Xavier Kataquapit

We may not be alone in the universe

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:34
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

I was always curious about the heavens when I was a kid growing up in Attawapiskat. My brother Joe often joined me to stare up at the night sky.
Joe and I learned from an early age what many of the constellations were, where they sat in the sky and the movement of the planets. As a matter of fact, his interest was so great that he named his first son after the constellation Orion.
Orion refers to a hunter in Greek mythology.

Housing crisis needs solutions

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:34
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

In reading the news headlines today, I noticed one of the main stories was about my home community of Attawapiskat along the James Bay coast.
The news item highlighted the housing crisis happening in communities like Attawapiskat, Fort Albany and Kashechewan. Some people are living in tents and sheds. But this is not news to me. As long as I can remember housing has always been in a state of crisis on the James Bay coast.

Students participate in self-esteem building

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:34
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

More than 250 school children discovered the benefits of self-confidence through a diabetes prevention intiative in Timmins, Ont., Nov. 4.  
They made this discovery through workshops provided by Turtle Concepts and produced by Timmins Diabetes Expo. The one-day event was led by Turtle Concepts owner Dave Jones and held at the McIntyre Area.  
Turtle Concepts is a First Nation business that provides empowerment workshops for youth. Its founder and lead organizer is a member of Garden River First Nation – a community located just east of Sault Ste. Marie.

Let’s work together, stop hating First Nations

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:34
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

Christmas is right around the corner. It is supposed to be a time of peace, love and good will to each other. Instead, I feel more or less heart broken.
I thought that when Canada found out about my people in Attawapiskat and their lack of quality housing, they would have responded in a positive way. I hoped that governments and the Canadian population would understand just how difficult life is for most Native people who are living on remote First Nations right across Canada.

Happy New Year

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:34
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

We are all looking forward to a new year but many are fearful of the coming of 2012. Some believe that the upcoming year is marking the end of an historic period. Many think that this year will be a spiritually changing one and far too many believe it will mark the end of the world. This idea has been boosted in popular culture through movies, books and websites detailing how and why this year will mark the end.

Keeping the northern skies safe

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:33
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

Travelling in the north has always been a hazard for all kinds of reasons. The remoteness makes it difficult to have all the latest technologies in place. It is not like life in the south where many safety precautions are in place for the every day traveller no matter what their means of transport. The weather is a risk factor in the north most of the year but in the winter time things can actually be deadly.

The point of no return

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

It is as cold as a ‘you know what’. That’s right: we are into a cold spell right now in Northern Ontario and even in the south. However, this winter is very warm compared to past years. The winter ice road to Attawapiskat just recently opened and it looks like it won’t last all that long.
Still, minus 20 and 30 below zero days and nights are still being experienced in the far north of Ontario although that is getting more and more rare. I recall many days at minus 40 below zero when I was a boy back home up the James Bay coast. That was normal back then.

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