Winschgaoug
with Melissa Natachequan

The are 400 Cree from Eyou Istchee pursuing post-secondary education at the moment. Those students studying in the Ottawa-Gatineau region now have a new CSB Post-Secondary office to serve them. Joshua Loon spoke with the student affairs technician Darryl Diamond of Waskagnish.

It is sad when we hear the passing of our Elders in Eyou-Istchee. The Elders have great wisdom and when they leave this earth, they leave with us with their knowledge. In January, Waswanipi lost one their respected Elders, Jackie Gull. Besty Longchap spoke with Lily Sutherland will tell us more.

Students and teachers at Waapihtiiwewan School in Ouje-Bougamou had an interesting opportunity to learn recently with the arrival of Elephant Thoughts. Elephant Thoughts is an educational charity that offers hands-on programs to students all over the world. The group recently stopped in Oujé-Bougoumou with giant blow-up replicas of endangered animals in Canada. Joshua Loon spoke with Annie Shecapio Grey, a Pre-K teacher from the community.

Otter was one of the most popular animals among the Cree in the past.
Because of their high quality pelts, otter fur was one of the most valued. The elders also used to eat the otter too and it said that this animal's blood could cure a skin rash. Samuel Bosum of Oujé-Bougoumou talks about the otter.

Many of our Cree communities are now not in their original location. Most of our communities were moved because of developement. Not all that long ago, Wemindji celebrated 50 years at it's current location. Some other communities are not that old. Nemaska will be turning 35 this year. Cindy Coonishish is working on a project for that community. Melissa Natachequan spoke with her about it.

If you have pictures or stories you want to share about the people of Nemaska, you can contact her at the band office at 819-673-2512.

Chief Abraham Rupert has officially resigned as Chief of Chisasibi.
Rupert suffered a heart attack back in 2010, right after he was elected Chief. Melissa Natachequan spoke to him about his decision.

In the early morning of November 24th Hotel Espresso in Monteal recieved an unexpected guest. This is the hotel where many Cree patients stay while in the city for various medical appointments. The un-expected guest was little Maddison. Melissa Natachequan spoke with her parents Rachel and Bruno Sheshamush, who are from Whapmagoostui.

Caribou hunting in the north is now open. Many hunters will be heading north to look for Caribou. The animals start migrating south in early November. Each year at this time, a lot of caribou are roaming around the Transtaiga, James Bay Highway and Route du Nord roads. Betsy Longchap spoke with Ricky Weistche, wildlife protection officer from Waskaganish about hunting by the rules.

For more on hunting rules and regulations in Quebec