Welcome to our vibrant Cree community - the gateway to Eeyou Istchee. Experience "Light on the Water" as we preserve our culture, promote wellness, and build a forward-thinking, healthy and prosperous community together.
Everything you need to stay informed and engaged with Waswanipi
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, announcements, and updates from our community.
Never miss cultural events, festivals, and traditional gatherings including our annual Old Post gathering.
Receive immediate notifications about emergencies and urgent community matters.
Discover employment and career opportunities within the community and economic development projects.
Stay informed about traditional activities like hunting, fishing, and gathering, including our famous Fishing Derby.
Learn about our Cultural Village and Light on the Water Tourism programs rooted in the Cree way of life.
Waswanipi means "Light on the Water" in Cree, describing our past when we used torch light fueled by pine tar to spear and catch sturgeon that had gathered to spawn at the mouth of Waswanipi River. We are a self-governing Cree band under the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
Our community is located 275 km north of Val d'Or and 154 km west of Chibougamau, on the banks of the Waswanipi and Chibougamau Rivers in central Quebec. We are home to approximately 2,150 people, making us a vital part of Cree heritage in northern Quebec, known for our rich cultural legacy and historical significance as a trading post.
As the southernmost Cree community, we are the gateway to Eeyou Istchee. Our vision is to be "a forward-thinking community that is healthy and prosperous," with our mission to "light the way by empowering our people and our land." We are guided by seven pillar priorities: preserving Cree culture and language, promoting health and wellness, enhancing education, fostering economic development, ensuring environmental stewardship, strengthening governance, and improving infrastructure.
We offer a wide range of traditional and cultural programs through our Light on the Water Tourism, from our Cultural Village to the annual gathering at the Old Post. Our community celebrates its warm and inviting spirit where traditions are cherished through activities like hunting, fishing, gathering, storytelling, and traditional crafts.
See how the Waswanipi app will keep you connected
Access the latest community news and cultural events in your personalized feed.
Add cultural gatherings and community events to your calendar with just one tap.
Participate in traditional Cree activities and learn about our heritage.
Stay tuned for updates on our mobile app launch