Meet the Candidates

Losty Mamianskum

For Deputy Grand Chief

Why are you the best candidate for Deputy Grand Chief?

My grandparents’ teachings, my university education, work history and life experiences are the basis for my approach to issues affecting our Nation. Hard work with no shortcuts got me where I am today; sometimes holding jobs that some feel are beneath them. After university, as a communications officer, I helped one person at a time in my community. Today, I am an advisor and negotiator.

My past experiences are not that different from other Crees. I understand how it feels to be looked down upon, with little hope. Alcohol abuse brought me suffering, but 16 years of sobriety have instilled strength and compassion, sensitizing me to our social problems. I have earned the respect of many people. For four years now, representing Quebec’s Aboriginal Peoples, I am one of RCMP Commissioner Zaccardelli’s advisors for policing matters on the National Committee. I spoke at the Quebec judges’ conference last year, and I am invited back this year. I know Chief Justice Gagnon very well. Education gives us access to those in power, leading to awareness and greater understanding, toward respectful co-existence. Developing exceptional relationships with governments serves to protect and defend our rights without compromising our people’s needs, values and aspirations.

In your opinion, what is the single most important issue facing the Cree Nation today?

There is no single most important issue facing the Cree Nation. There are many complex issues and they do not have simple solutions. I believe the social issues affecting our youth are among the most important. After all, the youth are our most important resource because they are our future. Many of these problems require local level initiatives because every community is different. Politicians can talk about what they will do for the youth, what they will put in place. But, all these are ineffective if the youth themselves do not have a say. In a special forum, we will listen and apply what they tell us to put a system in place with proper financial resources. I believe that children and youth need structured activities like weekend and after-school programs that will instill self-confidence. To give them a sense of security, we must entrench our cultural identity, our values, in a government structured with appropriate jurisdiction, powers and authority giving us more control over our lives and Eeyou Istchee. We are susceptible to external influences until this happens. This is an important element in empowering our youth. There are other very important issues that I could mention.

If you could change one thing in the Cree Nation today, what would it be?

I would change the apathy (lack of active interest or involvement) that exists everywhere. This is not the fault of any particular person or group. I believe that we can change this over the long-term. It will require much education and awareness. There was a vision created over 30 years ago, based on Cree values. Once people begin to see their role in this broader vision of the Cree Nation, and the opportunities available to them, they can contribute to positive change. I believe we can turn apathy into empowerment, and positive change and move forward to a brighter future. Please check my web site (www.losty.ca) where I give a message to the people explaining the vision I am referring to.

What are the three most important things you hope to accomplish in your term?

I will work on justice, Section 18 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. The Crees would be much better off to have control over their own justice system rooted in traditional Cree values. Restorative justice and other measures geared toward wellness could be established. Crees could become probation officers, court clerks, defense lawyers, crown attorneys, justice coordinators, mediators, guards, and more. Secondly, my social background sensitizes me to the plight of the youth, women, men, children and elderly. If I am elected, I will accept invitations to speak on social issues, such as addictions, domestic violence, and individual rights. It is time for leaders to become role models. Sometimes, a few words of inspiration from leaders who care can steer people in a more positive direction. Finally, if Cree self-government negotiations succeed, I will participate in the framing of a Cree Constitution. I want to ensure that individual and collective rights are balanced, and freedoms and liberty are firmly entrenched. I want to contribute to something that will make our descendants proud; an evolving Cree society that is strong in its cultural identity, promotes freedom, happiness, growth, progress and economic prosperity.

What makes you proud to be a Cree?

What really makes me proud is the achievements and progress that we have made together, as a Nation, in the last 30 years. The Cree people have always chosen their leaders well. Even when other First Nations criticized them for the actions they took to protect and defend our way of life and Eeyou Istchee, our leaders always did what was best for us.

I think that sometimes we focus too much on what we perceive to be wrong around us and not enough on what we have to be thankful for. It seems, these days, that the only people who understand our successes are our Elders. It was they who had the original vision for a better future for us, our children, grandchildren and our descendants.

There is a better future ahead of us!