Category: 2007-08-17

The $1.4 billion deal: a victory, or a defeat?

Ever since the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement was forced on the James Bay Crees in the mid-1970s, it cannot be said that they have been treated generously by Canadian governments, provincial or federal. As that deal was being signed, the $16 billion James Bay Hydro Project was already being ... read more ››

Smarter than a ?

After scoring a dismal 75 per cent on an “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?” quiz, I resolved to relearn the things I studied (or thought I had) in school. It was a lot harder (it seemed) to answer questions back then, because we were just learning in school ... read more ››

Northern teachers win tax break – Teachers with Cree and Inuit school boards will save an average of $1,500 a year

Hundreds of non-native teachers working in the north have won a major battle with Revenue Canada, which has accepted arguments by the Northern Quebec Teaching Association over the way evaluations of the housing accommodation tax in the north is calculated. NQTA President Patrick D’Astous and 40 teachers fought for more than ... read more ››

Kashechewan stays put – Liberals say Tory government chose cheaper option at residents’ expense

The federal government will allocate about $200 million over seven years to rebuild the tainted water-stricken community of Kashechewan. An agreement between the disaster prone community’s Chief Jonathan Solomon and Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice was signed July 30 after negotiations began last March. But many are saying that this deal ... read more ››

Several drug busts in Kuujjuaq

The Kativik Regional Police Force seized 1.8 kilos of cannabis at the Kangirsujuaq Airport July 31. Constables Shawn McDonald and Jeffrey Marcoux, of the Aboriginal Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, had secured a warrant for theseizure three days in advance. The KRPF claims the marijuana had a street value of ... read more ››

Cree Nation Pentathlon

Waskaganish’s Rod Blueboy is staking his claim as the fastest Cree men’s competition distance runner, winning his 34 km event with a 2:17:55 time in the 12th Annual Cree Nation Fitness Challenge, held in Nemaska July 27-29. The challenge featured over 30 competitors in eight competitions, including swimming, cycling, portage canoeing ... read more ››

‘Skag gets cell coverage

Telebec Mobilité has invested almost $300,000 to bring cellular phone service to Waskaganish. The community’s 2,200 residents gained cell phone coverage July 18. Telebec already provides service to Chisasibi, Matagami, Chibougamau, Mistissini, Waswanipi, Nemaska, Eastmain, Vald’Or and La Sarre. Vincent Guimont, Vice-President of Sales and Strategic Solutions at Télébec, said the band ... read more ››

Washaw Sibi elections rescheduled after eligibility controversy

The unrecognized Cree community of Washaw Sibi, near Amos, has rescheduled an election for Chief after a conflict over who is eligible to vote in the election. The new vote is August 9 (after Nation press time), according to Washaw Sibi returning officer Simeon Trapper. In the running are current chief ... read more ››

History Through The Eyes of Parks Canada

Though the name “Parks Canada,” may conjure up images of lush green landscapes, mountains, rivers, and all manner of outdoor activities, the government agency has a whole lot more to offer than a nature encounter. Parks Canada accounts for a number of major cultural historical sites across the country, many of ... read more ››

The big life of a little orphan

Can you imagine an orphan surviving in the wilderness along the James Bay coast near the turn of the last century? Can you then imagine that same orphan ending up with a family of eight children of her own, 52 grandchildren and over 50 great grandchildren? Well, that is the ... read more ››

The Iron Cree – Fitness challenge gets the adrenaline flowing

Summer. Nemaska. Morning. The 14th annual Nemaska Fitness Challenge is off to a late start. It’s probably not the first time in the 14 years so no one seems concerned. I advise, rudely, to no one in particular that a starting time be set and if any competitor isn’t ready ... read more ››