THE CREES

The Cree are part of the Algonquian linguistic family. They are more than 13,600 in number in Quebec, most of them living on-reserve. The Cree signed the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement in 1978. Their territory is located in the James Bay bassin, and partly in Chibougamau. There are nine Cree communities in Quebec: Chisasibi, Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemiscau, Oujé-Bougoumou, Waskaganish, Waswanipi, Wemindji and Whapmagoostui. The Cree were mainly nomadic, and lived on wild meat and fish.

Did you know that the Cree communities had an important economic burst in the road, air transportation, as well as in construction and ethno-cultural tourism? Did you know that more than 30% of the Quebec Cree still live from traditional activities related to hunting, fishing and trapping 1 ?

1- Excerpt from the Indiana Marketing website.

• Partnership : The road to success

PARTNERSHIP: THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
By Annabelle Dionne

The forestry industry may appear to be an impenetrable universe to the uninitiated. It is unquestionably a very competitive domain where skill, experience and expertise are required to ensure one makes a name for himself. With a view to becoming much more active in the forestry industry, the Cree in Waswanipi did not hesitate to forge partnerships. The partnership between the Waswanipi Mishtuk Corporation, specialized in logging, and the Domtar Inc. lumber company resulted in the creation of the Nabakatuk sawmill in June 1997. Since this time, the sawmill has continued to prosper and contribute towards the development of the community.

Located in the Cree community of Waswanipi, 154 km from Chibougamau, in Abitibi, in the middle of a forest of black spruce and gray pine, Nabakatuk Forest Products Inc. has transformed life in the region. "Approximately 2 million dollars in salaries are reinjected into the community annually", stated the President of the sawmill, Norman Gull. Construction of the Nabakatuk sawmill required an investment of 6 million dollars. The two partners, Domtar and the Mishtuk Corporation, each invested 1.1 million dollars, Aboriginal Business Canada and the federal government provided financial assistance in the amount of 1.7 million dollars, while the remaining funds were procured through a long-term loan.

Under the partnership agreement, 45% of the shares were issued to Domtar and 55% to the Mishtuk Corporation. The Mishtuk Corporation agreed to oversee forestry operations, such as logging, while Domtar took charge of finishing operations (boards and frames) in its mill in Val d'Or. Domtar was also entrusted with the mandate to sell lumber in Canada and in the United States. The Domtar lumber company was chosen as a partner for several reasons. "Over and above its financial support, Domtar is well located geographically, and the management had an optimistic and open attitude towards our project", explained Norman Gull. The installations at the Nabakatuk sawmill will soon be expanded. A dryer and a planing mill will be added so that the Cree will be in a position to effectuate every stage in the wood transformation process right up to the marketing stage. This is an 8 million dollar project.

In Waswanipi, 60% of the population are under 25 years of age. "The young people perceive the sawmill as an interesting venue to receive training and acquire new skills, as well as an opportunity to improve their living conditions within the community." Nabakatuk Forest Products Inc. employs more than 60 workers year- round, 95% of which are Native, without counting the numerous direct and indirect jobs created by spin-off business. "A Native transportation company was founded to respond especially to the needs of the sawmill", noted the President of Nabakatuk. Furthermore, within the spirit of integrated forest management, every part of the tree is recuperated. "The bark is sent to the city of Chapais, where it is burned to produce electricity. Wood chips are sent to Val d'Or, to the Domtar mill, to be processed into paper." The era when only the best part of the tree was used to produce paper is in the past.

Forest engineer Roger Lachance, who works at the sawmill, denoted the unique attitude of the Cree workers. "They have proven to be very intelligent people, who learn quickly and rapidly understand the work to be done even when it is complicated. In addition to their physical strength, they possess great motor skills." Norman Gull also noted that the attitude of the Cree in Waswanipi has changed since the sawmill opened. "People's self-esteem has risen, their sense of responsibility has increased and there is a stronger sense of belonging to the community. The quality of life has improved and everyone feels its effect."

Pictures : Roger Lachance

The Abenakis / The Algonquins / The Attikameks / The Crees
The Hurons-Wendat / The Malecites / The Micmacs
The Mohawks / The Montagnais / The Naskapis / The Inuits