Archive for July, 2014

Dignitaries with shovels from left to right: Sydney Swallow - Tallyman; Steve Gamache mayor
of Chapais; Chief Richard Shecapio from Mistissini; Jacques Daoust - Minister of the
Economy, Innovation and Export; Premier Philippe Couillard; Manon Cyr mayor of
Chibougamau; Matt Manson - President and CEO of Stornoway; Jean Boucher - Member of
the National Assembly for Ungava; Patrick Godin - COO of Stornoway

Stornaway breaks ground on Renard Mine project

As one mining camp near Mistissini closes, another one opens. The difference, of course, is that the closing camp – Strateco’s Matoush uranium camp – was a lightning rod for controversy. But there’s no opposition to Stornaway Diamond’s Renard mine, […]

Whapmagoostui love

Whapmagoostui love

You know you’re getting old when everything turns into “a moment.” Every beautiful scene, cool breeze, old song, a certain smell turns emotional and it is in that split second that time stands still. I’ve been having a lot of […]

A matter of survival

My experience with religion has been interesting to say the least. In Attawapiskat, the Jesuits established a church as part of the French wave of colonists during the early days of the fur trade. The English also dispatched Anglican missionaries […]

A rudder? Or a new ship?

A rudder? Or a new ship?

As it wrapped up its annual three-day gathering in Halifax July 17, the Assembly of First Nations was leaderless, divided and facing an uncertain future. As one chief commented, it is like sailing in a “rudderless ship.” At the centre […]

Melting the pounds

Melting the pounds

Nemaska reached 35 degrees C during the recent heat wave and it was simply divine. Flew to Waskaganish for a meeting and had an amazing time with Fran, Clark, Sheila and Red (thank you for the tea and bannock). My […]

The law of the land

Last month’s unanimous Supreme Court decision in favour of BC’s Tsilhqot’in people is the first time the court has ever issued a direct declaration of Aboriginal title to a First Nation in this country. This has far-reaching implications for mining, […]

A celebration of paradoxes: Comedian Ryan McMahon hosts National Aboriginal Day powwow in Ottawa

A celebration of paradoxes: Comedian Ryan McMahon hosts National Aboriginal Day powwow in Ottawa

Louise came to the powwow from Manitoulin, but she said she didn’t want to talk to the Nation on record about her feelings about Ottawa’s third annual Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival (SSAAF). She had her reasons. Finally she said, […]

Odjick faces his final fight

Odjick faces his final fight

Aboriginal hockey star and feared NHL enforcer Gino Odjick revealed late June that a terminal illness might mean he only has weeks to live. Odjick disclosed his condition in an open letter to his fans posted on the official website […]

Inadequate mail service has Mistissini residents going postal

Like many northern communities, the Cree Nation of Mistissini relies solely on Canada Post to provide its residents with the means to send and receive letters and packages. Private delivery companies don’t serve the community. The community’s burgeoning population means […]

Two Crees to run in Hawaii for diabetes research

Frustrated by the ever-increasing number of cases of diabetes and diabetes-related diseases in Eeyou Istchee, Joshua Iserhoff and Demerise Mayappo will be taking part in a special Canadian Diabetes Association fundraiser in Hawaii in August. The two Crees will be […]