In 2006 the last Canadian census was taken and though most of the information has been published, much of the data on Quebec’s north is still not available. What is available however is the new numbers on population amongst the Cree reserves and when you combine it with the previous information on employment within the region it provides an interesting snapshot of each community and the economies of those communities.

Chisasibi

As of 2001, the population of the Chisasibi reserve was 3,467, and as of 2006, the population jumped to 3,972, seeing a growth of 14.6 %. In 2001, the average working adult in Chisasibi makes approximately $21,311 annually and this figure includes those that work full and part time. The total “experienced labour force” for this region was 1,010 in 2001 and gents are still bringing in more than the ladies earning $22,030 over $20,552 which is a difference of $719 annually. The bulk of the population in Chisasibi earns their living in the health and education sectors with 365 people in this combined field. Next up is “other services” category with 255 people, followed by 140 in the manufacturing and construction industries sector. Back in 2001, 80 people earned their living in the wholesale and retail trade sector, 75 in the business services sector closely followed by 70 in the agriculture and other resource-based industries sector. The last category mentioned was finance and real estate, which had a total of 20 people working in that sector.

Mistissini

Mistissini has also seen a significant population jump, from 2,597 in 2001 to 2,897 in 2006, that is an 11.6% increase. The total experienced labour force for Mistissini in 2001 was 950 people. The average worker in Mistissini made approximately $18,495, with men still making more money on average at $19,529 and women at $17,132. The largest employment sector for this community was health and education with

295 working in this sector. Next up was the agriculture and other resource-based industries sector, employing 235 people. The “other services” sector had 190 people working in that field, 85 worked in the business services sector, 65 worked in the wholesale and retail trade sectors, 60 worked in the manufacturing and construction industries sector and 15 worked in the finance and real estate sector.

Waskaganish

Waskaganish saw a population rise of 9.7% with the population rising from 1.699 in 2001 to 1,864 in 2006. The average earnings for someone in Waskaganish in 2001 was $16,463. Men in Waskaganish made an average salary of $18,653 and the average salary for a woman in this community was $14,176. The total experienced labour force in Waskaganish was in 2001, 570 people and the largest employment category was the “other services” category which employed 175 people. The health and education sector employed 150 people, followed by 95 in manufacturing and construction industries, 60 in agriculture and other resource-based industries, 50 in business services, 40 in wholesale and retail trade, and 10 in finance and real estate.

Waswanipi

Waswanipi has seen a massive jump in population, most likely due to the vocational school, going from 1,261 in 2001 to 1,473 in 2006 seeing an increase of 16.8%. The total experienced labour force for Waswanipi was 430 people in 2001 with an average salary of $20,569 annually. The average man in Waswanipi made a salary of approximately $22,709, which was significantly more than the average salary for a woman at $17,822. Of the 430 person labour force back in 2001, the largest employment field in Waswanipi was health and education, employing 120 people. The “other services,” category came in second, employing 110 people, followed by 85 in the manufacturing and construction industries sector, 40 in agriculture and other resource-based industries, 35 in business services, and 20 in wholesale and retail trade.

Wemindiji

According to the 2001 census, Wemindiji had a then population of 1,095 but in 2006 the population was at 1,215, seeing a growth of 11%. The workforce was comprised of a 340 person experienced labour force and the average salary was $18,055 with men making $19,314 on average and the average woman bringing in $16,650. The largest employment category for the community of Wemindiji at the time of this census was the “other services,” category which employed I 10 people followed by 90 in health and education. A total of 45 people worked in the business services sector closely followed by 35 in agriculture and other resource-based industries and another 35 in manufacturing and construction industries. 30 people worked in the wholesale and retail trade sector.

Whapmagoostui

At the time of the 2001 census report the Whapmagoostui reserve had a population of 778 people but it has grown 4.4% in five years making the population now at 812. The total experienced labour force for this community was 255 in 2001 with the average worker earning $17,503. The average employed man in Whapmagoostui earned approximately $18,073 and the average woman earned $ 16,941. The largest employment field for this reserve was the “other services” category employing a total of 125 workers. Outside of that, 80 people worked in the health and education sector, 20 in the wholesale and retail trade sector, 10 worked in agriculture and other resource-based industries, 10 in manufacturing and construction industries and an additional 10 worked in business services.

Eastmain

The Eastmain reserve in 2001 had a population of 613 but with 6% growth the population is nowreaching 650. The total experienced labour force for this community consisted of 205 with an average annual income of $20,423. The average man in Eastmain had approximate income of $23,401 and women made approximately $17,391 per year. In terms of industry, the largest employment sector in Eastmain was the “other services” category, employing 80 people in 2001. Health and education came in second, employing 60 people, followed by 20 in manufacturing and construction industries, 15 in business services, 10 in agriculture and other resource-based industries, 10 in wholesale and retail trade and another 10 in finance and real estate.

Nemaska

According to Statistics Canada, the reservation of Nemaska or as it is referred in the census, Nemiscau, had a population of 566 people in 2001. Since that time the population has risen 13.4%, with a population reaching 642. The total experienced labour force for Nemaska was 220 and the average annual income was $ 18,429 with men earning $19,729 on average annually and women earning around $17,023. The largest group of these workers was found in the “other services” category with a labour force of 85 people followed by 60 in health and education. Agriculture and other resource-based industries employed 30 people in 2001 with another 20 in business services, 15 in manufacturing and construction industries and 10 in wholesale and retail trade.

Oujé-Bougoumou

The smallest of the nine Cree communities according to the 2001 census report was Oujé-Bougoumou reservation with a total population 553. Though it has seen 9.6% growth since that time, the population is now only at 606. The total experienced labour force for this region was comprised of 225 workers in 2001, earning an average $17,830 annually with men making approximately $18,230 per year and women $17,414. The most popular employment field for this community was again the “other services” category with 110 employed in the sector. The second largest sector was health and education with 40 workers followed by 30 in agriculture and other resource-based industries, 20 in business services, 10 in wholesale and retail trade and another 10 in manufacturing and construction industries.