Nemaska isn’t just a place. It’s a connection to the past, a lesson for the present, and a vision for the future.
Walking with the Cree Nation Youth Council, the mission was to reconnect with the roots of the culture. The journey led to Nemaska, a place rich with history and traditions, where every step on the snow-covered trails felt like a bridge to the ancestors. Here, deep in the heart of the community, the old ways are still very much alive through stories, craftsmanship, and the land itself.
The Ancestral Pace
The journey began on the trails. For Drezus, lacing up snowshoes wasn’t just a recreational activity: it was a physical reminder of the grit and strength of those who came before.
“This ain’t for the weak, man. Our ancestors were wickedly strong man, you know?”
Moving through the bush at that pace changes your perspective. It forces you to slow down, to breathe the fresh air, and to prepare your spirit for the lessons the Elders have to share. Walking the land in Nemaska reminds us that the Creator’s Path was paved long ago.
Lessons from the Land: The Ptarmigan Hunt
One of the most profound moments of the trip was the ptarmigan hunt. Despite his years of experience as an artist, Drezus talks about the importance of being open to learning from others.
- Feeling Brand New: “It literally made me feel like I was a really young boy or something… because I felt brand new. I had to be taught. I had to be showed the way.”
- The Law of Conservation: In Nemaska, nothing goes to waste. After the hunt, the feathers are kept for traditional crafts, and the harvest is prepared for the community.
- The Natural Flow: There is a rhythm to plucking the birds. It is a lesson in not forcing the process, but working with the timing of nature.
The Heart of the Community: The Workshop
The lunch space in Nemaska was more than just a place to eat. It was a workshop filled with life and laughter. Drezus described a scene where every corner was busy with the “old ways” being put into practice. There were people beading, others making dreamcatchers, and some cleaning the ptarmigan from the hunt. Outside, the cook was busy making bannock and moose over the fire. It was a space where the community connects through work and joy.
The Art of the Hide: Patience as a Practice
The Elders Cabin Program provided a window into the incredible labor behind Cree craftsmanship. We watched as Anna and Susie, our knowledge keepers, worked on moose and caribou hides.
Seeing a hide that had been tucked away for years being brought back to life, soaked, frozen, and scraped, reminds us that culture is durable. It just needs the right hands to tend to it. As Drezus noted, watching the women work is a masterclass in patience and precision.
Special Acknowledgments
Creator’s Path was in the community foremost because of the Inspire Hope Youth Conference. This journey would not have been possible without the incredible hospitality and coordination of the local leadership.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Anderson Jolly, Susie, Anna, and the entire Cree Nation Youth Council team for their dedication to the youth and for welcoming us into this sacred space.
Why We Walk This Path
The day ended the way all good days should: with a cup of hot tea, fresh bannock, and a bowl of pea soup. But more importantly, it ended with a sense of belonging.
The Creator’s Path isn’t always about moving forward into the unknown. Sometimes, the most important path is the one that leads us back to our roots. By listening to the stories of the Elders and participating in the old ways, we ensure that the vision for the future is as strong as the history of the past.
Miigwetch to the people of Nemaska for welcoming us, sharing your fire, and walking with us.