Former Chief of the “Doré Lake Crees,” Jimmy Mianscum died in Chibougamau November 5 after a lengthy illness. The Elder was the first, in the 1960s, to try to convince the Government of Canada of the Ouje-Bougoumou people’s right to a separate and permanent village.
In an open letter to Ouje-Bougoumou and the Cree Nation, Chief Louise Wapachee remembered Mianscum’s extraordinary presence and contributions to the community as exemplifying “the struggles, the dreams, the faith, and the visions of a generation of Elders,” who encouraged and inspired their communities. Wapachee also noted that Mianscum will be deeply missed, not only by the people of Ouje-Bougoumou, but also by the many visitors he welcomed to the community. Jimmy Mianscum is survived by his son, David, and daughter-in-law, Cecilia.
