Eeyou-Eenou
Waskaganish
Cree of Waskaganish Community Plan
Waskaganish (meaning “little house” in Eeyou/Cree) is a village located at the mouth of the Rupert River, on the southeast shore of James Bay, on the territory of Eeyou Istchee. Waskaganish is also an inspiring and growing community of approximately 2,500 people. Eeyou/Cree is the primary language spoken in the community. As a contemporary and dynamic place, Waskaganish and its residents look forward to a prosperous future, firmly rooted in Cree values, traditions, history, and spirituality, while remaining open to the world.
For more information on Waskaganish :
What was the
starting point
of the CCP?
In 2013, Waskaganish managers gathered for a strategic meeting. Their goal was simple: to figure out how to reach out to the citizens of the Nation and put them at the heart of decisions about the community’s future. In other words, the managers wanted to ensure that the Eeyoud would be the true leaders of their own development.
Comprehensive Community Planning (CCP) emerged as the best way to reach this objective. With the support of the elected Council members and the general director, the CCP process was funded through the First Nation’s own revenues.
How did the planning process move forward?
Waskaganish already had a Community Planner in place since 2011, as part of the Community Development and Natural Resources team. With his experience, he quickly took charge of the CCP process and facilitated the contact with the community at large. Between 2013 and 2015, the Community Planner and his team organized several engagement activities that reached all citizens : youth, Elders, employees, Cree trappers, post-secondary students not residing in the community, etc.
Participation was high, and people generously shared their ideas for the future of Waskaganish. As a result of these collective efforts, the plan was published in 2017 and distributed to citizens. In 2020, Indigenous Services Canada funded a first review of the plan to measure the results achieved.
What changes did CCP bring in Waskaganish?
By identifying clear goals and directions, CCP has brought a sense of harmony and stability to the citizens of Waskaganish.
Since the plan was published, many of the objectives have been achieved, for example :
Cultural and land-based activities (land-based camp, food for Elders, hunting and fishing support programs, handicrafts, etc.)—culture and language are the roots of identity and pride.
Development for a healthy community (tree planting, greening, preservation of historic sites, etc.)—beautification and improvement projects increase the quality of life in the community and generate a sense of pride.
Construction of 70 new housing units—helps improve living conditions by reducing overcrowding in existing homes.
New recreational infrastructure (outdoor arena, sliding hill, swimming pool, hiking trails, etc.)—activities improve the physical and mental health of the entire community, especially youth.
Opening a local grocery store—creates jobs and all revenues go into the First Nation’s coffers.
What are the next
steps?
Now that most objectives are being met, the community is ready to begin its planning cycle again. For this second edition, the planning team wants to work more closely with the department directors to align the community plan with the department strategic plans. There is also a desire to strengthen governance by collaborating more actively with existing structures—Youth Council, Council of Elders, elected officials, health and education officials, etc.—while continuing to engage all citizens of the First Nation.
Who to contact for more information?
Roy Weistche, Planning Coordinator
Department of Natural Resources and Development
roy.weitsche@waskaganish.ca