Xavier Kataquapit

We Need To Stick Together

Create: 08/14/2024 - 21:26

I have been working in media as an Indigenous journalist, columnist and videographer for more than a quarter century at this point. This has been such an incredible experience and continues to be for so many reasons. Perhaps the biggest reason I love this work is because I continually learn from every story I must research and all of the amazing Elders, Chiefs, council members, Indigenous and non Indigenous people that I interview.

Kattawapiskak Keekehwin Gathering 2024

Create: 07/31/2024 - 00:10

My home community of Attawapiskat First Nation on the James Bay coast has been filled with excitement for the past few months in anticipation of Kattawapiskak Keekehwin Gathering 2024. A major week long event from August 4 to 10 will be filled with lots of fun entertainment, games for children, feasting, fund raising activities and major live musical performances. The event will be complimented by the 2nd Annual Attawapiskat First Nation Education Authority (AFNEA) Wellness Initiative Pow Wow taking place on August 9 and 10.

Seventeenth Annual Wabun Youth Gathering Celebrates Culture And Traditions

Create: 07/29/2024 - 20:31

The 17th Annual Wabun Youth Gathering was held in Mattagami First Nation in a week long event from July 15 to 19 for over 38 First Nation youth. The event was organized by the Wabun Tribal Council Health Department with the support of the tribal council’s member First Nations.

Righting The Wrongs Of The Past

Create: 06/05/2024 - 02:03

We have proof that when governments work together good things can happen and that was demonstrated in Matachewan First Nation when the community announced recently the settlement of a Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) claim. The announcement was made on May 25, by Chief Alex ‘Sonny’ Batisse of Matachewan FN, along with Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford and also by the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations.

The Times They Are A-Changin' ... again

Create: 05/23/2024 - 20:33

Recently I was involved in a discussion with my partner and some of his friends who came of age in the 1960s. Our discussion was all about how upside down the world is these days with wars going on in the Ukraine and Gaza killing many thousands of people and destroying cities. It is interesting to hear from people who grew up in the 1960s and 70s because they bring an historical background to what is happening now. Many people I know were part of the hippie and counter culture movement of the time.

Thank Goodness The Birds Are Singing

Create: 05/09/2024 - 00:00

Every morning for a few weeks now I am waking up to the sound of Pee-Nay-Sheesh (small birds) singing outside my window. Mostly the singing is coming from the tree swallows flying frantically around in what seems like circles. I never learned the Cree name for this pretty little bird because they are rare to see on the James Bay coast. At this time of year, they are either mating or challenging each other for the ownership of the birdhouse I constructed a few years ago and perched on the garage roof.

In The Spirit Of The Traditional Hunt

Create: 04/26/2024 - 02:15

It looks like the swallows are back and that is a sure sign of spring and warmer weather to come. A couple of weeks ago I heard the honking of Niska (Canada geese) as they paused to take a break on the field behind our house here in Kirkland Lake. They seemed to have moved on now and have arrived at their summer destinations on the shore of James Bay.

I Guess It Was Love

Create: 04/11/2024 - 04:57

If you pause to think about it, there are special people in our lives that we always assumed would always be around no matter where our life journey takes us. We take for granted that the things and people we grew up with will never change and will forever stay the same.

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