Site Visits and Activities
POST-RETREAT OVERNIGHT TRIPS
SEPTEMBER 24-27
Visit to Cree Village EcoLodge in Moose Factory
Dates of Trip: September
24 – 27
Wha-Chay (Welcome) …
Since time immemorial the members of Moose
Cree First Nation (formerly known as Moose Factory Band of Indians) have
occupied the large portion
of land now referred to as Moose Cree traditional territory. The Crees
were a peaceful nation who, for most of the year, would travel to and
from harvesting areas, living off the land. Moose Factory is located
near the mouth of the mighty Moose River on an island approximately 13
miles south of the southern tip of James Bay.
This four day, three night
tour includes a chartered flight on a Cessna 208 float plane from Ottawa
directly to Moose Factory where you will stay overnight
at the Cree Village EcoLodge, a state of the art eco-tourism
facility, designed, created and operated by community members in accordance
with
traditional values and with a focus on Cree culture and ecological sustainability.
This modern facility includes 20 guest rooms as well as the landmark
Shabatwon Great Hall, modeled on a traditional Cree dwelling.
The Cree
Village EcoLodge is the most environmentally advanced accommodations
facility in Canada. It features state-of-the-art energy efficient upgrades
such as triple glazed windows, and high-efficiency boilers that
provide hot water heat throughout the lodge with individual room controls.
The system is fitted for future solar, wind or distributed energy resources.
Wall treatments are either natural wood or special low emission paints,
floor coverings are hardwood, ceramic
tile or organic wool carpeting. Furniture throughout is natural wood
and fibers, with details such as birch wood blinds on windows and organic
wool bedspreads. Environmental amenities include natural wool carpeting;
all organic mattresses, pillows and sheets; and organic hand soaps and
shampoos in every room.
Day two will see you embarking on a freighter
canoe to James Bay to view the wildlife and tour Moose Factory
Island,
where you will stop at the
local hospital, church and craft shops. You will dine at the Cree
Cultural Interpretive Centre, enjoying a traditional First Nations meal.
Day
three will feature traditional fishing on the Moose River with wildlife
stops to see geese and ducks, eagles, seals and whales. Afternoon stops
along the river include an island stop to learn about flora and fauna
unique to the area, and a stop-over at one of the many beaches to search
for fossils. Should the group participating be interested, our chartered
plane may be hired to take a site-seeing trip north along James Bay to
look for the ever illusive polar bear (an extra charge will apply to
charter the plane for this portion of the trip).
An early start on day
four gets you back to Ottawa by midday.
Register by August 7.
Group Size: Minimum: 6; Maximum:
8
Cost: $1850 CDN; $1400 US (includes
transportation, lodging and meals)
Travel time: Four-hour float plane flight from Ottawa to Moose Factory
Date of Trip: September 24 – 27
Begin: September 24, Château
Laurier Lobby @ 9:00 a.m.
End: September 27, Château Laurier
Lobby @ 1:00 p.m.
Issue Areas:
- Wildlife Biodiversity
- Land Use
- First Nations
- Resource Development
- Boreal Issues
 
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