Christmas Wishes
by Norman Fireman

In this Pulse of the Nation we go to Chisasibi. We visited the teachers and Grade 3 and 4 students at the James Bay Eeyou School. We asked them for their Christmas wishlist. All the students first of all would like to wish everyone especially their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Grade 3: Elisha Bobbish wants a mini-ski-doo and Mariette Bobbish wants a sled to go sliding. Matthew Duff also wants a Mini-ski-doo and a sled. Jeremy Wapachee wants also a sled and a Playstation 2. Trisha Sam just wants skates for Christmas. And Jane Pachano says she would like a mini ski-doo and a Gameboy Advance.

Grade 4: Thomas Ekomiak wants a mini skidoo and a Game Cube. Tamara Neacappo said she wants a mini ski-doo also and a Game Cube. Crystal Pachano wants a sled and a Barbie doll. Agnes Sam would like a Game Cube and a Barbie doll. Christiana Snowboy also is hoping for a mini ski-doo and a Game Cube.

As for the teachers, Agnes Shem says, “I just want Santa to bring me firewood for the Cultural camp, we’re always out of wood.”

Susan Scipio, who teaches Pre-K, says, “I want a new two-storey house for Christmas. That’s all.”

William Cox, who teaches Cree culture: “I just want snowshoe frames. I want Santa to chop them down on his way to Chisasibi.”

Sarah Herodier: “I want a dishwasher for Christmas. Either I don’t have time or I’m just too lazy.”

We went to see some community members as well.

Tom “Boy’ish” Wadden: “All I want for Christmas is that people would remember Jesus Christ, who came to die for us. I wish everyone a merry Christmas and be thankful for all God has done for you.”

Allan Neacappo: “I just want to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everybody and a safe holidays especially to those who lost their loved ones.”

Chief Abraham Rupert: “I would like to say wachiya to everybody in the Cree Nation. I wish you all safe holidays and take care of each other and think about the children because that’s what Christmas is all about and remember the wonderful gift we received from the Creator. I wish everyone a merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

When asked what he would like for Christmas Rupert said, “They’re working on my house as of now, I just wish I could move in for Christmas.”