Cree School Board Highlights 2024-2025

This year was marked by milestones that celebrate Cree language, culture, and educational success across iiyiyiu aschii. From the 3rd Language and Culture Symposium and the return of Cree language to Grade 1 classrooms, to vibrant events like the iinuu metawewinh Games and the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair, the Cree School Board continued to strengthen identity and learning. We also saw progress in teacher recruitment, adult education, and higher learning programs, alongside inspiring youth leadership initiatives. These highlights reflect our commitment to culturally grounded education and the empowerment of every learner.

Culture and Language Symposium – Cree Games – Cree Language – Regional General Assembly – Indigenous Science Fair – Teacher Recruitment – Oujé-Bougoumou Adult Learning Centre – Springboard to Success – Cree Teacher Training – Cree Youth Summit

3^rd Language and Culture Symposium: Promoting Cree Language and Culture in Classrooms and Communities

The Cree School Board (CSB) hosted its 3rd Language and Culture Symposium from August 13-15, 2024, under the theme "ᐄᔨᔨᐤ/ᐄᓅ ᐊᔨᒥᑖᐤ – Let’s Speak Cree", led by Angela Bearskin-Gates, Director of iiyiyiuiyihtiwin Research & Development and her team. The event promoted Cree language and culture with speeches by leaders like Chief Daisy House, Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum, Chairperson of CSB, and Caroline Mark, Director General of CSB, along with workshops on land-based learning, teaching methods, and language retention.

Highlights included a panel discussion featuring three Cree language graduates, updates from language surveys, and the launch of the Eagle Crest initiative, which provides new Cree language educational material for primary students. Elders and Knowledge Keepers guided rich discussions, leaving participants inspired to strengthen the iiyiyiuiyihtiwin (Iiyiyiu Way) in all their work.

The 2025 iinuu metawewinh Games: A Celebration of Cree Culture and Community

The 2025 iinuu metawewinh Games, held from March 24-27 in Mistissini, saw students from across iiyiyiu aschii challenging themselves in games and activities designed to strengthen and celebrate the Cree way of life. From the opening ceremony and parade, and in over thirty traditional games and workshops, students demonstrated their talents in chischaayihtimuwin (Cree Knowledge), iiyiyiu chiihkaayaapimuwaawin (Cree Identity) and iiyikiyaawiiu (Cree Skills).

The students were guided by chaperones, school representatives, and coaches, as well as Elders and Knowledge Keepers who shared their wisdom, helping to strengthen intergenerational bonds. "It brings warmth to my heart because iinuuhtiwin is the most important thing to me,” said Diane Coon-Come, Miss Mistissini.

Cree Language Returns to Grade 1 Classrooms

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Grade 1 students in Mistissini, Waswanipi, Waskaganish, Chisasibi, and Whapmagoostui will once again learn in Cree, a milestone in language revitalization. Expanding from earlier Pre-K and Kindergarten successes, the Cree Language Mentorship Initiative emphasizes oral communication while supporting English or French learning.

Teachers will receive mentorship from experienced Cree educators, core subjects will integrate Cree, and parents will be supported in encouraging the language at home. With curriculum aligned to provincial standards, the initiative strengthens Cree identity and ensures the language remains central to both education and community life.

While the rollout is gradual, the long-term goal is to strengthen Cree identity and language for generations to come.

Core Values Guide 2024 Regional General Assembly

The Cree School Board held its 5th Regional General Assembly (RGA) on November 6-7, 2024, in Chisasibi, under the theme "Guided by Our Core Values" (miywaayitaakun aa wiichihiitinaaniwich). The event brought together principals, directors, and staff from across iiyiyiu aschii to collaborate on advancing education.

Key discussions focused on the Iiyiyiu Way, Student Experience, and Educational Success. Highlights included speeches from Deputy Chief Mark Wadden, Director General Caroline Mark, and Chairperson Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum, as well as updates on literacy initiatives, mental health support, Cree language integration, and new post-secondary programs in Social Work, IT and Education. The Assembly reaffirmed CSB’s commitment to culturally relevant, student-centered education, setting a path for inclusion and empowerment for all Cree learners.

Youth Shine at 2025 Quebec Indigenous Science Fair

The Cree School Board co-hosted the 2025 Quebec Indigenous Science Fair (QISF) from March 18-20 in Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Organized with Katavik Ilisarniliriniq and Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA), the event encouraged youth to explore science, curiosity, and presentation skills.

Eighty students from 21 communities participated, with strong CSB representation. Mistissini’s Errol Mianscum and Mark Petawabano won Grand Prize and will advance to the Canada-Wide Science Fair for their water quality project, "Niibii: The Source of Life," which tested water from the Mianscum family trapline and confirmed Elders' knowledge about the area's clean lake water. Other highlights included Raylene and Kaylene Martinhunter winning a Special Award for their volcano study and Henry Grimstead earning 1st Place with his exoplanet project.

Cree School Board Teacher Recruitment Event Success

The Cree School Board held its Teacher Recruitment & Interview Event on February 26-27, 2025, in Montreal. Organized by the Human Resources Department, the event connected prospective teachers with Cree schools while highlighting culture and community life. Elders and Knowledge Keepers shared cultural insights, and community booths allowed candidates to engage directly with local representatives. On-site interviews provided immediate hiring opportunities, and the hybrid format ensured broad accessibility.

The event was a success, with 58 candidates interviewed and 24 recommended for hiring, reinforcing the CSB’s commitment to attracting educators who value both academic excellence and Cree cultural identity.

Oujé-Bougoumou Adult Learning Centre: A Beacon of Opportunity

The Oujé-Bougoumou Sabtuan Learning Centre officially opened on February 11, 2025, marking a major step for Sabtuan Adult Education Services. Designed as a hub for adult learning and job training, the centre supports careers in trades, technology, and other fields while empowering Cree learners with skills for leadership and growth. The initiative reflects the vision of providing every community in iiyiyiu aschii with access to high-quality education and training. Built through partnerships with Apatisiiwin Skills Development and the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, the centre demonstrates the Cree School Board’s commitment to fostering opportunity and self-determination.

As Caroline Mark, Director General of the CSB, stated: "Whether in trades, technology, or other fields, our goal is to empower iiyiyiu and iinuu with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in our communities."

Springboard to Success: Empowering Cree Higher Learning Futures

The CSB kapataao (Higher Learning) department in partnership with John Abbott College and the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, celebrated the graduation of 29 students from its In-Community College Preparatory Programs. These include the Cree Springboard to Nursing, completing its first cohort of 15 students, and the Iyeskuwiiu Springboard to DCS, completing its fourth cohort of 14. Designed for Cree beneficiaries, the year-long programs prepare students for college while strengthening cultural identity. Offering transferable CEGEP credits, they equip Cree youth with academic and professional skills, particularly in healthcare.

The completion ceremony, held at John Abbott College on May 21, 2025, highlighted the immense pride and potential seen in these graduates, who represent the future of the Cree Nation.

Cree Teacher Training: Spring 2025 Convocation

The Cree Teacher Training Program held its Spring convocation on May 29, 2025, at McGill University in Montreal, celebrating 19 graduates from community-based programs offered in partnership with McGill. Graduates completed degrees and certificates in areas such as Education, Inclusive Education, Language and Culture, and Indigenous Language and Literacy.

Despite pandemic-related delays, students showed perseverance in achieving their goals. The CSB honored them with a banquet attended by family, leadership, and partners, including Chairperson Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum, the Professional Development team, and the Office of First Nation and Inuit Studies team from McGill.

This milestone highlights the dedication of Cree educators to strengthen education and cultural identity in their communities.

Cree Youth Summit: Leadership and Community Building

The CSB, in partnership with the Cree Nation Youth Council, hosted the first Cree Youth Summit on October 16-17, 2024. The two-day event brought together student and youth council delegates from all Cree communities who shared ideas on how to address common challenges.

Participants attended workshops and presentations by organizations such as the Cree Nation Government and the Cree Board of Health and Social Services. Leaders including CSB Chairperson Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum, former Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, former Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee, and Youth Grand Chief Adrian Gunner delivered inspiring messages about the power of youth voices and leadership. The summit was a success, empowering Cree youth to lead, learn, and shape their communities’ future.