Struggles that the Amerindian Communities Face

What are some characteristics of the territories of the Naskapi, the Cree, and Nunavut? What is important to these Native communities? What are some struggles that the Naskapi, the Cree, and the Inuit face? What are some solutions to these problems?

The three territories that we will be exploring are: 1. The Naskapi territory 2. The Québec Cree territory 3. Nunavut

Québec has only one Naskapi village called Kawawachikamach. The Naskapi share their territory with members of the Montagnais Nation and non-Natives. The Naskapi have their own language. In their only school, students learn Naskapi and English. The only way out of Kawawachikamach is by train or by airplane, there is no road!

The Naskapi take great pride in keeping their traditions of hunting. Because work or school can get in the way of hunting, the Council of the Naskapi Nation offers to compensate (pay!) the Naskapi people for hunting. In May, the Naskapi have a “Goose Break” where the entire community goes hunting for Canada geese—even schools are closed.

In 1971, the provincial government did not respect Naskapi territory and started working on a hydroelectric project that affected the Naskapi. In 1975, the Naskapi had to give up their territorial rights to the Québec government in return for money because they needed financial help. The main struggle that Naskapi people face is financial. There are not enough jobs for the population. Isolation Jobs in Naskapi Territory.

How can these struggles be resolved? Offer solutions for the Naskapi.

One project that helped the Naskapi was the creation of a railroad that connected Kawawachikamach to other cities in Québec. This created 40 jobs for the Natives! A great solution for the Naskapi would be the creation of more businesses that could employ Naskapi people. Jobs would be more accessible if there were roads connecting Kawawachikamach to the rest of the province. Making roads would be a good solution.

Most of the Cree territory in Québec is along James Bay. There are impressive rivers, numerous lakes, thick evergreen forests, and much wildlife in the Cree territory. Most Cree speak Cree at home. They learn Cree in school also.

Like the Naskapi, the Cree identify strongly with their historical roots. Hunting is very important to the Cree and, like the Naskapi, they participate in the Goose Break. Fishing and trapping is also important to the Cree.

In 1971, the provincial government did not respect Cree territory and started working on a hydroelectric project that affected the Cree. While Hydro-Québec produces over half of its electricity on Cree land, only 2% of Hydro-Québec workers are Cree. The Cree need more jobs.

How can these struggles be resolved? Offer solutions for the Cree.

More Cree should be trained to work for important sectors like Hydro-Québec. It would be helpful for the Québec government to make a law that insures that more Cree will be hired for jobs on their territory.

Nunavut is Canada’s most northern region. Winter lasts from September to mid-May with temperatures between -20⁰C and -50⁰C. Trees cannot grow in this weather and the ground is permanently frozen. In the winter, there are two months of complete darkness. In the summer, there are two months of permanent daylight!

In a world where cars have replaced dog-sleds and houses have replaced igloos, preserving their culture is very important to the Inuit. Artwork is important to the Inuit. They use natural materials like walrus tusks, whalebone, or stone to carve cultural figures. Inukshuk

The suicide rate for Inuit is 6.5 times higher than the rest of Canada. There are not enough jobs. There aren’t many roads (only 20km worth!) which makes the Inuit very isolated. There are problems with housing construction and waste management.

How can these struggles be resolved? Offer solutions for the Inuit.

One solution would be to make more roads, which creates jobs and helps counter isolation. Run social activities for kids and teens, especially during the dark winter months to help fight depression. More houses need to be built for the growing population.

Naskapi Cree Inuit Naskapi & Cree Naskapi & Inuit Naskapi, Cree, & Inuit Cree & Inuit