PHOTO 001 photo submitted by Trentin Thomas Sierra Groulx, Youth Rising Together organizer and Mattagami FN member led the organizing of the rally with First Nation youth and supporters in the community on August 18, 2025. From L-R: are Tristan Ashishkeesh, Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok; Ramon Kataquapit, Okiniwak youth movement and Groulx. PHOTO 002 photo submitted by Trentin Thomas Youth Rising Together brought together local youth and supporters for a community rally in Mattagami FN on August 18, 2025. The group is pictured here with Chief Jennifer Constant (in front with the Mattagami FN broach) overlooking Mattagami Lake. PHOTO 003 photo submitted by Trentin Thomas Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami FN joined First Nation youth at the Youth Rising Together rally held in the community on August 18, 2025. PHOTO 004 photo submitted by Trentin Thomas Youth Rising Together held a rally in Mattagami First Nation on August 18, 2025 to bring together local youth to voice their opposition to Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C5. Pictured is Chief Jennifer Constant in front with local youth and supporters as they walked from the community to Highway 144. Youth Rising Together held a rally in Mattagami First Nation to allow local First Nation youth an opportunity to show their support of grassroots youth movements. The event was led by youth organizers in Mattagami FN to give voice to young people in the community who are concerned about recent government legislation. Chief Jennifer Constant spoke to the group and showed her support to First Nation youth as they voiced their concerns regarding legislation that will affect First Nation lands and rights in the future. “It’s important for our leadership to support our youth. The youth taking a stand is always an important process to support. They are doing the advocacy that is innate in all Indigenous people. I feel that this is not just for Mattagami FN, but for all First Nations in general and also not just for those here today. These youth are speaking on behalf of their ancestors, for other young people and also for those generations yet to be born. We are honoured to stand with them today and participate in this youth rally,” said Chief Constant. The event was started with a community lunch at the Binogeesh community centre. An opening prayer was provided by Elder Joyce Luke and speeches were made by Sierra Groulx, Ramon Kataquapit, Shem Mattinas, Elder Joyce Luke, Trenton Thomas, Tristan Ashishkeesh and Chief Jennifer Constant. The rally then marched from the community on the First Nation access road to Highway 144. They held a ceremonial tobacco laying to commemorate their rally. “This is the first rally we have held for our group in our home community. We’re really happy to do this because it gives our young people an opportunity to come together to share their concerns because not all of us are able to attend rallies in big cities like Ottawa, Toronto or even in Timmins. So we wanted to bring the event to our young people so that their voices can be heard and allow them to talk about what is important to them,” explained 19 year old Sierra Groulx, a member of Mattagami FN. Groulx is part of the Youth Rising Together youth movement and she was the lead organizer of the rally in Mattagami FN. The event was also in collaboration with Okiniwak, a First Nation grassroots youth movement led by Ramon Kataquapit of Attawapiskat FN and Kohen Mattinas of Lac Seul FN. “We want to give a platform to First Nation youth in every community we go to. We want to share that youth voice with everyone, our leadership and our elders. Often we are told to just listen and follow but we started these youth movements so that our young people can be heard and share their message directly,” said Kataquapit. He was also in the community to take part in Mattagami FN’s Annual Pow Wow as head dancer. Youth Rising Together came about as a response to major government legislation including Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C5. Ontario’s Bill 5, called the Unleashing Our Economy Act, is prioritizing resource development over environmental assessments and consultation requirements. The federal government’s Bill C5, called the One Canada Economy Act is being designed to fast track development projects, including mining and resource extraction, in special economic zones, many of which fall on First Nation territories. Co-founder of Youth Rising Together, Shem Mattinas, a 17 year old member with roots in Moose Cree FN and Attawapiskat FN was on hand to speak to the gathering. “This is a gathering to send a message that youth from all our communities are standing up and they all agree that these bills are not a good thing for us. The people who are making these decisions will not be the ones who will see the results of their work, it will be young people now that will be most affected in the future. That is why it is important to have rallies like this because we are educating our youth, supporting them and giving them space to speak out,” explained Mattinas. The gathering was led in prayer and ceremony by Elder Joyce Luke, a past Chief of the community. She is part of a family of leaders from Mattagami FN including her daughter current Chief Jennifer Constant, her brother Chief Gerald Luke, their father Chief Alec Luke and grandfather Chief Andrew Luke, the first recognized Chief of Mattagami FN and signatory of Treaty Nine. “My message to our youth is for them to stand strong. Our ancestors worked hard for what we have and our future generations need to do the same. These bills are a threat to our people, our lands, our way of life and our sovereignty. These government decisions also want to criminalize any opposition in the name of public safety and development but we know better when we have to stand up to say no. It is our sacred duty to protect the land,” said Elder Joyce Luke. Ashishkeesh, who was part of a group of youth leaders who completed a protest walk from Timmins to Queen’s Park in Toronto this month, spoke to the gathering to offer his support and talk about their youth group Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok (Uniting the People to Stand Together). “Every one of us can become grassroots people and we can speak up for ourselves. We are not confined to a box or space to wait, we can speak for ourselves as grassroots people,” said Ashishkeesh. Youth Rising Together was founded in June 2025 by lead organizers Katherine Jeremiah-Genier, a 24 year old youth of Missanabie Cree FN and Shem Mattinas, a 17 year old youth from Moose Cree FN and Attawapiskat FN. Although originally founded as opposition against government legislation, the youth group is hoping to grow its advocacy to address other issues on environment, mental health and social issues. Supporters can find their most recent information on their facebook page at ‘Youth Rising Together’ Representatives of their group were on hand recently at the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) General Assembly in Moose Factory where they took part in a youth workshop and rally on August 13. They will be holding an upcoming event on August 23 in Timmins. Youth Rising Together is one of several groups of First Nation Youth movements protesting the government including Okiniwak, Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok, and Here We Stand – Call To Action, a wilderness protest on the Attawapiskat River led by Jeronimo Kataquapit. Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - 01:49

CUTLINES PHOTO 001 photo provided by Ramon Kataquapit First Nation youth movements held a rally at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Friday August 8, 2025 to welcome the arrival of youth walkers from Timmins, Ontario. From L-R are: Ramon Kataquapit, Okiniwak; Keira Spence, Youth Rising Together and Tristan Ashishkeesh, Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok. PHOTO 002 photo provided by Conrad Iahtail Traditional ceremonies were held at Queen’s Park in Toronto on August 8, 2025 to welcome the arrival of Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok walkers from Timmins. Left to Right in the foreground are: Tristan Ashishkeesh and Conrad Iahtail. PHOTO 003 photo provided by Keira Spence Elders and First Nation political leaders attended a First Nation youth rally at Queen’s Park in Toronto against Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C5 on August 8, 2025. From L-R: Tristan Ashishkeesh, Elder Angela Ashishkeesh, Ramon Kataquapit and Elizabeth Spence-Etherington. PHOTO 004 photo provided by Keira Spence A First Nation Youth Rally was held against Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C5 at Queen’s Park in Toronto on August 8, 2025. Pictured L-R are: Tristan Ashishkeesh, Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok and his grandmother Elder Angela Ashishkeesh. Grassroots First Nation youth welcomed the arrival of the Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok walkers at Queens Park in Toronto on Friday August 8, 2025. The walking group completed their 22 day and over 700 km walking journey from downtown Timmins to Queens Park at a combined rally held together with First Nation youth groups Youth Rising Together and Okiniwak. The awareness walk and rally at Queen’s Park was organized by these grassroots youth movements to show their dissatisfaction of Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C5. The youth walkers ceremoniously walked onto Queen’s Park at 1pm on Friday together with other youth leadership representatives. They were greeted with a traditional pipe ceremony led by Conrad Iahtail (Nahpaysh Miishenish Aisipi), of Attawapiskat FN and traditional drum performances. “It was an emotional arrival for us all as it was a very powerful journey where we made so many connections. We wanted to take part in a grassroots movement that represents First Nation youth and show everyone that we are only answerable to our ancestors, our Kookooms (grandmothers) and Mooshooms (grandfathers) and to the Creator. We are not tied to any political organization which is why we created this movement because we only have our voice and the fire within us,” said Tristan Ashishkeesh, youth walker. The 29 year old member of Attawapiskat FN, stepped away from his position with the Ojibway Cree Cultural Centre in Timmins as he felt that he could more freely take a stand against government legislation through a grassroots movement. He was joined by multiple other youth leaders who spoke at the event and his grandmother Elder Angela Ashishkeesh, a Residential School survivor from Attawapiskat FN. Elder Angela Ashishkeesh gave an emotional speech in English and Cree to show her support of the youth. The rally was attended by First Nation leadership including Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin and Mushkegowuk Council leaders Grand Chief Leo Friday and Deputy Grand Chief Amos Wesley. Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok, is a James Bay Cree phrase that means ‘Uniting the People to Stand Together’ and it is headed by main organizers Tristan Ashishkeesh, Sage Iahtail, Craig Koostachin and Todd Spence. They were also supported by Konstantinov Wesley, Rick Cheechoo, April Atlookan and many other family, friends and supporters who made their journey possible. At the start of their journey, Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) showed his support by joining the walkers. Over their 22 day journey, the group were also supported by Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, Matachewan FN, Temagami FN, grassroots supporters from Nipissing FN, as well as organizations and businesses including Canadore College, the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre and Big Canoe Indigenous Market. The group gave thanks to many other individuals and supporters who helped them on their walk. Okiniwak is a First Nation youth movement founded by Ramon Kataquapit, Attawapiskat FN and Kohen Mattinas, Lac Seul First Nation. Their youth movement has been at the forefront of rallies and events that make the public aware of First Nation displeasure of government legislation that would affect the future of First Nation communities. Their group has held or taken part in multiple rallies in Toronto, Ottawa, North Bay and Timmins. “We held this rally to welcome the youth walkers from Timmins and to also bring together Indigenous northern youth and urban youth as a show of solidarity. We hold these rallies to give a platform to the youth to speak to the world without having to go through any chief or any organization, so that our message can be directly heard,” said 23 year old Kataquapit. Mattinas, who has led and organized multiple rallies and has worked for multiple youth councils and groups throughout the north, was not able to attend this event. “This is the first joint rally between our three youth groups and it was great to see. We want to show everyone that we are stepping up, we are the noise makers and that through unity we strengthen our voices. We are not waiting our turn to speak, we are taking a stand now to protect the land and our rights to ensure that not just First Nation youth but future generations are represented,” said 25 year old Mattinas in a phone interview. Youth Rising Together is a movement based mainly in Timmins and led by First Nation youth including Katherine Jeremiah-Génier, Keira Spence and Shem Mattinas. Spence, a 19 year old member of Moose Cree FN, spoke as a representative together with her partner John Enosse, Wikwemikong FN, for Youth Rising Together at the Queen’s Park rally. “We wanted to add our voice to this rally and let everyone know how these bills will negatively affect our communities in the Treaty Nine territory,” said Spence. Her great aunt is former Attawapiskat FN Chief Theresa Spence. Keira Spence and her partner, who both live in the Toronto, were inspired by youth movements this summer and took an active part in an encampment at Queen’s Park for eight weeks to protest against Ontario’s Bill 5. They later joined Youth Rising Together where they have found a connection with other First Nation youth leaders. “This has been a really inspiring journey to work with other First Nation youth. It is a political movement and it has also allowed us to connect with people and reconnect with our cultural roots and traditions. We’ve met so many people and their stories have inspired us in so many ways,” said Spence. Shem Mattinas was also part the Queen’s Park rally as a supporter. He is the grandson, from his mother’s family, of the late Grand Chief Stan Louttit, a celebrated leader who led Mushkegowuk Council and the James Bay territory for many years. "I come from a family of leaders and their legacy has always inspired me to take a stand for our communities. Our main message is to ask all governments to listen to our communities, especially our youth and our elders. The proper way to go about making major decisions is to consult with those people that will be most affected by any changes," said 17 year old Mattinas, who is part of Moose Cree FN and Attawapiskat FN. Mattinas is also the descendent of Attawapiskat FN leaders from his father’s family including his grandfather Paul (Poonish) Mattinas, a traditional leader from Attawapiskat FN and his great-grandfather the late Elder John Mattinas, a much loved and respected traditional Elder and leader. These grassroots First Nation youth movements were started as a response to major government legislation including Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C5. Ontario’s Bill 5, called the Unleashing Our Economy Act, is prioritizing resource development over environmental assessments and consultation requirements. The federal government’s Bill C5, called the One Canada Economy Act is being designed to fast track development projects, including mining and resource extraction, in special economic zones, many of which fall on First Nation territories. A remote onsite protest, called ‘Here We Stand – Call To Action’ by 20 year old Jeronimo Kataquapit, Attawapiskat FN and his family as well as the community of Neskantaga FN were praised by rally participants for their ongoing protection of the land on the remote Attawapiskat River in the Ring of Fire mining exploration area. Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Saturday, August 9, 2025 - 21:44

screenshot of Zoom Meeting by Xavier Kataquapit Attawapiskat First Nation Nomination Meeting was held on July 31, 2025 in the community in preparation for local elections set for August 29, 2025. From L-R: Chief Electoral Officer Louis Noah, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Pauline Wheesk and community member Gilbert Spence. Attawapiskat First Nation is preparing for an upcoming local election for leadership set to take place on August 29, 2025. The community recently held a nomination meeting at the Reg Louttit Sportsplex Gym on Thursday July 31, 2025 to allow community members to nominate candidates for the election. The community will be electing leaders for the position of Chief, Deputy Chief and 11 Council members. The meeting included members of Attawapiskat FN as well as First Nation members who participated through live online teleconferencing from different locations. The general election day will take place on August 29 from 9am to 8pm and a single advance voting day will be held on August 16 from 11am to 3pm in the community. The advance voting day is being held for community members who will not be able to attend the general election day. The current leadership is headed by Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin, Deputy Chief Jack Linklater Jr and Councillors Steve Hookimaw, Xavier Wheesk, Maggie Koostachin, Kara Shisheesh, Robert Sutherland, James A. Kataquapit, Roseanne Sutherland, Paul Wesley, Sheldon Wesley, Tesla Nakogee and Ignace Wesley. The nomination meeting was led by Chief Electoral Officer Louis Noah. He is a lifelong community member who has been involved in many local elections over the past few decades. He was assisted by Pauline Wheesk, Deputy Electoral Officer; Sherry A Davey-Mattinas, Governance Coordinator and community members Sky Koostachin and Gilbert Spence. An opening prayer for the gathering was provided by Adrian Sutherland and a closing prayer by Celine Koostachin. Off-reserve members who live in southern communities, cities and towns will be able to take part and vote in this election. As in every community election, First Nation members will be voting in person in the community on election day. The First Nation will accommodate and provide opportunities for off-reserve members to cast their vote for leadership. Chief Electoral Officer Louis Noah noted that due to delays and other concerns over the past year, they are not able to provide for mail in ballots for off-reserve members. “We are doing our best to have voting for off-reserve members. Everything is new and we hope to accommodate as much as we can. Now that this is a reality, future elections will make it easier for the off-reserve membership to take part,” said Chief Electoral Officer Noah. The community will be providing polling booths for off-reserve members to cast their votes in person in tentatively planned locations in Moosonee, Cochrane, Timmins, North Bay and Sudbury. As plans are being finalized, members are being asked to stay in contact with election officials and to monitor notices provided on the Facebook group pages ‘ACB - Attawapiskat Community Bulletin’ and the newly created group page ‘Attawapiskat First Nation Election 2025’. Any Attawapiskat FN members who live on-reserve or off-reserve who have questions about the election can contact Chief Electoral Officer Louis Noah by email directly at louienoah@hotmail.com (please note the spelling of the email address) Many First Nations across the country are now implementing ways to allow their membership whether they are on-reserve or off-reserve to take part in community elections. Neighbouring community Fort Albany First Nation recently conducted a bi-election for two First Nation Councillors in their community in October 2025 using One Feather, an Indigenous tech and services company located in Victoria, British Columbia that provides services to allow First Nations to conduct secure digital voting events for any individual regardless of their location. The candidates for Attawapiskat FN Chief who accepted their nominations and will be on the ballot for the upcoming election are Raphael Bonez Wheesk, Paul Wesley, Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin, Conrad Iahtail and David Freitag Nakogee. The candidates who declined their nomination for Chief were Adrian Sutherland, Christopher W Kataquapit, Brian Nakogee and Jack Linklater Jr. The candidates for Deputy Chief who accepted their nominations and will be on the ballot are Kara Fireman, Rosie Koostachin, Joyce Wabano Spence, Louis Edwards and Cathy Wesley. The candidates who declined their nomination for Deputy Chief were Robert Sutherland, Betty Crawford, Christopher W Kataquapit, Lynda Jack, Helen Wabano, Jack Linklater Jr, Ron Shisheesh and Virginia Wheesk Spence. The candidates for 11 Council member positions who accepted their nominations and will be on the ballot are Raymond Metatawabin, John B Nakogee, George R Nakogee, Lindy Mudd, Gilbert Spence, Roseanne Sutherland, Joseph Louttit, Linda Friday, Maggie Koostachin, Holly Couchie (Chookomolin Preweda), Teyonna Spence, ShirleyAnn Okimaw, Jack Linklater Jr, Shirley Gagnon, Mary Louise Nakogee, Sheldon Wesley, Christine Kataquapit, Xavier G Wheesk, Robert Sutherland, Xavier Rose, Clarence Carpenter and Bernard Spence. The candidates who declined their nomination for Council member were Adrian Sutherland, Alice Metatawabin, Charlie Kebokee, Sky Koostachin, Jeronimo Kataquapit, Rosaire Hookimaw, Christopher W Kataquapit, Diane Hookimaw, James Kataquapit and Celine Koostachin. Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Saturday, August 2, 2025 - 22:59

PHOTO 001 photo by Xavier Kataquapit A long and challenging journey in a protest walk is featuring participants from northern First Nations as they make their way from Timmins to Queen's Park in Toronto. Pictured is Elizabeth Spence-Etherington, Attawapiskat FN holding her community flag. PHOTO 002 photo by Xavier Kataquapit A First Nation protest walk is on its way from Timmins to Queen's Park in Toronto. Here we see participants from L-R: Rick Cheechoo, Moose Cree FN; Elder Angela Ashishkeesh, Attawapiskat FN and Claire Koostachin, Attawapiskat FN. PHOTO 003 photo by Xavier Kataquapit Still strong and dedicated is Elder Angela Ashishkeesh of Attawapiskat First Nation as she participates in a protest walk against Ontario's Bill 5 and Canada's Bill C5. She is pictured here with flag bearer Rick Cheechoo, Moose Cree FN. PHOTO 004 photo by Xavier Kataquapit Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseegostamok, protest walk against Ontario's Bill 5 and Canada's Bill C5 is progressing from Timmins to Queen's Park in Toronto. Pictured from L-R are Attawapiskat First Nation members Gordon Hookimaw, Tristan Ashishkeesh and Todd Spence. First Nation youth are continuing the push to make themselves heard with the actions of Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseegostamok, a James Bay Cree phrase that means ‘Uniting the People to Stand Together’. The group has started a protest walk to travel from Timmins to Queen’s Park in the city of Toronto to bring awareness and attention to their dissatisfaction of Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C5. “This protest is a call to the provincial and federal government to repeal Bill 5 and Bill C-5 as it has destroyed indigenous and government relations and trust,” said Tristan Ashishkeesh, one of the lead founders of the movement. He is the former Executive Director of the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre in Timmins. After having held this position for three years, he recently resigned to help start this movement after seeing the outcome of the Okiniwak youth protest that took place on Queen’s Park in Toronto on July 1, 2025. Okiniwak is another grassroots youth movement led by Ramon Kataquapit of Attawapiskat FN and Kohen Chisel, of Lac Seul FN. These youth protesters faced a large police presence that blocked off and controlled their movements in the city’s downtown in the midst of Canada Day celebrations. The Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseegostamok group announced and started their walk in downtown Timmins on July 15, 2025 led by a core group of organizers and walkers including Tristan Ashishkeesh, Sage Iahtail, Craig Koostachin, Naomi Fletcher and Konstantinov Wesley. They are providing regular daily updates on their group page on Facebook at ‘Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok’. Several prominent supporters have joined the movement as they slowly make their way south. On the second day of the walk on July 15, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin, of Fort Albany First Nation joined the walk for five kilometers to show his support. On July 19, several women traditional leaders joined the walk to show their support including Elder Angela Ashishkeesh, Elizabeth Spence-Etherington and Claire Koostachin, who are Attawapiskat FN members. Rick Cheechoo, of Moose Cree FN also participated in the protest walk. “I am walking to support my grandson Tristan and the other youth as many of these boys are all related to Treaty signatories from Attawapiskat. I pray as I walk for all our people that we can all be united across Turtle Island and the world,” said Elder Angela Ashishkeesh. Now in her late 70s, she is a survivor of the St Anne’s Residential School and has spent decades representing and speaking for the James Bay Cree in many capacities. “It has always been like this with the government who has always worked to try to take away the flame that is in our hearts, the fire that was put there by the Creator when we were born. They tried to kill me and the Indian in me when I was in residential school but they did not succeed and they will not succeed in what they are doing to our First Nations now,” said Elder Angela Ashishkeesh. Tristan Ashishkeesh commented that their protest is centred on three main ideas. “First, we want to unite all Indigenous people across Turtle Island to let them know that our concerns are being pushed aside. Secondly, we want the provincial and federal governments to repeal these bills. And lastly, we want to show that we have to uphold our people’s natural laws that the Creator gave us including the laws of kindness, honesty, sharing and strength,” said Ashishkeesh. The protest walkers are connecting with many supporters along their walk. In Matheson on July 17, they were greeted and fed through direct support and donations by the leadership of Apitipi Anicinapek FN. On July 19, as they passed through the Kenogami area, they were invited to an evening with the community of Matachewan FN to meet with supporters and to be fed and resupplied for their long walk. The group plans on connecting with other First Nations along their route and plan on taking part in a rally in North Bay in the coming week to meet with supporters and create more awareness of their campaign and movement. Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Monday, July 21, 2025 - 23:50

photo by Ray Hookimaw, Attawapiskat FN First Nation protest leaders at the July 17 Chiefs meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney concerning Bill C5. From L-R: Ramon Kataquapit, Jeronimo Kataquapit and Danny Metatawabin. First Nation youth from northern Ontario protested a major meeting between hundreds of Chiefs and Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Thursday July 17. The federal government had set up the meeting with the Chiefs in a tightly controlled event that was held at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. Jeronimo Kataquapit, an Attawapiskat First Nation youth leader led a group of 20 other young First Nation protesters to the entrance of the meeting and were turned away by security. Media had also been blocked from the event. “When people come into your home, you don't stand by and watch them do whatever they want. You protect it,” said Kataquapit speaking to reporters outside the meeting. The meeting only included an invited list of leaders and participants to take part. At mid day, the group of northern youth attempted to join the meeting when they marched to the building’s main entrance and were met by RCMP officers who denied them entry. Speaking at a rally later in the day, youth representatives voiced their displeasure of these government bills. “These current bills are a continuation of the doctrine of discovery, a document that does not consider us human. That is what these bills are. As a treaty rights holder, as someone with inherit rights I reject Bill C5 and Bill 5”, said Cedar Aisipi, Attawapiskat FN. She was joined by several youth leaders at the rally. “We all understand we can’t be silent, silence has never gotten us anything as First Nation people. So we will take the stand and fight for the land and fight for our rights and our way and we'll make ourselves heard,” commented Cohen Chisel, Lac Seul FN. Despite the challenge of high wind and some rain, the protesters held their rally against the elements to speak to supporters. “It isn't right for us to be legislated away and that is not something that is going to happen again in my lifetime because I come from a long line of assimilation the same as many people that are standing here today,” said Ramon Kataquapit, Attawapiskat FN. Their youth group was mainly comprised of young representatives from throughout northern Ontario, along with supporters from the rest of the province. The group’s main leadership include Jeronimo Kataquapit, Attawapiskat FN; Ramon Kataquapit, Attawapiskat FN; Cohen Chisel, Lac Seul FN and Cedar Aisipi, Attawapiskat FN. Ramon Kataquapit and Chisel lead Okinawak, an Ontario wide First Nation youth led movement that have held major rallies against the provincial Bill 5 in Toronto this summer. During the day’s events, youth organizers and their allies held rallies to march to the Chiefs meeting and a protest event on Parliament Hill where several presenters spoke to supporters. Speakers included Elder and Traditional Teacher Conrad Iahtail, Attawapiskat FN; Shem Mattinas, Attawapiskat FN; Keisha Paulmartin, Attawapiskat FN; Isaiah Moore, Moose Cree FN; Courtney Paulmartin, Attawapiskat FN and youth representatives from Neskantaga FN. The youth protesters represented several youth led movements including Youth Rising Together, Urban Youth of Timmins, Mushkegowuk Youth Council and Assembly of 7 Generations. Their protest is part of a larger movement of youth that now include Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok, a protest group of young First Nation walkers who are journeying by foot from Timmins to Toronto’s Queens Park to protest Bill 5 and Bill C5. The group includes First Nation youth Tristan Ashishkeesh, Sage Iahtail, Craig Koostachin, Naomi Fletcher and Konstantinov Wesley. Jeronimo Kataquapit was in the city to attend the meetings after leaving his wilderness protest but plans to return to their remote location in the north by the end of the week. He has been leading a wilderness protest on the Attawapiskat River with his family for the past 30 days with his brother Jonathan and their parents James Kataquapit and Monique Edwards. Kataquapit initiated this protest against Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C-5 as a way to help his community and members show to government and developers that their people still actively occupy, live on and use the land. They’ve travelled 400 kilometers on the Attawapiskat River to set up a permanent camp on the the site of river crossings where potential future work may take place as part of the Ring of Fire mining development in this region. They are now working in cooperation with Neskantaga FN which is located 100km west of their camp. Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Friday, July 18, 2025 - 21:10

photo provided by Jeronimo Kataquapit 'Here We Stand - Call to Action' on the banks of the Attawapiskat River on July 1 were Jeronimo Kataquapit and First Nation Chiefs and Grand Chief who came together in a show of solidarity. From L-R are: Chief Elizabeth Kataquapit of Fort Albany FN, Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin of Attawapiskat FN, Jeronimo Kataquapit, Chief Gary Quisses of Neskantaga, Grand Chief Leo Friday of Mushkegowuk Council and Chief Hosea Wesley of Kashechewan FN. Northern First Nation Chiefs and leaders came together on the Attawapiskat River on July 1 to show their support for a youth led protest against Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C5. They came to meet with Jeronimo Kataquapit, a First Nation youth from Attawapiskat First Nation who is leading a protest to occupy the land and water way that the people of the Attawapiskat River call home. Kataquapit and the Chiefs held a gathering that included leaders and community members and youth from Neskantaga First Nation to discuss their concerns and show to government that their people still use and live on the river. First Nation leadership that attended the gathering included Chief Elizabeth Kataquapit of Fort Albany FN, Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin of Attawapiskat FN, Chief Gary Quisses of Neskantaga FN, Chief Hosea Wesley of Kashechewan FN and Grand Chief Leo Friday of Mushkegowuk Council, which represents First Nations on the James Bay coast in northeastern Ontario. All the leaders stood on the bank of the Attawapiskat River surrounded by official flags from their communities to show their support and address the gathering to a live streamed audience. They arrived by float plane to this wilderness traditional location. Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Friday spoke in Cree and in English at the gathering to share his support. “We're here to support our youth and to stand up for our rights and we will continue to support them and do what we can to help them be here in protesting against Bill 5 and Bill C5,” said Grand Chief Friday. Addressing the gathering in Cree, Chief Kataquapit stated how their community was supportive of this protest and how youth from their community plan on similar land based protests on the Albany River. “We are very happy to be here together to meet with all our leaders to discuss all those things that will severely affect our people, especially our young people and future generations,” commented Chief Kataquapit. Chief Koostachin-Metatawabin addressed the event in both Cree and English to share how their communities have to work together. “We are very happy to see the support from the leadership and youth of Neskantaga. This is a heavy burden that our youth have started as it is a major undertaking for them to take on. We have to stand with one another in order to face this challenge together,” said Chief Koostachin-Metatawabin. During a morning meeting in the rain sheltered in a wooden area where everyone gathered, Chief Wesley spoke in Cree to give his thanks. “I am very honoured to be invited by our youth to take part in this gathering, to see the land and to see everything that our young people are doing. It's important for us to be on the land because this is our land, this is where all our families are from. Our families travelled all over this land and this is where our ancestors come from,” said Chief Wesley. Speaking in English and in Oji-Cree, a language dialect that is closely related to James Bay Mushego Cree, Chief Quisses shared his thoughts at their meeting. “It's very good to meet with others like this, it is a very positive thing. We put down our tobacco by the fire and it was great to be here with the Chiefs and Grand Chief and with everyone including our youth. We get more strength when we are out here on the land and I feel very proud here with everyone,” said Chief Quisses. Jeronimo Kataquapit started his journey on the Attawapiskat River on June 16 with his brother Jonathan and their parents James Kataquapit and Monique Edwards. Jeronimo Kataquapit had the vision to start the journey as a way to bring attention to their people’s connection to the river and have First Nation youth become directly involved in protesting these government bills that will threaten First Nation rights as well as severely affect the natural untouched northern wilderness of the Hudson Bay lowlands. They first held events for youth in Attawapiskat FN to create and design flags that the protest group then carried onto the river to plant them on the shores to display the people’s connection to the land. Their first major stop was 200 km west of Attawapiskat FN at the confluence of the Mukutie River, also known by the James Bay Cree as ‘Attawapiskatish’ (the little Attawapiskat River). The area is well known to the people of Attawapiskat as there was a smaller historic fur trading post in this area. Many families from Attawapiskat including the Mattinas, Tomagatick, Hookimaw, Okitchquo families originated from this area and call this their home territory. Jeronimo Kataquapit and his family then continued on their journey to a point 350 km west of Attawapiskat where they were able to meet with supporters and allies from Neskantaga First Nation who are located on Attawapiskat Lake, 120 km further west. Their camp is located close to proposed areas where possible road crossings could be developed to build an all season road to the Ring of Fire mining camps next to the Attawapiskat River. The group will be joined by other First Nations on their camp ground. Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Thursday, July 3, 2025 - 21:14

submitted photo Youth Led Protest Against Bill 5 participants were supported by First Nation and local leaders. Pictured are protest participants and Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami FN, in the centre under the flag of Mattagami FN. First Nation youth in northeastern Ontario took to the streets of Timmins to protest the Ontario government’s recent introduction of Bill 5 which aims to fast track resource development in northern Ontario. “This is an important event for me to take part in because this government action will affect my future and it will affect everything including the land, the water and the animals everywhere. Their decisions will bypass laws, our people’s rights and directly affect our lives. I wanted to be part of this protest and to help out in any way I could. It was astonishing to see how everyone came together and to see the Eagle staffs, the regalias, the drumming, the flags and the people. I want to say Kitchi-Meegwetch (thanks very much) to absolutely everyone who came out to support us,” said 20 year old Leeon Prince, Mattagami First Nation, one of the organizers. The new bill aims to reduce regulatory processes across major infrastructure, mining and resource projects and allow the government to bypass critical processes that will affect environmental, ecological and First Nation rights, particularly in the Ring of Fire region of western James Bay. According to the Chiefs of Ontario, ‘Bill 5 significantly weakens environmental protections, reduces oversight of mining and development projects, and limits opportunities for First Nations consultation and consent’. “I was honoured to take part in this youth led event and it was very inspiring to see youth from our community and from throughout the north take such direct action to protect our lands, our communities and our rights. I'm hopeful that the government will reconsider what they've tried to push through and for them to recognize that they have fractured the trust that was being built between the provincial government and industry and First Nations communities and First Nations people,” said Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami FN. The Youth Led Protest Against Bill 5 was organized and led by local Timmins First Nation youth Shem Mattinas, Katherine Jeremiah-Génier, Leeon Prince and Kendrick Jeremiah. They were supported by Vanessa Génier, a member of Missanabie First Nation and CEO and founder of Quilts for Survivors, a nationally recognized group that advocates for and honours survivors of Canada’s residential school system. The event was led by MC Ariana Kioke-Budd and it started at the Participark in Timmins with a march by organizers, leaders, supporters and participants to the front of City Hall in the downtown area. Students from Mattagami First Nation showed up to participate. Although originally planned for a small sidewalk event, police shut down the main thoroughfare of the city in front of City Hall as the crowd was larger than expected. The gathering also included prayers and ceremonies by Elder Angela Shisheesh along with Elders Morris Naveau, Margaret Okimaw and other Elders who took part. The schedule of events also included traditional drumming and singing by local performers, as well as participants attending in traditional regalia and performing on ceremonial hand drums. “I am here to support the youth of our communities. It is great to see our young people here today. We have to stand strong to support our youth, our land, our rights and for our Mother Earth,” commented Elder Morris Naveau, Mattagami First Nation. The event brought together many speakers and supporters of the protest including: Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN); Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin, Mushkegowuk Council; Chief Elizabeth Kataquapit and Deputy Chief Terry Metatawabin, of Fort Albany First Nation; Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami First Nation; Mayor Michelle Boileau, City of Timmins and Charlie Angus, former Member of Parliament. The gathering saw supporters attend from the city including representatives and supporters from the First Nations of Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat, Flying Post and Mattagami, as well as representation from Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services (NAPS). Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Monday, June 9, 2025 - 21:47

Sioux Lookout CKWT 89.9 FM click the link below to listen: http://184.71.87.162:8000/ Timmins CJWT 106.7 FM click the link below to listen: http://208.101.100.78:8000/ Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: WawatayDate Published: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 01:59

submitted photo Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami First Nation, was honoured with the Indigenous Trailblazer Award at the inaugural Women In Mining Sudbury Gala on November 21, 2024. She is pictured here with Mattagami FN staff and community members who joined her at the event. From L-R are: Mahdabiin McKay, Nicole Charbonneau, Wabun Tribal Council; Sarah McKay, Councillor Cindy McKay, Ivan McKay, Tessa Thomas, Chief Constant, Chelsea DeBastos, Julie McKay, Ava Naveau, Ameria Wesley, Councillor Dereck McKay, Ashley Naveau, Amanda Belanger and Sonia Corbiere. Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami First Nation was celebrated as one of the guests of honour at the inaugural Women In Mining Sudbury awards gala which was held on November 21. She was recognized as an Indigenous Trailblazer during the event in honour of her years of service and advocating for her First Nation as related to the mining industry. “I am very honoured to receive this recognition. As an Indigenous woman I’ve worked for many years for my community and for my people. As Indigenous people, we have a strong connection to the land and we always need to be at the table in negotiations to share our input, to speak our truth and participate in serving our traditional role of protectors of the land,” commented Chief Constant. She explained that as Indigenous people one of the most important roles of First Nations is in their ability and responsibility to represent environmental and ecological protections and preservation and to honour the culture and traditions of her people. “I grew up in a First Nation surrounded by all kinds of resource developments and mining exploration and initiatives with a history of operating on our lands with little or no inclusion of any representation from Indigenous people. This award by the Women In Mining Sudbury is a recognition of all of the work of past Chiefs and Councils as well as Elders from Mattagami First Nation who fought to make sure our voices were heard,” explained Chief Constant. She comes from a long line of leaders who have always represented their people and the land to secure real benefits for Mattagami FN members while protecting the land. Her great grandfather Chief Andrew Luke was the signatory to Treaty #9 between Mattagami FN and the government of Canada in 1906. Chief Luke was the first recognized Chief of Mattagami FN. “After my great grandfather Chief Andrew Luke signed that treaty, he realized later that what was promised on signing the treaty and what actually happened as time moved on was not fulfilled. As a result of his displeasure, he protested by refusing to take treat annuity payments for himself as he felt that he had failed his community,” said Chief Constant. Her family has advocated and fought for the rights of the community for generations. Her mother Joyce Luke, served as Chief, as did her uncle Gerald Luke and grandfather Alec Luke. “Thank you to Women in Mining Sudbury for this wonderful award. I truly am honoured and humbled for the recognition of my many years of working with mining companies and industry while representing First Nations objectives, initiatives and overall advocacy for sustainable and socially responsible mining in our territory. Thank you to Robin Roy for the nomination, to Jason Batise of Wabun Tribal Council and on behalf of the Wabun Chiefs, Krista Maydew of IAMGold, and Devin Naveau of Mattagami AKI for the support letters to my nomination,” commented Chief Constant. Mattagami FN is part of the Wabun Tribal Council along with the First Nations of Beaverhouse, Brunswick House, Chapleau Ojibwe, Flying Post and Matachewan. Featured In Slider: noAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Monday, November 25, 2024 - 20:42

Photo by Jai'Lin Morningstar Canoe training and boat safety was provided by Organic Boat Shop to the youth at the recent Wabun Youth Gathering on the Misema River system in Beaverhouse FN territory. From L-R are: Greg Robertson, Drake Charbonneau, Cole Bennett, Noodin Morningstar, Ana Morningstar and Karli Charbonneau. Wabun Tribal Council hosted the 17th Annual Wabun Youth Gathering for senior Indigenous youth in Beaverhouse First Nation. The gathering which was held from August 12 to 15, 2024 is the second half of this annual gathering which is meant for youth from the ages of 14 to 18. The first part of the event was held in Mattagami FN on July 15 to 17 for junior aged youth. These annual events are hosted and organized by the Wabun Tribal Council Health Department with the support of the tribal council’s member First Nations. “This was a fun week. I got to learn more about fishing, gathering food and how to use the canoes properly. I also learned about my culture and my background. It feels good for me to learn about those things I don't know about my culture," said Drake Charbonneau, Matachewan First Nation youth. This was the first time the annual gathering was held at the Beaverhouse FN settlement on the shores of the Misema River system northeast of Kirkland Lake, Ontario. The water access only location provided a wilderness setting on historic First Nation territory that gave youth plenty of opportunities to live and learn about Indigenous culture, traditions and language on the land. “I am really happy to see people gathering on our settlement as it reminds me of all those times our families gathered here so many years ago. It all reminds me of my family, my parents and all the Elders who once lived here and how we all gathered together during important events. It feels good to see our community with so much life and activity with these young people,” said Elder Abraham Thiverge. Elder Thiverge was born in 1953 on the Misema River system not far from the current Beaverhouse FN settlement when his family followed a more traditional and land based lifestyle. He happily shared his stories of the traditional life he remembered as a child and the traditional language that his people spoke. Elder Laura Jean Flood of Matachewan FN also spent time with youth to take part in activities and to share her stories and wisdom. Elder Burt McKenzie acted as one of the boat operators to ferry people to the community and was there to encourage the youth. “We’re happy that Wabun chose to host their event at our settlement lands this year as it gives these young people a chance to see where our community is located and to know the history of our area,” commented Chief Wayne Wabie, Beaverhouse FN. This was the 17th annual event of the Wabun Youth Gathering which has been held in various wilderness locations every summer within one of Wabun Tribal Council First Nation territories in northeastern Ontario. “It was great to see our youth take part in this year’s event at the Beaverhouse First Nation settlement. This annual gathering is special to our youth as it allows them an opportunity to connect to other young people and to learn about their culture,” said Josee Forget, Wabun Regional Crisis Coordinator and event organizer. Daily events featured sharing circles and group gatherings where history, teachings and storytelling was taught by group facilitators and traditional teachers. Youth took part in daily activities including traditional fishing practices on the Misema River, arts and craft making, traditional Pow Wow dancing and bannock making. In the evenings, youth, adults, chaperones, organizers and community members regularly gathered for traditional story telling and sharing of local history around camp fires or a teepee that was made available for everyone. Special presentations were provided by visiting facilitators including Ozhawa Anung Kwe, a 2Spirit Anishinabe Storyteller and Advocate, from Rankin Reserve of Batchewana FN and by Scott Wabano, an IndigiQueer creative artist and advocate of Waskaganish FN. “We have to remind youth the importance of self care and self love as these are lessons that have always been deep rooted in our communities, our people and our heritage. I am here to remind youth of those lessons and that there is power in caring and loving yourself. I believe that this is what builds stronger individuals which goes on to build stronger communities,” commented Wabano. Wabun Health leadership and staff led the planning and development of this year’s event. “It’s important for us to host this annual summer gathering as it strengthens the bonds that these youth have with others and provides them with traditional and cultural teachings. We also invite local Elders to take part in these gatherings and connect with youth to share their stories, their wisdom and the history of their communities,” explained Angie Collins, Wabun Health Director. Canoe training was provided for the youth by Greg Robertson and Cole Bennett of Organic Boat Shop based in Beamsville, Ontario. The Wabun Youth Gathering originated through the vision and dream of Wabun Elder Thomas Saunders of Brunswick House FN who lobbied for a youth gathering. The first gathering was held in Mattagami FN in 2007 through the leadership of past Health Director Jean Lemieux of Matachewan FN. Sadly, Elder Saunders passed on before his dream came to be. Wabun Tribal Council is a regional territorial organization which represents the six First Nation communities of Beaverhouse, Brunswick House, Chapleau Ojibwe, Flying Post, Matachewan and Mattagami in Northeastern Ontario and it is directed by its respective Chiefs. Featured In Slider: yesAuthor: Xavier KataquapitDate Published: Thursday, August 15, 2024 - 22:55