Yesterday afternoon at the Naskapi Community Center, we were honoured to welcome back Johnny and Louisa Saganash from Washkaganish for an important and inspiring conversation. Both are respected Cree elders and members of their local and regional Cree Council of Elders, which serves in an advisory role for their communities.
Johnny and Louisa came to share their experience in forming and operating an Elders Council — known in their community as the Council of Elders. They explained how this committee was formed, how it functions in other Cree communities, and how it provides ongoing guidance and support to both leadership and the wider public. Their visit offered valuable insight into the purpose, structure, and cultural significance of these councils — especially their deep involvement in protecting language, traditions, and intergenerational knowledge.
The meeting sparked a lot of interest here in Kawawachikamach. Many of our own Elders and community members are now discussing the possibility of establishing a Council of Elders here at home. Such a council would offer a formal way for our Elders to provide guidance rooted in experience, culture, and tradition, helping shape the direction of our Nation today and for future generations.
Elders portfolio holder Nigel Einish has expressed strong support for this initiative, which is expected to move forward in the near future.
During the session, Johnny and Louisa also shared examples of activities led by Cree Elders Councils in Eeyou Istchee — including language preservation projects, children’s books, cultural presentations, and research on land and family histories. Their work is a beautiful example of how Indigenous knowledge can be actively nurtured and passed on in ways that strengthen communities.
We are grateful to Johnny and Louisa for taking the time to visit and speak with us. Their visit reminded us that we are not alone in this work — and that there is much we can learn from those walking a similar path.
Let’s continue the conversation together.