The next morning began with another nation holding mass at the big tent. I love how each nation does things differently, but everyone has appreciated and attended each other’s services.
Right after mass, they held a tobacco pipe ceremony, and many of the elders participated. Sage was burning, and some elders began preparing for the Walking Out ceremony.
A Walking Out ceremony is a little like a baptism, but it’s typically done for young children.
As preparations were being made, a large golden eagle flew in wide, westward circles overhead. One of the elders commented that the camp might have disturbed her hunting grounds but hoped she wouldn’t mind too much.
Johnny and Louisa B. Saganash offered to lead the Walking Out ceremony.
Aunts, uncles, parents, and grandparents all play important roles in the ceremony, as it’s designed to connect the youngest generation with traditional ways.
One of the children, Cohen, was particularly curious about my camera. He was eager to be part of everything, and his energy was infectious.
Each aspect of traditional Naskapi life is symbolized in the ceremony. For the boys, a small stuffed caribou represents their first hunt, and for the girls, a branch from a pine tree symbolizes their first tent. Pine boughs are used to line the floors of tents, giving off a fragrant and soft scent. One of the grandfathers helped a young boy fire a blank from a rifle, symbolizing the boy’s first hunt, and this helps ease the pressure for future hunts as they grow older.
The most important part of the Walking Out ceremony is when the child takes their first step off the carpet of boughs. This step symbolizes their journey out into the world, but importantly, they are never alone—family is always there to support them.
It’s an adorable and joyous event. Elders take pride in dressing their grandchildren in the traditional clothing they wore as children, and the entire family embraces the child with love and pride.
After the ceremony, I headed back to Kawawachikamach to shower, do some laundry, and meet with Rui Silveira, Elayna Einish, and the rest of the Wapikoni team. They’re here to help the Naskapi Nation and Tepatshimuna Matimekush Lac-john Natives record and produce music and videos for free.
When I returned to the Elders’ Gathering, I ran into David and Susan Swappie riding in Seasi’s truck. Susan, as is her habit, grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go, repeatedly saying, “ᔄᔾᒥᑎᓐ, ᔄᔾᒥᑎᓐ, ᔄᔾᒥᑎᓐ… (I love you, I love you, I love you)” in Naskapi.
They hadn’t eaten yet, but Seasi told me she had some submarine sandwiches. After I laughed at her for feeding them “white people food”, I ran and got them plates of fish, wapachi, and fresh bannock.
We sat together for a while, talking, while David watched the crowds, calling over family and friends to chat with them. It was good to see them out and enjoying the gathering.
Later that evening, the Elders Gathering beauty contest took place, where couples from each community competed in a hilarious dance-off. It was lighthearted fun, and everyone had a great time laughing and cheering.
I ended the night practicing recording the northern lights as timelapse.
I’ve found that my days go better if I start by the water. There’s something so peaceful and grounding about being near the lake, especially here, where the air is likely the cleanest I’ll ever breathe. I make it a point to take deep breaths and soak it all in—this air feels like a gift.
Everywhere I look, the land is full of patterns that remind me of the designs Naskapi people paint on their coats and sew into their beadwork. It’s like nature itself reflecting back on the culture.
Different communities have been holding mass daily, which is a beautiful thing to witness. You get to see how different Nations approach spirituality, each unique yet united in spirit.
Back at the Naskapi Kitchen, Noah Swappie was busy setting up a tent for his mother. Because some of the workers have been grieving, we’ve been a bit short-staffed, but Noah is a pro—he had the tent up in no time.
This morning, I had the pleasure of sharing breakfast with Johnny and Louisa B. Saganash. I’ve been learning so much from them about Cree communities, and our conversations have been deeply enriching.
That afternoon, we gathered for a memorial to honor the memory of elder Alexandre “Napess” McKenzie, who tragically went through the ice this spring. A group of us gathered Derek Jeremy’s cabin, and from there, we took boats to the site of the accident.
Wapen invited me and Anaïs, a photographer from Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam, to join him in the first boat. The waters of Kachikayach (Iron Arm Lake) were particularly shallow this year due to the lack of rain. Shundy had put out floats near Second Water to help avoid the larger rocks.
Despite the low water levels, we made good time, and along the way, we spotted a magnificent Golden Eagle perched on one of the outcrops.
As the sun began to dip low, I snapped a photo of Wapen navigating the rocks. Always one for dark humor, he had joked earlier that he couldn’t swim because “there’s no money in it.” I told him I’d use the photo on his memorial card when he drowns. We laughed, trying to remain lighthearted on such a serious mission.
The memorial took place on a beautiful spit of land that juts into the lake, making the area particularly shallow. This is where Alexandre’s snowmobile had gone through the ice earlier this year. Wapen took a private moment for himself—he was the first one on the scene that tragic day.
The men quickly mounted a cross on the stump of a tree that had been felled, and the brush had been cleared so we could gather.
Father Raibe Alfred led us in prayer, delivering a message in Innu. His dedication to learning the language over his eight years in Uashat is nothing short of impressive.
The land here, though rocky, is covered in centuries-old caribou moss that’s so thick it feels like a giant sponge. Many of us sat on the ground, and it felt as soft as a pillow beneath us—a perfect place for both prayer and quiet reflection.
The memorial was both healing and heartbreaking. Although the event was centered around Alexandre’s family, many others came to offer their respects. Alexandre was an elder who touched many lives, and it was clear how deeply he would be missed.
People placed small tokens on Alexandre’s cross—a handmade mitten, a rosary fluttering in the wind.
Wapen went over to offer his condolences to Alexandre’s wife, Charlotte, who had requested that we all gather stones from the beach. These stones served as a parting gift from us to Alexandre and also helped keep the cross steady in the strong winds.
The tall ᐛᒋᓇᑭᓐ tree next to the site seemed to sing in the wind as we gathered for a moment of silence.
Charlotte and her daughters, Line and Alexandra, reached out to connect with him one last time.
As people withdrew, I held back, taking in the scene and imagining how time would change this sacred spot. The north both weathers and preserves, but as long as his family remembers, Alexandre’s memory will endure.
Aaron Einish stayed behind with me as the others retreated. He had brought a set of shears to help clear the area and make the space more comfortable for the family. Before we left, Aaron reminded Charlotte, “You’re never alone. We will help you, always.”
As the sun dipped lower, we knew we had to make our way back. The lake is dangerous at night without light, so we all set off in convoy for the southwest, back to the Kachikayach cabins. The temperature dropped quickly, but we were all filled with peace as we headed home.
The sky turned a brilliant gold, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for having been part of this day.
Back at Derek Jeremy Einish and Annie Vollant Einish’s cabin, they fired up the woodstove, and we warmed ourselves by the fire, sharing jokes and stories before heading back to camp.
On the way, we stopped at the ridge marking the border between Quebec and Labrador. Anaïs had never seen the Milky Way before, so we sat there for a while, spotting constellations, watching shooting stars, and tracking satellites as they passed overhead.
It was late by the time we returned to camp, and I was exhausted. But the party in the big tent was still going strong, so I joined in, dancing until they turned off the lights.
It was a good day.
Fri, Aug 30
Had breakfast with Johnny & Louisa B. Saganash. I’m really loving getting to know more about what Cree communities are like.
Today also marked the Community Walk Against Drugs and Alcohol. We all gathered at the intersection where Kachikayach Road splits between the Innu and Naskapi communities. Melissa Marie Peastitute has been key in organizing this movement; she even printed hoodies for everyone. Ajuash Uniam brought a busload of students to participate, which was amazing to see.
I wasn’t expecting such a large turnout! It was heartening to see so many people standing up against something that has deeply hurt our communities. Chiefs Theresa Chemaganish and Real McKenzie gave moving speeches, and Jean-Sebastien Louise Kapesh shared her own powerful testimony, driving the point home.
Anaïs and I zipped ahead in the side-by-side to capture shots and videos as everyone marched. We ended the walk at the big tent, where more speeches followed—Father Raibe Alfred, both chiefs and William Moffat all shared words of encouragement and solidarity. I’ll post those speeches’ recordings on the Elders gathering page soon. As we walked to the Cultural Site, we stopped at the large sign forbidding drugs and alcohol.
One of the things I love most about the Elders Gathering is all the kids running around. Some of them learned from the elders how to pick blueberries and have been going out on their own to gather them and make “blueberry juice.” It’s such a sweet sight.
I took a quick trip back home in the afternoon for a shower. The weather has been incredible—warm, breezy, and fresh, with no bugs to speak of. I love it.
Back at the camp, communities have been visiting each other to trade and sell traditional wares. I saw a woman who brought a case full of beautiful handmade skirts for the Naskapi women to buy.
Later, I was in the kitchen when Elizabeth Pien held up a piece of bologna and joked, “Look, I made a PacMan!”
I had dinner with the Naskapi Elders tonight, which was a lovely way to wind down.
It seems like the sky is trying to outdo itself every evening. I just try to keep up to capture it.
As I was walking, a group of kids passed by and called out, “Are you the guy taking all the pictures? Take some of us! We’re going to listen to music!”
Soon after, an elderly couple made their way toward the big tent, saying, “We’re going to listen to music, too.”
I met a kid named ᓇᐱᓯᔅ who had made himself a bow. It reminded me so much of my childhood when I spent countless hours exploring the woods with Noah Nabinicaboo, Aaron Einish, James Pien, Donna Einish Mortimer, ᒐᓯᑲ ᓇᑕᐛᐱᔪᐤ, and so many others. Those were some of the best times.
As the sun set, the Big Tent was packed. Several bands played, and everyone danced the night away. It was a joyful, vibrant scene, filled with laughter, music, and movement.
Elders gatherings are for lovers, too. Couples cuddled up everywhere, enjoying the music under the stars. I wished Marilyne could be here to enjoy this.
Laurent Mark absolutely rocked the stage tonight, and bits of Northern Lights peeked through the clouds.
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.
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.
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.
Before we ate, Michapow (Paul Arthur McKenzie) led everyone in prayer.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michapow (Paul Arthur McKenzie) started the Opening Ceremonies with traditional drumming.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Internet at the Ka Mamunuiitananuch Cultural Site ended up being a lot less cooperative than I expected, and I ended up having just enough time to upload the pictures for the Elder’s Gathering every day on social media… and very little else.
So, now I’m catching up with my journal posts. I couldn’t upload much video work on the Elder’s Gathering page either, so I’m editing videos and uploading them now. My computer also had issues, which I’ll get into.
But for now, my plan is to make posts covering 2-3 days, until I catch up with the present day. So here it goes!
Sun, Aug 25
Today started with a peaceful morning at St. John’s Anglican Church in Kawawachikamach. It was wonderful to see some of the Noohooms from the Elders Gathering outside, enjoying the quiet start to the day.
The Naskapi Nation has been generous enough to let me use a side-by-side vehicle to get around, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. I get a little dirty, but that’s all part of the experience out here. In the summer, the dust is everywhere no matter what you drive.
For lunch, I had in one of my absolute favorite dishes—caribou stew, prepared by the cooks at the Naskapi Kitchen.
Afterward, I spent some time photographing Naskapi women as they gathered spruce boughs for the elders. At one point, they handed me a chainsaw to help out, which I happily did—though I didn’t realize I was getting my picture taken too!
The men were also busy, drilling holes and trimming tent poles to set up tents for the elders.
It’s amazing to see entire streets created by rows of traditional tents.
Behind the Big Tent, I helped Alexandria burn the feathers off of some geese. I learned how to do this when I was young, using a campfire, but we used a blowtorch instead due to the risk of forest fires. The scent of the burning feathers brought me back.
Later in the day, Martha-Joanne took me out in her boyfriend’s new ride to gather supplies from Kachikayach Lake for her grandmother Norma’s tent. She was kind enough to lend me a mattress and blankets so I could stay warm in my own tent.
Kachikayach is such a peaceful and grounding place, I miss our cabin there.
As we made our way back, the sun began to set and I flew my drone to capture the stunning colors of the sky as it dipped below the horizon.
The day ended with a moment of awe as I watched the Northern Lights dance across the sky. There’s something indescribably special about living in a place where you can casually look up and see the entire universe unfold above you.
I feel so lucky to have spent the whole day working on the land I love with the people I love.
Mon, Aug 26
I’ve come to really appreciate my mornings by Hanas Lake. There’s something so grounding and peaceful about starting the day in such a calm place. It centers me and helps me focus on the tasks ahead.
There wasn’t any breakfast at the camp this morning, so I rode back to Kawawachikamach to take a good shower and make myself some breakfast.
As soon as I returned to the camp, a Wiskichak visited the camp, perching on my tent, and then on my neighbors. I’ve been told that these birds are good luck, and that good hunters would always leave a little bit of food out for them.
Much of the camp needed firewood, so I spent most of the day helping people load up and distribute it. There’s something satisfying about contributing to the warmth and comfort of the camp, even in such a simple way.
Because I need both power and a strong internet connection for my work, they set me up in the Naskapi Kitchen. It’s a good spot—not only because of the resources, but because I’m surrounded by the warmth and delicious smells of people preparing great food.
My dad, Bill Jancewicz, and Maggie Mokoush-Swappie led prayers and singing in the big tent today. Hearing their voices lift in prayer and song, with the camp growing quiet to listen, was a touching moment.
More elders were moving into the camp, and Naskapi elders occupied the 5 cabins surrounding the Big Tent.
Some elders stopped by the kitchen to offer advice and tips to the younger women who were cooking.
Meanwhile, families were settling into their tents, preparing beds and visiting areas for the evening ahead.
I’ve also noticed how hard workers like Natush Peastitute have been working. They’ve been here for over a week, building platforms, setting up beds, and installing tents for the elders. The level of dedication is inspiring.
As dusk began to fall, the camp slowed down, becoming softer and quieter. But the work in the kitchen wasn’t over yet! The ladies there were already busy preparing breakfast for the next day. While preparing cantaloupe, I couldn’t help but laugh when someone said, “This is just like butchering a seal!” Only in the North could you hear something like that!
By the time the half-moon rose, the stars were putting on a spectacular show, undimmed by the moonlight.
Photo Benjamin Jancewicz, photographe pour la nation Naskapis de Kawawachikamach
From August 26 to September 4, about fifteen communities gathered for a total of about 500 people. The dean of the group is from the community of Pakua-Shipu. Her name is Henriette Vollant, and she is 92 years old.
There are 170 tents erected on the site. Each community has a kitchen, and people cook three meals daily for the elderly. They live without water or electricity but can access the internet thanks to Sichun, an internet service company of three communities, the Naskapi, Matimekush/Lac-John, and Uashat mak Mani-utenam.
The Gathering of Elders is an annual activity of the Innu and Naskapi nations. This year’s novelty is the integration of the Atikamekws, whose participation is the first for them. They are represented by 37 people from the three Atikamekw communities.
“I am very happy to be here; I love the openness and brotherhood we have here with the Innu and the Naskapis,” says Hervé Ottawa, a companion of the Wemotaci community.
These nations can speak about their concerns and aspirations for generations to follow. Joyce Echaquan’s event unites them.
“Many people talk to me about what is happening in each of their communities, in their respective hospitals; they live from discrimination,” says Debby Flamand, organizer of the trip.
The annual Gathering of Elders, held in Kawawachikamach this year, honors the memory of Innu politician and pioneer Alexandre McKenzie, who passed away in May. For over 25 years, this event has brought together hundreds of Aboriginal people from Quebec and Labrador to celebrate seniors and the transmission of Aboriginal culture.
The Ka Mamunuiitananuch cultural site, situated between Schefferville and Kawawachikamach, was transformed for the occasion with the installation of over 150 tents and shaputuan to host the event’s activities, running from August 26 to September 4. The Gathering features songs, dances, craft workshops, and discussion circles focused on mental health, substance abuse, bereavement, traditional medicine, and caribou.
In addition to cultural celebrations, the Gathering serves as a platform for remembering Alexandre McKenzie’s legacy, especially his work in promoting Aboriginal traditions. The event features performances by Innu artists, with the group Maten from Mani-utenam closing the event. Nearly 350 participants arrived in Kawawachikamach via the Tshiuetin train, which connects Schefferville and Sept-Îles, with the Tshakapesh Institute—founded by McKenzie—helping fly in several elders to attend.
This year’s event welcomes delegations from the Cree and Atikamekw nations for the first time, along with dignitaries, families, and young people. Students from Jimmy Sandy Memorial Elementary School in Kawawachikamach also performed a traditional dance show. Next year, the Gathering will be hosted by Mashteuiatsh in Lac-Saint-Jean.
The Ka Mamunuiitananuch cultural site has been developed to accommodate more than 300 people. Photo by Benjamin Jancewicz
The annual gathering of the Innu Nation’s 2024 seniors is taking place for the first time in Naskapian land. The event opened this Tuesday morning with a tribute to the late Alexandre McKenzie, from Matimekush.
About 300 people from nine Innu communities in Quebec and two in Labrador landed yesterday by train and plane in the Schefferville area for this large gathering. It also hosts a delegation of the Atikamekw Nation. The chefs and several other leaders join the festivities.
Many conferences, training workshops, religious ceremonies, discussion tables and shows are on the program over 10 days. Each year, the gathering offers opportunities for reunion and to reconnect with certain traditions.
175 tents on an exceptional site
The organizers chose the cultural site of Ka Mamunuiitananuch, in the middle of nature. This burnt forest site is particularly special, with easy access to water and the forest that is starting to grow back. Bushes loaded with blueberries, tea and medicinal plants abound around the site.
The Elders gathering has been organized for a month. More than 175 tents have been set up, with several amenities for the comfort and safety of the Elders.
This is the 28th Gathering of Seniors, which will continue until September 4. The 2023 one took place at Unamen Shipu in Basse-Côte-Nord.
The past few days have been a whirlwind, and because of a rockslide on the railway between Sept-Iles and Schefferville, the connection has been spotty.
So, let’s catch up!
Thursday, August 22:
I stopped at my friend Jeff’s house in upstate New York. Jeff’s place is a gorgeous cabin-style home nestled on the side of a mountain, right next to a babbling stream. The inside of his home is just as beautiful, with deep, dark wood and stained glass everywhere. It’s always a treat to stay there, and it’s the perfect halfway point between Baltimore and Montreal.
My journey began with a smooth drive through the Adirondacks to Montreal. The weather was perfect—cool breezes and clear skies made the lush, green mountains more breathtaking. Every time I pass through the Adirondacks, I feel I could stay there forever.
As much as I enjoyed the scenic drive, it wasn’t without a bit of drama. While cruising through the Adirondacks, I noticed a state trooper ahead who had pulled someone over. I knew I had to move over to give him space, but a Jeep tailgating me in the left lane refused to let me over. I finally squeezed into the middle of the road to get around the trooper, but about a half mile later, I got pulled over myself. I tried to explain to the officer that I’d attempted to move over, and after reviewing my dashcam footage together, he let me go with a warning. I’m glad he let me go, but most especially since I’ve worked on public service announcements about the Move Over law for the Baltimore City Department of Transportation.
When I reached Montreal, it was around 5:30 PM, just in time to pick up Marilyne from work. Navigating Montreal’s rush hour traffic is never fun, but with Marilyne beside me, we managed.
We checked into our hotel near the airport, where I parked Pishu, and then we went down to the hotel restaurant for dinner. Unfortunately, the meal was a bit of a letdown. We waited over an hour for our plates, and when they finally arrived, the food was dry and overcooked. The staff wasn’t very attentive, even though the restaurant wasn’t busy.
Still, we made the best of it, playing games and enjoying each other’s company. Afterward, we headed back upstairs and watched a bit of the DNC and The 3 Body Problem before heading to sleep.
Friday, August 23:
This morning was a little hectic. Because I didn’t have my full-size suitcase, I had to get creative with my luggage. I was afraid of getting in trouble like I had last time because of all the batteries, drones, and cameras I traveled with. Marilyne reminded me to relax, we kissed goodbye, and I made it on my shuttle on time.
The airport was pretty empty. When checking my luggage, I told the handler that one of the bags was full of equipment. She was no problem and sent me to the oversized section. They scanned it, gave it a special tag, and sent me on my way—easier than I thought!
I wound through the airport and made it to the northern traveler wing. It always gives me a strange feeling. The wind is very out-of-the-way, poorly maintained and cleaned, and always gives me segregation vibes. The majority of passengers in this part of the airport are indigenous.
I stopped at La Brasseur for a quick breakfast. Adnan, the head of the Naskapi telecom company Sichuun, was at the gate, heading up to do some work. They have outfitted the entire Elder’s Gathering site with WiFi for all the visitors coming. This is great for me because I’m hoping to upload lots of photos and videos the entire time.
After many hours and ups and downs from Montreal to Quebec City to Sept-Iles, I finally landed in Schefferville.
As soon as I got my baggage, Stella and Naomi took me out to the Elder’s gathering site! I took lots of photos, make sure you follow the page to see them all.
When I arrived, the camp was already buzzing with activity. I spent the day capturing photos, including drone shots of the entire site, which I plan to use to create a map later. It’s incredible to see how much the camp has grown, with more tents popping up as people arrive.
As the day turned to night, a stunning blood-red moon rose above the camp. It was a beautiful and surreal way to end the day.
I’m spent the night in a cozy little tent that the organizers let me use, bundled up under two blankets. The night air is brisk, but the blankets are warm, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
Saturday, August 24:
I woke up this morning after a solid night’s sleep, feeling refreshed and ready for the day. The cool night air helped me sleep well, and despite my tent lacking a stove, I stayed warm under the blankets.
The camp was already alive with activity when I woke up, but I took a moment to walk down to the lake to pray, meditate, and prepare mentally for the day.
Breakfast was simple but perfect—fresh blueberries from the bushes around the campsite. There’s nothing quite like the taste of wild blueberries in the morning.
Throughout the day, I followed the workers around the site, documenting their progress with my camera so that we could share updates on the Elders Gathering Facebook page.
As I walked, I was accompanied by a sweet Rez dog named Myles, who decided to stick by my side. It was comforting to have him with me.
My parents also visited the site today to manage a donation booth for the many tribes gathering here. The sense of community and generosity is wonderful, and it’s heartwarming to see everyone coming together.
The camp continues to grow as more people arrive. I flew my drone again this morning to update the map I’m creating in Illustrator, but by evening, there were already at least 20 more tents set up. And with three charter planes arriving tomorrow, the camp is set to grow even more.
Today’s drive was absolutely gorgeous. The weather was perfect—cool, breezy, and sunny at around 22°C. It’s interesting; I learned that this temperature is what it’s like year-round in the Canary Islands. Now I’m thinking I might like to visit there someday.
I woke up naturally this morning, feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep. It was a much-needed rest, especially after staying up late packing. Packing has always been a task that seems simple until you’re in the middle of it, distracted by a million other things. Marilyne was on the phone with me, helping me stay on track and reminding me of the little things I might forget. Given how often I travel, I’m seriously considering just keeping certain luggage packed—it might save me some of the hassle next time.
Last night, as the packing wore on, I decided to take a break from packing and stepped outside to capture the supermoon. Lunar photography hasn’t always been my strong suit—my shots tend to come out blurry or overexposed. But last night, I spent some time under the moonlight, reading up on techniques, and finally managed to get a shot I’m proud of. It felt good to take the time, focus, and see it pay off.
After finishing my packing this morning, I managed to get on the road before noon. I had hoped to pick up my suitcase and a pair of rubber boots from the dry cleaners—items I dropped off over a month ago after Auta had an accident on them. After weeks of not hearing back from them despite my calls, they finally called three hours into my drive to say my things were ready. A little too late. I told them I’d pick everything up after my trip, but it was frustrating considering how long I had waited.
The drive itself was smooth for the most part. Traffic was light, and I had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. I did see a pretty rough motorcycle accident on the opposite side of the road, which gave me pause. I’ve thought about getting a new motorcycle now and then, but I’m not so sure after my last crash in 2019. It brought back memories of another accident I had years ago when I was still in college. That one was serious, too—my bike hit a concrete guardrail, and I ended up in the emergency room. Thankfully, I made a full recovery both times, but seeing that accident today made me rethink the idea of getting back on a bike. I wrote about the first accident in a blog post and shared my experience with the more recent one in a Twitter thread.
The best part of the day was reaching Jeff’s house in upstate New York. Jeff’s a good friend I met on Twitter years ago, and he’s been kind enough to offer me a place to stay halfway between Baltimore and Montreal. Breaking up the trip like this makes it so much more manageable. He made an incredible dinner—chicken, rice, and Brussels sprouts—and we spent the evening laughing and watching TV shows and movies. Moments like these make me grateful for the friends I have in my life.
Today was one of those days where everything seemed to pile up at once. I started the day catching up on a ton of work at the Department of Transportation, especially tasks related to our social media presence. The highlight was finishing Frank’s retirement video—a project that took longer than expected but came together beautifully.
I was struck by the variety of people who sent in videos wishing Frank well. Colleagues, coworkers, people who have moved on to other jobs and agencies—even several mayors left video messages for him. It was a touching reminder of his impact on so many people, and I’m glad I could pull it all together before heading out on my trip.
Yesterday, I received three new patrons on my Patreon account—two paid and one free. Seeing people appreciate the work I put out there is always encouraging. My long-term goal with Patreon is to have it become my primary source of income. Honestly, I wish to do design work for free and give it away. My design agency charges for projects because I have to pay my bills, but Patreon brings me closer to my goal of working on art and design projects that I can give away.
Even though my Patreon is small, it has a group of dedicated and loving supporters who make it possible for me to keep creating. You can sign up here if you’d like to support my work and get some cool perks.
The rest of the day involved tying up many loose ends, including graphics for new speed cameras around Baltimore and an extensive ad campaign for an upcoming job fair that will be featured on billboards across the city. I’m proud of the designs, but the workload was intense, especially with the pressure of preparing for my time off.
I didn’t sleep well last night—too much on my mind. It was a restless night between staying up late to work and then lying awake thinking about everything I still needed to do. To top it off, traffic on the way to work was a nightmare, with several accidents slowing me down. I was already running behind, and that didn’t help. Thankfully, my boss was understanding, and we managed to have a productive day, even squeezing in a lunch meeting at Rosina Gourmet.
My boss has been pretty stressed out lately, but she’s started taking a step back, making the work environment a lot nicer. Over lunch, we chatted about my trip, seeing Marilyne, and shared stories about her mom and my grandmother.
One thing that’s been frustrating me lately is how taking a vacation feels like a punishment. In the U.S., it seems like the expectation is to finish all your work before you leave, making it nearly impossible to truly relax and recharge. My job is unique, and because of that, there aren’t many people who can step in and cover for me when I’m away. While that provides some job security, taking time off is also incredibly difficult.
I love what I do, but it’s wearing me out. It’s a constant balancing act, and today was just another reminder of how much I need this upcoming break.
Now that the workday is over, I’m spending the rest of the evening packing for my trip. I’m feeling really good about it—I’ve made an exhaustive packing list, including clothing for all kinds of weather and all the tech gear I’ll need to take lots of pictures and do plenty of recordings. I’m bringing several extra hard drives to ensure enough room for all the files. It’s a lot to think about, but I’m looking forward to finally getting on the road.