Wemindji, Quebec, a small Cree community nestled on the east coast of James Bay at the mouth of the Maquatua River, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Home to approximately 1,500 people, this community is the seat of the Cree Nation of Wemindji and is located within the federal riding of Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou.
The governance of Wemindji, Quebec, is overseen by a chief, deputy chief, and five councillors, all elected by the beneficiaries of the Cree Nation of Wemindji. The current chief is Christina Gilpin, with Arden Visitor serving as deputy chief. The councillors, Elmer Georgekish, Bradley A.J Georgekish, Paul John Murdoch, Stanley Shashweskum, and Ernest Tomatuk, were elected in September 2017 for a four-year term.
Despite its remote location, Wemindji, Quebec, is accessible by air via the Wemindji Airport and by car over a gravel road linked to the James Bay Road. The community, though small, boasts a variety of services and facilities, including schools, a clinic, wellness department, motels, a mini mall, police station, daycares, after-school programs, tradition centres, sports facilities, and a fire station.
Wemindji, Quebec, is a relatively new community, established by Cree families originally residing at the trading post known as "Paakumshumwashtikw" or "Old Factory". The community was relocated to its current location in 1959. The name "Wemindji" translates to "red ochre mountain", a nod to the red pigment found in the surrounding hills.
The Cree Nation of Wemindji is one of the nine communities under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement signed in 1975. This agreement marked a significant milestone in the recognition of the Cree's rights to their land.
The Cree of Wemindji, Quebec, have always identified themselves as iIyiyuuch, meaning "the people". They continue to practice their traditional ways of hunting, trapping, and fishing, with parts of the population living off the land year-round.
The primary languages spoken in Wemindji, Quebec, are Cree and English.
The Cree Board of Health operates a clinic within Wemindji, Quebec, offering a variety of programs such as the awash (child) program, the uschinisuu (youth) program, chishayiuu (elder) program, Multi Service Day Centre (MSDC), Physiotherapy, Psycho-education, Nutritionist, Youth protection, Dental Services, and Administration.
Wemindji, Quebec, is one of the nine Cree First Nations communities of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee. The Cree Nation lives on the land of Eeyou Istchee, which translates to "people's land". Each of the Cree First Nations communities has its own unique history and is administered independently through their local government.
