Volume 12, Issue 20

AFN Class Action Lawsuit Over Residential Schools Policy

The Assembly of First Nations is pursuing a class action lawsuit against the federal government for its residential school policies on behalf of all First Nations. The lawsuit, filed Aug. 3, claims that government policies caused “irreparable harm and damage to First Nations’ culture, language, way of life, family, community, and ... read more ››

Creefest Teaches Youth Cultural Values

Creefest was launched in an effort to create a greater cultural awareness among the youth. Ininiw Makoshewin, the Cree name for the festival, means “celebration of people, and celebration of life.” The three-day gathering kicked off Aug. 4 at the Peetabeck Academy in Fort Albany to mark the commemorative signing ... read more ››

FNUC Faces Budget Crisis

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) faces a $2.3 million deficit next year. FNUC have made headlines this year due to the acrimonious relationship between the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the University of Regina Faculty Association (URFA). This debate over funding, accountability, and sovereignty has the ... read more ››

Man Barricades Self With Arsenal

Ouje-Bougoumou Police responded to a situation Aug. 6 in which a 27-year-old man had barricaded himself in his father’s home with weapons and ammunition. The armed standoff began at 11:30 am and lasted until 8:30 pm. No charges were determined, and the man is out on bail. Six local police, three ... read more ››

Mistissini Boosts Participation in Annual Golf Tourney

The day got off to a slow start and an even slower finish, but when all was said and done the Cree Nation of Mistissini was able to hold its head high as they set a record for the number of participants in their Chibougamau golf tournament. A healthy 264 people ... read more ››

Poisoned – Quebec Studies Confirm Fears That Waters Near O-J Are Heavily Contaminated By Mine Tailings

THE REPORT Two Quebec environment ministry studies obtained by the Nation clearly show that Ouje-Bougoumou Crees have a reason to be concerned over mining contamination of local waterways. What’s more, despite promising O-J residents quick action on the issue, the reports show that the Quebec government has been aware of the ... read more ››

SNC Artillery Range Rejected – But Chapais Mayor Wants Another Shot

Waswanipi residents can breathe easier after a July 27 announcement by the provincial administrator that the proposed SNC Technologies firing range has been shot down. “The provincial administrator has refused the project,” said Brian Craik, who along with Philip Awashish, sits on le comité d’examen or COMEX, which is made up ... read more ››

So It Begins…

The opening salvos have been fired at Double Dr. “Teddy Moses’ lofty pedestal. Kenny Blacksmith, Deputy Grand Chief Paul Gull and his predecessor Matthew Mukash have all announced their intentions to kick some Moses ass this coming fall when the office of Grand Chief of the Cree Nation goes up ... read more ››

Ted Moses Talks to the Nation About His Re-Election Bid

The race for the position as Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees is heating up once again and in this issue we will be talking to Ted Moses, who is hoping to be re-elected and lead the people for the next four years. It is our aim for you, ... read more ››

The Smoking Gun

When I first looked at the studies of mining contamination of the waters around Ouje-Bougoumou I was more than a little angry. Many of you, once you read the story, will feel equally shocked and outraged over what has been withheld from the Ouje-Bougoumou people. This information is the smoking ... read more ››

Working For the Gas Man

Driving my SUV at 150 kilometres per hour on the autobahn of the north, the James Bay Highway, I watched my gas level go down steadily. Not to worry, I reassured my white knuckled passengers, we’ll have enough fuel to get to our destination. True to my word, we reached ... read more ››