Chisasibi, Quebec
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Cree Nation of Chisasibi | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Jamésie |
| Establishment at its present location | 1980 |
| Area | |
| - Land | 828.18 km² (319.8 sq mi) |
| Population (2006)[1] | |
| - Total | 3,972 |
| - Density | 4.8/km² (12.4/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
| - Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| Website: http://chisasibi.org/ | |
Chisasibi (meaning great river in Cree) is a village on the eastern shore of James Bay, in the James Bay region of northern Quebec, Canada. It is situated on the south shore of La Grande River (the Grand River), less than 10 km (6 miles) from the river's mouth. Chisasibi is one of nine Cree villages in the region, and is a member of the Grand Council of the Crees of Québec. [2] The territory surrounding Chisasibi is part of the Municipality of Baie-James, of which parts are jointly managed with the Cree Regional Authority. [3]
The surface area of the town is 491.63 square kilometers (189.82 sq mi). The surface area of Chisasibi Cree Territory Category I Land (land exclusively for Cree use) is 828.18 square kilometers (319.76 sq mi). [4]
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[edit] History
The Cree have lived in the region for many centuries but were nomadic. In 1803, the Hudson's Bay Company founded Fort George, a trading post on the north shore which was relocated to an island in the mouth of the La Grande River in 1837. Fort George became a permanent village as the local Cree population abandoned their nomadic way of life in the early 20th century and settled nearby. In 1940, its population was about 750 and grew to almost 2,000 in 1980. [5]
In the mid 1970s, the construction of the James Bay hydro-electric project began, diverting upstream rivers into the La Grande watershed, increasing its flow significantly, resulting in erosion of Fort George Island (also called Governor's Island) and disruption to the formation of a solid ice cover in winter. [6] In response the Québec Government built a new community on the mainland and relocated the population and some 200 houses to the new site in 1981. The village was renamed Chisasibi (official name: Cree Nation of Chisasibi). At the same time the Fort George Relocation Corporation was formed to oversee the relocation. [7] [8]
[edit] The Cree Nation of Chisasibi
The population of Chisasibi comprises approximately 4000 Cree, about 250 Inuit, and 300 non-native people.[9] Statistics Canada's 2006 Census shows a total population of 3,972. The Median age of the population is 24.1 years old, the percentage of the population aged 15 and over is 66.2, and the total number of census families was 960.[10] [11]
It is the most northern Cree village accessible by road. A 90 km paved road, running from Radisson, and parallel to the Grand River, connects Chisasibi to the Route de la Baie James (James Bay Road).[12] The James Bay Road (formerly part of Route 109) was built from 1971 to 1974 as part of the James Bay hydroelectric project and connects Matagami to Radisson. Chisasibi Airport is located just west of the village and Air Creebec operates scheduled service from this airport. Though this is the most northern village, it's not where the road ends. From LG-1 (The Grand River hydrogenerating station), the road continues north to a location called Longue Pointe (Long Point). It is the furthest one can go by road east of the Hudson Bay.
Many Cree in Chisasibi engage in hunting, trapping, and fishing activities but all catch is meant for local consumption. Other economic activity includes local services (health care and education), employment by Hydro-Québec and some hospitality services. An elected Chief and Council help administer the Cree Nation of Chisasibi Office.
Other Cree villages near Chisasibi are Whapmagoostui, 200 km (125 miles) to the north in Nunavik, on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay near the Northern village of Kuujjuarapik, and Wemindji, about 100 km (60 miles) to the south.
[edit] Language
Cree and Inuit are spoken as the first language in Chisasibi, in addition to English, as a primary language for official dealings.[13]. Only 7.8% of the residents of Chisasibi speak one or both of the official languages as a mother tongue [14]. There have been criticisms of the Québec language policy with respect native languages, particularly Cree, many related to Hydro-Québec's hydroelectric dam project in the James Bay region.
[edit] Image gallery
 Homes and teepee in Chisasibi |
 Chisasibi Mall |
 Chisasibi School |
 Administrative Center - Chisasibi |
 A Church in Chisasibi |
 A Cree girl in Chisasibi |
 A stop sign in Chisasibi |
 Chisasibi community centre |
 Chisasibi General Store |
[edit] References
- ^ Statistics Canada: the national statistical agency providing information on Canadian business, economy and society / Statistique Canada - brosse le portrait de l'économie, de la société et des entreprises canadiennes
- ^ Cree Culture | Chisasibi
- ^ Aboriginal Canada Portal: Connectivity Profile
- ^ Statistics Canada: the national statistical agency providing information on Canadian business, economy and society / Statistique Canada - brosse le portrait de l'économie, de la société et des entreprises canadiennes
- ^ Cree Nation of Chisasibi: History
- ^ Ottertooth.com
- ^ Cree Culture | Chisasibi
- ^ Cree Nation of Chisasibi: History
- ^ Cree Nation of Chisasibi: Chief & Council
- ^ Statistics Canada: the national statistical agency providing information on Canadian business, economy and society / Statistique Canada - brosse le portrait de l'économie, de la société et des entreprises canadiennes
- ^ Band Details
- ^ Aboriginal Canada Portal: Connectivity Profile
- ^ Languages
- ^ Official Languages Act (Canada)
[edit] External links
- Chisasibi Official Website
- Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec) (English, French, Cree)
- Cree Culture
- Cree Tourism
- Ottertooth - Chisasibi page
- First Nation Connrctivity Profile
- Chisasibi and Cree Links
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