Tech Problems, Opening Ceremonies, and the Wind

Tue, Aug 27

A laptop is set up on a piece of plywood balanced between two chairs in a makeshift workspace. The screen shows a photo-editing software interface, with multiple images displayed. A mouse and mousepad sit to the right of the laptop, while cables and a power adapter are visible to the left. The scene is set in the Naskapi Kitchen, with folding chairs and tables in the background. The setting feels temporary and improvised, yet functional.

The next morning was rough. I hadn’t slept well, and things seemed off from the start. When I arrived at the Naskapi Kitchen to work, I discovered that the table I’d been using as a desk was gone. I had to improvise, piecing together a makeshift desk with a couple of chairs and a piece of plywood I found in the garbage. Not the ideal setup, but it got me through.

A woman with gray-streaked hair is sitting at a white table inside a large tent, wearing a green Arc'teryx jacket and holding a phone in her right hand. Her expression is thoughtful as she looks to the left. Other people are seated at the table around her, engaged in conversation.

A large breakfast buffet spread inside a tent. Several trays of fruit, cheese, and toast are laid out on a table, with people lining up to serve themselves. A woman in a black "Buffalo" T-shirt holds a cup of food and stands near the buffet table, while others serve themselves in the background. The setting is lively, with multiple people moving around, and tables are filled with attendees enjoying breakfast.

In the big tent, the air was full of anticipation. We held several meetings, tying up loose ends for the opening day of the Elders Gathering. The kitchen crew outdid themselves with an incredible breakfast spread, a reminder of the care and skill that goes into every meal here.

A man, identified as John Chescappio, stands beside a wooden signpost placed on the stage in a large tent. The signpost has directional signs showing the distances from the gathering site to various nearby communities, including Waswanipi (856 km), Masteuiatsh (803 km), and Kawawachikamach (9 km). John is pointing towards one of the signs. The stage is decorated with evergreen branches and traditional items, including a mannequin wearing Indigenous attire. The scene evokes a sense of connection among the communities represented.

John Chescappio added a beautiful touch to the gathering with a tall signpost for the stage, showing accurate distances between each community and the Gathering site. A subtle but powerful reminder of how far we’ve all come to be here together.

Michapow (Paul Arthur McKenzie) stands holding a microphone, leading the group in prayer before a meal at the Elders Gathering. He is dressed in a dark jacket, with glasses and short silver hair. Behind him, a large tent with curved windows can be seen, decorated with evergreen trees and banners. A microphone stand is nearby, and a banner in the background reads, "Empowering Your World - Lighting, Power, and Communications by Sichuun."

Before we ate, Michapow (Paul Arthur McKenzie) led everyone in prayer.

Raoul Vollant, wearing a light green jacket and gray scarf, is sitting in the front seat of a vehicle, smiling broadly through the open window. He appears joyful and ready for his next task at the Elders Gathering.

A group of five elders, four women and one man, are seated outside a large white tent at the gathering. They are all dressed in colorful traditional clothing, with the two women on the left wearing bandanas and the man on the far right holding a carved walking stick. They are sitting comfortably and smiling, enjoying their time together.

Raoul Vollant, a SOCAM reporter, was busy interviewing elders and leaders, capturing their stories and wisdom. The elders were happy to be back together—it was heartwarming to see.

A wide-angle view of the interior of a large event tent, with long rows of tables filled with people. The tables are covered with white tablecloths, and attendees are seated or standing, socializing and eating. The bright, open space has windows along the sides, letting in natural light. The atmosphere is busy and communal, with many elders and families gathered for a meal at the Elders Gathering.

A floatplane flies high above the Elders Gathering camp, with thick clouds in the background. Below, a few people walk around the tents and vehicles parked in the camp area. The tall trees of the northern forest line the horizon, adding a rugged and remote feel to the scene.

A floatplane buzzed over the camp as we ate, adding a classic northern touch to the scene. Would it even be a real northern camp without a floatplane flying by?

The reflection of Benjamin Jancewicz is visible on the screen of their MacBook Pro, which displays a restart error message. The background shows a tent structure with people moving around, blurred in the distance. The image captures the frustration of dealing with technical difficulties in an outdoor working environment.

The day wasn’t without its challenges. My computer started acting up while I was trying to edit videos, and after countless attempts, it refused to turn back on. As if that wasn’t enough, gale-force winds knocked out the internet, making everything more difficult. Five hours on the phone with Apple tech support felt like an eternity, and in between troubleshooting, I was still trying to shoot photos and videos.

A handmade wooden sign hangs at the entrance of Benjamin Jancewicz's tent. The sign is tied with yellow rope to a simple structure made from branches and features Benjamin’s name written in both Naskapi syllabics and English. A knitted green hat hangs nearby, and a chimney pipe from the tent’s woodstove is visible in the background. The sky is partially cloudy, casting soft light over the camp. The sign is a meaningful, personal touch in an otherwise rustic setup.

But there was a small, emotional lift during the chaos: I discovered that my Dad had made me a sign for my tent. It was a simple gesture, but it meant so much to me.

Image of women sitting by tents: A group of women, some wearing traditional skirts and shawls, sit together near a tent at the camp, engaging in conversation. They are gathered around a couple of camping chairs, and the sun is shining, casting a warm light on their faces. One of the women is standing, holding a cup of coffee, while the others are seated.

Image of Samson butchering geese: An older man, Samson, stands by a picnic table, wearing a plaid shirt and a bucket hat, carefully cutting meat from freshly butchered geese. His expression is focused. Around him, a few others work on preparing the food, with tents and other camp structures visible in the background. Various cuts of meat are laid out in a tray labeled "ED" on the table.

Meanwhile, preparations for the opening ceremony continued. The women dressed in their finest, and Samson came by to lend his expertise in butchering geese.

Noah Swappie led a beautiful presentation on Naskapi history, which Nuwata Robinseeno helped put together.

You can view the full presentation here.

An elder woman smiles as she kneads dough in a large mixing bowl, her hands and face dusted with flour. She wears a checkered flannel shirt and glasses, while a man, likely another elder, stands behind her wearing a black shirt and a baseball cap. They are outdoors near a tent, as preparations for meals continue at the gathering. The expression on her face reflects her focus and warmth despite the busy kitchen setting.

In the kitchen, the cooks didn’t stop. They had no time to clean up, just moving from one task to the next as they prepared meal after meal for everyone.

A group of young students from Jimmy Sandy Memorial School's Grade 2 class, dressed in a mix of traditional Naskapi plaid clothing and modern attire, line up for a dance. Their faces show focus and anticipation as they perform at the Opening Ceremony of the event. Some wear plaid capes or vests, with a few looking directly at the camera.

More children from the Jimmy Sandy Memorial School Grade 2 class are seen in traditional clothing. One of the boys wears a white vest with blue plaid panels and a black shirt, while others don bright colors and headscarves. A young girl in a vibrant orange and yellow dress smiles joyfully as the group continues their performance.

A large group of children stands on stage, facing the camera with many smiling and waving enthusiastically. The kids, some dressed in traditional plaid clothing, are gathered in a semicircle at the front of the stage. Behind them, a large audience sits along the edges of the tent, watching the performance. The tent is spacious, with a high ceiling and large windows letting in natural light. The scene captures the joy and energy of the children's performance during the event.

The Jimmy Sandy Memorial School Grade 2 Class led the Opening Ceremony with a dance, all dressed up in traditional clothing. It was absolutely adorable.

You can watch the dance here.

A group of Chiefs and dignitaries from various nations stand together on stage, holding a yellow ribbon, as part of the official opening of the event. Chief Theresa Chemaganish is present alongside others, under a banner that reads "WACHIYA means HELLO & BONJOUR." The stage is decorated with symbols of nature, including a backdrop of spruce branches and traditional Naskapi art.

Chiefs and dignitaries from multiple nations gather on stage, presenting gifts to Chief Theresa Chemaganish and event organizers. Chief Theresa holds a ceremonial paddle, while others offer traditional gifts such as blankets. The event takes place under the same decorated stage backdrop, and the gesture signifies the importance of unity and mutual respect among the nations.

Chief Theresa Chemaganish officially opened everything, accompanied by Chiefs and dignitaries from all the other nations. Several nations gave gifts to her and some of the organizers of the event.

Réal McKenzie, Mike McKenzie, Jean-Charles Piétacho, Simon Pokue, Theresa Chemaganish, Annick Flamand, Hervé Pinecic, and Angela Pasteen all gave speeches.

Michapow (Paul Arthur McKenzie) is seated on stage, holding drumsticks and smiling at the camera, preparing to start the Opening Ceremonies with traditional drumming. Behind him, other men in traditional vests are seen preparing and filming the event. The audience is seated in the background, wrapped in warm clothing and blankets, watching attentively. The setting is within a large, warmly lit tent adorned with Naskapi art and decorations.

Michapow (Paul Arthur McKenzie) started the Opening Ceremonies with traditional drumming.

A close-up selfie of Benjamin Jancewicz, showing a clear view of their bearded face, wearing a cap and a red shirt. The expression on their face looks slightly weary but calm, with the background blurred behind them, likely taken in a tent or indoor setting.

A makeshift video editing station set up inside a large tent. An iPad is open on top of a laptop, showing a video editing interface with a scene of Michapow drumming. Various cables, chargers, and devices are visible, indicating a busy workspace. The background shows a kitchen area with refrigerators and dim lighting.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted. Trying to make things work against all odds is draining. But I found a workaround for the video editing issue—using my phone to record video, transferring it to my iPad via an SD card adapter, and then uploading it with Ethernet. It was a hassle, but at least it worked.

A night shot of a campsite, with tents made from canvas and wooden structures visible under a dark sky. Glowing embers from a fire shoot upward, creating streaks of orange light. A small spotlight in the distance adds a cool blue hue to the scene.

Another night view of the campsite, this time focusing on a well-lit tent entrance, illuminated from within. A chair leans against the frame of the tent, while the greenish hue of the Northern Lights can be faintly seen in the sky above.

Toward the end of the day, the rain got more intense. I was cold. I was wet. I was tired. But my stove was hot, my bed was warm, and as I lay there, the Northern Lights danced above me. Somehow, in the middle of it all, everything felt worth it.

Wed, Aug 28

A view of the large event tent set up for the gathering. Rows of empty chairs are positioned in the foreground, facing a stage decorated with greenery, drums, and a sign that reads "Wachiya means Hello & Bonjour." A few people are seen standing near the stage and scattered throughout the tent. The event banners and various displays line the tent's sides.

This morning started a bit differently. They held mass in the big tent, and I slept in, catching the tail end of it. I had been catching up on much-needed sleep, and despite the terrific windstorm from the night before, I slept like a stone.

Two elders stand next to a display table filled with Naskapi artifacts and crafts at the Naskapi Development Corporation exhibit. The table showcases traditional items, including a beaded pouch, a small reindeer figurine, and a colorful fabric piece. The elders appear to be appreciating the cultural items, reflecting the rich history of the Naskapi people. In the background, a stage and more seating are visible under a large event tent.

At the Naskapi Development Corporation’s display, they laid out artifacts, crafts, and the history of the Naskapi people. It was inspiring to see elders from other communities admiring the collection, taking in the rich stories of the past.

A small workstation set up in the kitchen tent includes a laptop, mouse, iPad, and water bottle on a black table. The laptop displays a login screen, while the iPad is locked, showing the time as 11:05. In the background, a long table with kitchen equipment, including a large bowl and mugs, is visible. A person wearing a "Native Pride" cap sits nearby. The reflective surfaces capture the photographer's reflection, adding a personal touch to the thoughtful breakfast setup arranged for them.

Back in the kitchen, the staff saved me some pancakes for breakfast and even set me up with my own little table. It was such a thoughtful gesture—one that made me feel so cared for.

Caroline St-Onge speaks into a microphone while leading a session on grief. She is sitting at a table alongside another elder, both dressed in warm clothing. The backdrop includes a large cross, banners, and festive greenery decorating the tent.

A close-up shot of several women sitting in rows during the grief session. They listen intently, with somber and reflective expressions. The tent’s arched windows and display boards can be seen in the background.

Later in the morning, Caroline St-Onge led a session on grief. Our community was shaken by the tragic news that one of our young men had taken his own life during the night. The grief session was exactly what we all needed to process this heavy loss. The community has lost many people this year, but this event made it clearer than ever how much we need each other in these difficult times.

A woman in a black jacket, standing at a microphone, speaks with her hand on her chest. Another woman stands beside her, listening attentively. Both women are part of a session held under a large tent with traditional decor, including greenery and woven crafts.

A circle of elders sits together under a large tent. The group is deep in conversation, some wearing colorful blankets and hats. Behind them, the stage is decorated with traditional symbols, and several other people are seated around the tent, engaging in their own conversations.

There was some beautiful singing after the session, which you can watch on the Elders Gathering – Rassemblement des aînés 2024 page. The sharing circles that followed were incredibly moving, with elders exchanging stories, comforting one another, and reconnecting in this sacred space.

A close-up selfie of Benjamin Jancewicz wearing a cap and a gold-colored hoodie. His beard is thick and graying, and his expression is neutral, with a slight smile.

A scene featuring a wide rainbow arcing over several tents in a camp. The tents are constructed with wooden frames and some are covered with tarps. A dark truck is parked nearby, and the sky is a mix of rain clouds and clearing blue patches.

I took a brief trip back to the village to shower, wash some clothes, and gather supplies. When I returned, the rain was easing up, and a giant rainbow arched across the tents.

A group of people sitting around a table in a large tent enjoying a meal together. Several take-out containers filled with lasagna are spread across the table. One person is giving a thumbs-up while holding a soda can, and a young woman in the foreground is eating. The atmosphere feels communal, with everyone taking a well-deserved break from their busy day.

Cheyenne, standing inside the large tent, smiling and holding a beautiful handmade phone bag. She is wearing a green hoodie with a colorful design that matches the bag’s feathers. Her sense of pride and joy is evident as she presents the gift, which she generously distributed to the workers. The tent in the background is set up for the event, with chairs and tables arranged.

Back at the main tent, all of us workers were treated to a lasagna lunch, a welcome break from the busy day. Cheyenne generously handed out handmade phone bags to the workers, and I received a beautiful one with feathers that matched my hoodie perfectly.

A woman wearing a green hoodie with colorful floral designs smiles warmly as she embraces a young boy sitting on her lap. The boy is bundled up in a black and tan jacket and wears a gray Carhartt beanie, smiling slightly. They are seated at a table inside a large tent with bright, natural light streaming in from the windows. The closeness and joy shared between them reflect the familial warmth and the importance of community at the elders' gathering.

Seeing so many children running around the gathering fills my heart with joy. It reminds me of the times I was brought to elders’ camps as a child—experiences that deepened my love for this community and continue to do so.

Inside a cozy Innu kitchen tent, four people sit around a table covered with a plastic tablecloth, enjoying a break. A man in a blue sweater gives a thumbs-up while another in a black jacket with glasses looks thoughtfully. To the right, a man in a black hoodie and cap sits with a hand on his chin, and a young girl with long dark hair in a black Champion sweatshirt looks off to the side. On the table are cookies, apples, a box of raisins, and other snacks. The tent's rustic wooden beams and tarps provide warmth and shelter, creating an atmosphere of shared stories and comfort.

While walking around the camp, I was approached by a man who asked, “You are Benjamin, aren’t you?” It turned out to be the father of Dan George, a childhood friend I hadn’t seen in decades. He brought me back to the Innu kitchen tent, where they treated me to hot tea and cookies as we reminisced about the old days.

A collapsed donation center tent in a gravel lot, with poles and fabric scattered by the wind. Behind it, there are other tents and a large field extending into the distance under a mostly cloudy sky.

A man wearing a blue knit hat and blue vest struggles to fold a large gray tarp in the wind, with an older woman in a purple dress and patterned shawl standing nearby. They are on a gravel lot with tents and utility poles visible in the background, and both seem to be working to salvage materials after the storm.

Later, I helped salvage what was left of the donation center that my parents had set up, which had been obliterated by the storm. We managed to save some of the structure and the tarp, which I ended up using for my tent. At one point, the wind almost blew my dad away as we worked to secure everything!

A stunning sunset over a camp with several white tents. The tents are supported by wooden poles, with branches extending from the structures. The sky is a mix of deep blue and purple hues, with clouds glowing orange from the setting sun. The scene feels serene and peaceful as the day transitions into night.

Two men are working together to secure wooden poles for a tent. One man, smiling, holds the crossbeam while the other secures the structure with yellow ropes. The scene takes place outdoors near a construction area, with portable buildings and vehicles in the background under the evening sky.

Though the wind was still strong, the storm eventually cleared, rewarding us with a bright and crisp sunset. More tents were going up, and there are still many elders yet to arrive.

A man in a blue knitted hat and camo jacket smiles as he sits in the front row of a gathering tent. A woman next to him hands him a purple knitted item, while others in the background watch attentively. Two men, one holding a microphone, stand nearby, preparing for an announcement.

A woman bends down to help another person adjust their socks and brightly colored moccasins. The person seated wears a green jacket and a plaid skirt, while people in the background observe and chat.

Back at the main tent, we crowned the king and queen of the gathering—Johnny and Louisa B. Saganash, a Cree couple. They treated us to a traditional dance, which was much faster than the Naskapi style!

(Candlelight vigil in large tent): A wide view of a large gathering inside a tent, with rows of people seated in a circular formation around the perimeter. Everyone is holding a lit candle, illuminating the entire space in soft light. The atmosphere is solemn as they participate in a candlelight vigil.

(Candlelight vigil attendees close-up): A close-up of several individuals standing and holding lit candles, their faces illuminated by the warm candlelight. The expressions on their faces are reflective and focused, showing the emotional weight of the moment during the vigil.

We ended the day with a candlelight vigil for George Amos Guanish, who had passed away this morning. Julian Swappie-Thomas led a touching song, and Johnny and Louisa B. Saganash led everyone in comforting the Guanish family.

Inside a Naskapi tent, a metal stove is glowing with purple light from a fire within. Two large cooking pots sit on the ground in front of the stove, and birch logs are stacked to the side. The tent's interior is softly lit, with a blanket covering the entrance flap.

Three elderly Naskapi women sit together inside their tent, smiling gently at the camera. The one on the left wears an orange shirt, the middle elder wears a royal blue shirt, and the one on the right wears a light teal shirt. Behind them, the canvas of the tent walls forms a cozy backdrop. They are seated on a blanket-covered surface, sharing their presence and stories.

Afterwards, I spent some time visiting with the Naskapi Noohooms in their tent, listening to their stories of what life was like in the old days.

The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) shimmer across the night sky in green and purple hues. In the foreground, traditional Naskapi tents are visible, their canvas covers lit from within, with wooden supports silhouetted against the vibrant auroras.

Another view of the Northern Lights glowing bright green and purple above a row of traditional Naskapi tents, creating a mystical atmosphere. The tents' framework of wooden poles is outlined against the illuminated sky, adding to the scene's natural beauty.

As I secured the salvaged tarp to my tent, the Northern Lights once again danced in the sky above me. I can’t help but feel deeply grateful to be here, surrounded by this land and these people.

Tue, Aug 27

Wed, Aug 28

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