The Cree Cultural Institute got a boost when Louise Beaudoin, Quebec’s Culture Minister,passed through Ouje-Bougoumou this month during her first-ever official visit to theNorth.
Beaudoin was given a tour of the community and told about the Cultural Institute,which needs $8 million in funding
to get off the ground.
Beaudoin’s spokeswoman, Manon Larouche, said the minister “understood the importance ofthe project,” and promised government funds will be forthcoming, though she wouldn’t sayhow much.
“It’s obvious this project will be in the plan,” Larouche said. “The level will have tobe decided.”
Beaudoin also met with non-Natives in the region, including officials from Radisson, theHydro-Quebec work camp.
Among the issues discussed was the “harmonious occupation of the territory” by Quebec,and how Beaudoin can help achieve this goal. Larouche said Beaudoin has no position onwhether Radisson should be dismantled, as Crees advocate.
But she pledged her support for the Radisson officials’ efforts to promote theircommunity. “We are trying to develop the identity of the region. (The minister isaware of) the problem of occupying Radissonie,” Larouche said.
