Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'James Bay Region (Quebec)'

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and infant macrosomia are important obstetric health concerns for Aboriginal populations in Canada. Previous research in non-Aboriginal populations has established that GDM and macrosomia are associated with increased risk of fetal morbidity. Specifically, GDM is a risk factor for infant macrosomia, hypoglycemia, polycythemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Furthermore, macrosomia is an independent risk factor for shoulder dystocia, clavicular fracture, brachial plexus injury, birth asphyxia and operative delivery. The main objectives of this study were to determine prevalence rates of GDM and macrosomia related neonatal complications for the James Bay Cree population of northern Quebec, and to identify risk factors for specific birth trauma injuries and metabolic complications in the population. The prevalence of macrosomia (≥4500 g) was 10.4%, and the estimated prevalence of GDM was 16.6% (95% CI 14.6-18.6) (n = 229/1379). Shoulder dystocia was the most common birth trauma event among the Cree, affecting 2.5% (n = 42/1650) of all Cree births, and 9.3% (n = 16/172) of macrosomic deliveries ≥4500 g. The prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia was also high, affecting 8.8% (n = 144/1650) of all Cree newborns, and 18.1% (n = 34/192) of GDM deliveries. Macrosomia (BW ≥ 4500 g) was a significant risk factor for shoulder dystocia, clavicular fracture, hypoglycemia, and caesarean section delivery. After adjusting for maternal age, parity, and gestational age, GDM was identified as a significant risk factor for macrosomia (≥4500 g), hypoglycemia, polycythemia, and hypocalcemia. In summary, this study identified a high incidence of neonatal complications among the James Bay Cree compared with rates in the general North American population. These outcomes can be explained, in part, by high prevalence rates of gestational diabetes and infant macrosomia. Further studies to investigate the long-term consequences of GDM and

A sustainable primary prevention strategy for infant iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was implemented and evaluated in a community with at-risk infants in northern Quebec, Canada. Communication strategies were used to promote iron-rich complementary food rather than iron-fortified formula, which can interfere with breastfeeding practice. This food-based approach has been successfully implemented in developing countries, but has not been applied in an industrialized country setting.
Mass media (i.e., radio dialogues, key messages, print material, point-of-purchase grocery store display) and interpersonal (i.e., homemade baby food cooking activity) communication strategies were developed in collaboration with community members and implemented in partnership with an existing community program. Reach and exposure of the strategies were measured using a questionnaire administered to a post-intervention sample (n = 45). Sales of promoted iron-rich infant food were examined pre- and post-intervention period. A repeat cross-sectional design was used for the impact evaluation. Two groups of mothers with infants, aged 7-10 months at Time 1 (n = 32) and Time 2 (n = 22) were interviewed. Outcome variables were infants' total iron and complementary food iron intakes measured by two 24-hour recalls. Secular trends in infants' hemoglobin values and milk type consumption were examined in the study community and two comparison communities.
Multiple communication channels increased awareness of IDA and influenced self-reported use of iron-rich infant food. Iron-rich infant food sales increased from pre- to post-intervention (p < 0.05). Complementary food intake iron increased between Time 1 (3.2 +/- 0.8 mg) and Time 2 (4.4 +/- 1.1 mg) (p < 0.05). The proportion of infants with anemia (hemoglobin < 110 g/L) significantly decreased from the period before (37.2%) to during (14.3%) the intervention (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found for this variable within the comparison communities. The proportion of infants receiving iron-fortified formula in the study community did not differ between Time 1 and Time 2, but increased from Time 1 (55%) to Time 2 (73%) (p < 0.05) in the comparison communities, indicating an erosion of breastfeeding practice.
These results suggest the effectiveness of communication strategies to improve infant iron nutrition in a community with good access to iron-rich infant food. The potential for this strategy in other communities warrants further investigation.

Presence of Triaenophorus crassus Forel in the flesh of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis (Mitchill)) and cisco (C. artedi Lesueur) can be an important economic problem for commercial coregonine fisheries. This study was initiated during the development of native fisheries in northern Quebec. Coregonine populations from 6 lakes of the Nottaway watershed were sampled to determine infection patterns of T. crassus in relation to age and size of fish, and to document interlake differences in prevalence and number of T. crassus. Interspecific and interlake differences in the infection dynamics of T. crassus were described in relation to capsule types, sizes and plerocercoid conditions. Infection dynamics were also investigated with age of fish. All coregonine populations were infected with T. crassus, and cisco more so than lake whitefish where the two species co-occurred. Prevalence and number of T. crassus were independent of fish age and size in most lake whitefish populations. Number of T. crassus increased with fish age and size in all cisco populations, but prevalence increased only in the populations from the largest lakes. Interlake differences in prevalence and number of T. crassus were detected for both coregonine species, and were related to feeding behaviour of the fish and lake biophysical characteristics. Heavy infections in one lake whitefish population were mainly associated with piscivory. Interspecific and interlake differences in the infection dynamics of T. crassus were also observed. Differences in the proportions of capsule types, sizes, and plerocercoid conditions suggest that population turnover of T. crassus in cisco is faster than in lake whitefish. In contrast to previous studies, plerocercoid condition was found to be independent of capsule size. Coregonine populations, which did not differ in prevalence and number of T. crassus, showed some differences in the proportions of capsule types, sizes and plerocercoid conditions, suggesting

Two species of mountain ash (Sorbus decora and S. americana) distributed in Eeyou Istchee (James Bay, Quebec) were assessed for differences in their DNA, gene expression and antioxidant capacity to determine if environment or genetic variation contributed to previously observed differences in medicinal, and possibly antidiabetic, activity. Samples of both species were taken from 20 populations throughout Eeyou Istchee. Quantitative real time PCR analysis showed species and tissue specific expression for two likely antidiabetic genes. Significantly higher expression was observed in samples from coastal communities, along with increasing expression with latitude. Similar patterns were observed when antioxidant capacity of bark samples were tested using ORAC and DPPH assays. Analysis of genetic differences using nuclear microsatellites did not show significant structuring among populations. These results suggest that it is not genetic dissimilarities which led to these differences, but likely plants responding to immediate stresses in their environment.
Deux espèces de sorbiers (Sorbus decora et S. americana) sont réparties dans Eeyou Istchee (Baie James: Québec). Elles ont été évaluées pour leurs similarités dans leur ADN, leur expression génique et leurs propriétés antioxydantes afin de déterminer si l'environnement ou la génétique contribue aux différences déjà observées dans l'activité médicinale des sorbiers. Des échantillons de vingt populations ont été récoltés à travers Eeyou Istchee. Les analyses de PCR en temps réel ont démontré que l'expression de deux gènes liés à des métabolites secondaires était spécifique aux espèces et aux tissus. Une expression plus élevée a été observée dans les échantillons en provenance des communautés côtières et avec la latitude. L'analyse de la capacité antioxydante a démontré des patrons similaires. L'analyse des différences génétiques à l'aide de microsatellites n'a pas révélé de groupes bien délimités. Ces résultats suggèrent que ces différences sont liées à la réponse des plantes au stress immédiat provenant de leur environnement.

This report examines the mortality of the James Bay Cree of northern Quebec during the period 1982-1986. Life expectancy at birth is higher in this population than among most other North American Indians. Infant mortality remains high, due to high death rates in the postneonatal period. Genetic diseases, infections, and accidents take a heavy toll among Cree infants and children. The Cree continue to experience lower mortality rates than Canada as a whole from cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The rate of drownings remains ten times the Canadian rate, but the Cree are still relatively exempt from the high incidence of accidental and violent deaths which effect many North American Indian groups.

The coastal fish community of Wemindji, eastern James Bay, was studied to describe seasonal utilization of the Maquatua River estuary and the adjacent coastal waters by marine and anadromous fishes. During summer, the estuarine fishes are numerically dominated by the fourhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis) and the slender eelblenny (Lumpenus fabricii), and also by juvenile cisco (Coregonus artedii) and whitefish (C. clupeaformis). In coastal waters, three marine species are abundant: the shorthorn sculpin (M. scorpius), the arctic sculpin (M. scorpioides) and the Greenland cod (Gadus ogac).
Greenland cod were studied in the same period. During the summer, they principally occupied shallow coastal waters, characterized by a belt of eelgrass (Zostera marina). In winter, more cod were found in the estuary. This movement corresponds to sexual maturity; spawning occurs in April to June. Greenland cod life history variables differ from those of most arctic benthic fishes: they show rapid growth, high fecundity, low age at first maturity and high mortality.

Food use and nutrient intake were studied with Cree women of Wemindji and Eastmain, Quebec. Twenty-four hour recalls and food frequency questionnaires were used among three age groups of women and in two seasons. Age had an effect on the mean amount of traditional food consumed (p $<$ 0.0001). Species and amounts of traditional food consumed varied by season. Ninety-four percent of women exceeded 2/3 of the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for protein and 80% exceeded 2/3 of the RNI for iron, despite lower than recommended reported energy intakes. Calcium intakes of less than 1/2 the RNI were reported by 44% of women. Mean total fat intake reported by young and middle adults was greater than 30% of total energy. Qualitative inquiry into changing food use revealed that most women agree that traditional food use has declined for a variety of reasons, and that community residents should use more traditional food.

The purpose of this study was to explore aboriginal perspectives of diabetes, nutrition and health so as to eventually develop culturally-appropriate means of implementing diabetes prevention and intervention activities. The participants included community members living in an Eastern James Bay Cree community in northern Quebec. In this qualitative research study, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation were used for data collection. Key themes that emerged from analyzing the in-depth interviews were "re-presented" using "found poetry" so as to capture the participants' experiences and perspectives using their own words. Focus groups were carried out to share the initial findings from the in-depth interviews as well as to elicit additional feedback from the community.

The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) is a remotely sensed vegetation index that detects a decrease in spectral reflectance at 531nm associated with xanthophyll cycle activity. PRI has been shown to track light use efficiency (LUE) in a number of plant species. PRI shows great promise in improving our ability to sense photosynthetic fluxes of CO2 remotely. However, it has not been tested in all environments, and its applicability is particularly uncertain for peatland environments dominated by mosses. This research investigates the ability of PRI to track LUE in a boreal forest and peatland, and examines the spectral signal associated with xanthophyll cycle activity in heterogeneous peatland plots. This research also investigates the relationship between PRI and leaf area index (LAI) over space and time in a peatland. We found most plots examined in the peatland site did not exhibit a spectral signal associated with xanthophyll cycle activity when exposed to a transition from dark conditions to full sunlight. This transition should lead to a de-epoxidation of xanthophylls in leaf tissues and a decrease in reflectance at 531nm. Plots that did show the decrease in reflectance at 531nm after this change in light conditions also displayed a decrease in PRI. This indicates that PRI effectively detects the 531nm signal as well as xanthophyll cycle activity and light stress in these plots. However, the variability in the strength of the spectral response to changing light conditions may confound the PRI signal in practice, and make it difficult to interpret results of airborne or satellite data. We also found PRI at the peatland site to be sensitive to and directly correlated with spatial variability in LAI, and negatively correlated with temporal variability in LAI. These characteristics may result in further difficulties applying PRI in peatlands. PRI and LUE were correlated at both the forest and peatland site, however at both sites the PRI signal saturated around 500 µmol m-2 s-1 of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). This saturation effect has not, to our knowledge, been reported in other studies. Saturation of the PRI signal may limit our ability to determine carbon fluxes from airborne or satellite based remotely sensed data which is generally collected under clear skies during the brightest parts of the day when PAR exceeds 500 µmol m-2 s-1.
L'indice de réflectance photochimique (IRP) est un indice de végétation par télédétection qui détecte une diminution de la réflectance spectrale à 531nm associée à l'activité du cycle des xanthophylles. Il a été démontré que l'IRP est associé à l'efficacité d'utilisation de lumière (EUL) dans un certain nombre d'espèces végétales. L'IRP permet donc d'améliorer notre capacité à détecter les flux photosynthétiques du CO2 à distance. Cependant, il n'a pas été testé dans tous les environnements, et son applicabilité est particulièrement incertaine pour les écosystèmes tels que les tourbières dominées par les mousses. Cette étude examine la capacité des IRP de déceler l'EUL dans une forêt boréale et une tourbière, et examine le signal spectral associé à l'activité du cycle xanthophylle dans des parcelles hétérogènes d'une tourbière. Cette étude explore également la relation entre l'IRP et l'indice de surface foliaire (ISF) dans l'espace et le temps dans une tourbière.Nous avons trouvé que la plupart des parcelles examinées dans la tourbière ne présentent pas un signal spectral associé à l'activité du cycle de xanthophylle lorsqu'exposées à des conditions passant de l'obscurité à la lumière du soleil. Cette transition de luminosité devrait mener à la de-époxydation des xanthopylles dans les tissus foliaires et à une diminution de la réflectance à 531 nm. Les parcelles qui ont montré une telle diminution de la réflectance à 531 nm après les changements de luminosité ont aussi affiché une baisse de l'IRP. Ceci indique que l'IRP peut détecter le signal à 531 nm ainsi que l'activité du cycle de xanthophylle et le stress lumineux dans ces parcelles. Par contre, la variabilité de la réponse spectrale à l'évolution des conditions de lumière peuvent confondre le signal de l'IRP, ce qui rend difficile d'interpréter les résultats provenant de données aériennes ou satellitaires. Nous avons également constaté que l'IRP dans la tourbière est sensible et directement corrélé avec la variabilité spatiale de l'ISF, et négativement corrélé avec la variabilité temporelle de l'ISF. Ces caractéristiques peuvent entraîner des difficultés supplémentaires quant à l'application de l'IRP dans les tourbières.L'IRP et l'EUL étaient corrélés à la forêt et à la tourbière, mais il y avait saturation du signal de l'IRP autour de 500 µmol m-2 s-1 du rayonnement photosynthétiquement actif (RPA) aux deux sites. Cet effet de saturation n'a pas, à notre connaissance, été signalé dans d'autres études. La saturation du signal de l'IRP peut limiter notre capacité à déterminer les flux de carbone provenant de données aériennes ou satellitaires qui sont généralement recueillies sous un ciel clair pendant les parties les plus brillantes de la journée où la RPA dépasse 500 µmol m-2 s-1.

This thesis examines the ways in which Cree women of Waskaganish, James Bay use and understand the concept of tradition in narratives about their lives and changes in their community. The fieldnotes of anthropologist Regina Flannery, completed in the 1930's, serve to orient this research, and provide a starting point for discussion.
As northern communities continue to adapt in the face of social and economic changes, cultural categories such as tradition have concurrently undergone reevaluation. It is argued here that the meanings of tradition have become more complex as Cree women adjust to their changing environment.
It is demonstrated that tradition is used as a narrative tool in descriptions of the past, and a means by which women can discuss change and the future of their community. In addition, tradition currently occupies a significant symbolic space in women's individual cultural identities, and is incorporated in daily life in various ways. Furthermore, tradition has also become an important component of Cree political discourse. Finally, it is apparent that tradition remains a contested category among women themselves, and dissent exists as to the future transmission of traditional practices, language and values.
From this analysis, tradition emerges as a nuanced term that has a number of conceptual modalities. It is suggested that a more comprehensive grasp of complex concepts such as tradition is made possible through the prioritization of personal narratives, and the exploration of the ways in which individuals utilize, comprehend and expand on cultural categories.

Carbon (C) biogeochemical cycling studies in northern peatlands, in particular the production, consumption, storage and emission of C gases (CO2 and CH4) over space and time between different peatland landforms can help in understanding their current and future role in the global C cycle. In some peatlands, a distinct surface patterning of vegetation, interspersed with open water pools, controls the spatial and temporal variability in CO 2 and CH4 exchange to atmosphere. These open water pools initially develop from shallow, flooded hollows to deeper water bodies and at some point reach a limit in their depth. Observations link pool size to age and spatial location on the peatland surface and over time the proportional cover of pools increases, playing an important role in the long-term peatland C balance.
The processes responsible for the production of CO2 and CH 4 in pools remain unexplored. In particular, the contribution of pools to the peatland C balance over the timeframe of the development of a pool complex is not explained and pools are not incorporated into current peatland models. A field study was carried out to examine the exchange of CO2 and CH4 from pools to atmosphere and to explore the spatial and temporal dynamics in CO2, CH4 and DOC storage in pools of different size and spatial location. This was undertaken to improve the understanding of the processes responsible for the generation of CO 2 and CH4 over the timescale of pool development. The empirical study was carried out during spring, summer and fall over two years in an ombrotrophic, raised bog, Quebec, Canada. A modelling component was carried out to examine the contribution of pools to the long-term peatland C balance.
Measurements of dissolved concentrations and emissions of CO2 and CH4 from pool surfaces to atmosphere were different among pools of different sizes and spatial location. Shallow pools had consistently higher emissions of both CO2 and CH4 and higher water column dissolved CO2 and DOC concentrations. Deeper pools had greater concentrations of sediment CH4. Dissolved organic carbon in pools was allochthonous, with a greater concentrations and proportion from higher plant materials in shallow pools, likely contributing to the observed water column CO2 concentrations and greater CO2 emissions.
All pools were supersaturated with dissolved CO2 and CH 4 at the time of sampling, with shallow pools up to eight times atmospheric equilibrium concentrations for CO2 and concentrations were up to one hundred times greater than CH4, comparable to findings in other global freshwater systems. Results suggest that greater decomposition is occurring in shallow pools due to warmer water and basal sediment temperatures and increased light penetration and dissolved oxygen (00) and that greater CH4 production and oxidation accounts for some of the differences reaching a limit at 0.7 m deep. Even though this range of pools are not as deep as pools found on other northern peatlands, the results provide evidence for the potential processes responsible for the generation of CO2 and CH4 emissions to atmosphere and demonstrate that pools have a significant role in the short and long-term peatland C balance. Modelling the hypothesised processes responsible for the generation of CO2 and CH4 shows that if sediment decomposition is the major source of these gases then the dynamical link between pool sediments, C gas production and pool growth has been demonstrated. Ultimately their role as source or sink is largely determined by their size (depth), the proportional cover on the landscape and their rates of C storage in sediments versus rates of C uptake and exchange.

The present study investigates the problems of conducting psychological research from the experiential perspective of the Native subject and the Native consumer of research.
The Cree of Northern Quebec, who have a long history of independence and a strong central government, have ejected several psychologists from their lands. From the analysis of the psychological research conducted among the Cree it was concluded that ejections generally followed incidents of perceived disrespect for local authority systems. This analysis seemed to show that flexibility and a personal approach were considered by the Native subjects as important assets for a researcher. Other positive attributes included relevance of the research, Native origin of the researcher, and the use of information sessions after the research was concluded. Negative attributes included ethnocentrism of the researcher, the free expression of anger, demands for self-disclosure, question-asking, overpublication of results, over-identification with the host group, and ignorance of Cree history and culture. The situation for counsellors was found to have many similarities to the situation for researchers.
To investigate the problem directly, a quasi-experiment was conducted with a group of James Bay Cree subjects, and their reaction to the research experience was polled after the experiment. It was found that the subjects often enjoyed the research. Personality tests were accepted in varying degrees, and certain Native values were affected in varying degrees.
Subjects in a positive-feedback treatment group rated the experiment poorer in social responsibility and honesty than did subjects in a mixed positive-and-negative feedback group. The vast majority of subjects felt the study would have been better if it had been conducted by a Cree, and three subjects stated that the study should not have been conducted at all.
From both the literature and the experimental study, the following sources of reactivity were recognized: inflexible protocol, ethnocentrism, expression of anger, requests for self-disclosure, excessive amounts of testing, question-asking, over-publishing of results, the use of deception, over-identification with the hosts, ignorance of Native history, differential treatment, and lack of redeeming social value. Aspects of psychological research considered positive by the Native subjects included: a personal approach, relevance, Native origin of the research, affiliation with a local person, advanced age of researcher, use of intrinsically valuable or at least entertaining instruments, ability of the researcher to read subtle messages, and use of information-sharing sessions. The key to conducting non-reactive research is to respect local authority. Respect can be shown by obtaining permission to enter the area, to access a subject pool, to conduct the research, and to publish the results. If permission is refused, that decision must be respected.

Carbon dioxide and methane fluxes were measured between May 2003 and August 2004 on vegetated surfaces and pools of three peatlands located in the La Grande Riviere watershed, James Bay lowland, Quebec, Canada. Gas flux measurements were made using static chambers on a variety of sites in the three peatlands, chosen to represent the different biotypes present, from hummocks with water table position 35 cm below the surface to pools 100 cm deep.
Average CH4 fluxes for the different biotypes on vegetated surfaces sampled during summer 2003 ranged from 3.5 to 197 mg m-2 d-1 while summer 2004 average floating chamber pool fluxes ranged between 6.2 and 3165 mg CH4 m-2 d -1. Mean daily CH4 fluxes on vegetated surface are strongly correlated (r2 > 0.75) with summer average water table depth, greater fluxes occurring where water table is close to the surface. The vegetated surface CH4 fluxes were also correlated with peat temperature as fluxes increase with increasing peat temperature during the summer.
Most net ecosystem productivity values calculated for the different biotypes in the three peatlands showed release of CO2 during both early and mid growing season periods. An annual budget calculated for the LG2 peatland showed that the peatland emitted CO2 to the atmosphere at a rate of 0.77 g m-2 d-1. The overall release of CO 2 may have been caused in part by dry conditions in the peatlands during summer 2003, due to high temperature and low precipitation.

This documentary study sought to determine the relevance of the James Bay Cree's cultural values and practices to their policy-making process as school committee members. The Cree's formal school system, for which they have full responsibility, is based on the values and practices of non-native society.
Using the historical method, both primary and secondary sources were searched for relevant information concerning Cree culture and its distinguishing characteristics. Evidence of a distinct egalitarian society, practicing consensus, reciprocity and communal land use was found. Sources also indicated the continuing existence and adaptability of Cree values and practices despite prolonged interaction with non-native society.
This thesis proposes that these cultural values and practices predispose the Cree to be effective school committee members. The study provides data for a possible future ethnographic study of Cree school committee participation. Further research could also focus on the policy-making process required of Cree school board members.

This study examined the effects of the residential school system on the Cree and their communities. The four guiding questions for this study were: (i) How has the legacy of the residential school system affected the lives of the survivors in Cree communities? (ii) How do the residential school experiences continue to make an impact on the social and cultural fabric of the Cree communities of Mistissini, Oujé-Bougoumou and Waswanipi? (iii) What lessons can we collectively learn from the stories of survivors that will promote healing and enable future generations to move forward in positive directions? And finally (iv), What is the role of education in this process, and what knowledge is necessary to help the process along?Narratives were collected from 34 individuals ranging in age from 20 to 90 years old. A series of semi-structured and open-ended questions were used to draw out their stories. These narratives were then transcribed and coded for emergent themes. The theoretical framework draws on contemporary post-colonial and critical scholarship using an Aboriginal conceptual framework for analysis. First and second generation survivors had personal experiences with the residential school system and told similar stories of being forced to leave their communities under threats of economic sanctions and the incarceration of their families if they did not comply. Once removed from their homes, many were subjected to extreme physical, emotional and sexual abuses in these institutions. They were not allowed to speak their own language and had difficulty returning to and fitting in with their communities and families. They tell stories of family breakdown due to alcohol and drug abuse, a phenomenon that was largely unheard of in3Cree communities prior to this time in our history. The third generation, who did not attend residential school, tell of emotionally traumatized parents who have struggled for decades to cope with their experiences. Each generation agreed on the importance of teaching Cree language, values and culture to Cree students, and that the history of the Canadian government's treaties and residential schools should be an essential part of the curriculum.The most compelling message emerging from this study was the need to look at fundamentally opposed value systems in the ways education is imagined and delivered and which continue to undermine the social and educational development of Cree children. The residential school traumas continue to reverberate and generate harm throughout the Cree community, both actively through memories and passively through silence and shame. The findings of this study speak volumes to the long-term cultural and social impact on these communities. Culturally, this social engineering experiment had devastating implications for Cree Elders. Our Elders were once valued and respected authorities who were responsible for the education and well being of our people. Many former educational and community leaders are now reduced to having diminished roles, and the resulting cultural changes have been significant.There is a dire need for the history, chronology of leadership, and the development of each Cree community, be taught to the children. It is recommended that the history of the residential school system and the effects of industrial development and encroachment on Cree lands through treaties also be an essential part of the school curriculum.
Cette étude examine l'effet du système d'écoles résidentielles sur les Cris et leurs communautés. Les quatre questions directrices pour l'étude furent:(i) Comment les séquelles du système d'écoles résidentielles affectèrent la vie des survivants dans des communautés cris? (ii) Comment l'expérience des écoles résidentielles continue-t-elle de faire un impact sur le tissue social et culturel des communautés cris de Mistissini, Oujé-Bougoumou et Waswanipi? (iii) Quelles leçons pouvons-nous collectivement tirer des histoires de ces survivants qui encourageront la guérison et permettront aux générations futures d'avancer dans des directions positives? (iv) Quel est le rôle de l'éducation dans ce processus et quels savoirs sont nécessaires pour le mener à bien?Les témoignages de 34 individus âgés entre 20 et 90 ans furent recueillis. Une série de questions ouvertes, semi-structurées, furent utilisées pour faire émerger leurs histoires. Ces témoignages furent ensuite transcrits et codés pour faire ressortir les thèmes dominants. Le cadre théorique découle des travaux critiques et post-coloniaux contemporains en utilisant un cadre conceptuel autochtone pour l'analyse. Des survivants des première et deuxième générations eurent des expériences personnelles avec le système d'écoles résidentielles et racontèrent des histoires semblable qui détaillent comment ils furent forcés de quitter leurs communautés sous les menaces de sanctions économiques et de l'incarcération d'êtres chers. Une fois sortis de leurs communautés, plusieurs furent victimes d'abus émotionnels, physiques et sexuels extrêmes dans ces institutions. Il leur fut interdit de parler leur langue maternelle et ils eurent de la difficulté à réintégrer leurs familles et communautés. Ils racontent des histoires d'échec familial dus à l'abus d'alcool et de drogue, un phénomène qui était largement étrange au communautés cris avant5cette période de l'histoire. La troisième génération, qui ne fréquenta pas les écoles résidentielles, parle de parents traumatisés émotionnellement qui ont lutté pendant des décennies pour faire face à leurs expériences. Les générations s'entendirent par rapport à l'importance de l'enseignement de la langue, de la culture et des valeurs cris aux étudiants cris. De plus, tous estimèrent que l'histoire des traités du gouvernement canadien et des écoles résidentielles devrait être une partie essentielle du programme scolaire. Le message le plus criant à émerger de cette étude fut le besoin d'observer des systèmes de valeurs fondamentalement opposés, par rapport à la façon d'imaginer et de transmettre l'éducation, qui continuent de nuire le développement social et éducationnel des enfants cris. Le traumatisme des écoles résidentielles continue de se réverbérer et de faire du mal dans la communauté cri; activement par les souvenirs et passivement par le silence et la honte. Les trouvailles de cette étude en disent beaucoup à propos des effets sociaux et culturels sur ces communautés à long terme. Culturellement, cette expérience de génie social eut des implications dévastatrices pour les aînés cris. Nos aînés furent historiquement des autorités respectés et valorisés qui étaient responsables du bien-être de notre peuple. Plusieurs anciens dirigeants communautaires et éducationnels sont maintenant réduits à des rôles de moindre importance et les changements culturels résultant furent significatifs. Il y a un besoin urgent d'enseigner l'histoire, la chronologie politique et le développement de chaque communauté cri à nos enfants. Il est recommandé que l'histoire du système d'écoles résidentielles, des effets du développement industriel et de l'empiètement sur les terres cris soit également une partie essentielle du programme.

Concerns regarding the persistence, bioaccumulation, long-range transport, and adverse health effects of polybrominated dipheyl ethers (PBDEs) have recently come to light. PBDEs are quickly becoming a ubiquitous pollutant and have been found globally in sediment, aquatic mammals, fish, bird eggs, human milk, serum, and adipose tissue. Due to their persistence and lipophilicity, PBDEs may biomagnify through the food chain and could pose a danger to those who consume these contaminated animals. Many First Nation communities in the James Bay region rely in part on a subsistence diet; therefore, these communities have the potential to carry high levels of PBDEs. Additionally, PBDEs have been shown to be preferentially deposited in the sub-Arctic, making this contaminant of particular interest to the James Bay region of northern Ontario and Quebec, Canada. By analyzing PBDE body burden (plasma), this contaminant was characterized with regards to its latitudinal variation and concentration. The study established a baseline PBDE level in the communities of the James Bay region and determined concentrations in the traditional foods of the First Nation communities located in the Mushkegowuk Territory of sub-Arctic Canada, to examine potential routes of exposure. The PBDE body burden was found to be low in the Mushkegowuk communities when compared to more northern communities in Canada. Similarly, PBDE body burden in the US and southern Canada is higher than those of the James Bay region. The body burdens of the James Bay Cree are similar to Japanese and Swedish levels. Analysis of traditional foods shows relatively elevated levels of PBDEs in certain game species such as whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos), and moose (Alces alces) compared to other traditional foods from the same area. Data in this thesis can be used for human biomonitoring purposes and the animal data can be combined with consumption data in order to assess the contribution of PBDEs to body burden from a First Nation diet as well as provide guidance when developing safety guidelines for the consumption of traditional foods. While the sub-arctic has been identified as an environmental sink for PBDEs, the levels found in this study indicate that long-range transportation and dietary biomagnification of the contaminant may not be the primary exposure pathway. This may be due to low bioavailability of the contaminant, rapid metabolism, or alternate sources of exposure and should be investigated in future studies.

Les Cris de la Baie James sont parmi les premiers bénéficiaires d'un traité moderne qui prévoit un rôle déterminant pour les Autochtones dans la gestion de l'environnement et du développement des ressources naturelles. À travers la Convention de la Baie James et du Nord québécois, les Cris participent à la gestion de l'environnement et sont assurés d'un droit de regard sur les projets de développement futurs dans l'ensemble de leur partie du territoire conventionné. Cette participation, qui est le fruit d'une intense négociation, est aujourd'hui renforcée, à travers des ententes de coopération subséquentes, grâce notamment, à l'émergence du mouvement écologiste qui a contribué à la reconnaissance d'un rôle particulier pour les Autochtones à l'égard de l'environnement. Par l'examen des mécanismes de protection de l'environnement, notamment le processus d'évaluation environnementale, aux termes du chapitre 22 de la Convention de la Baie James et du Nord québécois, cette étude met en lumière l'importance du processus de négociation et des droits qui en résultent par rapport à ceux reconnus en vertu de la doctrine des droits ancestraux telle que développée récemment par les tribunaux canadiens.
The James Bay Cree were among the first to benefit from a modem treaty which gave aboriginal peoples a detennining role in environmental management and natural resource development. Under the James Bay and Northem Quebec Agreement, the Cree have a role in environmental management and the right to take part in the development of future projects planned on lands subject to the James Bay and Northem Quebec Agreement, south of the 55th parallel. That participation was won through intense negotiation. Due particularly to the growing ecological movement which contributed to the recognition of the special role of indigenous peoples with respect to the environment, later cooperation agreements served to reinforce indigenous participation. The present study looks at the environmental protection mechanisms, in particular the environmental assessment process as defined in Chapter 22 of the James Bay and Northem Quebec Agreement. The analysis highlights the importance of the negotiation process and the resulting rights in relation to those recognized through the doctrine of ancestral rights as developed recently by Canadian tribunals.
"Mémoire présenté à la Faculté des études supérieures en vue de l'obtention du grade de LL.M. en Maîtrise option recherche". Ce mémoire a été accepté à l'unanimité et classé parmi les 10% des mémoires de la discipline. Commentaires du jury : "De façon unanime, le jury estime qu'il s'agit d'un très bon mémoire, sûrement de qualité publiable sous réserve de quelques modifications mineures. Il fait de manière convaincante la preuve que la négociation est un vecteur de réalisation des aspirations politiques autochtones infiniment plus efficace que ne l'est la contestation judiciaire."

The social and environmental impacts of large-scale industrial development have had direct and extensive impacts on the Cree communities of eastern James Bay, northern Quebec. The signing of the 'New Relationship Agreement' between the Quebec Crees and Quebec Government (2002) formalized measures for local participation in overseeing the management of natural resources and development projects in the region. This initiative purports to provide Crees with a voice in decisions relating to projects that affect their lives and the lands they occupy. In return, the New Agreement paved the way for the development of the EM-1-A & Rupert Diversion Project and ensured the support of the regional Cree leadership. This study presents the perspectives of the local Cree community of Nemaska on the potential impacts of the EM-1-A & Rupert Diversion Project and examines various political strategies that they have drawn upon to defend their land against the proposed hydroelectric expansion. My findings show that despite formidable obstacles, Nemaska Crees have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to engage a range of political strategies in an effort to voice their opposition to the EM-1-A/Rupert diversion project. Although construction of the river diversion project is now underway, and 'the battle to save the Rupert River' has been lost, this thesis affirms the role and significance of individuals and organizations operating at the local level in articulating and framing the implications of the ecological crises imposed by large-scale industrial development on the 'local'

This thesis used traditional environmental knowledge (TEK) to assess the impacts of climate change on food security for First Nations communities located in the western James Bay region of northern Ontario. In addition, climate scenarios were derived from General Circulation Models (GCMs) and Regional Climate Models (RCMs). The TEK data revealed there were no observable climatic-related effects on fish species (i.e., distributional change) except the fish die-offs of July 2005. Climate data specific for the period of the fish die-offs in the Albany River (the western James Bay region) indicated not only a temporal relationship between a heat wave and the fish die-offs, but also a concurrent period of reduced precipitation. Climate scenarios showed increases in mean air temperature for all seasons, all time periods (2011– 2040, 2041– 2070, and 2071– 2100), and all emission scenarios (A2, A1B, and B1); however, the results for seasonal total precipitation were variable, dependent emission scenarios. TEK suggest that increasing temperatures may not be the only climate change phenomena of importance; climate variability and extreme events were reported as precipitating fish die-offs and changes in the timing of harvesting of fish. Further research should concentrate on the investigation of climate change and food security issues in sub-arctic regions.

Objectif: La santé des Indiens inscrits est inférieure à celle des autres Canadiens et dévoile des écarts importants entre les différents groupes qui la composent. La nation crie de l’Iiyiyiu Aschii, signataire de la Convention de la Baie-James et du Nord québécois (CBJNQ), bénéficie à cet égard d’un état de santé supérieur à celui des autres Indiens inscrits. L’objectif de ce mémoire est d’examiner l’impact de la CBJNQ sur les déterminants sociaux et l’état de santé de ses signataires cris depuis son entrée en vigueur en 1977. Méthodologie : Des analyses comparatives entre les Cris de l’Iiyiyiu Aschii, les Indiens inscrits et les Canadiens ont permis de suivre l’évolution à travers le temps des différences socioéconomiques, d’habitudes de vie et d’état de santé de ces groupes. Résultats : Les Cris ont enregistré, comparativement aux autres groupes d’Indiens inscrits vivant sur une réserve, une plus grande amélioration de leurs déterminants socioéconomiques, une progression relativement limitée de leurs comportements à risque et une préservation à un niveau plus élevé de leurs pratiques traditionnelles. Les Cris ont également vu progresser plus rapidement leur espérance de vie à la naissance que les Canadiens, et leur mortalité infantile a connu une chute encore plus importante que celle enregistrée chez les Indiens inscrits sur réserve. Conclusion : La CBJNQ a vraisemblablement eu un impact significatif sur la santé des Cris de l’Iiyiyiu Aschii. Cette amélioration sanitaire s’explique notamment par la Convention qui a su mettre en place des structures politiques qui ont favorisé l’amélioration des déterminants sociaux et le développement de l’autonomie gouvernementale des Cris.
Objective : The health of Status Indians is below that of other Canadians, showing important gaps among the different Status groups. The Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee, signatory to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), shows a higher health level than that of other Indian Nations. The objective of this thesis is to examine the impact of the JBNQA, signed in 1977, on the health of the Cree. Method : A comparative health analysis was conduted among the Cree of Eeyou Istchee, other Indian Nations’ levels, and that of non-Native Canadians, in order to examine the evolution of social determinants of health statuses of these groups. Results : The Cree achieved the highest improvement in their socioeconomic determinants, limited progress in reducing their risky behaviors, and better retention of their traditional ways of life, than other Native Nations. The Cree increased their life-expectancy at birth to a higher status than the Canadian status, and their child mortality rates decreased compared to those of other Status Indians. Conclusion : The JBNQA seems to have had a significant impact on the health of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee. The improvements might be explained by the political structures created by the Agreement. These structures supported both the improvement of the social determinants and the development of the Cree self-governement.