The main objectives of the project were to foster knowledge, experience, and understanding amongst Dawson Environmental Studies Profile, North South Studies, and Profesional Photography students with respect to Cree and Northern Quebec culture. The trip was designed to investigate the impacts of Hydro-Quebec’s James Bay Project and the subsequent diversion of the Rupert River. In particular we were interested in learning how these developments have impacted socially, culturally, economically and environmentally the community of Waskaganish. Although a daily itinerary was established based on the itinerary from our 2014 trip, a number of innovations and new contacts enriched the experience.

A second objective of the trip was to establish a new relationship between Dawson and Cree communities and to develop opportunities for exchange and collaboration. Contrary to past years, we spent most of our time within the community of Waskaganish, allowing students and teachers to strengthen their respective understandings of and relationships within the community.