Last October, the CJC of Chisasibi was having discussions to find a logo. An elder spoke and shared a story of a man who fell very ill on the land a long long time ago and how the wolverine made him better. This is how a wolverine is now central in the logo.
The elder explained that, before the CBHSSJB existed, when someone got terminally ill on the land, the peers would bring the person to be close to his relatives and to prepare for a proper burial. When the man of this story fell very ill, the others travelled down the river by boat, and portaging the sickly in a blanket to go around each rapid. At one point, to go back and get their supplies at base camp, they left the man near the rapids.
The sick man started dreaming, drifting in and out of consciousness. When he looked towards the rapids, he saw a wolverine coming out of them, walking towards him. As he was laying there on the ground, the wolverine came close and placed its front legs and paws on his legs. The animal said to him "Nitisaawaatisiin," which means, "I have compassion," and left. The man miraculously recovered. When the others returned, they saw him walk and they were shocked as they never thought he would heal.
This is how the Chisasibi CJC decided to integrate the wolverine, since the elder shared that it not only fights sickness but also protects us. The animal is known to have no fear, and is a guide in overcoming our dilemmas and in taking the right direction in life. And the healing came from being on the land, Eeyou Istchee provides for us.
The yellow, red and black logo therefore shows a wolverine that does not look fearsome. It carries on its back a woman holding her hands up, representing the balance of law and Justice. It includes a teepee, which represents the community’s input since as we need everyone’s involvement, the teepee needs all of its poles to support its structure and has to be in perfect balance to overcome a storm. The animal also displays on its side our people helping each other and holding hands. All elements translate our Cree way of life and our way of thinking.
