Economic Development

Growing our community.

Our mission is to provide programs and services to the Moose Cree membership that enhances and promotes economic opportunities in our region.

Tourism

The stunning beauty of our traditional homelands provides the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor adventure. Canoeing, camping, snowshoeing, and cultural activities are just some of the exciting experiences you can enjoy here in Moose Factory and surrounding area. Learn more about Moose Cree tourism.

Tours and Activities

Moose Cree Tourism offers a variety of other outdoor activities, including:

  • James Bay boat tours
  • Moose Factory Island tours
  • Snowmobile tours
  • Traditional cooking
  • Fishing (summer and winter)
  • Hudson’s Bay Company Historical Staff House tours

Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre (CCIC)

The Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre is located in Moose Factory and features informative exhibits and a crafts area, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the vibrant history and culture of our people.

Our indoor area contains a historic gallery of photos collected over the last century. You will also find traditional items located throughout the building, each with a detailed description of their use.

Our outdoor displays offer a glimpse into the ruggedly simple Cree dwellings of the past, including the shaptwan, askigan, and wigwam, as well as traditional teepees and tents still in use today.

Our craft section presents the work of local artisans. Find carvings from wood and stone, dreamcatchers, tamarack birds, and moose hide gloves and moccasins. Many of these items are available for purchase.

The CCIC also hosts traditional feasts and activities such as beading and other crafts.

Washow Lodge

Washow Lodge is situated along the Harricana River, close to the shores of Hannah Bay, approximately 65 km southeast of Moose Factory.

The lodge is a beautiful wilderness ecotourism facility. Each guest room comes with two double beds and a wood stove, as well as a private bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower. The main building consists of a kitchen, dining room, and great room. The entire lodge is equipped with electricity and plumbing.

Depending on the time of year, you can travel to Washow by boat, snowmobile, or helicopter, each an adventure in itself. Once there, enjoy a number of activities or simply relax in nature.

Negabou Lake

Negabou Lake is located 20 km up the Moose River, east of Kwatabohagen Rapids. The lake is approximately 4 km long by 0.25 km wide.

Travel to Negabou Lake during the summer will involve a 15 minute hike through a nature trail, then a 45 minute paddle to the camp. Winter travel is a 40 minute drive by snowmobile. Helicopter transportation is also available.

Once at the camp, you can enjoy relaxing in one of our simple but comfortable A-Frame cabins. After a day of activity, enjoy a traditional meal and converse with staff and other guests.

Tidewater Provincial Park

Tidewater Provincial Park, also known as Charles Island, is operated under agreement with Ontario Parks. The park attracts visitors, campers, and canoeists looking for a unique outdoor experience.

This island park is located on the Moose River, nestled between Moosonee and Moose Factory. Boat taxis are available to take visitors to the park. Caution is advised as the winds, tides and river currents can challenge even the most experienced canoeists. If you’re lucky, you may glimpse a seal or beluga whale from the campgrounds.

Moose Cree First Nations is responsible for maintenance of the island and visitor bookings.

We are flexible with our tourism packages and would be happy to work with you to develop a memorable trip tailored just for you and your group!

Employment and Training

Our services assist you in securing meaningful employment:

  • Resume writing assistance (computers available at our office)
  • Interview skills development
  • Job search assistance

We also provide specialized training opportunities for Moose Cree First Nation members.

Click to view current and past training opportunities.

Food Sovereignty

Our department is committed to reducing the high cost of food in the north. We want to provide more families with access to fresh, affordable fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Farmers Market

Purchase delicious fruits and vegetables at one of our regularly scheduled farmers markets. We offer a variety of fresh produce at reasonable prices.

Find out when our next farmers market is scheduled.

Aquaponics Project

Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture (raising fish in tanks for use as food for humans) and hydroponics (growing plants and vegetables in water), creating a mutually beneficial relationship for both the fish and plants.

Waste products produced by the fish accumulate in the water. This water is fed to the hydroponics system, where the plants break down the bacteria to use as nutrients. The purified water is then returned back to the aquaculture system.

Our ultimate goal is to sell the harvested fish and vegetables at affordable prices.

We have received funding to construct a small-scale demonstration unit at the Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre in spring 2019. We will keep you updated on the progress of this exciting project.

Aviation

Our department is committed to reducing the high cost of food in the north. We want to provide more families with access to fresh, affordable fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Moose Cree Aviation Services

Moose Cree Aviation Services is our joint venture with Helicopter Transport Services (HTS). We offer daily scheduled flights during the spring break up and winter freeze up seasons, as well as passenger and cargo transport services to hunting camps.

Fall 2019 update: Moose Factory and Moosonee are being serviced by Expedition Helicopters for the freeze-up season.

Drone Delivery Services

Moose Cree First Nation has partnered with Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) to deploy its drone delivery platform to service the communities of Moose Factory and Moosonee.

Utilizing DDC’s compliant Sparrow aircraft, capable of a 5 kg payload, goods to be commercially transported between the communities will include, letters, general parcels, medical supplies, and other general necessities.

Business Development Services

Starting your own business can be a challenging but rewarding experience. We can help you turn your business idea into reality. Our services include:

  • Business plan development
  • Market research
  • Grant and loan assistance

Please contact our office to discuss your ideas further.