A new home for Montreal’s disenfranchised Métis, First Nations and Inuit was announced June 19 at the Montreal Native Friendship Centre (MNFC). A traditional drum ceremony and a prayer by a member of the community started the evening for the […]
Archive for July, 2013
Edith Cloutier named Member of the Order of Canada
Regroupement des Centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) President Edith Cloutier has been appointed Member of the Order of Canada for her work and actions improving the living conditions of urban Aboriginals. RCAAQ said they were proud of her […]
Mistissini Niimuuhiikan… Mistissini powwow
Mistissini is the place to be July 19-20. After too many years to count, this Cree community will finally be hosting a powwow. Says organizer Luke MacLeod: “Years ago, I asked an Elder if they had songs made just for […]
Oujé-Bougoumou and BlackRock sign BallyHusky Agreement mining deal
The Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation and the Grand Council of the Crees/Cree Regional Authority (GCC/CRA) signed an Impact Benefit Agreement June 20 with BlackRock Metals Inc., opening the way for an open-pit mine in Oujé territory. Known as the BallyHusky Agreement, […]
Improper medication storage leads to a mom’s worst nightmare
It was a typical evening for Waskaganish’s Bessie Gillies, before it turned into one of the most traumatic events a parent can go through. Coming home late from her mother’s with her three children aged nine, eight and two, Gillies […]
Waswanipi Elders lead fight against Elder abuse
A few generations ago, it would be unthinkable for a Cree person to shout or swear at an Elder, let alone hurt or abuse one. However, Irene Otter, the Elders’ coordinator for community programs and member of the Elders’ Council […]
Democracy Is Fragile
I was in Istanbul, Turkey, this past winter and I had the pleasure to walk in Taksim Square. I was impressed with the city as compared to the major centres in Morocco and Egypt I have seen. The ancient city, […]
Mayday for mayors
I can’t go a day without hearing of some politician from the south getting blasted in every medium over the corruption and collusion scandals that have hit the Montreal area during the last several months. What really gets me is […]
Leadership to be proud of
One must give credit where credit is due. Unexpectedly, this means the Quebec government under the current Parti Québécois administration. They have surprised and delighted me in their recent actions. Most recently, Quebec’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Wildlife and […]
Robert Baribeau on becoming new CCDC president
According to Robert Baribeau, his new job as President of the Cree Construction and Development Corporation is “a little hectic,” but he says that so far things are going well. Nonetheless, Baribeau has his work cut out for him. The […]