Mistissini

The Alouettes made the most of their week off last week, as a handful of players and other personnel made their second annual visit to the Cree community of Mistissini, located 90 km north of Chibougamau. Étienne Boulay, Devone Claybrooks, Danny Desriveaux, Skip Seagraves, Dave Stala, Anwar Stewart, four cheerleaders (Chloé, Jessica, Julie and Nadine), Offensive Coordinator Marcel Bellefeuille, and mascot Touché all spent three days in the northern reaches of Quebec.

The largest Cree community in Quebec’s James Bay region, the people of Mistissini have a history of being highly susceptible to drug abuse and violence and have a 40 per cent high school dropout rate. The goal of the trip’s football camp “which welcomed over 250 kids“ was to teach self-esteem through football and community involvement.

Following each practice, the kids had the chance to speak with their idols, and on the last day the boys scrimmaged while the girls presented a show with the Alouettes cheerleaders.

A truly special bond has been formed between the players and the community with the Alouettes having opportunities to fish, eat a traditional caribou meal, participate in a local radio show and be close with their fans.

“We came back from the trip with our heads high, proud of what we accomplished and experienced up there,” said Étienne Boulay, who has participated in both years’ camps. “It’s special to experience a different lifestyle and helps us to grow as people.”

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