ARTICLES BY Norman Fireman

Khayden Otter: Your Thoughts and Feelings

In this edition of Pulse of the Nation we talk to several women from some of the communities about Khayden Otter Rupert’s tragic incident back on February 8. The Nation asked these people how it affected them or their communities. Here are some of the comments these women made. Sandra Webb from ... read more ››

Tourism: A Growing Economic Base for Eeyou Istchee

The Pulse of the Nation for this issue is to examine how and if Crees see tourism as a viable part of the Cree economy. Many Cree businesspeople are still learning how to tap into this growing market. There is still a lot of training and planning needed. Overall, however, ... read more ››

Archaeologist Searches for Big River House – Hudson Bay Company Post Operated in Early 1800s

Christian Roy is looking for a house, but it’s a house that no longer exists. Roy is a historical archaeologist who specializes in fur trade archaeology and he wants to find the site of Big River House, the trading post of the Hudson Bay Company that was built in front ... read more ››

The Pig Farm: A Cross-Section of Views on a Controversial Project

By now almost everyone must have heard of the giant industrial pig farm to be built in the southern territory of Eeyou Istchee. The Nation interviewed a number of people in each of the Cree communities that will be most affected by it. Surprisingly, some people hadn’t heard of the ... read more ››

Grand Council Celebrates Anniversary – Thirty Years of Politics, Rights and Achievement

The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a ceremony in Eastmain August 8. The anniversary was organized to honour the founding members of the Grand Council and to celebrate 30 years of political unity for the Crees of James Bay. It’s a major accomplishment. Not ... read more ››

Maamowedow Reclaims Fort George

The Cree Nation of Chisasibi held their traditional 16th Annual gathering at Fort George Island from July 28 to August 2. The island, located about 10 kilometres from the mainland, is the traditional home of the Chisasibi Crees, a place where the Cree Eeyouch have lived and fished since time ... read more ››

Kahnawake Powwow a Huge Success

The 14th annual Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow wow was held July 9-11th at Tekakwitha Island in Kahnawake. It began with a sunrise ceremony on Saturday morning. The gates opened at 9 am and the first grand entry was done at 1 pm followed by the Veteran’s song to ... read more ››

George Blacksmith: Soon to be the Education Doctor

Many former students might remember George Blacksmith from his days as principal at Mistissini’s Voyageur Memorial School. Blacksmith says his experience as an educator helped him to understand the provincial curriculum. He was one of the pioneers in the Cree School Board’s language and cultural programs and studied Quebec’s new educational ... read more ››

The 28th Annual Odawa Pow Wow

The Odawa Native Friendship Centre held their 28th annual pow wow in Nepean, Ontario, May 28-30. Pow wow is a time for people to gather and celebrate mother nature for all her wonderful blessings. It’s a time for everyone to get together, relax and enjoy themselves. It’s also a time ... read more ››