| Chief's Welcome |
| About Waskaganish |
|
Wachiya and welcome to the Crees of the Waskaganish First Nation website. On behalf of the Council and community members, I extend my sincerest and warmest greetings. Waskaganish is a Cree community with a population of just under 2000. It is situated at the mouth of the Rupert River near the southern tip of James Bay. It is one of the oldest permanent settlements established by the fur traders and gradually became the permanent community of the Cree trappers, hunters and fishermen who gathered at this location during summer periods for many generations when returning from their traplines. The community’s traditional economic activity throughout its history has been the harvesting of valuable animal furs as well as surviving on wild game. This tradition has still remained strong with those who still practise this economic lifestyle. While we are proud of our history and maintain strong links to our culture and language, our community has evolved into a more modern settlement through the construction of facilities, housing and infrastructure. Our economic lifestyle has changed dramatically in the last thirty years but the strong ties to the land by our elders has kept our traditions alive and well. Waskaganish also boasts of its beautiful sunsets, its serene atmosphere and its gracious and warm hospitality from its Cree residents. We welcome all people from different origins to visit our community and to experience our rich culture and language. To the community members, this website is also for you in obtaining whatever information you may seek , as well as expressing your own ideas of what you feel should be included from time to time. It has recently been updated and is more user-friendly, providing more up-to-date information for all users. We will do our best to provide as much information on community issues, events and developments within the community for the benefit of all residents and members. Sincerely, Chief Gordon Blackned |
