ᐧᐋᔅᑳᐦᐄᑲᓂᔥ
Youth Education in Waskaganish
Stronger Together Symposium Supports Families of Children with Special Needs
The Cree School Board, together with parents and guardians of children and adults with special needs, came together once again on December 3-4, 2025 to host the Stronger Together Symposium. Guided by the vision of becoming ᒫᒨ ᒪᔥᑰᑳᐴᐦᑖᐤ, Stronger Together, the event created a safe and welcoming space for families to learn, connect, and build lasting support networks.
50th Anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement
Celebrating our iiyiyiu chiskutimaachaawin
On November 11, 2025, the Cree School Board honors and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA)!
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.
Upcoming Events
Looking for Adult Education in Waskaganish? Click here.
Elected
School Committees
Updated Oct. 29, 2025
École Winnibekuu School
- Brenda Hester, Chairperson
- Barbara Hester, Vice-Chairperson
- Conrad Blueboy
- Cheryl A. Hester
- Bessie Gillies
- Emily Hester, Elder Representative
École Annie Whiskeychan Memorial Elementary School
- Karilynn Blackned, Chairperson
- Leonard D. Hester, Vice- Chairperson
- Darryl J. Salt
- Darren Shecapio
- Sasha Weistche
- Florrie Katapatuk, Elder Represetative
Vision
A school inspired by Cree values dedicated to the academic achievement of our students in a safe, harmonious and welcoming atmosphere based on mutual respect. This must be accomplished in a healthy climate of trust and cooperation to enable them to become positive members of society.
Une école, basée sur les valeurs cries, dédiée à la réussite académique de nos élèves, et ce, dans un environnement sécuritaire, harmonieux et accueillant basé sur le respect mutuel. Cela devra se réaliser dans un climat sain où règnent la confiance et la coopération pour qu’ils deviennent des membres positifs de la société.
Mission
This is your school, others have built it for you. You must make it come alive and give it a face. Its spirit will be built daily by your actions. You are not alone. You are a member of a community. You obey the rules made by the community. You accomplish every day the obligations that link us all. You are solidarity. You are responsible. To break this law is to disavow yourself. To refuse it is to exclude yourself from the community.
Cette école est ton école, d’autres l’ont bâtie pour toi. Tu dois la rendre vivante et lui donner un visage. Son esprit sera construit tous les jours par ton action. Tu la construis pour les autres. Tu n’es pas seul. Tu es membre d’une communauté. Tu obéis aux règles fixées par cette communauté. Tu accomplis chaque jour des obligations qui te lient à nous tous. Tu es solidaire. Tu es responsable. Enfreindre cette loi, c’est te désavouer. La refuser, c’est t’exclure de cette communauté.
Core Beliefs
Chistaiimiiduuwin - Respect - Respect
Dibtaiimuwiin - Humility - Humilité
Kaachaataawaayiitaamuwiin - Wisdom - Sagesse
Naanahwiikaaduuwiin - Sharing - Partage
Shouchayimuwiin - Courage - Courage
Souwaayiichiichaawiin - Compassion - Compassion
Taabwaaoushshiiwiin - Honesty - Honnêteté
About Waskaganish
Waskaganish means "little house." This community of about 2,000 people lies on the shore of the Rupert River, near James Bay. Fort Rupert, as Waskaganish was first known, was one of three original Hudson Bay Company posts on James Bay.
Community Links
Emergency Contacts
- Medical Emergency: 819-895-8833
- Police: 819-895-8961
- Fire: 819-895-9000


