Moose Cree Culture

Welcome to our family!

The Moose Cree elders tell of sharing the gifts given to them by the Creator for their use in this challenging northern environment.

Our people carry strong ties to the land and to each other

These ties are the core of who we are. Over countless generations we've learned that our strength as a people depends on sharing our wisdom about this challenging, beautiful northern environment.

Since the dawn of our culture long ago, the Moose Cree have travelled to and from harvesting areas in annual cycles, living off the land. During summer months we travel on waterways by canoe: harvesting and preserving fish, berries and other food staples.

Bountiful waterfowl is harvested during the fall months along the shores of James Bay. Prior to the arrival of harsh winter months, families make their way to their wintering grounds where they harvest big game and fur-bearing animals. And prior to spring thaw, Cree families hunt waterfowl as they migrate north.

We can talk about the "way our culture once was" — but how we live today, and how we carry our traditions forward, is just as important to us. At Washow Lodge, guests are welcomed into our family to experience our wisdom as it informs our everyday lives.

The timeless traditions of everyday life

Our culture is in the inner life of each of us, just as your culture is within yourself.

Overall, traditional Moose Cree culture is expressed in our daily lives by:

• Our actions when we are out on the land with our families doing traditional harvesting activities;
• Our surroundings and the connection to geese and to the land we've been stewarding for generations;
• Our language and how we communicate our thoughts and relate to people and the environment;
• Our time, and how we adapt to the moons, seasons and rhythms of nature.

This is something different from modern life — we do things as they need to be done.

Cherishing and sharing our values

As a First Nations people, our lifestyle may not be readily understood by the world at large. We don't reflect the stereotypes other cultures commonly hold about us, and it's fortunate we have a sense of humour about that!

However, it's vital to our people that Moose Cree values of staying connected to the natural world are shared for the benefit of the broader society.

That is our intention for Washow Lodge.