ARTICLES BY Shaun Malley

Outfoxing the competition

The Mecheshoo Agreement between the nation of Mistissini and Stornoway Diamond Corporation was signed on March 27, laying the groundwork for the company’s Renard Diamond Project. It will be the first of its kind in Quebec. Though no hard numbers were released, Mistissini’s chief assured everyone assembled that those most ... read more ››

Wemindji Northern Store to close

Wemindji’s branch of the Northern Stores chain will be forced to close permanently by the end of June after the Band Council’s economic association opted to begin a partnership with food retail giant Loblaws. “Northern Stores won’t be able to operate in the community because their lease was not renewed,” said ... read more ››

Setting the lands in order

You know something big is afoot when a considerable smattering of sharp-dressed young people brave subzero temperatures early on a Saturday morning in the middle of winter. That was the case on the morning of February 11 at McGill University’s Chancellor Day Hall. Everyone was on hand to hear different ... read more ››

Democracy denied

Inside Ottawa’s Old City Hall, Prime Minister Stephen Harper holds court. Nearly 300 chiefs attend but they’re skeptical about the timing. For decades, they’ve complained that federal policies are making “Attawapiskat” inevitable by excluding First Nations from the benefits of resource development from their own lands, isolating them behind walls ... read more ››

A gathering of nations

The Ottawa Convention Centre is always abuzz with activity. So close to the centres of power, you never know what sort of opportunities are there to be made. The 2012 edition of the Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase gave those opportunities a Native spin. Between February 1 and 4, hundreds ... read more ››

Balancing development with responsibility

  The people of Eeyou Istchee are blessed to be living among some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Sometimes that blessing can be a curse, however. The land of Northern Quebec is also rich with natural resources. And wherever there is money to be made, problems inevitably arise. The Crees’ ... read more ››

Images of the future

It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that’s true, a new five-minute video could be that epic novel that captures the rising spirit of an entire nation.   The Cree Regional Economic Enterprise Company – Creeco Inc. for short – recently released a video that puts a face ... read more ››

Team work

Jonathan Saganash is the young, forward-thinking communications officer for the Cree Economic Enterprise Company (CREECO Inc.). He has big plans for the future of Eeyou Istchee but feels he’s up for the challenge.   Recently, Saganash represented CREECO Inc. at the ninth edition of the Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue (SCNATEA) ... read more ››

Wheelin’ and dealin’

  December 1 marked a big day for the entrepreneurs of the Nations of Eeyou Istchee. Almost 400 people came to Val-d’Or from as far away as Nunavut to network, celebrate and discuss their future.   The people packed into the Forestel Hotel were there for two events. In the morning, the Secretariat ... read more ››

A sparkling future

  A study released by the Stornoway Diamond Corporation has estimated that over $4 billion worth of diamonds is buried in an area northeast of Mistissini. The results, released on November 16, are part of a long-term investigation undertaken by the corporation in the area around the Otish Mountains. It is a ... read more ››