Wâpanûtâw: The Cree Nation of Eastmain (Cree: ᐙᐸᓅᑖᐤ, Wâpanûtâw), meaning “Lands east of James Bay,” is also known as Îsmein (ᐄᔅᒣᐃᓐ). Eastmain is part of Eeyou Istchee, “the People’s Land,” the Cree territory of over 400,000 square kilometres, and is part of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, signed on November 11, 1975. The Cree speak various dialects of East Cree.

Population: The 2021 census counted 924 people in Eastmain. As of October 2019, the Nation counted 917 registered members, most of whom live in the community.

Location: Our community sits on the southern shore at the mouth of the Eastmain River, where it empties into the eastern shore of James Bay. The community began as East Main House and was relocated to the south shore of the river in 1762.

Culture and Economy: Eastmain is headquarters for the Cree Regional Trappers Association, which supports all local Cree trappers, and hosts cultural events such as Winter Journeys, Canoe Brigades and Snowshoe Walks. Our economy relies mainly on services, including a hotel restaurant, private businesses, and a construction company with a gas station and garage. The community is also developing a Net Zero Energy Housing Program with culturally appropriate designs to address its housing shortage.

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