Local research institute a benefit to Cree community in northern Que., say youth who work there

Two Chisasibi youth say they appreciate being able to learn applied sciences at home in northern Que. and putting it to work at a locally-run research institute with big plans.

Adam Koperqualuk and Preston Sam are youths who work at the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI) in northern Que. It was created in 2016 after local band members were concerned about the loss of waterfowl feeding grounds and the impact of hydroelectric dams.

"I think that there is still a lot to discover in Eeyou Istchee, and CERRI being in Chisasibi, it can be such a benefit to us all,"  said Koperqualuk in Cree. Eeyou Istchee is the traditional name for the Cree territory in northern Que. 

The institute has done a number of research projects, including building a small greenhouse and carrying out coastal ecology research on eelgrass — which is a main source of food for waterfowl.

Preston Sam is a co-researcher in wildlife ecology and started working as a lab technician for CERRI two years ago.

"The more I came here to do labour work, I became more passionate about what CERRI does," said Sam. He said he really appreciates that the institute values traditional ecological knowledge and combines it with western science.

Koperqualuk called the training a "lifelong" tool that'll help them conduct research and understand where to send their findings for analysis.  "It really helped us a lot, it is much easier to work on research," he said. 

Jason Stevens, a co-researcher with CERRI and a specialist in environmental sustainability, said his hope is to build local capacity.  "It's not just about getting the result of the research project, it's also about teaching local people how to get the results themselves also," said Stevens. 

He said the larger goal of the greenhouse project is to improve food sovereignty, build a production greenhouse and teach community members to grow their own produce. 

Researchers at CERRI have used archeology to study waterfowl behaviours. They're also helping to fill in gaps in data about Cree territory and the impact of changes on the Cree. 

Preston's experience at CERRI has piqued his curiosity and opened his eyes to higher education. The 26-year-old plans to go to post-secondary school to become a wildlife biologist so that he can study the land for his people.

"It's a 10-year process of school, which I don't mind. I love to learn, but eventually I'll come back here in Chisasibi as a wildlife biologist," said Sam.

In contrast to Sam's educational goal, Koperqualuk plans to take a different path and learn at home.

"I can learn from the land and the elders and CERRI, so I can pass on the knowledge to the next generation," he said.