Nishiiyuu Cultural Gathering Sept 5-8, 2016
The James Bay Cree Cultural Education Center with the Nishiiyuu Council of Elders is pleased to announce it’s partnership with the Cree Nation Youth Council, that will be co-hosting the 6th Annual Nishiiyuu Cultural gathering, which will be hosted by the Cree Nation of Nemaska on September 5, 6, 7 & 8, 2016 at the Nemaska Sports complex.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER 5, 2016
DAY ONE – EAST (where the sun rises, where life comes from)CNYC
CHAIRPERSON:
Paula Napash, Youth Chief-Chisasibi (Nishiiyuu Council of Elders Representative-CNYC)
KEY NOTE SPEAKERS:
- James Kawapit – Whapmagoostui Elder “Drum – Stories and Songs”
- Jordan Masty – Nishiiyuu Journey, Whapmagoostui Youth
- Joesph Neeposh – Waswanipi Elder “Storytelling”
WORKSHOPS:
- Canoeing Lessons (8 youth & public at a session)
- Traditional Drumming: Hunt Song with Elder James Kawapit
- Paddle making
- Shiishiiquin making
SPECIAL GUESTS:
- Chief Thomas Jolly, Cree Nation of Nemaska
- Youth Chief Tera Diamond, Cree Nation of Nemaska
- Youth Grand-Chief Cree Nation Youth Council
- Feast hosted by Local Community (Welcoming of the Visitors into the community)
SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
DAY TWO – SOUTH (Teaching direction, women’s teachings and healing)
Partnership: Cree Woman of Eeyou Istchee Association
Chairperson: Linda L. Shecapio, President – CWEIA
Co-Chair: Elder Representative – CWEIA
Keynote Speaker: Raven Sinclair
Teachings: Robbie Matthews Dream Ceremony (4 girls & 4 women). Traditional birthing and parenting
9:00 am Opening and welcome for the 2 nd day
9:15 am Demonstration of Robbie’s Dream Ceremony by Elder Robbie Matthew
10:00 am Health Break
10:30 am Guest Speaker: Raven Sinclair
11:30 am Question period
12:00 pm Lunch Break
1:30pm Traditional Birthing Enactment by the Nishiiyuu Department of Cree Health Board
3:00pm Health Break
3:30pm Panel Discussion: Mothers and Parenting
4:00 pm Traditional Teaching Dialogue: Mothers and Kookumnouch
4:30pm End of day
SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
DAY THREE – WEST (where sun sets, Learning direction)
Aanishchaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute
CHAIRPERSON:
WILLIE ISERHOFF, Director of Cultural and Social Development
Cree Nation Government, Vice-President of Aanishchaaukamikw
KEY NOTE SPEAKER:
Paula Menarick, Hooded Beading research and Workshop
WORKSHOPS:
– Beaded Hood program: Research & Community Presentation to the family in Mistissini and community of Mistissini
– Community Consultation on Exhibit Content & Long term plans Travelling Exhibit Plans
Consultation with Elders and Feedback on programs currently offered at ACCI or what elders feel should be presented to the children
SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
DAY FOUR – NORTH (Keepers of the traditional knowledge, Medicine)
NISHIIYUU COUNCIL OF ELDERS (Traditional Medicine, Stories)
CHAIRPERSON:
ROBBIE MATTHEW SR, Chairperson NIshiiyuu Council of Elders
KEY NOTE SPEAKER:
- Marion Cox, Chisasibi Elders “Traditional Medicine”
- Willie K Gunner, Cree Trappers Association
“Threats of Global Warming to the Cree Way of Life, effects on Hunters & Trappers”
WORKSHOPS:
- Presentation of Traditional Medicine
- Global Warming and threats it has on our way of life as Nishiiyuu
- Nishiiyuu Web of Life Sacred Circle
DISCUSSION PANEL:
- NISHIIYUU COUNCIL OF ELDERS EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
- CREE NATION YOUTH COUNCIL
- CREE WOMEN OF EEYOU ISTCHEE
- AANISCHAUKAMIKW
CLOSING OF THE GATHERING:
Location of Next Gathering Feast
Exhibits throughout the day;
• Traditional clothing
• Hunting tools
• Traditional Food
• Display of Different type of Snowshoes and region
• Traditional net making
• Traditional Beading & Crafting
WORKSHOPS:
- Beading (Paula Menarick-Beading Patterns, Beaded Hood)
- Beading Workshops – Beginners
- Moose & Caribou Hide
- Traditional Drum Making – James Kawapit
- Traditional Paddle making (carving) Harry Bearskin & John Crow
- Traditional Rattle making – Connie Bearskin & Beulah Crow
OTHER PARTNERS:
CREE OUTFITTING AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION:
Feasting Bundles
CREE NATIVE ARTS & CRAFTS ASSOCIATION:
Entertainment in Evenings & workshops (with local youth council)
SPECIAL WORKSHOPS/SESSIONS:
• DAILY PIPE CEREMONIES AT SUNRISE (TEE PEE)
• Sacred Fire Ceremony on the First Day
• VARIOUS TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES (INITIATION & INTRODUCTION)
• REIKI & REFLEXOLOGY SESSIONS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
• CEDAR BATHS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
• PERSONAL ONE ON ONE COUNSELING SESSIONS WITH TRADITIONAL HEALER & THERAPISTS