Cree Nation Government Response to the High Prices of Lodging in the Town of Val-d’Or
Nemaska, Eeyou Istchee (December 7, 2022)
Recently, images have been circulating on social media depicting very high hotel rates in Val-d’Or. Understandably, the rates have been raising concern for these families who prepare months ahead of time for this exciting trip south from Eeyou Istchee. In light of the situation, an exchange between Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty and Mayor Céline Brindamour took place that allowed for some clarification.
The rising cost of living brought by inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge for many people and organizations alike. It goes without saying that the high price of fuel, food, and services, the basic necessities that most travel to southern localities for, is felt by many.
“Mayor Brindamour was very understanding to the situation and the uproar it has been causing. I am reassured that she did not hesitate to have this discussion today as this continued situation may have a serious impact on the wallets of both our people. Being able to ensure that the best possible services are offered when we travel to southern localities such as Val-d’Or is part of a positive experience. Collaborations and partnerships do exist at the political and entrepreneurial levels but this must be felt at the customer level when we push open the front door of the many businesses where members of the Cree Nation have been patrons for decades.”– Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty
Since the 1990’s, the Cree Nation has been holding a number of annual hockey and broomball tournaments in Val-d’Or, not to mention the summer sporting events, like softball and fastpitch. The proximity to the town from our territory and the history we share with the municipality has made Val-d’Or a natural venue for this much-anticipated yearly event. With its many shops and services, restaurants, vehicle, ATV and boat dealerships, as well as hotels, the town has many attractions for families to combine sports with shopping for the upcoming Christmas holiday and stocking up before heading back on the long road home.
Grand Chief Gull-Masty and Mayor Brindamour have committed to collaborating with one another to establish a joint table for representatives of both the Cree Nation and the Town of Val-d’Or to exchange on a regular basis to ensure steady communication and address issues that may impact our long-standing relationship. The details on this joint effort are to be developed and shared in early 2023.