Chilly Morning, Firewood, and Talent Shows, Farewell to the Elders Gathering

Author’s Note:

It’s been tough to catch up while being down south! I’ve had difficulty catching up with all my work for the DOT, and when I get home, I’ve been exhausted. What little time I have had, I’ve been spending getting the Naskapi Election covered (you can see the latest posts here) and publishing more videos from the Elder’s Gathering (which you can find here).

It’s been challenging to know what to work on first: the videos that illustrate the story I’m telling below or the story itself through pictures. The story through pictures wins because working on the videos takes so much time.

Of course, this means that my day-to-day life has been a lot more boring, which will make it easier to catch up on.

I also got sick this week, which hasn’t helped. But I’ve been resting most of the weekend, so hopefully, it will pass soon.

But let’s get back to it:

Tue, Sep 3

This image shows two camp dogs, one sitting and one lying on the ground, in front of a rugged campsite. The backdrop includes a large tent, a portable toilet, and other camping equipment scattered around. The dogs appear relaxed yet vigilant, embodying a calm and watchful presence in the cool, outdoor environment. Tall evergreen trees line the horizon under a cloudy sky.

This image captures a close-up of a gray and white dog being petted on the head. The dog appears calm and content, with its eyes slightly closed as it enjoys the affectionate gesture. The scene is set on a gravelly ground, with the person’s hand resting on the dog’s head and part of a boot visible in the frame. The dog’s tail is relaxed, and its paws are in view, emphasizing a serene moment.

It was very chilly this morning, but the camp dogs seemed perfectly content guarding the tents. They’ve constantly been around the site, always watchful and calm.

The image shows three elderly men sitting at a table during a religious service or gathering. The man on the left speaks into a microphone while the other two sit attentively beside him. The setting appears to be inside a large tent, with candles and cups placed on the table, and a mix of religious or cultural symbols displayed in the background. The atmosphere suggests a community event or worship service, where the men are likely taking part in leading or contributing to the ceremony.

The day started with another morning mass. What I find fascinating is the unique distribution of men and women leading worship in each nation. No two are alike. In some nations, the men lead, while in others, the women do. Sometimes, it’s men who sing, and sometimes, it’s women. What stands out most is that everyone is welcome to participate.

The first image shows an elderly man with a headset microphone, wearing a dark jacket and a baseball cap, seated indoors at a gathering. He looks calm and focused, possibly involved in a cultural discussion. Behind him, musical equipment like a drum set is visible.

The fourth image captures another elderly woman, also speaking into a microphone at the same gathering. She is wearing a dark vest and speaks with an engaged expression, contributing her perspective during the session.

The second image features another elderly man in a dark jacket and a cap, speaking into a microphone. A water bottle sits on the table in front of him. The setting appears similar to the first image, with cultural decorations in the background, indicating a community event.

The third image shows an elderly woman speaking into a microphone while seated at a table. She wears a striped shirt and has papers in front of her, suggesting she is contributing to the discussion. The background includes cultural items such as blankets and decorations.

After mass, we had sessions discussing the importance of caribou and drumming in the culture. Both are vital, not just as traditions but as elements of identity for the people gathered here. I recorded these sessions and plan to upload the videos soon.

This image shows a bearded man resting peacefully, with his eyes closed and arms behind his head, wearing a yellow top with colorful designs. He appears relaxed and comfortable, leaning against a blanket, likely enjoying a quiet moment. The setting seems cozy and indoors, with soft lighting contributing to the calm atmosphere.

The afternoon schedule was more relaxed, especially with the cold rain setting in. I lit a fire in my stove and let the rain sizzling against the stovepipe lull me into a 30-minute nap. It was lovely.

This image shows a man sitting at a table with a baby in front of him. The man is wearing a yellow hoodie with colorful designs, including text that reads "Kawawachikamach." The baby, wearing a dark hoodie with a pink hood, is smiling brightly, showing small teeth, and appears to be in a cheerful mood. They are inside a tented area, likely during a communal meal or gathering, with other people seated in the background. The scene radiates warmth and happiness.

Once I was awake, I took a walk around the camps. As I passed through Natuashish and Kawawachikamach, I noticed that both had very low firewood reserves. With a friend from Natuashish, we loaded up the side-by-side with firewood and distributed it to the needy tents.

This image captures a lone eagle in flight against a backdrop of a gray, overcast sky. The bird is seen mid-air, its wings spread wide, seemingly gliding or struggling against the wind. The expansive sky emphasizes the eagle's solitary presence and the natural challenge it faces in the windy conditions.

Above us, an eagle fought against the wind.

A group of four men wearing black garbage bags as makeshift rain ponchos during a talent show. Three of them are wearing sunglasses, and one is making a hand gesture. They are standing together inside a tent with photos and cultural symbols displayed on the walls behind them.

A person dressed up in a curly blonde wig, large glasses, and a shiny pink jacket with "Pink Ladies" written on the front, mimicking a character from the movie Grease. They are posing dramatically with hands up and a playful, exaggerated expression.

A man on stage holding a harmonica, performing during the talent show. Two women in colorful, traditional skirts are seen dancing in the foreground, with musical instruments and cultural decorations visible in the background.

After dinner, the camp hosted a talent show! The performances ranged from wild and silly to fast and musical, but all of them were entertaining. I captured several acts on video, which I’ll share later.

A group of elders sitting in chairs inside a tent, participating in the game "Pass The Stick." One woman, wearing a purple shirt with a printed image, is passing the stick to another participant. Everyone appears joyful, with people in the background watching and smiling. The setting is warm and communal, with colorful traditional clothing and blankets visible.

A group of elders seated in chairs, participating in "Pass The Stick." One man is pointing playfully at another who is holding the stick, while people in the background observe and laugh. The scene takes place inside a tent, with cultural decor and a stage with musical instruments visible in the background.

Then, we gathered as many elders as we could into a giant circle and played Pass The Stick. It’s like musical chairs, but adapted so that people with mobility issues can participate. I spun around in the middle, trying to record everything, and got dizzy!

A band performing on stage inside a large tent. The lead singer, wearing a black cap and holding a guitar, sings into the microphone, while a drummer and other musicians, including a bass player in a yellow hoodie, play in the background. The atmosphere is vibrant, with colorful decorations and lighting.

A large group of people dancing in a line inside a big tent, with smiles and raised hands. Many participants wear colorful clothing, including traditional patterns and scarves. The audience watches and cheers from the sides, creating a joyful and lively scene filled with energy and music.

As with every night, the big tent turned into a dance hall, and the floor filled with dancers. It was such a joy to watch everyone come alive with the music and laughter.

This image shows a nighttime view of a camp with several large tents illuminated by soft lighting. The sky is dark and cloudy, obscuring any chance of seeing the northern lights. In the background, a line of tall trees is faintly visible under the moody sky. The scene feels calm and quiet, as if everyone has retired for the night in preparation for the next day's events.

There were no northern lights tonight—too cloudy—but everyone hurried off to bed to be well-rested for tomorrow’s big closing ceremonies.

It’s a strange contrast to be out here, completely disconnected from the grid, at least 325 miles from the nearest bank, and still receive notifications that my credit score has gone up.

Wed, Sep 4

This image shows a breakfast plate resting on someone’s lap in an outdoor campsite. The plate contains bacon, orange slices, scrambled eggs, sausage, pineapple chunks, and an English muffin. In the background, tents made of tarps and canvas are set up, and a large pot is simmering over an open fire on a grill. The scene captures a peaceful moment of outdoor dining, with boots visible in the foreground and camp chairs nearby.

The Naskapi kitchen chefs made an enormous breakfast for everyone today, preparing for the final closing of the Elders’ gathering. I enjoyed my meal outside with a few elders, sharing stories and listening to their thoughts on the event.

This image shows a Whiskyjack (also known as a gray jay or Canada jay) standing on the ground, pecking at a discarded pizza crust. The bird is in a rustic, outdoor area, with dirt and wooden boards leaning against a tree in the background. The scene captures the bird enjoying an opportunistic meal left behind from the previous night.

The Whiskychak made its return, feasting on the pizza crust I’d left behind the night before.

A Whiskyjack (gray jay) perched on a bare tree branch, blending into the rustic natural surroundings. The bird’s feathers are fluffed up, and it seems to be looking around. The background shows a clear, light blue sky, contrasting with the tree’s rough bark.

A Whiskyjack in mid-flight, wings spread wide, with a small object in its beak. In the background, a wooden tent pole with a Pepsi can stuck to it is visible, set against the clear blue sky. The bird appears to have just taken off from a nearby perch.

At one point, it knocked down a Pepsi can someone had stuck to a tent pole. A nearby kid asked why it did that. I told him, “The tent poles are for Whiskychaks, not for our garbage.”

This image shows the back of a side-by-side utility vehicle with its tailgate down, loaded with bags and a hard protective case. The vehicle is parked on a gravelly area at a campsite, with tents and tarp shelters visible in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, creating a calm, transitional scene as belongings are packed up, indicating the end of the camping trip.

I started packing up my belongings into the side-by-side and cleaned out my tent.

This image shows a small canvas tent with its front flaps open, revealing a simple wooden bed frame and a wood stove inside. The tent is supported by wooden poles arranged in a tripod structure, with chopped firewood stacked nearby. The sky above is partly cloudy, and surrounding tents and the natural landscape are visible in the background. The scene evokes a sense of simplicity and comfort in a rustic outdoor setting, with the tent ready for its next occupant.

I’m really going to miss that cozy little space. But it’ll see more use, as I passed it along to one of the workers staying behind to help clean up.

This image captures a busy campsite in the process of being packed up. Tents are being dismantled, and piles of belongings, including bags, coolers, and tarps, are scattered across the ground. People are actively moving around, organizing and packing their items. In the foreground, a white van is parked, and bundles of logs are stacked nearby. The sky is overcast, creating a somber yet transitional atmosphere as the camp prepares for departure.

I made a quick trip to Kawawachikamach for a shower and laundry, and when I got back, the camp was almost unrecognizable. Natuashish was nearly packed up, and tents were being dismantled left and right.

The first image shows a person smiling and holding up a pair of furry mittens, standing inside a large tent. In the background, people are seated for an event, and the stage with a microphone and musical instruments is visible.

The second image features two women smiling and standing together, holding gifts, inside the large tent. Behind them, a wooden signpost lists various locations, and people can be seen chatting and exchanging gifts.

The third image captures a line of people inside the tent, preparing to participate in a gift exchange. The woman in the foreground, wearing glasses and beaded earrings, looks toward the camera with excitement, while the rest of the group is focused on the event.

The fourth image shows an elderly woman seated, holding a small item in her hands as she participates in the gift exchange. She is wearing a light blue puffer jacket and a colorful headscarf. The atmosphere is warm and communal, with others around her engaged in the exchange event, and various bags and belongings are visible nearby.

At the big tent, the gift exchange had already begun. A gift bag was tossed into my hands, and I joined the line. We stood back-to-back with random partners, and on the count of three, we turned around and exchanged our gifts. The variety was amazing—everything from beautiful homemade crafts to store-bought items from down south.

In this image, an elderly man sits in front of a TV screen, holding a piece of bread while watching a documentary. The film on screen shows three children walking along a lakeshore, and the man was one of those children in the boat featured in the film. Behind him, a large banner for "Tshima Minu" is visible along with some other decorations in the tent. The setting is intimate, capturing a moment of nostalgia.

Next, we watched some documentaries about the Attikamekw. The man sitting in front of the TV had been a small boy in the boat featured in the film!

A group of elders sits in a large, mostly empty event tent, watching a presentation or documentary. Many of them are in wheelchairs or using walkers, bundled up in coats and hats, and holding drinks. The long tables in the background are set up with bottled water, but the majority of seats are unoccupied. The scene captures a moment of quiet reflection as the group takes in shared cultural traditions, emphasizing the connections between the Attikamekw and Naskapi peoples.

It was fascinating to see how many traditions the Attikamekw share with the Naskapi.

A man with a white beard and a calm expression sits inside a softly lit canvas tent. He wears a camo-patterned hoodie and a hat with sunglasses perched on top, creating a casual and reflective atmosphere. This moment captures an interview with Johnny Saganash, focusing on his thoughts about the Walking Out ceremony.

Later, I interviewed Johnny Saganash in one of the quieter tents. We talked about the Walking Out ceremony so I could share his perspective in a future slideshow.

A man stands at a podium decorated with greenery and wooden elements, delivering an emotional farewell speech. He wears a formal outfit, and his expression reflects the gravity of the moment. Behind him are cultural symbols, including a traditional outfit and red fabric. His words resonate deeply, highlighting the wisdom gained from the elders' gathering and the comfort it brings in embracing aging.

Rod Mckenzie, our MC, gave a deep and emotional goodbye speech in all four languages. Something he said struck a chord with me. This gathering helps you not fear getting old; it helps you anticipate it.

Cheyenne Peshu stands at a podium adorned with greenery, delivering a heartfelt speech, while Naomi Einish stands beside her. Both women wear traditional earrings, and their expressions convey gratitude as they thank the workers for their dedication throughout the gathering. The moment is both ceremonial and personal, especially as Cheyenne acknowledges you, calling you a "son of Kawawachikamach." The atmosphere in the tent is warm and filled with appreciation.

Cheyenne Peshu and Naomi Einish gave long speeches, thanking the workers for their efforts throughout the gathering. Cheyenne made me stand up and called me a “son of Kawawachikamach,” thanking me for all my work. I don’t know if anyone could tell, but I felt my face turning bright red with both pride and shyness.

A vivid sunset fills the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the silhouetted trees. The soft, textured clouds add depth to the scene, while a single flag with a tribal emblem waves gently in the bottom right, symbolizing connection to the land and community. The peacefulness of the moment contrasts beautifully with the fiery hues of the setting sun.

This place will always be home to me, no matter where I go. These will always be my people.

A group of people, including chiefs and representatives from various communities, stand together holding a beautifully carved gift. The gift includes a canoe, caribou, and drum, symbolizing gratitude for the gathering hosted by Kawawachikamach. A banner in the background reads 'Hello & Bonjour' in multiple languages, and festive decorations surround the scene.

The chiefs from the various communities gave speeches and exchanged gifts as tokens of appreciation. Beautifully carved crafts were given to Kawawachikamach in gratitude for hosting the event.

A giant, beautifully decorated cake was cut up and shared with everyone. It’s always a special moment seeing things I’ve designed, even in cake form.

Johnny and Louisa Saganash, crowned as the king and queen of the Elders' Gathering 2024, proudly pose together in matching black hoodies. Their hoodies are printed with 'King' and 'Queen' in large font with crowns above the text, along with 'Elder’s Gathering 2024.' They stand in front of a stage decorated with evergreen branches and a banner that reads, 'Wachiya means Hello & Bonjour.'

As a final parting gift, the king and queen of the gathering, Johnny and Louisa Saganash, were given matching hoodies.

Then, I was presented with my own hoodie! At the very beginning of the gathering, the entire coordinating team had all gotten forest green hoodies with their names blazoned on the back. But I had been missed. It was cream-colored, a color reserved for dignitaries and chiefs. It felt like such an honor.

People stand on stage, holding a flag that symbolizes a village in southwest Quebec, which has been selected to host the next Elders Gathering. A speaker stands at the podium, while others in traditional attire and audience members listen and observe the announcement.

Mashteuiatsh, a village in southwest Quebec, was selected as the next host for the Elders Gathering.

A large group of people fills the dance floor inside a tent, celebrating together. The crowd includes a mix of people, some taking photos and videos while others join in the dance. The energy in the room is lively, with everyone letting go of their shyness and fully participating in the celebration.

The evening turned into a massive celebration, with the biggest crowd we’d had on the dance floor. Everyone was done being shy and just wanted to move.

A vibrant fireworks display lights up the night sky with bursts of red and white, as people stand near a large tent, watching and capturing the moment on their phones. The scene is filled with excitement, marking the grand finale of the event.

And then the fireworks! An enormous display lit up the sky. I managed to fly my drone during the show—I’m hoping the footage turns out well.

A large group photo of the event crew standing proudly together on stage after the gathering. The women in the front row wear colorful, traditional skirts, while others in the group are dressed in event hoodies and casual wear. Everyone is smiling, celebrating their hard work and successful collaboration, with event decorations and directional signs in the background.

Looking back, I’m so proud to have been part of this event. I’m grateful to have worked with such an amazing crew. We faced obstacles, filled gaps where needed, and cared for each other along the way.

This gathering was truly incredible.

Tue, Sep 3

Wed, Sep 4

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