While Jolly didn’t live to see the fulfillment of his dream to establish MoCreebec as a distinct Indigenous community, he achieved impressive steps towards this goal. Before he died, discussions were underway to create a permanent home for MoCreebec members in Moosonee. 

“Chief Jolly was a beloved family man, an inspirational leader and an integral part of his community,” stated the Grand Council of the Crees, which recognized MoCreebec as Eeyou Istchee’s 11th Cree community in 2017. “He guided MoCreebec with courage and wisdom, leaving a lasting impact that will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Jolly founded the MoCreebec Council of the Cree Nation in 1980, formally organizing families who had been living in the Moose Factory and Moosonee area. Although members of MoCreebec trace their ancestry to James Bay’s east coast in Eeyou Istchee, they migrated to this northern Ontario region over the years as it grew into a regional hub for employment, education and healthcare.

Originally from Waskaganish, Jolly and his siblings were sent to the residential school in Moose Factory. Intended as a temporary situation, the family camped in the area each summer to trap until Jolly’s father got sick and stayed one winter. His mother got a job at the nearby federal Indian hospital, built in the 1950s to deal with the tuberculosis epidemic.

Due to the complications of Quebec ancestry and an Ontario home, MoCreebec members are excluded from both Treaty 9, signed by the Moose Cree and neighbouring First Nations in 1905, and the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Meeting with former Grand Chief Billy Diamond to better understand the JBNQA, Jolly formed a local working group and secured initial funding from the GCC.

“When we started back in the 1980s, we surveyed the people three times over three years,” Jolly told the Nation in 2002. “Do you intend to go back to where you came from? Eighty-five per cent weren’t planning to go back. There were obvious problems facing us. We were living in canvas tent frames year-round with no water, electricity or anything.”

Many community members lived in an area of Moose Factory Island called Tent City, Jolly was instrumental in organizing efforts to transfer lands from the Anglican Church to a non-profit housing association. It ultimately became provincial land that enabled water and sewage access and property titles.

“Allan made Tent City a beautiful subdivision,” explained good friend and longtime Moosonee mayor Wayne Taipale. “I have to give credit to Chief Allan for that. He was the one who got almost 30 houses where our residents could rent-to-own. People own their own homes now in Moosonee through that program.”

Taipale became friends with Jolly in the 1960s when they both attended school in Moose Factory and got to know his whole family. He even worked on a construction project with Jolly’s father, George, recalling him as a very hard worker. As they became leaders of their respective communities, their paths crossed many times.

“He was a real leader, a real go-getter, and he’ll be sadly missed,” said Taipale. “He also brought in cable television and internet for the town of Moosonee and Moose Factory. Before we only had two channels. Allan was my go-to as mayor when I had some doubts or hard times.”

As JBNQA beneficiaries without most of the benefits, MoCreebec’s local services board had no source of funding in its early years. With their “backs against the wall,” they established businesses in Moose Factory and Moosonee over two decades, generating enough income to survive as an organization.

Jolly made numerous presentations on his community’s behalf at Cree AGAs over the years, navigating recurring conflicts regarding his people’s exclusion from JBNQA rights, such as the income security program. In September 2022, the GCC reached an understanding with the federal government to explore options for the recognition of the MoCreebec Eeyoud as a distinct Cree community in Ontario.

“I think there’s an open ear with the government,” said Jolly at the time. “I have to be optimistic about it, we’ve been at it for 40 years. We’ve done what we need to do at our end in order to bring our people along to this point.”

MoCreebec is planning a new rent-to-own project in the town involving about 50 houses that is open to any Indigenous person. 

“He was also looking at Crown land within the boundaries of Moosonee and possibly moving the MoCreebec operation over to there,” shared Taipale. “We gave an MOU they can bring to the provincial and federal governments and the other band as well. We have to give them property.”

The region’s First Nations leaders extended condolences to Jolly’s family. The Mushkegowuk Council stated: “May his spirit and the impact of his work continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know him.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler noted, “H was also a teacher and mentor for younger generations, sharing traditional knowledge of his life experiences hunting, harvesting and living in harmony with the gifts of the land.”

Jolly jokingly called Taipale “little Chief” as they discussed everything from community issues to how the geese were flying. They had recently been looking forward to retiring and spending more time at their bush camps.

“The sad thing is we were just discussing if this was going to be our last term in office,” Taipale said. “He just loved spending time in the bush with his grandkids and family. He will really be missed. He planted many more seeds that could be grown.”

Produced at the National Film Board of Canada and premiered last fall at the Vancouver International Film Festival, it features stories from several youth from three Indigenous Nations: Atikamekw, Eeyou Cree and Innu.

O’Bomsawin is passionate about sharing the stories of First Nations people. For the past 20 years, she has travelled to numerous communities to understand the issues Indigenous children face, such as cultural barriers and socio-economic inequality.

O’Bomsawin says she wants to counter negative portrayals of Indigenous youth in the media.

“The general opinion is that they were dropouts, druggies or lazy, and that there was no hope for them,” she explained. “But this was not the experience I had with them. With the film, I wanted to give them the mic and the possibility to express themselves and be their own experts.”

Over a period of six years, O’Bomsawin spoke with Indigenous children from different age groups. “I was impressed with their maturity and their freedom, with their capacity being truly themselves in front of the camera,” she said.

“They were really happy to be able to speak out,” she added. “They are fully capable of telling what’s going on, what is great about being Indigenous and living in a reserve. But at the same time expressing what’s wrong and knowing what the solutions are. It tells society that we don’t do enough.” 

In this free-flowing film, we see kids riding their bikes, singing, hanging out after school and experimenting with make-up. They speak about their day-to-day lives, as well as the challenges and concerns in their communities.

“Some kids said, ‘The adults are failing us,’ They think the adults sometimes don’t step up enough for them.”

O’Bomsawin sees bullying and the chronic lack of funds in the schools as systemic barriers to their growth and education.

“These kids are amazing,” she said. “They are brilliant, fun, and full of hope and dreams. But we are letting them down, and this is very unfair.”

In the Mukash family of Whapmagoostui, children were raised in a Cree cultural environment with an emphasis on artistic expression. Jade Mukash, a 19-year-old artist at that time and now a Youth Advocate with over 10 years of experience, believes that spirituality makes her family different.

“I’m very connected to our spirituality,” she states in Ninan Auassat. “We are not afraid to talk about it, to let each other know that something is wrong.”

She thinks it is not easy to be spiritual. “We’re in a time where a lot of people don’t accept spirituality, they think it is evil.” But it allows her family and siblings to be connected to Cree ceremonies and traditional lifestyle.

For Indigenous youth, cultural identity is a big part of their life, but sometimes it is hard for them at school. They want to fit in, but being different makes them feel isolated, O’Bomsawin points out.

“We can’t afford to lose our culture, but it is a big responsibility to learn every little thing,” says Monique Hervieux, a teen from Pessamit. “My dad says that when I have kids, I’ll realize the importance of our culture.”

O’Bomsawin believes these issues have existed for a long time, and while changes happen, they are slow. 

“I have to be realistic,” she stated. “I am only a filmmaker and try to do my best. I don’t expect this film to change everything, but at least I can show the world that we have amazing kids and raise awareness. I hope that the kids can be proud of themselves and push themselves forward.”

One of the film’s producers, Mélanie Brière, a member of the First Nation Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk, strives to build bridges between Indigenous and francophone communities though her NFB projects. 

She believes Ninan Auassat will wake up society to do more for the youth in order to avoid some issues in the communities.

“Having more time with the children and having more services not only in the schools but also for different social activities, will make sure that the youth is healthy,” Brière explains. “It is really important to listen to the children, they have a lot to say.”

One Atikamekw teen from Manawan says that adults don’t do a lot for the youth, and Brière thinks having these children speak about their realities encourages listening and understanding.

“This is how they talk about their community,” she said. “They know exactly what the problems are and how they want to fix them for the future. It’s impressive how mature they are. They give hope to the community – they are the future leaders.”

Brière says this film can help change the stereotypes of how Indigenous people have been depicted in mass media for years.

“I hope it will help to connect more Canadians with the Indigenous children, because we have a lot in common,” she added. 

Ninan Auassat: We, the Children won the Tides Award for Best Canadian Documentary at the Vancouver festival and the Magnus Isacsson Award at the Montreal International Documentary Festival. It will be screening at Montreal’s Cinémathèque québécoise starting February 7, with French and English subtitles, and then in different regions in Quebec.

I would first like to wish everyone a Happy New Year across all of our Nation’s territory. My best wishes to each of the communities for 2025, which I believe is going to be an extremely exciting time for the Cree Nation. There’s going to be a period when we see many of the files that we have been working on ready for our members.

I can truly say that 2025 has begun with a boom with so many interesting things happening in the political sphere in and outside of the Cree Nation’s territory. We are in an extremely interesting position with the introduction of a new government in the US as well as a change with the federal government here in Canada coming early in 2025. It is important for our members to understand that these relationships do have an impact on the Cree Nation and that we maintain our positions in working with any incoming government.

International Political Relations

The Cree Nation Government works with the federal government, and we have been diligently preparing for a change, so it is not a surprise to see the beginning of preparations for an election. With the recent resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have the opportunity to reflect on everything that he has done in advancing the position of Indigenous nations and reconciliation.

During his nine-year tenure as prime minister, the openness of the Liberal Party and willingness to work together has been very progressive for all Indigenous people in Canada. There has also been much-needed action on the climate crisis, which is something that is of great importance for all Indigenous territories. Whatever party comes into power in the next election, we remain focused on maintaining our relationships for the continuity of the files that we have on the table.

As for our friends and neighbours to the south, with the entrance of President Donald Trump we are seeing a lot of movement and commentary by his office, some I find amusing and some I find concerning. It is impossible that we would be joining the US as a state as we are a sovereign country, but we do have very important relationships with the US, and I think this is going to be the big focus for 2025.

Two files that are of extreme importance are going to be energy and climate. This year we will see the announcements of energy plans from the Cree Nation that the council board has been working on for a long period of time. Energy factors into the larger scope of energy planning in this province and that exportation to outside partners means that we do have a significant role to play.

Some areas to watch and are actions for the climate and the potential of enhanced development of fossil fuels by the US, which could have an impact on our environment. We are on the frontliners in the North and we see the impacts and shifts in climate before anywhere else. It is important that we remain diligent in being vocal and sharing what shifts we see.

State of the Cree Nation

When looking at the Nation through a regional lens we are in an extremely interesting position. The Cree Nation plays a huge role in Quebec’s energy plan overall. The communities through the council board have been working together to come up with a strategy on how we can achieve two priorities for our members.

The first is going to be a focus on how to provide better and consistent greener energy to our communities and prepare for the electrification that will come into implementation for 2035. Our communities are going to be participating in the development of green wind energy projects for the benefit of the Cree Nation and the region. This is a really important role as it allows for us to be partners and involved in the energy development of the province with Hydro-Québec.

Secondly, we are in discussions with the government for the impending upgrade processes of the hydroelectric dam infrastructure in the Cree Nation. As some of this infrastructure is reaching 50 years of usage; it is important that we participate in the process to determine how new and modern efficient turbines will replace the existing ones.

We are one of the few Indigenous territories that will not see additional dam infrastructure being developed in our territory. This is going to be a very long and complex discussion between the Cree and Quebec governments but is required as it is part of the maintenance and upgrades process that is outlined in the JBNQA. Our members can look forward to hearing about this information in the spring sessions of the council board in January and March.

This past fall we also saw an important event held in partnership with Parks Canada recognizing the work being carried out to protect the waters of Wiinipaakw – a process that is going to start work on a feasibility assessment for the formal development of an Indigenous protected area and national marine conservation area within the Eeyou marine region. This important initiative is going to contribute to the continued protection of terrestrial and aquatic areas for our Nation.

Our Nation’s continued efforts in conservation have been recognized internationally and I was pleased to accept the Conservation Visionary Award on behalf of the many individuals who contributed to the Cree regional conservation strategy and protected areas network throughout Eeyou Istchee. The hard work and knowledge of our land users and tallyman is a true testament to the principal work of safe-keeping Eeyou Istchee for our future generations.

When looking at the accomplishments of the Cree Nation I can only share that I am very pleased with the level of collaboration and partnership amongst the entities and communities in working together. I have seen important leadership initiatives coming from the Cree Nation Youth Council which for me is something truly inspiring seeing the amount of engagement and interest our youth have in determining the future of the Cree Nation.

I was also so impressed to see initiatives like midwifery and birthing occurring in the community. The development of this approach and bringing our newest members into the territory from the start of their life is something that is so significant and spiritual. It is a moment of time that is so precious and I’m truly glad to see that they are starting their life within Eeyou Istchee.

I am looking forward to working with new leadership at the Cree Health Board that was recently elected. We will also see continued participation at the Tripartite Table with our reelected chairperson Dr. Sarah Pash (of the Cree School Board). I am looking forward to seeing how we can collaborate on the new declaration for 2025 – a continued commitment from the Cree Nation Government. This year’s declaration will be announced at the upcoming council board meeting.

Cree Governance and Cree Constitution

The Cree Constitution is an important internal governing tool to engage our members in determining the future direction of how our Nation develops and the legacy we want to establish for our members in the Cree Nation. Our government and relationships between communities is a commitment that will have an everlasting impact on how decisions are made.

With each generation our expectations of the governing body changes and evolves. With the Cree constitution it helps us identify how this relationship grows and evolves. Members of the Nation can expect to see a consultation process being carried out this year. I highly encourage you to participate and voice your thoughts and hopes on where we head into the future.

Cree Economy

Some exciting announcements of funding for economic development will be done in 2025 for development of the Cree economy. Last year we provided a mandate to the government to seek and establish a relationship with our economic partners to develop and determine a new funding source that will allow for the strengthening and further enhancement of our economy for the territory.

As we see the Canadian economy continuing to be impacted by inflation, we are coming up with a strategy to have a regional approach and enhancing collaboration and introducing cost savings to our communities in the purchase and development of large projects and investment opportunities. A planning session in the fall of 2024 was carried out and we will be introducing the information and report that came out of those sessions to our members. We continue to collaborate as a team to push for private entrepreneurship and relationship development to enhance our Cree economy.

What will 2025 bring?

One of the biggest celebrations will be held throughout Eeyou Istchee! We launched the 50th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement which began in November 2024 and will conclude in November 2025. Focused on 12 months of initiatives recognizing the importance of this historic agreement and highlighting what was established for the Cree Nation members and communities.

I am inviting everyone to follow our social media pages and website to see the mini history clips that outline how and why we entered into this agreement. It is so important for us to learn, know and understand why the JBNQA has created a unique legislative and governance position for the Cree Nation. It is a living document that has evolved over time, amended and enhanced as our Nation’s territory shifts and grows. As the only agreement of its kind, it is the role of the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief to defend it and work with our communities to ensure its proper implementation.

The Cree Nation will also be working with the Innu Nation to raise awareness of the Refuge Mitshuap – a service available to Indigenous members facing homelessness in the city centre of Montreal. It is apparent that there is an increased issue of homelessness in and outside of the territory. As a regional entity we are focused on building resources in areas outside of Eeyou Istchee to continue helping our members deal with this barrier. This year we launched a joint initiative to raise awareness and funding to assist this important service.

In closing, I am looking to invite the members of the Cree Nation to continue participating and listening to the upcoming council board session. It is important that our membership is informed and engaged in the nation building. Please follow our social media for the monthly information and update sessions that the Deputy Grand Chief and I provide regarding the work we are carrying out for our members as well as following our platforms more important updates.

Meegwetch and sending my best wishes to all of the members of Eeyou Istchee.

Mandy Gull Masty
Grand Chief
Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee

Then, the three of us departed Waskaganish and set off heading south into Rupert Bay.

The sea was far from calm. The murky, stirred-up surface gleamed almost mercurial as we moved out into the open water. The gargled clamour of the two-stroke engine chanted incessantly, lulling us into a trance-like state with each bump from the sturdy wavelets crashing beneath us, leading us deeper and deeper into a place of inner silence, of outer wonderment.

The sky split in two. One half incandescent, the other ominous. Two omens of a potential future teasing us in biblical fashion.

“It is raining there,” said Bernard as he pointed southwest towards the Nottaway. Half an hour upriver is where we would stop to check the nets for sturgeon, a fish prized for its fatty, boneless meat. 

The rain fell and nipped at our exposed skin like shards of glass. We moved along the Nottaway seamlessly as the waters there had stilled. I learned then that the river harboured invisible paths only Bernard could see. 

We cut through and along stretches of the water’s hidden highways, taking strange brutal turns, crisscrossing here and there on what seemed to be an evenly deep river.

 
“There are rocks, hiding everywhere,” Bernard said, noticing the confusion on my face. “But I know where they live.” 

When we reached the nets, the rains had ceased. The country opened up into a vast range of peat bogs and boreal forest cut through only by the large fanned-out capillaries of northern rivers. 

Bertrand stood up and grabbed a long spruce pole. He began digging into the river, prodding to the sides of the bow of the boat, calling out: “Deep! Deep!” 

His father nodded. We approached a pink buoy a few dozen feet from the river’s edge. Bernard scanned his surroundings keeping an eye out for moose or woodland caribou.

 
“This is where I shot a bear,” he shared, pointing over at a rocky island. Then he called out to his son to catch the buoy so we could check the nets. The land around us was full of someone’s memory. 

With each pull on the long rope, we grew more and more eager for a sign. We prayed for a tug, a glimmer of that silken fish skin to reveal itself in the sunlight. 

Bertrand scurried back and forth along the boat in excitement. His father quietened him in Cree. And there it was. A large, white-bellied sturgeon, twisted entirely in the net, surrendered.

 
When we reached the end of the net, we had totaled three large sturgeon. Food for days, food to be sold and shared with the community as is typical amongst the Cree.

“Mommy fish, daddy fish, baby fish,” Bertrand pointed out, patting the diamond-patterned surfaces of the Jurassic creatures.

“They look like dinosaurs,” Bernard had told me earlier that day before setting off. I had never seen a sturgeon before. They are beautiful.

 
“Clouds are coming again,” said Bernard. He pointed at a large container at my feet. I unraveled a red-and-white-striped tarpaulin and wrapped it around myself and Bertrand. 

Bernard moved speedily over the river as the rain poured, now slicing at us. We could hardly keep our eyes open as the drops of water stung at them incessantly. 

I found myself constantly checking on Bertrand. He was singing to himself. He sang and sang until eventually he stopped, drifting into a deep sleep. His head bobbed with every bump from the boat. 

He was happy. They had caught fish. 

For photos of Waskaganish, go to www.aaronfz.com

Each of these institutions offers a range of options for Indigenous students to find their path in higher education, blending academic excellence with a respect for and integration of Indigenous culture and values.

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)

UQAT’s School of Indigenous Studies is the only university department in the province wholly focused on Indigenous studies. This multidisciplinary approach underlines UQAT’s commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into higher education.

Primarily a French-language institution, UQAT offers courses in English for Indigenous students. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the university’s practice of forming small cohorts and signing agreements with Indigenous communities and organizations, including various Cree groups. This collaborative approach has led to the development of advanced Indigenous studies programs, including a master’s program set to launch in 2024, adding to the existing graduate offerings for Indigenous students.

At UQAT, the First Peoples Service supports students’ academic and psycho-social needs. This service provides tools for effective time management and assists with housing, personal relationships and other non-academic concerns. The intimate scale of UQAT allows for close relationships between faculty and students, fostering a personalized and supportive educational environment.

The university offers a range of teaching methods, including on-site community classes, remote learning, hybrid formats, and both intensive and conventional courses. This flexibility ensures that education is tailored to the diverse needs of students, particularly those from Indigenous communities.

UQAT extends its reach beyond the campus, organizing events that facilitate networking between students and potential employers, thereby supporting students’ transition from education to employment.

UQAT’s initiatives and research projects are developed in close collaboration with Indigenous partners. The university’s dialogue with Indigenous people, including former and prospective students, ensures that its programs and research respond to the concrete needs of Indigenous communities.

First Nations Executive Education / HEC Montréal

As First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) celebrates its third anniversary, it marks not just a milestone for HEC Montréal but an achievement in Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaboration in higher education. FNEE is a driving force in fostering excellence, blending traditional knowledge with modern executive training. 

FNEE’s third anniversary event, held November 14-15, attracted over 300 guests from academia, business and politics to celebrate this remarkable journey. Participants from six cohorts received university attestations and certifications at the event. 

FNEE has offers 42 training sessions to more than 800 participants from 37 communities and 10 Nations, 66% of whom are women. Its six co-created programs are taught by 85 instructors, 46 of whom are Indigenous, and awarded 150 certificates in 2023-2024. 

One FNEE initiative is the launch of a program focused on the Next Generation. Developed in partnership with five Indigenous organizations, this three-day program is designed for youth aged 18 to 35 who want to blaze their own trail. The program will be held March 4-6 in the community of Mashteuiatsh. 

The collaboration of HEC Montréal and FNEE exemplifies a commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive education. This partnership highlights the vital role academic institutions can play in fostering and supporting Indigenous leadership.

Algonquin College

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and AC Online are located on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in eastern Ontario, offering more than 300 programs ranging from health studies to advanced technology and trades.

Algonquin is not just an educational institution; it’s a vibrant community. The college supports Indigenous learners, fostering their success in an inclusive and empowering atmosphere. Algonquin College takes pride in its commitment to making Indigenous knowledge and Truth and Reconciliation an integral part of their culture.  

Students have access to qualified Indigenous counsellors and student support officers, a food security program, assistance with housing and meaningful connections with career and employment fairs. Bursaries are available for Indigenous students, as well as entrepreneurship and applied research positions, volunteer opportunities and information about community resources. 

The Mamidosewin Centre is the hub for Indigenous learners at the Ottawa campus. Mamidosewin is Algonquin/Ojibwe for “meeting place” or “walking together.” The Mamidosewin Centre strives to build a community that embodies this sentiment.

Employees and student navigators plan and host cultural programs and activities including feasts, celebrations, drum circles and social gatherings throughout the year. A welcoming place to visit between classes, the Mamidosewin Centre presents student events, smudging ceremonies and guest speakers. Other activities include monthly cultural celebrations, an annual Round Dance, and an Indigenous graduate celebration ceremony. 

Experiences and celebrations of First Nation, Inuit and Métis cultures and traditions are observed through calendar events, speakers, feasts and activities. A permanent courtyard, fire pit, a memorial sculpture and two Indigenous gardens, as well as many murals and symbols are prominently on display throughout the Ottawa campus.

The College’s Pembroke campus is home to Campus Kokum, Campus Elder and Drumkeeper as well as a recently unveiled Medicine Wheel Garden. This spiritual place is located on a hill to the west of the campus and has become a special area for reflection and learning about Indigenous teachings. 

Algonquin College is actively working towards bringing Indigenous languages back to life on campus. This includes Indigenous street names within the campus grounds and Indigenous wayfinding and pathways offering direction and placemaking. The College also hosts an ongoing video series that shares greetings, cultural information, and Anishinàbemowin pronunciation guides to get more people speaking it. This gives learners and employees partnerships and social relationship opportunities with elders and communities from Kitigan Zibi and Pikwakanagan. 

Leadership opportunities, like the annual Niganizi Indigenous Student Leadership Retreat, offer Indigenous students opportunities to connect with their roots and work on their leadership skills, as well as Student Navigator leadership opportunities within the Mamidosewin Centre and throughout the campus. Additionally, a student seat is available on the Indigenous Education Council, aimed to help close the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and to increase knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives among all students.

For students who wish to participate in post-secondary studies but want to stay close 

to their community, AC Online is the Algonquin College virtual campus. It offers quality online education, more than 80 programs and over 800 courses.

Canadore College

With its significant Indigenous student population, Canadore College is a hub for cultural diversity and educational excellence. Its commitment to Indigenous education and support is evident across its campuses and in its specialized programs.

With campuses in North Bay and Parry Sound, Ontario, Canadore has around 750 Indigenous students, making up about 15% of the total student population. This diverse student group includes Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree, Algonquin, Métis, Mohawk and Inuit, highlighting the college’s role as a melting pot of Indigenous cultures.

The First Peoples’ Centre at Canadore is more than just an academic facility, it’s a vital cultural and support hub for Indigenous students. It offers a range of services, from comprehensive academic support to cultural programs. The Centre also engages in recruitment, promotion and community outreach projects, extending its impact beyond the college walls.

Canadore offers various learning paths. Last year, over half of the Indigenous learners attended on-campus programs, while others studied at Indigenous partner campuses or in their home communities. Many chose part-time learning, indicating the college’s flexibility and commitment to accessible education.

A standout initiative at Canadore is the Kikandaaswiwin Mookiisin (KM) Indigenous STEAM Program. Developed in partnership with Actua, this program helps Indigenous youth enter high-skill fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). KM emphasizes the importance of Indigenous identity and perspectives in these fields, offering students not only academic growth but also a renewed confidence in their cultural heritage.

“Words are not enough to express the sorrow and regret we feel,” said Anandasangaree. “The actions and inactions that led to the mass killing inflicted deep pain and hardship on Inuit families that none should have had to endure.”

Canada also committed $45 million to promote reconciliation efforts in Nunavik communities. Ahead of the announcement, conversations with Elders helped the federal minister better understand the significance of this carnage. He acknowledged that dogs were killed in the 1950s under federal authority, which later failed to intervene when provincial police continued the slaughter. 

“It was a relief to hear a formal apology for the atrocious acts and apathy,” said Lucy Grey from Makivvik, which represents Quebec’s Inuit. “Makivvik has been working for an apology since 1999. It was quite bittersweet because a lot of the Elders, the last of the nomads, are gone.”

Growing up, Grey knew that Inuit had a tradition of dog teams but, like residential schools, the slaughter was something that Elders never spoke about. She first heard about it as an information agent for Makivvik 25 years ago, when a woman in Kangiqsualujjuaq brought up concerns during a community tour.  

Learning that this woman’s husband “became a mere window watcher” after his dogs were killed, Grey was tasked by Makivvik president Pita Aatami to discover if this had happened in other communities. After 200 interviews revealed a similar pattern throughout the region, Makivvik asked provincial and federal governments for an apology and compensation.

An RCMP report in 2006 denied wrongdoing, contradicting Elder testimony and exacerbating community tensions with police. However, Quebec gave retired judge Jean-Jacques Croteau a mandate the following year to investigate more thoroughly. After extensive research and visits to all 14 Nunavik communities, Croteau’s 2010 report validated the allegations and clarified governmental fiduciary obligations.   

While determining there was no “conspiracy” for systemic dog slaughter, the conditions were established by the residential school system and resulting forced relocation into communities. Under pressure from non-Inuit, untied dogs were deemed a safety hazard. Around the same time, a disease outbreak contributed to decimating the canine population. 

“Imagine there are 10 families moving to a community and each family has 10 dogs in a little square kilometre,” explained Grey. “The dogs had to be tied up, which made them even more dangerous because they’re not social anymore and didn’t have the space they had. There were a lot of domino effects.”

Croteau found that Quebec provincial police officers killed more than 1,000 dogs in Nunavik “without any consideration for their importance to Inuit families.” Although Quebec offered an apology in 2011 alongside $3 million in compensation, Grey said this felt incomplete without federal recognition and fell far short of mental health and social service needs.

One of the highest number of killings occurred in Kangiqsujuaq, where the federal apology took place. Over 200 dogs were reportedly killed there in a three-day period during the mid-1960s, their carcasses were piled on the ice and burned. 

Aatami explained that dogs historically weren’t tied because they needed constant exercise to stay strong enough to pull sleds and lamented that the “issue was handled as though it were a municipal by-law violation.” Louisa Cookie’s experience in Kuujjuarapik was one of the most haunting stories he heard. 

“I saw RCMP coming towards me, shooting all the dogs,” Cookie told CBC. “I panicked and went in front of the lead dog, and [an officer] almost shot me. He was so angry, he picked me up and threw me quite hard. I was yelling but so in trauma I lost my feelings.”

By that time in 1964, Cookie had been taught to care for her father’s and grandfather’s dogs, some of which fearlessly pursued polar bears and wolves. Capable of returning home through blizzard whiteouts and detecting seals or unsafe ice, qimmiit (sled dogs) were indispensable for Inuit hunters. 

Cookie’s father retreated beneath blankets while the officer killed their 14 dogs and remained immobilized for days. While she convinced him to drink some water on the fourth day and tried to achieve closure by burying their dogs’ names, he was forever changed and became an abusive gambler and womanizer.

“He didn’t say anything much, but I could see he was emptied of his dignity, self-esteem, manlihood and love,” recalled Cookie. “Of course, all our neighbours changed as well. My grandfather’s teaching made me survive: don’t have grudges over anything – let god do the revenge.”

Qimmiit have slowly returned to Nunavik with huskies imported from Greenland and the annual Ivakkak dogsled competition, launched by Makivvik in 2001 to lift people’s spirits. However, community member Helen Atkinson said it couldn’t return last year because of dangerous ice conditions along the coast due to climate change.

Dog sledding was once fairly common in Cree coastal areas and the animals remain a valuable resource for many hunters. Waswanipi tallyman Paul Dixon recalled seeing dogs transport a whole camp across the ice in the 1960s and remembers his late father saying, “A great hunter owes half of what he killed to the dogs.”

The newly announced funding will contribute towards revitalizing the culture of dog team ownership in the region. Aatami said some will also go toward direct compensation, but that’s yet to be determined. 

However, Grey said the funding isn’t nearly enough to achieve “social net-zero,” so that Nunavik isn’t constantly in crisis mode. She said some communities don’t have snowmobile repair shops or veterinary clinics that support animal wellbeing and humane population control. 

“We were left on our own and Makivvik has been carrying that burden to replace the things taken away when the dogs were slaughtered,” Grey told the Nation. “Because we were resilient, we were able to survive that terrible era. We are ready to accept that apology so we can start healing.”

The Cree Health Board’s implementation of traditional medicine and land-based healing has largely been guided by the Nishiiyuu Council of Elders, with which it signed a collaboration agreement in 2020. In the last year, it acquired a large outfitting camp called Mirage, which former chairperson Bertie Wapachee called “our place where we deal with our trauma.”

While several camps in Eeyou Istchee currently host healing gatherings, cultural workshops and detoxification sessions, emerging resources such as Chisasibi’ Miskasowin Healing Lodge will significantly expand this availability. Expected to open in 2026, this land-based wellness recovery centre will include 20 beds for longer-term care to “nurture the spirit within.”

Being out on the land, away from modern distractions and dependencies, brings participants closer to their Cree language and culture, with proximity to natural medicines. However, that’s not the only reason these healing retreats are held outside communities. Many land-based programs include traditional ceremonies, which remain controversial among Cree people.

“Some of the tallymen around Chisasibi don’t want the ceremonies,” explained Wayne Rabbitskin, addictions specialist and founder of the National Indigenous Men’s Gathering. “There can be some hostility having it in the community.”

Rabbitskin has observed more and more land-based programs occurring, primarily at Mirage and the community of Whapmagoostui. He’s involved with a provincial program held 40 minutes outside of Quebec City that’s funded by Health Canada, integrating counselling sessions with traditional and spiritual healing methods. 

“We let the men know we’ll be doing some sweats, smoke our pipes, smudge, our tobacco ties, that sort of thing,” Rabbitskin said. “We haven’t done a shaking tent, but we did mention if the men wanted to have a teaching on it and the impacts of colonization, the brainwashing tactics used by the churches. We don’t have to hide anymore.”

Rabbitskin and Christine Petawabano, his co-host at the recent Cree Knowledge Festival, have been facilitating “Wellbriety” retreats for the past few years in Mistissini territory. While sage is available for participants to smudge, these gatherings are designed to be spiritually neutral. 

“There are communities that are more Christian-based, so we have to be careful not to impose anything on them,” said Rabbitskin. “We just leave some of the stuff out, like the sweat lodge or the pipe ceremonies – especially the community of Mistissini, when we do the Wellbriety retreat.”

Finding that attitudes are gradually shifting towards curiosity, Rabbitskin noted that there’s now a mitutisaan (sweat lodge) in Chisasibi. Located in a cabin across from the museum, it’s concealed yet out in the open, accessible to community members who may not be able to attend distant retreats.  

In 2010, a sweat lodge established by Redfern Mianscum in Ouje-Bougoumou was forcibly dismantled by orders of a band council resolution. The homemade structure built in his friend’s backyard quickly drew opposition from Pentecostal Christians, with a petition signed by about 130 people sparking a swift response from leadership.  

“That was a hard time,” shared Mianscum. “They didn’t want ceremonies, powwows; they even banned traditional people in the community. This was our way of life, to bring healing to our people. It hurt me.”

The resolution stated “the community was founded by Christian faith” and “native spirituality practices … do not conform with the teachings of our Elders.” At the time, community member John Shecapio-Blacksmith said they didn’t want to confuse youth and “you don’t want to bring in witchcraft.”

As Mianscum defended his religious freedom with a high-profile lawyer and the controversy made news across Canada, the Grand Council affirmed the importance of sacred Cree ceremonies, and a counter-petition was signed by over 100 locals. With the issue set to go to court, the resolution was rescinded about a year later and a mitutisaan was soon built by the sports lodge just outside the community. 

This rift between Christian teachings and long-outlawed Indigenous spirituality indicates the depth of unresolved historical traumas that land-based programs seek to address. Mianscum emphasized that learning both the ancestral teachings and colonizing forces in Cree history is a key to unravelling the root causes of addictions. 

“A lot of the teachings come from those ceremonies,” asserted Mianscum. “We learn how to honour life; it brings a sense of belonging. People are going through an identity crisis – I think what’s missing in our communities is an understanding of who we are.”

Mianscum knows the power of ceremony from personal experience. He described himself as a heavy cocaine user when he and his partner lost a baby 16 years ago. Quitting everything cold turkey the day of the funeral, he credits a friend’s invitation to a sweat lodge with helping turn his life around.

“I went to ceremonies every chance I got,” Mianscum recalled. “I never went through withdrawals, fortunately – traditional medicines and ceremonies, especially the sweat lodge, detoxified my body. I thought about my friends going through the same thing and wanted to move my sweat lodge home.”

Since the controversy, Mianscum has coordinated several powwows in Ouje-Bougoumou and healing retreats are increasingly held at nearby Maamuu Lodge. In November, he participated in an ambitious youth and traditional healers gathering at Mirage, which included ceremonies, traditional activities and drum making. 

He has witnessed land-based detox programs bring calmness to participants, nearly eliminating substance withdrawal symptoms, sometimes with the help of a traditional medicine made from tamarack and black spruce. While he believes there will always be some resistance, he sees people change their opinions once they participate.

“When they come out of the sweat lodges, they feel lighter and they just want to go back in again,” said Mianscum. “It changes their perspective of what ceremony really is. People need to reconnect with their roots. Land is medicine – there’s a lot of peace out there.”

“I was really proud to be Cree and inspired by everyone’s contributions,” said COTA executive director Robin McGinley. “We tried to highlight the connection to the land, the importance of language, and what people could do in the region. It’s fun when everyone pulls together to highlight Cree culture and Eeyou Istchee.”

According to early viewership numbers from production company Webdiffusion, over 1,000 checked in from as far away as Europe and Latin America. McGinley believes the footage will remain a valuable resource for not only the tourism industry but featured artists, school curricula and Cree entities recruiting staff. 

“In the version that lives on, we want to have some portions in Cree transcribed and translated in English and French,” explained McGinley. “I’d like to promote it far ahead and have people come specifically for the festival and plan their trip around it. We offered some workshops that were absolute hits.”

As co-hosts Wayne Rabbitskin and Christine Petawabano interviewed panelists and fielded audience questions, local artists worked in their diverse mediums in the background, occasionally presenting and explaining their creations. Miss Whapmagoostui Jade Mukash painted between Cecilia Bosum beading mittens and George Longchap weaving a snowshoe.

“At our Montreal store, Wachiya, we often talk to people who are eager to hear our stories and get to know our artists,” said Dale Cooper, executive director of CNACA. “The Cree Knowledge Festival is a great way for people to gain an appreciation for the importance that arts and crafts play in the survival and expression of our culture.”

The transmission began with Bella Mianscum’s opening prayer before the Grand Council and community leaders welcomed viewers with multilingual charm. Following a clip honouring late musician Brian Fireman’s performance at the first festival, Paula Menarick mesmerized with fancy shawl dancing, which she said mimics the butterfly’s flight. 

Charlie and George Ottereyes honoured their late brother Abraham with a round dance. Charlie explained his sacred connection to the hand drum with a story of losing his son at age 16. In his grief, he heard four grandfathers talking, then heard his drum hit four times and felt cold air on his cheek, a last kiss from his son. 

Artist Jimmy Tim Whiskeychan delivered an impressive tutorial that McGinley wants to offer as a team-building workshop. Taking a goose feather as a paint brush, Whiskeychan weaved together stories of the bird’s significance and symbolism in the culture with the feather’s innovative capacity for rendering flair, flames or trees on the canvas.  

“People were astonished how we would achieve such a variety of textures out of goose feathers,” Whiskeychan told the Nation. “Sometimes I dip my feather in ink dyes and swirl it. In my recent abstract paintings, I used it to emphasize goose spirit or movement.”

The award-winning artist has become an adept storyteller, leveraging his art as an opportunity to open minds about Cree culture. He continues to master new styles, turning digital art into scarf designs and discovering a new “pop art” by accidentally stepping on paper atop crushed pop cans on his floor. 

“I laid out these crushed cans on the table and rubbed them, then right away I would see images of different things,” explained Whiskeychan. “I let the image tell me what’s going to reveal itself. Sometimes I sway my charcoal around the round part of the can and form a drum. To make it more challenging I’d close my eyes.”

Presenters were generous with their knowledge, sharing the spark behind their passions and providing new insights into famous political successes like the founding of Ouje-Bougoumou in 1989 and the 1990 Odeyak journey to halt the Great Whale hydroelectric project. Former Grand Chief Abel Bosum revealed that it’s by design the host community looks like an eagle’s head from above.

“It sees from above and finds its way around a storm,” said Bosum. After being displaced seven times by mining activity, he and late wife Sophie devoted their lives to fulfilling the JBNQA and building a community that envisioned seven generations into the future.  

In a message affirmed in a later panel by Cree Language Commissioner Jamie Moses, Bosum said it only takes a generation not speaking it to lose a language. Co-host Rabbitskin was concerned by this message, noting that there are rarely exclusively Cree-speaking events anymore.

“In 50 years from now when guys like me will be gone, it will be hard to relearn the language,” said Rabbitskin. “We need to wake up and realize that one of those languages that might be disappearing is our language. I sensed some urgency that something more needs to be done.”

Rabbitskin also highlighted how “the land was literally shaking” from bulldozers when Cree trailblazers organized to achieve the JBNQA, asserting self-sufficiency that was evident in the festival’s diverse offerings. Another source of pride was the announcement of Mistissini’s new Nibiischii national park.

“We told Quebec if our people are not allowed to hunt on their traplines there will be no park,” recalled former Chief Kathleen Wootton. “Historically, living that nomadic lifestyle was a way to practice conservation, allowing land to replenish itself. The Nibiischii Park is a modern version of that nomadic lifestyle.”

Former Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come told the entertaining story of the Odeyak voyage, gaining inspiration for canoe activism from a random encounter in Plattsburgh, then sending lumber up to Whapmagoostui to build the boat with the Inuit. Reaching New York City by chance on Earth Day, he met with governors and mayors while getting calls from actors Meryl Streep and Christopher Reeve. 

“Guess who’s on our side – Superman,” Coon Come shared with the group. “When you pick a fight, you have to present a vision that’s clear. We needed something the media could focus on, a symbol of the resilience of our people.”

The festival, a collaboration between the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association (CNACA) and Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA), remains available online at www.cree-festival-cri.com.

Not everyone has that person around. So, if you don’t drink, why not offer taxi services to help those stuck for a lift a safe way home? Extra charges could include having a buddy drive the customer’s vehicle home for them. 

Now, for you people who enjoy a drink or two, here’s my take on possible holiday spirits courtesy of the 2024 edition of La Grande Dégustation de Montréal. 

First up was a five-year-old tequila called Chula Parranda. At $189.99, you can understand why this smooth-tasting tequila is like a patron on velvet steroids. Don’t look for it at SAQ outlets, as it’s only available for order on the SAQ website. Unfortunately, the postal strike means it won’t be a Xmas spirit for you now. But it’s definitely something to consider in the future.

Not everyone can afford those prices or handle a tequila hangover. So let’s consider some good, non-expensive wine. 

Alegrete, a white wine from Portugal at only $10.70, was a pleasant surprise. It goes well with ptarmigan or any fish. Personally, I might try it when I do mussels in a white wine sauce. It’s a nice relaxing wine sure to please anyone’s tongue.

A sparkling white wine that was a pleasure to taste was Villa Conchi Gava. As a very nice Brut, it has a fresh fruit flavour that is affordable at $17.75. Perfect for those wanting to raise a cheer on New Year’s Eve without breaking the budget and still getting kudos from the guests.

A red wine with a lot of taste is Spain’s Moraza Rioja Alta 2021. Worth all its $20.30 price, this wine complements any wild food you have cooking. It’s a dry wine with some acidity so that’s why you need a nice meal or some almonds or cashews to enjoy it to its fullest.

For those who prefer organic products and are willing to pay for it, check out the Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Goudelettes. A pinot noir from the Bourgogne region in France, it’s priced at $72. It’s tasty and vegan friendly for those few Crees who prefer to keep their diet animal-free

Something from this side of the pond is the Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are willing to shell out $81, this is an incredibly smooth red wine that is difficult to limit to a single glass. But it is a pleasure to take your time with while you savour every drop.

An old standby is Mumm’s Napa at $37.75. This sparkling rosé remains a great addition to any celebration. I have never had a complaint when I popped open a bottle. Just make sure you don’t point it at anyone or something fragile when you do, as the pressure seems to be a bit higher than with other sparkling wines. I swear you can taste California at its best with your first sip.

Carmel Road Monterey Chardonnay from California at $26.55 is well worth the price. With distinctive overtures of a caramel, it was a wonderful experience that had me asking the vendor to top off my glass. Great on its own, I was told that it’s also good with pasta. Try it out.

Walking around the endless display booths brought me to New Zealand’s offerings. My old go-to Oyster Bay is a great white wine that I’ve frequently used in mussel sauces. By the way, mussels are very healthy, low in fat, help with reducing cholesterol and heart diseases. Plus, they are tasty! After using a cup of the Oyster Bay in the sauce, I would save the rest of the bottle to serve at the meal. For those interested, I used the Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio Hawkes Bay, usually costing $20.90, which I considered a steal. At the show they had sweet rosé sparkling wine, a true delight both for the nose and the tongue at only $26.30.

As for champagne, bypass what everyone knows and go to Palmers &Co Brut Réserve. For a modest price of $81.75, I understood the part of the Bible that reads “like a thief in the night” after rolling a taste of it around my mouth. I was surprised and not prepared for this delightful experience.

I like to chill my red wines and thought I was unusual for doing so, but now it’s trendy. The Austrian red wine Weszeli Mystique is known as a great chilling choice. Some say that it’s good with watermelon and cold cuts but less so with barbecued meats. While most would prefer it in the summer, it could be a good choice for a romantic soak in a winter hot tub or in front of the fireplace. It’s a light organic wine with a chill price of $21.25.

An unexpected discovery was the JP. Chenet. A sparkling white wine from France, the genuine 24-carat gold particles floating in it left me no choice but to try it. Was there a worry that I was drinking gold? No, as we already have different minerals and metals in our bodies. The non-poisonous gold is for added cachet during the holidays. Not that much gold, mind you, as a bottle of JP. Chenet sells for $24.75 while one gram of the precious metal costs about $115. The taste and bouquet are acceptable, but offering guests a wine with a bit of gold in it is priceless. 

A scotch for naughty boys and girls is the Bad na h-Achlaise Highland single malt. While I’m not usually a fan of smoky scotch this one was a game changer. The smokiness was not overpowering and actually brought out the reason why it costs $111.75. It melts over your taste buds and then smothers your entire mouth in a true taste experience. The scent goes through your nose right to the pleasure centres of your brain. An all-around joy for scotch lovers.

A fine and affordable blended scotch at $56.76 is Monkey Shoulder, which is aimed at the party crowd. While good on its own, their website suggests using it in several mixed drinks. It has won tons of awards and was a favourite at the show.

Available in Ontario and hopefully soon in Quebec is Shanky’s Whip, a dark Irish whiskey that’s not for the timid. With something this great and challenging, drinking it should entitle us foreign afficionados to an Irish passport. Do yourself a favour if you’re in Ontario and pick up a bottle at $46.65 and see if you agree.

Something that I’ve enjoyed now and then but never kept on hand is gin. It can be great in cocktails but is rarely my first choice. The Willöe gin made here in Quebec made me question why. More and more, Quebec is starting to give the big boys in the spirits world a run for their money. Willöe gin is one of those in the race. 

I’ve tasted great gins from England and even Holland but now the Quebec gin is right up there with them. I had no problem sipping the Willöe neat as it’s smooth with a taste to live for. At $52.50, it’s a keeper. 

Also from Quebec is the Chic Choc black spiced rum at $39. It obviously had an experienced rum distiller teaching the staff how to create a great product. I would take it over Havana Club any day.

In the meantime, Happy Holidays and be safe. The Christmas spirits are there to enjoy, but so are your friends, family and community. Let’s make it something special for all of us.

The Great Christmas Market is a great place to visit in Montreal, which my father and I did on November 30. It looks very nice and the food available for purchase was great.

At the market, there is Nature Artisan, an infused maple syrup company. They use quality natural ingredients and offer a variety of infused maple syrup flavours such as smoked, chaga, whisky, spicy and coffee as well as regular maple syrup, with each having their own unique twist. 

They have sizes of 100ml, 200ml and 250ml and prices going from $20, $24 and $32 respectively. Their glasses are recyclable and look attractive, as well as the syrup itself looking good and tasting delicious. 

They don’t only sell maple syrup, they also have Smoked Montreal Spices, Herbal Tea and Chaga. Their Montreal Spices are all natural and come in two different blends, that being for chicken and steak. I thought their infused maple syrups were quite interesting and unique, and a wonderful idea.

Another interesting product I saw was chocoStyle, a chocolate boutique and factory. They offer premium chocolates, as well as macaroons, ice cream and pastries. They are very passionate about chocolates and other sweets – almost like Willy Wonka.

At chocoStyle, they offer tours of their facilities where they educate you on their history and the importance of chocolate in the economy. When visiting their production laboratory, you can taste chocolate varieties and learn about different working tools and machines. A minimum of four people is required for a tour. The tour seems very interesting.

There is a variety of sweets that seem quite gourmet, and the facilities look quite fancy although they are a little expensive. It was all very cheerful and nice.

The final business that I would like to talk about is Paddhawan Suds. They make high-quality, handmade natural soaps tailored for sensitive skin. 

They also make bath bombs, which have a toy inside after being used. To make the bath bombs, they add the ingredients into a mould before inserting the toy to ensure it’s tight. After 24 hours they hand paint and wrap them. They make bath bombs of many different loveable franchises, with some of my favourites being Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto and Pokemon.

I found Paddhawan Suds very cool, and I would recommend getting their products.

These all further go to show how much effort people put into making Christmas enjoyable. I’m excited for Christmas this year and I hope everyone will enjoy the joyous season as much as I will.