(from left to right) Coun. Jackie Kakekagamick, Coun. Corey Rae, artist Collins Campbell, deputy chief Donald Campbell, and head councillor Phillip Campbell.
Hotel Manager Joanne Rae prepares the food to be served.
Community volunteers, along with Hotel Manager Joanne Rae (far right).
Photos and captions by James Rae and LaRhonda Oombash
The grand opening of North Spirit Lake First Nation’s brand new hotel, the “Cliffdweller Inn,” took place on Aug. 17, with deputy chief Donald Campbell, head councillor Phillip Campbell, councillor Corey Rae, councillor Jackie Kakekagamick, and many community members present for the celebration. Hotel manager Joanne Rae organized the grand opening, along with Kayla Rae and several volunteers from the community who assisted with the event. The name of the hotel was picked by Chief and Council, following submissions by community members Joy Keewaykapow and Philomena Meekis, who received an honourarium for the name. The name was submitted in English and in Oji-Cree and was combined to name the hotel. North Spirit Lake artist Collins Campbell flew in for the event and created the artwork for the hotel.






When I was a boy growing up in my home community of Attawapiskat on the James Bay coast, I was deathly afraid of looking at the full moon.
I grew up...
I’m happy to see the ongoing support and assistance in our northern remote communities to help our people cope with so many lifelong and generational issues...