Lenny Carpenter — Wawatay News

Joshua Bigblood and Dylan Fobister were enjoying the Lakehead University powwow on March 16 when they were approached by filmmakers to audition for a feature-length film.
The next day, having little acting experience, they found themselves reading and improvising scenes in front of Adam Garnet Jones of Toronto and Michelle Derosier and Dave Clement of Thunderstone Pictures.
“I was surprised when they came and asked us, and I said yeah and wanted to try something new,” said Bigblood, a 22-year-old of Whitedog First Nation. “When we were in there, I was nervous for sure.”

After walking more than 1,600 kilometres over the past three months, the Journey of Nishiyuu reached its final destination when about 300 walkers marched to the steps of Parliament Hill on March 25.
Inspired by the Idle No More movement and Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s fast, six youth and their guide departed Whapmagoostui First Nation, located along the Hudson Bay coast in Quebec, in mid-January to begin their trek to Ottawa.

A year after it was closed unexpectedly early due to unseasonably warm weather, the James Bay winter road lasted until the end of March for this winter season.
“It’s been in very good condition,” Wally Turner, operations manager of the winter road, said of this season. “We built one of the best roads we built in years.”
The James Bay winter road opened to light traffic on Jan. 16 and officially closed on March 29.

It all started in mid-December when a youth in Whapmagoostui First Nation began thinking of ways to show his support for Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.
At the time, Spence was in the first few days of her fast in Ottawa, where she wanted to meet with the prime minister and governor general to discuss Canada’s treaty relationship with First Nations.

As with most Crees from the James Bay coast, I am getting that feeling in my gut, that itch that arises during this time of year.
The emergence of spring is an uplifting time of the year for any person. But for us, there is an added sensation of excitement and anticipation.
It all began a few weeks ago, when family and friends from the James Bay area started asking me about my plans.
“Are you going hunting this year? When are you going? Where are you going? Who are you going with?”
That’s the excitement the season generates every year.