One last paddle down the Rupert
As a Cree from James Bay, growing up in a small reservation was special. Many kids grow up seeing Native culture, but still there are some who do not see as much as others. I joined a group of youth on a canoe brigade, which started on August 16 in Lake Mistissini, arrived in Waskaganish on September 7.
The Rupert River is the main route to going towards the Bay. It’s been used for centuries, by the Hudson Bay Company with all the fur trading and all that. Most importantly, it as used by people who respected and cherished the land – the Cree, Eeyouch of Eeyou Astchee. Before even the Hudson Bay Company, Eeyouch had already set foot on a lot of places – centuries before we had the first explorers see this continent that we now call North America. All Natives had already survived many centuries without any of the things we have now.
From my personal experience, I did experience what it’s like staying in the wilderness for a long period of time – without any electricity, technology and noise. I had a hard time physically, and others also struggled. My fellow paddling partner, Tristan Cheezo, and I had difficult times because we are smaller. But a little while longer and a little bit of muscle more, “We can do it!” came out of our mouths, as we got to know each other with our thoughts and feelings about what we have today. While we were heading towards Waskaganish with time and money affecting how much fun we had paddling down the Rupert River.
As we know, this month of November was when the doors were being closed on the Nouchimi area of Eeyou Astchee. I am deeply saddened for Rupert River. How it is now changing as we all live our lives while it’s slowly struggling. But it will never die because it gave us good memories on how useful it was with our ancestors. It still is useful in many ways, but I am still sad.
To those who did not have a chance to come along with us. I encourage you to come on the next canoe trip. And of course, hats off to the youth who were involved, to our head guides who were very encouraging and to the CRA that made it possible for the trip to happen and everyone else. Meegwetch, watchiya and take care.