In your own words, how would you describe the concept of philanthropy to Eeyouch?
Bertie Wapachee: “I personally see philanthropy as a fancy word for ‘humanitarian’ and ‘generosity’. Those two ways of being were part of our culture already. You know, a century ago, our people survived by supporting each other through their generosity. If a woman was widowed, the community (or the camp) made sure she and her children were well nourished and safely sheltered. Everyone was eating the same thing; everyone was treated the same way… even if she didn’t have anyone to hunt for them. That concept alone is no different than what the word ‘philanthropy’ is. It’s part of our culture.”
What was your proudest accomplishment while you were part of our Board of Directors?
BW: “Off the bat, being part of something that is just starting to find its role in Eeyou Istchee was important to me. Anyone that has that chance to be part of this work should be proud of where our Nation is with everything the Foundation has been able to accomplish. We could always use extra help when it comes to funding. I was very proud to see the launch of the Eeyou/Eenou Chiskutamaachewin Scholarship Program for students going into medicine and other professions. It’s a good first step, and I know that it is going to broaden into other things.
There’s so much that’s missing in the territory. We have to outsource all the time – for scientists, biologists, lawyers... the list goes on. There’s always a gap. But by giving that extra push to students through those scholarships – for sure we’re going to see more doctors, we’re going to see more lawyers, we’re going to see more economists.”
What advice would you give to Cree Youth who are exploring a career in philanthropy?
BW: “What I learned in my lifetime is you can give all the best advice, but advice may not be useful right away. It could be useful 10 or 20 years down the road. One of the greatest impacts on the Youth is showing them how things are done and that the best thing to do is participate in anything you have an opportunity to participate in! Yes, it will and can be intimidating, but it’s so important for Youth to learn about something they don’t know much about. Maybe the EECF can create a program organized for youth to learn about philanthropy?”
What would you like to see achieved through the Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation?
BW: “Aside from its current initiatives, the challenge for EECF will always be securing funding that is consistent. Year-to-year donations from different partners are great, but long-term or multi-year donations are more difficult for any foundation to obtain. The focus moving forward has to be on identifying donors specific to EECF programs and objectives. Maybe a strategic plan is the way forward.
The Foundation must also focus on filling the gaps where youth and students need support the most, support that falls in these gaps. We need more students and professionals in medicine. The foundation could also expand in incentives in health in general, law, economics, engineering, education, politics, science and in the environmental field. Any scholarship is an extra incentive for students in these fields. This program should be permanent. The Cree Nation needs more professionals in these areas.
Ultimately, our collective motivation should be self-sufficiency and having our own people lead in all fields, filling the professions in the territory and in every entity. But all entities and communities need to encourage this. The EECF can help fill the gaps where it can to develop these resources in our Nation.”
What can you tell donors in the south about the impact of providing philanthropic support to Eeyou Istchee?
BW: “I think philanthropy is a great tool around the globe used to uplift those in need, especially children. Although the Cree Nation has reached many milestones and secured funding to run their communities and provide programs and services for their people, there are still gaps in funding. There are still many important initiatives that governments and Cree entities cannot fully support. So, the only way to fund these programs is for the Nation to establish its own foundation, secure partners and donors, and consistently rally for support.
With good support and a growing list of partners and donors, the EECF can become a great influence in developing more professionals in our Nation who will pave the way for the younger generations to follow in their footsteps.
In sports, other than hockey, there isn’t a huge baseball presence in Eeyou Istchee. But what if a kid wants to play baseball and is super talented? What if they’re good enough to be scouted and picked up in the south? It’s no secret there’s a lack of programs and a lack of funding for them. But whoever sponsors these kinds of programs can change the trajectory of our young people’s lives in the best way imaginable in just about any field or sport. Having partners and donors to change that will be key.”
In retrospect, you served as the Cree Health Board Chairperson during a very turbulent, unprecedented time. How did you manage to sit on our Board, while simultaneously dealing with the Nation’s stress and anxiety of COVID-19 in your role as Chairperson?
BW: “I’ve been asked that before, in general terms, of course. The truth is my favourite place to be is in the middle of chaos. So, when you see chaos, you’re often going to find me in the middle of it, assisting others and being part of the team.”