Wemindji
A Cree Community On James Bay, Known For Its Beadwork And Art, With Islands Off The Coast, Goose Hunting Grounds, A Coastal Tradition And Offshore Islands. A Friendly And Small Community Reached By A Spur Road Off The James Bay Road · Wemindji, Quebec
Wemindji is a Cree community of roughly 1,400 to 1,600 people on the east coast of James Bay, near the mouth of the Maquatua River in Eeyou Istchee. The name is said to refer to red ochre (confirm). A spur road of roughly 90 km leads from the James Bay Road (confirm), and Air Creebec flies in from the south (confirm). It is not a sightseeing town, but it is known across Cree country for its beadwork and art, and for a coast of islands, tidal flats and goose grounds that families still use each spring and autumn. Visitors find a cultural centre, a store, a small hotel or guest lodging, and guides who can take a boat along the shore (confirm). A protected area has been set aside on the offshore islands and coast, with the Cree council leading its care (confirm). The coast here is open and windy, with a big sky over the bay. Ask before photographing people or camps, and ask the band office before going onto trapline land.
Wemindji, a Cree community of about 1,500 people on the coast of James Bay at the mouth of the Maquatua River, reached by a spur road off the James Bay Road and by air; coordinates approximate, Wemindji, Quebec, Canada
Wemindji keeps no formal visiting hours because it is a living community. The band office, the cultural centre, the stores and the hotel desk keep their own hours, often roughly 9 to 5 on weekdays with shorter days at the weekend - confirm by phone before the drive. Boat trips run mainly June to September, with ice fishing and snowmobile trips from about January to March. The spring goose break and the autumn hunt take many families onto the land, so offices may be shut or quiet then. The James Bay Road is open year-round, but winter driving is slow and daylight is short.