Cohort 1: 2021/2022

Location: Waskaganish, Quebec

Launch: September 2021

Graduation: June 22, 2022

Despite COVID-19 delays, the first cohort successfully launched with full adherence to health protocols. Students engaged in immersive land-based learning in and around Waskaganish, including the bay area.

Funding Partners

The first cohort's success was made possible by funding from multiple partners, including:

• Niskamoon Corporation
• Cree Nation Government – Challenge Fund
• CNG – Social & Cultural Development
• Apatisiiwin Skills Development
• Canadian Heritage Fund
• Société du Plan Nord

Their generous contributions helped ensure the sustainability and excellence of the program delivery.

Program Highlights

Over the course of the cohort, students gained in-depth, hands-on experience with key traditional Cree practices related to the 15 core competencies of the program.

• Bear and moose harvesting
• Trapping of rabbit, ptarmigan, and beaver
• Goose hunting and smoked goose preparation
• Shelter building and sleeping outdoors for early morning hunts
• Water navigation and boating

These experiences were conducted in real-time settings, allowing students to live and learn on the land while being mentored by experienced Cree knowledge holders.

Instructors and Community Partners

A heartfelt Meegwetch to the many individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the first cohort.

Cree Instructors in Waskaganish:

• Florrie & George Katapatuk
• Eva Whiskeychan
• Jeffrey Whiskeychan
• Willard Hester
• Victor Diamond
• Gerti Diamond
• Brendan Whiskeychan
• Bill Jolly
• Glen Whiskeychan

Community Tour & External Support:

• Anna & David Bosum and Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute (Ouje-Bougoumou)
• Cree Nation Government & Entities
• FaunENord, MFFP, ECCC, Hydro-Québec, Troilus Mine
• Cultural Centre (Chisasibi)

Specialized Training:

• Bush Kit - Guy Poulin
• Trapping Course – Serge Larivière
• Canadian Firearms Safety Course – Sanford Diamond

Media & Documentation:

• Eeyou Films – Producer Vincent Beauregard & Assistant Producer Kevin Moses (Waskaganish)
  • Created program documentaries and session recap videos on YouTube.

Graduation Ceremony – June 22, 2022

The program successfully concluded with a graduation ceremony, where eleven (11) students proudly graduated from the first cohort:

The graduation featured a traditional food feast, the distribution of appreciation gifts to participating organizations, instructors, and students, and was attended by a diverse group of special guests, including:

• Representatives from all funding partner organizations
• Waskaganish Chief & Council
• Instructors and community supporters
• Families of the graduates
• Regional and Local CTA members and employees