Chisasibi, Québec, March 26, 2023 – On March 26 of this year, CNACA, COTA and the CTA worked together to host the first ever Cree Knowledge Festival broadcast live from the Cree Nation of Chisasibi.
“As Chief of the host community, I am honoured to have participated in the first ever virtual Cree Knowledge Festival. “The organizers did an incredible job showcasing an array of Eeyou panelists, artists, singers, and Elders, giving viewers a small taste of Eeyou Istchee. As there is so much more to explore, we hope this festival encourages mandowch (visitors) to travel to our paradise in the North and experience our land — which to us, is medicine for the mind, body and soul.”
Chief Daisy House of the Cree Nation of Chisasibi
The community was instrumental in the success of the event with talented performers, artists and community members who helped with all aspects such as set design, audio, and catering. By holding the event in a Cree community, there were positive spin-offs for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and technicians. The Festival created the opportunity for local Cree artists and performers to highlight their talents and benefit from greater exposure outside of Quebec and as far away as France.
“The Cree Knowledge Festival, through an online platform, provides greater access to those who want to know about the Cree way of life. “It truly represents a creative merge with present technology to showcase a culture that has existed in Eeyou Istchee since time immemorial. This is a unique opportunity the Cree Nation’s openness and desire to host and share knowledge and information about who we are. I am so proud to participate in this first-ever innovative showcase.”
Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty
The Festival, which was held virtually and promoted via social media, was able to reach 222,837 unique viewers with promotional videos. As a result, more than 1,600 participants registered to watch the live events. For those who missed the live event, a recording will be available online at www.cree-festival-cri.com as of April 1.
We would like to thank the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, the Cree Nation Government and Indigenous Tourism Quebec for their financial support.
The hope is that viewers will be inspired to learn more and eventually plan a visit to Eeyou Istchee. More information about the destination is available at eeyouistcheebaiejames.com.
About the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association
The Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA) was created in Chapter 28.4 & 6 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) which was signed in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit corporation on December 7, 2000. Since our incorporation we’ve been active in the development of the tourism industry in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. By promoting tourism, we’re helping to transform our region’s vast potential – for economic, employment, and other growth opportunities – into reality.
About the Cree Native Arts & Crafts Association
The Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association (CNACA) is a non-for-profit organization established in 2004 under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) signed in 1975. Our mandate is to assume a leadership role on behalf of the Cree for the development of the arts and crafts and the cultural industries of Eeyou Istchee.
About the Cree Trappers’ Association
The Cree Trappers’ Association’s (CTA) is a non-for-profit organization established under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Its mandate and responsibility consists of protecting and promoting the interests and values of Eeyou/Eenou trappers, traditional pursuits, and governance of hunting territories in Eeyou Istchee.