Waskaganish 350th Anniversary
Celebrations
2018 - Winter - Spring - Summer - Fall
A small town with a big history
Many towns and cities are proud of their history, and rightly so. However, our small Cree community on the shore of James Bay is a town that has made history for not only its people, but for all First Nations as well as for Canada itself. It is with pride that we celebrate our 350th anniversary. In 1668 it was the birthplace and then in 1670, the first trading settlement of the famous Hudson’s Bay Company. It was the first ‘capital’ and governor’s residence for the huge colony of Rupert’s Land; a colony that included most of Canada and parts of the United States. The townsite, or a nearby location, was the 1610-11 wintering site of the ill-fated Henry Hudson expedition looking for the fabled Northwest Passage and an island in our archipelago was the 1632-33 wintering site of the Thomas James Northwest Passage expedition and thus the site of. Charles Town, one of the earliest towns in the Canadian North after the Viking settlement and the ancient fishing communities in Newfoundland and Labrador
message from Chief Darlene Cheechoo
On behalf of the Council of the Cree Nation of Waskaganish, the Elder’s Council and the Youth Council, I would like to welcome you to Waskaganish as we commemorate our 350th year. The third event of this year’s festivities takes place on July 16-22, 2018.
We would like to share with you, through traditional activities, games and demonstrations, some of the skills and knowledge that have enabled us to survive and thrive through the ages and up to modern day. During the commemoration events, you shall meet some of our highly regarded traditional artisans from Waskaganish and the Cree territory.
We proudly maintain our strong connection to the land and waters within our territory and to the activities which are so integral to our culture and identity. We are grateful for all of our elders who are eager to share the wealth of their knowledge and life experience.
Come and enjoy the family activities, games, workshops and demonstrations that are usually done during the summer. In addition to the activities, join us at the entertainment venue where the following musicians will be performing: Blue Rodeo, Kashtin, Kashkun, Melisa Pash and many other performers.
Looking forward to seeing you in Waskaganish for the summer event and festivities! God Bless You All!
Chief Darlene Cheechoo
Deputy Chief Samson Wischee
William T. Hester, Elder Chairman
Youth Chief Conrad Blueboy
Chief from 2015 - 2019
Charles J. Hester
350th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee
Charles J. Hester, Director of Culture, Sports and Leisure
Darryl S. Hester, 350th Anniversary Coordinator
Stacy Bear, Cultural Department - Member
Ryan Erless, Director of Community Services - Member
Hugo Cowboy, Recreation Department - Member
Jimmy (Tim) Whiskeychan, Tourism Coordinator - Member
Conrad Blueboy, Youth Chief - Member
William T. Hester, Elders Council - Member
Simeon Trapper, Elders Council - Member
Ruth Salt, Elders Council - Member
Roy Weistche, Community Planner - Member
A. Thomas Hester, Communications Officer - Member
Walter Hester Jr., Local Radio - Member
Darryl J. Salt, Cree Trappers Association - Member
Bradley Wyman, Northern Store Manager - Member