Winschgaoug
with Melissa Natachequan

Studying in a town far from home can be challenging for many Cree students. They have to prepare and make some tough decisions to achieve their educational goals. Loarraine Shecapio spoke with Cindy Neeposh about studying in Val d'Or at the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Temiscamingue.

Solomon Awashish from Mistissini is walking to stop violence in Eeyou Istchee. Every year Awashish completes a "virtual walk" covering the distance from his home to the location of the Grand Council annual assembly, where he makes a presentation about his cause. Melissa Natachequan spoke with him for an update on this year's walk. 

About 30 aboriginal youth from Manitoba arrived on Parliment Hill this week after a 48-day trek. The group known as Youth For Lakes walked more than 2,100 kilometres to raise awareness and put pressure on the federal government to protect waterways in Manitoba. As the Cree walkers of Nishiyuu reached their destination in March, these Manitoba youth were just starting out. They invited Nishiyuu founder David Kawapit of Whapmagoostui to join them for the last few kilometres of their journey. Joshua Loon spoke with David.

Rachel Kawapit Sheshamush was raised by a single mother. Melissa Natachequan asked Rachel what she wanted to say to her mom on the occasion of Mother's Day. 

Over the past five to ten years more and more Crees have been heading to Ontario to get the hunt started. Betsy Longchap spoke with Waskaganish Chief Gordon Blackned while he was out in the fileds in Alfred, Ontario.

Goose break is lots of fun, but it's also hard work for both men and women. Betsy Longchap went to see some hunters and their families in Alfred, Ontario, and spoke with Anita Kitty about plucking and cleaning the geese.

Emily Cowboy of Waskaganish looks forward to her trip to Alfred, Ontario, each year. She and her two sons have been hunting in the fields and farmlands in the area. Betsy Longchap spoke with her at the Rouleau Hotel in Alfred.


Some hunters and their families return to Alfred every spring for the annual goose hunt. But, there are others who visited this spring for the first time. Lucy Trapper of Waskaganish is one of them. She spoke with Betsy Longchap about her experience.

It's goose break and many hunters are out near the open waters or travelling on the ice to get to their hunting camps. Elder Billy Stephen of Waskaganish wants all hunters to be safe out there.

The Cree Women of Eyou Istchee Association says it supports a call for a national inquiry into the issue of murdered and missing aboriginal women across Canada. The Native Women's Association of Canada estimates that 600 aboriginal women have disappeared or been killed since 1980. The Association says aboriginal women are five times more likely to die from violence than non-aboriginal women. In April, the association called for a national inquiry. Betsy Longchap spoke with the president of the CWEIA Virginia Wabano along with Irene Bearskin House. 

Growing up we often have a favourite toy or game we like to play. For Antonio Stephen of Wakaganish, that hobby is solving the Rubik's cube. He's 14 years old and he can complete the basic puzzle in just 35 seconds. Melissa Natachequan spoke with him about his hobby.