text : web site, Photos : Gaston Cooper
Oujé-Bougoumou : "A Place Where People Gather". The elders* chose the site, on the shores of Lake Opemiska, close to all traditional trap lines. Vegetation flourishes. In summer there is a fresh scent of spruce trees and blueberries in the air. Located in the James Bay Territory, between the 49th and 50th parallels, 45 minutes from Chibougamau, and about a 25 minute drive from the nearest airport. This Cree village, of about 600 people, is an extraordinary place well worth the journey. It offers delicious food, cultural and wilderness experiences, as well as design and technical wonders in a natural and human environment of breathtaking beauty.
Our elders had a vision : a community for their children and grandchildren. This vision sustained them in their struggle to make their dream a reality. The elders of the Oujé-Bougoumou nation have given so much : they have given us the benefit of their wise counsel ; they have preserved our sense of community in the face of tremendous odds ; they have given us the courage to continue our struggle ; and they have given us a sense of perspective and direction whenever we needed it. It is perhaps the younger generation who will be the builders of the village, but it is the older generation who have been the protectors and defenders of our community.
When we began to seriously plan our new village, we started with a vision. The essential thrust of that vision was to re-create the well-being of our traditional way of life to its fullest extent in the context of modern facilities and contemporary institutions.
Our traditional land-based way of life requires that any development be undertaken in a way that is respectful of, and in harmony with, the environment. Our reliance on the land and its resources continues to foster practices which ensure that the land and resources will be available for those who come after us.
The mission of the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation is to establish a foundation for the future generation of Oujé-Bougoumou Crees which is based on community self-determination, individual growth, mutual support, protection of our culture, protection of our environment and in peaceful co-existence with other peoples.
Oujé-Bougoumou continues to receive important recognition internationally, both for its development and its emerging tourism products.
Sharing is at the heart of the Oujé-Bougoumou way of life. We share the fruits of our hunting and fishing. We invite you to our land, to share our way of life. Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation invites you to come spend time with us.
Visit our modern award-winning village. Dine at our gourmet restaurant. Stay at our new, full-service Lodge situated on the shore of beautiful Lake Opemiska. Take a guided tour of the village and the unique central heating system. Test your nerve on our snowmobile or moto-cross track. Swim in our lake, fish in our water ; hike in our woods, ski on our cross-country trails.
If it’s something of the past you seek, we invite you to spend time in our cultural village. Sleep in a traditional Cree dwelling. Attend a traditional feast. Learn how to make a wide assortment of crafts. Listen to Elders’ stories. Rider a dogsled or take a canoe trip or learn how to snowshoe.
No matter what type a vacation you are seeking we have something to share with you. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or contemporary, fast-paced or easy-going, whether you want to rough it or stay in comfortable modern accommodations, we have something to share with you.
Contact
Roger Lacroix
Oujé-Bougoumou Tourism –
203 Opemiska Meskino, P.O. Box 131,
Oujé-Bougoumou, Québec, Canada, G0W 3C0
Tel. . Free, : 1-888-745-3905
Tel. : 1-418-745-3905
Fax : 1-418-745-3544
e-mail : tourism@ouje.ca
Website : www.ouje.ca/tourism
Language : English, French, Cree
David ou Anna Bosum
Nuuhchimi Wiinuu (Cultural Tours)
74 Opataca Street, Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec, Canada, G0W 3CO
Tel. : 1-418-745-3212
Tel. for reservations : 1-418-745-3629
Fax : 1-418-745-3500
Email : creeculturaltourism@hotmail.com
*Elder : One having authority by virtue of wisdom of age and thorough experience of the Cree way of life