front of a standard sized cabin just a few kilometers outside of Wemindji.
Throughout the summer of 2023, Eeyou Istchee was engulfed by muushtaau (forest fire). More than half of Wemindji territory was impacted. Eighteen Wemindji cabins were lost. The event drastically changed the lives of Eeyouch – from Youth eager to soak in cultural teachings from Elders, to tallymen and land stewards who live off the land.
There’s a profound grief that comes with the aftermath of muushtaau. One of the most heartbreaking thoughts is that the land will never feel the same for Elders. Abraham Matches, a Wemindji land steward, described this feeling: “I’m 66 years old, so I don’t know how much time I have. But by the time everything regrows, it’s not going to be the same for me.”
Wilfred Georgekish, tallyman, is very active on the land. So much so that Abraham’s face lit up as he described his good friend’s bush habits: “He [Wilfred] makes a lot of traditional tools. And when he’s out walking, he’s always eyeballing trees for his snowshoes!”
Wilfred’s cabin is located just over 300 kilometers from Wemindji. He and his family have cherished their family camp for over three decades; it’s the sacred place where they’ve enjoyed goose breaks together, hunted for moose many times, and gone on fishing trips.
Wilfred’s frequent stays at his cabin and growing family inspired him to expand the space to make their little slice of paradise more comfortable for his children and grandchildren. He had all the materials set aside for the renovations and was ready to get to work. But when the fires came through, it destroyed everything from the brand-new materials he invested in for the renovations, to the sentimental items his family held dear. Over 99% of Wilfred’s trapline was affected by the fires.
Luckily, Wilfred’s cabin was re-built quickly. “We got our cabin right away,” he shared. “What we were told is that the people on income security would get it first, but they [the local CTA] fought for me.”
Tyler Coonishish, Executive Director of the Wemindji CTA, and his colleague Bill Stewart, Local Administrator for the Wemindji CTA, both shared the responsibilities of conducting aerial surveys and informing the families of their cabin’s fate at the end of the summer, which Tyler described like “delivering the news of a death.”
Following the assessment of the destruction, Tyler explained that his team was able to advocate for the people who are most active on the land. He said Wilfred’s cabin being prioritized “was the right thing to do."
As each cabin is rebuilt, positive feelings come back, and families are creating new memories at their family traplines. “They’re grateful, for sure. Every family has a rebuild plan. They are always looking ahead, because that’s what our people have always done,” said Tyler.
The three men align on their shared belief that the land provides significant healing and teachings. “It’s where our culture and our languages are used frequently,” Abraham proudly noted.
“The reason we want to go on the land is to practice what our parents taught us, so we don’t lose it. We want to pass it on to our children.” - Abraham Matches
As tallymen, land stewards, and their families get settled in their new cabins, there are some things that seem to bring light and optimism to the situation. “At least it will be easier to travel all the burnt area” Abraham pointed out. Wilfred said there will be no shortage of paahkuhtikwh (dried firewood).
For Tyler, he feels confident the land will bounce back: “There’s rejuvenation and regrowth. New plants will start coming around, new trees will become abundant, and both small game and big game will return.”
a burned area beside the Wemindji airport.
Wemindji Cree Trappers' Association.
blueberries in a burned area in Wemindji.
of the fire and smoke in Wemindji.
Story and photos by Karen Joyner-Blom