This page is dedicated to providing my readers who would like to follow my latest column which I produce on a regular basis every second week.
- :: Wawatay News :: We Need To Stand With First Nation Leaders
On December 2, 2025 during a Special Chiefs Assembly hosted by the Assembly of First Nations, the chiefs from across Canada voted unanimously to adopt an emergency resolution tabled by British Columbia First Nations leaders to support upholding the current oil tanker ban on the pacific coast as well demanding the withdrawal of the agreement clearing way for a new oil pipeline to the coast of British Columbia. Both federal and provincial governments have been doing their best to divide and conquer in rapid fire meetings with First Nations across the country in negotiating agreements and handing out money. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding on November 27 to co-operate on energy, opening up the prospect of an exemption from the tanker ban to support a major pipeline.
…. to read the full column, please click on the link below
https://www.wawataynews.ca/blogs-columns/we-need-stand-first-nation-leaders
- :: Wawatay News :: Mushkegowuk Council Declares Emergency To Deal With Addictions
An epidemic of addictions has led Mushkegowuk Council in north eastern Ontario to declare a state of emergency. A crisis has occurred including issues of homelessness, limited access to shelters, the lack of mental wellness and too few addictions supports in the council’s territory.
Myself and our First Nations leaders have been watching as this crisis has been developing over the years to the point where it is killing and severely impacting people in our communities as well as our members living off reserve. Things have gotten to the point where it is making our communities unsafe and resulting in so many tragic endings for my people.
…. to read the full column, please click on the link below
https://www.wawataynews.ca/blogs-columns/mushkegowuk-council-declares-emergency-deal-addictions
- :: Wawatay News :: There Is No Such Thing As A Just Or Honourable War
As we are ready to honour November 11, Remembrance Day I think about the destruction war has done to my James Bay Cree family and my partner Mike’s Irish Canadian family. When you are affected by the death, wounding or dramatization of family members you realize how the terrorism of war ripples on into generations.
There is no glamour, no justice and no sense to any war ever fought that I can understand.
…. to read the full column, please click on the link below
https://wawataynews.ca/blogs-columns/there-no-such-thing-just-or-honourable-war
- :: Wawatay News :: Mother Earth Needs You Now
I am the product, evolution of many thousands of years as are you. I grew up on the land in the remote far north of Ontario following in the footsteps of my Cree ancestors of the great James Bay and Muskego. I speak my Cree dialect based on a language that is ancient and I understand the history of my people and our connection to Mother Earth.
My people have been living the nomadic life of hunters and gathers for thousands of years and this is knowledge that I have learned from my parents and Elders. I grew up on the land in my remote First Nation of Attawapiskat but I have also lived and worked in southern cities and towns of Ontario. I have been fortunate to have travelled to 35 countries, learned about other cultures, their foods, music, issues, life and filled my eyes with incredible and beautiful images.
…. to read the full column, please click on the link below
https://wawataynews.ca/blogs-columns/mother-earth-needs-you-now
- :: Wawatay News :: Defending The Heart Of Mother Earth
One of the most beautiful serene places I’ve ever visited was on the banks of the Opinagau River in northern Ontario, just near the corner of land where James and Hudson Bay meet. This is a river just south of the Lakitusaki River, known in English as Lake River. Opinagau River is also just north of the Nawashi River, the home territory where my mom Susan (Paulmartin/Rose) Kataquapit and her family originated from.
My dad Marius Kataquapit took us to this northern river one fall to go moose hunting. Our group never did manage to see any moose on that trip but it was an amazing time to be on the land surrounded by absolutely no one for hundreds of miles all around.
During that trip, we set up regular base camps along our way and whenever we stopped, my younger brothers and I would head out to walk as much and as far as we could to explore the land.
…. to read the full column, please click on the link below
https://wawataynews.ca/blogs-columns/defending-heart-mother-earth