Latest from Vanna Blacksmith
New college in Northern Quebec offers culturally rooted education for Cree students
A new post-secondary institution, the Eeyou Istchee College of Science and Technology, has opened in Northern Quebec, aiming to provide accessible education for Cree students and professionals.
Pride flag vandalized in Mistissini, Que.; community support grows, one window at a time
After a Pride flag was torn down at Voyageur Memorial High School in Mistissini, Que., one local family decided to show solidarity with the Pride movement, by painting their windows.
Mistissini, Que. athlete helps win pro minor hockey championship after injury comeback
After recovering from injury and adjusting to a new league, Israel Mianscum helped the Trois-Rivières Lions claim the Kelly Cup on his road to recovering from a knee injury.
Canoe expedition retraces historic 1,200-kilometre fur-trade route to James Bay
A small team of paddlers has set off this spring, travelling 1,200 kilometres by canoe and portage from Tadoussac, Que., to James Bay. They'll be reviving an ancient route carved by fur traders and Indigenous guides centuries ago.
Lightning strike, low river tide triggers water crisis on northern Quebec Cree community
The Cree Nation of Chisasibi has declared a state of emergency because of ongoing water shortage. Many local services, including the hospital and elders home, are also operating on reduced services because of the issue.
Cree rider travels coast to coast, visiting Indigenous communities along the way
Paul John Murdoch recently made his way across Canada on his motorcycle. He started in Newfoundland and headed west, stopping in Indigenous communities along the way.
Learning Cree helps this dental hygienist connect with and treat her patients
In the northern community of Waskaganish, a dental hygienist is taking an uncommon approach to building rapport with her patients. She's learning Cree.
'Complete drainage' of lake cuts off Cree hunting territory near Waswanipi, Que.
The Cree First Nation of Waswanipi in Quebec is advising land users to exercise caution and avoid the area around Lake Rouge after the lake drained with no apparent warning and destabilized some of the land in the area.
'I work for the people,' says Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada's new Indigenous Services minister
Mandy Gull-Masty, former grand chief of Eeyou Istchee, was appointed Canada's Indigenous Services minister this week. She is the first Indigenous cabinet minister to hold the portfolio responsible for providing services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Cree radio network creates puppet show for kids to learn Cree
The James Bay Cree Communications Society (JBCCS) launches a puppet show to encourage young and older audiences to hear and speak Cree language.