Welcome to the summer Gathering!

Gathering of our People – CreeFest – More than 350

Greetings and Welcome from the Chief & Council of Moose Cree First Nation

August 1, 2023

On behalf of the Council, I would like to welcome everyone to the Moose Cree First Nation Gathering of our People for 2023.

I was honoured to have been elected as Chief in June 2023, and I am also honoured and pleased that one of my first official acts as Chief is to open this year’s Gathering at the Opening Ceremonies today at 6 pm.

Every year the GOOP brings us together as the community of Moose Factory but it also brings us together as a Nation. Moose Cree people travel from other communities and cities from far and wide to be here and I extend a special welcome home to you!

On behalf of the Council and Membership, I would also like to welcome all visitors to the traditional territory of Moose Cree First Nation. Thank you for joining us in our celebrations this week.

This year’s GOOP is extra special as Moose Cree First Nation is honoured to host this year’s regional CreeFest which brings together all Mushkegowuk First Nations into a celebration of our shared history, culture and traditions.

The Moose River Heritage & Hospitality Association will also be hosting the “More than 350” events scheduled for Saturday, August 5.

“More than 350” events started in March 2023 and it is year-long commemoration of when the community of Moose Factory was first established within the territory of Moose Cree First Nation in 1673.

So as you can see it will be a very busy week. Once again, the GOOP organizers have put together an enjoyable week of cultural and social events for all ages along with a great line-up of evening entertainment.

Various organizations here in Moose Factory will host a breakfast next door at the community hall starting at 8 am and I encourage you to start off your days there. Council will be hosting the breakfast on Thursday, August 3rd.

I want to acknowledge and thank Geraldine Govender, the Director of Language and Culture for Moose Cree First Nation.  She is the lead organizer of the GOOP and this week would not be possible with all of her hard work and dedication to Moose Cree. Thank you Geraldine!

Again, thank you all for being here and I hope you all have a great week spending time with family and friends during the 2023 Gathering of our People!

Thank you/Mikwec

Chief Peter Wesley
Moose Cree First Nation