ᐧᐄᒥᓂᒌ
Youth Education in Wemindji
Cree School Board Highlights 2022-2023
Welcome to the Cree School Board’s journey of milestones and achievements in the year of 2022-2023. As we reflect on this incredible time, we are pleased to share a collection of stories that demonstrate our dedication to Eeyou education, empowerment, and diversity. From empowering our Cree families and continuing our iiyiyiu education journey to PSSS Conference highlights, the inspirational impact on traditional teachings and the successful launch of the Bully Free program in our classrooms, join us as we celebrate the progress made in shaping a brighter future for our students and communities.
Protecting our Education in the Face of Forest Fires
In these rapidly changing conditions surrounding forest fires and smoke, we want to emphasize to all parents and employees the importance of staying informed and following local recommendations, while also trusting your local public safety.
Preparing You to Become Teachers in Your Community
Extended deadline to April 21, 2023
Cree School Board’s Department of Professional Education, in partnership of McGill University’s Office of First Nations and Inuit Education, is excited to announce that three teacher programs are now open!
Upcoming Events
Elected
School Committee
(Updated June 21, 2023)
- Thomas Mark, Chairperson
- Kerri Ann Hughboy, Vice-Chairperson
- Arlene Hughboy
- Sherilyn Linklater
- Arita Mark
- Jeannette Shashaweskum
- Frances Visitor, Elder representative (female)
- Johnny Mark, Elder representative (male)
- Rocky Georgekish, Band Representative
Looking for Adult Education in Wemindji? Click here.
Vision
To provide a culturally relevant education that is the unique foundation upon which youth can attain any goal.
Mission
Core Beliefs
All students have the right to…
- A safe and nurturing learning environment
- A school which represents the Cree culture and traditional beliefs
- Enthusiastic and dedicated teachers and educational staff
- Opportunities for learning cutting edge, 21st century skills
- Multiple pathways, programs and avenues for success
- An education which meets their individual needs
About Wemindji

Wemindji is a Cree community about 1,400 people at the mouth of the Maquatua River on the eastern shore of James Bay. The community is nestled on an inlet among the picturesque Painted Hills Islands. The name Wemindji comes from the Cree for "ochre hills" or wiimin uchii. The people of Wemindji relocated to the current site of the community in 1959 from their original home on Old Factory Island.
Community Links
- Wemindji Clinic
- Wemindji Public Safety: (819) 978-7724
- Wemindji Tourism
- Power Outages near Wemindji
- Wemindji Weather
- Cree Nation of Wemindji Sports & Recreation
Emergency Contacts
- Medical Emergency: 819-978-0225 then dial 0
- Police: 819-978-0320
- Fire: 819-978-3911
History of Education in Wemindji
Maquatua School first opened its doors to students in 1973 under the name Wemindji Day School. In the late 1980’s a large addition was added to the original building. A local contest was held to rename the building. MaquatuaEeyou School was the winning entry and references the location of the school on the Maquatua River.
In 2016 Wemindi celebrated the opening of an elementary school to serve the student population from Pre-K to Grade 6 and so MaquatuaEeyou School now serves only secondary students.
Joy Ottereyes Rainbow Memorial School opened in August 2016, with an official inauguration in April of the following year.
The school was named after a Grade 6 student, Joy Ottereyes, who passed away suddenly in 2010 as the result of an allergic reaction. Joy would have graduated the year the school named for her opened. The "Rainbow" was added to the school's name because Joy loved rainbows and would often sign her name with a rainbow at the end of it.