Partners in Wemindji
In Wemindji, several community members have become our research partners. They have welcomed us, hosted us, shared stories with us, been our guides or translators, contributed to our analysis, shared their food with us and become our friends in many cases. These include :
Rodney Mark
Deputy Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, and former Chief of the Cree community of Wemindji.
Fred Stewart
Fred is the tallyman (customary hunting boss) of the Paakumshumwaau area. Through the Wemindji protected areas project, he has been a teacher and a guide to many students.
Leonard Asquabaneskum
Leonard is the tallyman (customary hunting boss) of the Maatuskaau area. Through the Wemindji protected areas project, he has been a teacher and and informant to many students and has also been our guide down the Paakumshumwaau River several times.
Dorothy Stewart
Dorothy was born on the Paakumshumwaau, and has been involved in the protected areas project from early on. She has been our Cree language instructor, translator, teacher and guide.
As well as (in surname alphabetical order):
Ronnie Asquabaneskum (guide down the Paakumshumwaau River)
Late Sam Georgekish
Sam, a local entrepreneur and manager of the unique Sam's Coffeeshop,
passed away in September of 2015, after a short battle with cancer.
He will be missed very much by those of us working in Wemindji.
George Kudlu
Stella Lameboy (Director of Community Services)
Beverly Mayappo
Jeremiah Mistacheesick (Youth chief)
Sinclair and Irene Mistacheesick
Angela Stewart (Programs Assistant, Community & Wellness)
Henry Stewart (Guide and SCUBA diving partner)
Kerri-Lynn Stewart (Cultural coordinator)
Linda Stewart (Manager, Wellness and Community Center)
Sarah Stewart
Clara and Elmer Visitor
Late Sam Georgekish
Sam, a local entrepreneur and manager of the unique Sam's Coffeeshop,
passed away in September of 2015, after a short battle with cancer.
He will be missed very much by those of us working in Wemindji.
George Kudlu
Stella Lameboy (Director of Community Services)
Beverly Mayappo
Jeremiah Mistacheesick (Youth chief)
Sinclair and Irene Mistacheesick
Angela Stewart (Programs Assistant, Community & Wellness)
Henry Stewart (Guide and SCUBA diving partner)
Kerri-Lynn Stewart (Cultural coordinator)
Linda Stewart (Manager, Wellness and Community Center)
Sarah Stewart
Clara and Elmer Visitor