementation of habitat and population management of the species, participating in monitoring activities and knowledge-sharing workshops. Some call the announcement a smokescreen to cover a lack of progress. But Alain Branchaud, the Québec director for Nature Conservancy of Canada, said the agreement was a step in the right direction. Branchaud added that more action is needed, as well as compensation for logging
communities impacted by conservation measures. As Lac Simon pursues action in federal court to ensure compliance with Species at Risk obligations, it still waits for a habitat protection plan promised in 2016. The region’s remaining seven caribou live in cages today, which the Council says Quebec has no plans to rewild. “Backtracking on the Minister’s emergency order to recover wild caribou and paying Quebec to cage them instead is a stab in the back and again proves this government’s extreme disrespect for Indigenous rights,” said Lac-Simon Chief Lucien Wabanonik.
Following five years of conservation measures, the Cree Nation Government says the moose population in hunting Zone 17 has recovered to a level comparable to neighbouring zones. An aerial survey conducted in February in the southern region of Eeyou Istchee, near the communities of Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou and Waskaganish, found that moose numbers had doubled to 2,060 from approximately 1,036 in 2021. “Although the population is showing an increase, management measures are still key in ensuring moose remain in hunting Zone 17,” stated the CNG. “This could not have been possible without the sacrifice of both Cree and non-Native hunters.” Working with the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping
Coordinating Committee and other partners, the CNG suspended the sports hunt and developed harvest guidelines for Cree hunters. The survey team observed considerable use of recently burned habitats by female moose. The project also installed tracking collars on some moose to provide insights into chosen habitats, causes of mortality and distribution across the region. Noting that many moose habitats were destroyed during the 2023 forest fires, Waswanipi forest expert Allan Saganash lamented the continued failure to enact Wildlife Habitat Directives submitted to Quebec by the Cree committee. He believes the forestry industry is a big factor in the population's decline. The Moose Management Technical Committee will host a workshop this fall to allow land users to review the survey results and share their perspectives on protecting moose and its habitat in Eeyou Istchee.
Over 1,500 participants from across Quebec and Ontario attended the first Annual Kebaowek Powwow, marking the return of a cherished tradition after more than two decades. With the theme “Honouring Our Survivors and Revitalizing Our Culture,” the three-day gathering was a milestone in Kebaowek’s journey of healing, reconciliation and community pride. “It was the return of a part of ourselves,” said Kebaowek
Chief Lance Haymond. “After more than 20 years, we heard the heartbeat of the drum once again echo throughout our community, reminding us of who we are, where we come from, and the responsibility we share to carry our culture forward.” The weekend began with a day dedicated to healing, residential school survivors and the resilience of Anishinaabe knowledge keepers. Language games, children’s activities, cultural demonstrations and educational discussions introduced powwow traditions in a welcoming environment. The grounds came alive Saturday and Sunday with traditional dancing, drumming, Hoop Dance demonstrations, Round Dances, artisans, cultural teachings and food vendors. Logan Staats delivered a special musical performance. Cultural leaders appeared from across the region, including Ironstone as host drum, Indian Road Singers as co-host drum, and invited drum groups SpiritWolf Singers, Young Warriors and Whirlwind Singers. Kebaowek First Nation anticipates making the powwow an annual gathering. “We saw the joy in our children as they danced with pride, and tears in the eyes of our Elders as they watched our culture come alive again,” said Nika Paul of the organizing committee. “One of the things that touched us most was hearing visitors say they had never felt so welcomed and that they were treated like family. This is just the beginning for Kebaowek.”
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he Eeyou Istchee Summer Games (EISG) packed Chisasibi for a fun-filled week July 20-25, bringing nearly young 600 athletes from all 11 Cree communities, including Washaw Sibi and MoCreebec. Athletes aged 9 to 18 competed in 23 categories, including team events, track and field, aquatics and canoeing. With support from the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association (CNACA), the Games were also a vibrant cultural festival featuring concerts, traditional Cree contests and intergenerational workshops. “This is a rare occasion where all the communities can get to know each other,” said Darius Neacappo-Pelchat, Deputy Youth Grand Chief. “The opening ceremony was so empowering, the parade with every athlete, having those flags lifted up with their communities. It gave me chills seeing them so happy with smiles on their faces.” Each flag bearer held a small paddle with their community logo, carved and painted by local artisan Peter House, symbolizing the traditional rite of passage when youth were ready to navigate the region’s rivers and lakes. Brought back in 2024 after a lull since 2011, the EISG is now held every two years, organized by a regional steering committee including the Eeyou Istchee Sports
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and Recreation Association, CNACA, Cree Nation Youth Council and the Cree health and school boards. The committee introduced new ideas since the last Games in Mistissini, which several communities weren’t able to attend. Workshops were added to address issues faced by communities while certain sports were added or dropped. The biggest change was simply adapting to Chisasibi’s larger size and unique infrastructure. “We tried our best to make a central hub in the downtown area,” explained Neacappo-Pelchat. “We had to scatter ourselves because baseball had to be played at the ball field, track at Km 0. We have buses that transport athletes to locations.” Participants, coaches and chaperones were guided by a handy map indicating not only the sporting venues spread over 20 km but also amenities like the mobile health clinic. While nearby forest fires were a concern in preceding weeks, only one day of heavy rain impacted scheduling. “There were a lot of defaults from rescheduling because the athletes play so many sports,” said Chisasibi Chief Daisy House. “Mother Nature rules the world and we adjust to her schedule. Beach volleyball had to be played indoors.” While softball, volleyball and basketball remained popular spectator sports, Chief House was impressed by additions like pickleball and badminton. At the community’s pool reopened two weeks before the Games following years of technical issues, Mistissini swimmers dominated – 12-yearold Ava Dominique won an impressive 13 gold medals. Mistissini easily won the overall medal count, outpacing Chisasibi and Waswanipi, although every community went home with at least one medal. Beyond the competition, the EISG was about fun, friendship and camaraderie. As Joni Boudrias highlighted during the opening ceremony, “Everyone is a winner just for showing up.” “It was awesome how everyone came together,” Chief House exclaimed. “Kids would run up to me collecting pins, looking so tiny and happy – it was surreal. I spoke to participants from different communities to reassure me they did have fun.” With every athlete receiving community pins to trade, collecting them all was another sport and a useful icebreaker. School classrooms were equipped with cots for each community, separated by age and gender. “They were in awe of the new high school because it’s so modern,” said Chief House. “They had a kitchen nearby with little nooks for them to get together. It looked like a slumber party.” the Nation
Daily activities included painting of a huge mural, led by Lindsay Chewanish, and traditional beading, carving and drum-making workshops. There was a DJ workshop from Hank House, songwriting from David Joyner, and traditional dance demonstrations. Cree musicians Siibii and Mariame performed a concert. “It’s been great exposure for local artists, spotlighting the talent in their community,” said CNACA executive director Dale Cooper. “We have our marketplace for artisans and even brought the Wachiya Store as a popup. We had an interesting storytelling workshop with Margaret SamCromarty that ended up like a sharing circle – it got emotional.” Miss Eeyou Eenou Iskwaau, Esther Bosum, purchased strawberry earrings from the Wachiya Store before presenting medals at the closing ceremony. Winning gold for Ouje-Bougoumou in beach volleyball with partner Tessa Bosum, she expressed gratitude “for the memories and life lessons these games have given me over the years.” Neacappo-Pelchat emphasized that the EISG is “starting to show youth that there are more sports out there than just hockey and broomball.” Waswanipi’s Haven Cooper said the Games in Mistissini ignited a passion for track and field that she’s pursued during her studies at Algonquin College in Ottawa. “When I started competing, I fell in love with it and I definitely want to keep going further,” said Cooper. “I started with the 5k because that’s what they had in Mistissini but I’ve gotten more interested in the shorter distances, like the 800m and 400m. I competed in all the track and field. I got a few golds in the running, gold in the long jump and some silver.” Chisasibi’s Cherish Scipio-Monger also credited the last EISG with helping take her love of softball to the next level. Last September, she made Team Quebec’s U17 softball team and was flying to Calgary following the Games to compete at the National Championship – her first time venturing out of the province. “I’m very grateful I get to represent the Cree Nation,” said Scipio-Monger. “It makes me feel good that I make other people happy just by playing, seeing how many people enjoyed watching and cheering. It’s nice seeing everyone getting more into sports – there’s a lot of potential out there.”
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Lookingfor for a hands-oncareer career in thefield? field? Enrollin in ourACS ACS - Geologyof of Looking Looking foraahands-on hands-on careerininthe the field?Enroll Enroll inour our ACS- -Geology Geology of Looking a hands-on career in the field? Enroll in our - Geology Mineral starting this fall. Looking for Resources, afor hands-on career in the field? Enroll in our ACSACS - Geology of of Mineral MineralResources, Resources,starting startingthis thisfall. fall. Mineral Resources, starting Mineral Resources, starting this this fall. fall. What you'll learn: What Whatyou'll you'lllearn: learn: What you'll learn: • Foundational coursesin in geologyand and mineralexploration exploration What you'll learn: • •Foundational Foundationalcourses courses ingeology geology andmineral mineral exploration Foundational courses in geology mineral exploration Field datacollection collection • Foundational courses in geology andand mineral exploration ••••Field Fielddata data collection Field data collection Rock and mineral analysis • Field data collection ••••Rock Rockand andmineral mineralanalysis analysis Rock mineral analysis Use ofand geology tools andtechnologies technologies • Rock and mineral analysis ••••Use of geology tools Use of geology toolsand and technologies Use of geology tools and technologies Exploration of the mining sector andsustainable sustainable • Use of geology tools and technologies ••••Exploration Explorationofofthe themining miningsector sectorand and sustainable •development Exploration of the mining sector sustainable development • Exploration of the mining sector andand sustainable development development development newliving living environmentawaits awaits you aaanew new livingenvironment environment awaitsyou you a new living environment awaits a new living environment awaits youyou INFORMATION/REGISTRATION REGISTRATION INFORMATION/ INFORMATION/ REGISTRATION INFORMATION/ REGISTRATION INFORMATION/ REGISTRATION (418) 748-3903 (418) 748-3903 (418) 748-3903 (418) 748-3903 (418) 748-3903 sec@cegepstfe.ca sec@cegepstfe.ca sec@cegepstfe.ca sec@cegepstfe.ca sec@cegepstfe.ca seccol.com seccol.com seccol.com seccol.com seccol.com 119, 5thAvenue, Avenue,Chibougamau Chibougamau 119, 5th 119, 5th Avenue, Chibougamau Québec G8P2E1 2E1 Chibougamau 119, Avenue, 5th G8P Avenue, 119,Québec 5th Chibougamau Québec G8P 2E1 Québec Québec G8P G8P 2E1 2E1
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aswanipi’s Esquay Masty proudly represented Eeyou Istchee at the third annual Miss Indigenous Canada pageant, hosted July 24 by Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario. While the title was ultimately won by Brooke Metchewais from Cold Lake First Nation, Masty achieved a place in the prestigious top five. The five-day program was filled with workshops, cultural tours, formal dinners and other activities supporting the development of community leaders. During the final showcase, Masty’s eloquence spotlighted her ability to be an ambassador for Indigenous youth across the country. “You do not need to be on Chief and Council to be a leader,” asserted Masty in her semi-final speech. “You are already a leader. For me, leadership is not going where there is a path and leading. It is going where there is no path, and leading.” Masty was attracted by the program’s emphasis on leadership and media skills, community engagement and cultural connection. Her platform based on education, justice and youth empowerment resonated with judges and, out of 125 applicants, she was selected as one of Miss Indigenous Canada’s 20 participants. “I’m going to law school this fall and I want to strengthen these governance systems to reflect our laws, ways, languages and traditions,” explained Masty. “I believe education is one of the strongest tools we have to transform our realities as Indigenous people. We’re very over-represented within the justice system, however we’re under-represented in the legal professions.” Masty hopes other Cree people are inspired to pursue their own educational journey. “Eeyou Istchee will always be there,” she suggested. “You’re just leaving to come back as a better person for the betterment of your community.” Ahead of the pageant, Masty penned an essay about what the title means to her and created a scrapbook that
discussed her community involvement. While securing sponsors and organizing cultural workshops and charity events, Masty also connected with Jade Mukash, who represented Eeyou Istchee at the first Miss Indigenous Canada pageant in 2024. “I was doing ribbon skirt-making workshops, providing an outlet for women and girls to connect with the culture,” Masty said. “That process carries a sort of spirit, the way you pick out your ribbons and fabric and create the skirt. I want to make them a casual thing, to wear my ribbon skirt out in the street and just feel comfortable in it.” Masty also spoke to the Youth Councils of Eeyou Istchee summit in Quebec City and held a beading workshop on Parliament Hill. Living in Ottawa to attend university, Masty continues to learn from her mother, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty. Absorbing her mother’s talent for public speaking has helped Masty project clearly and confidently on stage. “She has been one of my greatest role models, watching her speak so eloquently, carrying herself with grace and having respect for other people regardless of the situation that she’s in,” Masty said. “She inspires me to get out of my comfort zone, try new things and be that trailblazer to other girls and women – that’s what I want to do.” Arriving to a welcoming ceremony at Six Nations, participants met the previous winner, Gena Boubard, a two-spirit woman who helped the program become more inclusive. During the action-packed week, Masty wore earrings made by Boubard and others from Miss Whapmagoostui, Joni Boudrias. Visiting Toronto on the second day, they met with Mayor Olivia Chow and the University of Toronto’s Indigenous association before visiting the Royal Ontario Museum. An Elder then smudged a sharing circle at the hotel. “That’s something I struggle with, to be vulnerable with people I don’t know,” Masty admitted. “That opens up who
you are and sets the tone for others to be vulnerable and share. I felt so much lighter at the end – calmer, relieved, grateful, blessed.” Crees, she added, are “soft-spoken, kind of quiet, but we’re very knowledgeable in the sense of our culture and our hunting practices.” Bonding like sisters throughout the week, Masty marvelled that some women had never eaten goose. A visit to Brantford’s former residential school, which Masty’s great-grandmother had attended, felt like “a full-circle healing moment.” She experienced a profound realization that the Indigenous cultures that colonizers had tried to suppress in her ancestors were now thriving on a national stage. During the competition’s cultural presentations, Masty spoke about the Cree Nation’s traditions and its hunting rights under Section 24 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. She showcased traditional snowshoes, a moose antler and the beaded head from her husband’s first goose. A tamarack decoy from the Wachiya Store was a big hit. “We were very happy Esquay requested sponsorship for the event,” said Dale Cooper, executive director of the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association. “It’s national exposure for the Cree Nation. She has engaged with CNACA’s local arts committees – she’s a great role model as well.” Masty said she’s happy for the new Miss Indigenous Canada, reflecting on how amazing it was to be surrounded by so many remarkable young women. She expressed gratitude for her sponsors and the support of her family, who reminded her she could do this even when she thought she couldn’t. “It’s my first-ever time doing a pageant like this, putting yourself forward to thousands of people,” said Masty. “Working on self-image and not doubting myself, which I think a lot of women struggle with. No, you are good enough for this. It’s hard but hard things make you grow.”
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H
undreds gathered in Chisasibi’s Jobs Memorial Gardens July 19 for what many described as celebration of Indigenous unity. The Mamoweedow Committee hosted an Innu concert featuring legendary duo Kashtin alongside Bryan André, Ninan, Scott Pien-Picard and Maten. According to Mamoweedow president James Napash, this family-friendly gathering brought people together “to share that feeling of a renewed spirit where we enjoy games and activities.” The annual Mamoweedow event attracts visitors from across Eeyou Istchee and beyond. Although rooted in Cree tradition, Napash emphasized the gathering welcomes everyone. “We had visitors coming in from the States,” he said. “They made a trip to the North, and they came all the way by motorcycles. There are always visitors from anywhere and everywhere.” Napash said bringing Kashstin back to Chisasibi was the highlight of the gathering. “For us, it was amazing to see them,” he said. “It’s what caught so many people’s attention.” For Napash, the reunion of Kashtin was the emotional centrepiece of the evening. “I grew up listening to them,” he recalled. “Being Indigenous, they opened doors to many Indigenous people across Quebec and Canada.” The younger Innu performers also received an enthusiastic response from the audience. “Brian André, Scott Pien-Picard and Maten and those other singers were also a hit,” Napash said. “I could see people singing along with them when I went behind the stage to observe.” The atmosphere inside the packed arena reflected that excitement. “People
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were happy, they were smiling,” Napash said. “They were having a great time. Some were even dancing.” It was more than three decades ago that William Bearskin first time saw Kashtin perform in the community. He said this year’s concert carried special meaning because it reunited the duo whose influence extended beyond the Innu Nation. “Back then they were just starting,” he remembered. “They got their first album out in the late 1980s.” Kashtin was formed in 1984 by Claude McKenzie and Florent Vollant from Maliotenam First Nation near SeptÎles, and their songs reached audiences around the world before the two separated in the mid-1990s. For Bearskin and his daughter Felicia, seeing the two singers on stage was emotional, because their music has been part of Bearskin’s family history. “Back then, Felicia was just a little girl, I think she was one or two,” he said. “Now, she’s in her 30s, and she was standing in front of me when they played the song ‘Nitanish’, which means ‘my daughter’ – it was emotional.”
Beyond nostalgia, Bearskin says Kashtin changed the landscape for Indigenous musicians by proving that the artists could achieve national recognition performing songs in their own language. “They paved the way for other Indigenous artists,” he said. “They captured the hearts of mainstream audiences. I had goosebumps listening to them, it was a sense of pride, it was cool.” Despite mobility issues, the two singers were in top form, Bearskin said, and they reminded him why their music has been so meaningful. “When they played one of their famous tunes, the reception was awesome,” he said. Bearskin says Kashtin's success was a source of pride not only for the Innu Nation but also for Cree people and Indigenous communities across Canada, and the duo's legacy continues to inspire new generations of Indigenous performers. For many in Chisasibi, the concert was a reminder of how music can preserve language, celebrate culture and strengthen relationships between Indigenous nations.
PUBLIC NOTICE Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts PUBLIC CONSULTATION – FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE NORD-DU-QUÉBEC REGION FROM AUGUST 3 TO 27, 2026
The government invites the public to participate in a public consultation on the planned modifications in the Integrated Forest Management Plans - Operational (PAFIO) for management units 026-62 and 026-65. Those PAFIOs present potential forest operation zones where work is planned, such as timber harvesting, land preparation, reforestation, thinning, construction and rehabilitation of multi-purpose roads.
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YOUR GATEWAY TO AMAZING PROMO SUCCESSES! Include the Nation in your next budget! How can your promotional campaign not be seen by the Cree Nation with these stats:
TAKE PART IN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION From August 3 to 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., visit Québec.ca/ consultations-foret-nord-du-québec or scan the QR code to get more information and participate in the consultation.
• 7,000 copies every two weeks, free to all Crees • Distributed to every Cree community and beyond • 13,000 web visitors on the Nation site per month
INFORMATION ACTIVITIES Departmental experts will hold an information session to specify the areas for potential intervention for public consultation, the way to provide online comments, and the follow-up that will be done regarding addressed concerns. A question-and-answer period with participants will conclude the activity. Management units 026-62 and 026-65: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, starting from 6:30 p.m. - Chibougamau City Hall Council Room (650, 3e Rue) CONTACT OUR REGIONAL TEAMS For more information or to schedule an appointment in person or online, please contact us: By email: nord-du-quebec.foret@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca Unité de gestion de Chibougamau 624, 3e Rue, Chibougamau (Québec) G8P 1P1 Telephone: 418-748-2647 or 1-833-361-0001, extension 0 Note: This consultation does not allow for the review of the use of public land, or the rights granted to it.
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Under the Northern Sky
W
ildfires are always a worry for those who live in Northern Ontario. We are surrounded by endless forests, and we know what it means when these trees start to burn in the peak heat of summer. During a few hot summers in Attawapiskat in the 1980s, large columns of smoke would rise west of our community. It’s a frightening being isolated from the world and knowing that fire might reach your home. Working as a writer for several years in Iroquois Falls, I learned from their community Elders, including my late partner Mike McGrath’s mother, Emily McGrath, about how the area was devastated by fire in July 1916. Emily’s parents, Margaret and Jack Dunn, arrived in Iroquois in the 1920s and they heard direct accounts of what happened. Families passed down stories of how the fire sounded like a roar and arrived like a wall of flame that caught everyone by surprise. There were no systems in place to warn people or to manage such an emergency. Many families have their own stories about this firestorm that destroyed entire communities along a 60-kilometre stretch from Cochrane to Matheson and Ramore. The half-a-million-acre blaze took an estimated 223 lives. This memory lives on in the name of the small community of Val Gagné, east of Timmins, an area previously known as Nushka. When the settlement was destroyed, it was rebuilt and renamed Val Gagné in memory of Wilfred “Little Father” Gagné, a Catholic priest who died trying to rescue parishioners. This deadly fire, along with others from this era, led to Ontario’s Forest Fires Prevention Act, which is meant to prevent, suppress and manage fires and protect lives. This past month, there was a modern repeat of this deadly history when the community of Namaygoosisagagun (Collins First Nation) in northwestern Ontario was destroyed by flames. First Nation leaders in northern Ontario were unhappy with the provincial and federal governments’ response to this disaster.
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In interviews, Chief Helen Paavola stated that their community didn’t receive the support they needed, and that during the height of the disaster, people were essentially left on their own to save their lives. It’s disheartening to know that our provincial and federal governments are willing to prioritize finances and economic riches to develop the so-called Ring of Fire mining region, yet spend little to no time in preparing for natural disasters that endanger the lives of the people who live in these same areas. Plenty of experts have pointed out that governments have not done enough to prepare for forest fire emergencies. In a Globe and Mail article, Noah Freedman, vice-president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union local 703 and a 10-year veteran of the provincial wildland fire service, stated that the number of provincial fire crews is lower than what was available decades ago. Compared with past years, fewer fire
crews are dealing with forest fires across an area that is twice the size of France. Freedman also said that Ontario lacks aircraft and equipment. Even though there are nine large water bombers, two were reported as being grounded for repairs. As Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation commented to the CBC, “In their haste to extract our resources in our territories, both Ontario and Canada are ignoring the immediate threats our communities are facing because of climate change.” Environmental experts point out that climate change will only make events like forest fires worse in coming decades. Governments should do more to protect people in the North instead of spending so much time trying to facilitate mining development. Protecting the people and the land should happen first. We shouldn’t wait for another disaster to happen before governments make changes to better deal with the threats.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER AND ENGAGED COMMUNITITES Have a project in mind that will benefit your community? The Cree Nation Government Department of Justice and Correctional Services (DOJCS) will work with you! If you have a project that could make a difference in your community, you may receive funding from one of our funds CRIME PREVENTION FUND Prevent crime and support the creation of safer communities YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FUND Empower the Cree youth while promoting their general welfare *Note: All projects must incorporate Cree culture, values and traditions.*
Be engaged. Make a difference. For more information, please contact: Celina Jimikin Support Program Officer 418-923-2661 ext: 8006 celina.jimikin@cngov.ca
www.creejusticefunds.ca Deadline to submit application:
August 28 2026 | November 2, 2026
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February 26, 2027
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