People often ask me where I come from and what it’s like living in a remote community. I live in Attawapiskat, in the Far North of Ontario. For reference, that’s 1,054km away from Toronto, and 501km away from Timmins. To travel out, I fly Air Creebec to Timmins, and then board connecting Air Canada flights to shows in other cities.
Attawapiskat is located on the western shore of James Bay – ocean water which reaches down from Hudson Bay, and straddles the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. James Bay is home to four coastal Mushkegowuk (western Cree) communities: Moose Factory, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, and Attawapiskat.
The Cree people rely on James Bay for fishing and travelling, as well as the freshwater rivers that flow into the bay: Attawapiskat, La Grande, Eastmain, Rupert, Broadback, Nottaway, Harricana, Moose, Albany, and Ekwan.
The largest island in James Bay is Akimiski Island, about 80km away from Attawapiskat. It is a sanctuary for migratory birds like snow geese, as well as other wildlife, and plants used for herbal medicines. In the spring, snow geese live in the southern parts of James Bay until the northern part thaws. Seals, polar bears, and beluga whales also live in the same area.
Hunting and fishing are a big part of life that help sustain local families. My family and I fish for trout, northern pike, and walleye. In the fall, we head up to the tundra, about 225 kilometers north of Attawapiskat. The tundra can be a harsh place year-round. It has frequent snowstorms, temperatures as low as -60°C, and fog patches from the Hudson Bay coast. It’s also the birthing ground for barren-land caribou, and thousands of waterfowl migrate there each year to nest.
Although it would be easier to move to the city and live the “city-life”, I have chosen to stay in my ancestral lands to stay close to my roots. I believe it’s important to pass on hunting, fishing, and outdoor knowledge to the younger generations. The knowledge I carry with me was passed down from my grandparents and their grandparents. I’m committed to sharing it with future generations so they can keep our traditions alive.
