Nisk's travel journal: Discover Eeyou Istchee Baie-James through my eyes

TRAVEL JOURNAL

Hi there, I'm Nisk.
In Cree, that means “goose.” Though ever since the ships came across the ocean, some folks started calling me “outarde.” (I'm not mad, but... that's a different bird. Truly.)

I'm a full-time migrator, born in the lowlands of James Bay, and every spring—like thousands of my cousins—I make my way back up from the South to my favorite northern hideaway: Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.

Looking for something real on your travels?
Come along on my flight log.

The North is Calling (and I've Got a Built-In GPS)

We take off from the southern plains—Carolinas, New York State… We fly long and far, in that classic V-formation, taking turns at the front. (No bosses here, just old-school rotating leadership.) Thanks to wingtip lift, the goslings at the back save energy.
Me? I'm up front today. Not showing off—it's just my turn.

When the wind's in our favor, we can fly up to 1,500 km in a single day. We glide over cities, forests, lakes… but my heart is set on the wetlands of Northern Québec, where I first flapped my wings.

2. Goose Break Tradition: A Pause for Everyone

   Every year, as we approach Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, the mood shifts. Our lead flocks start to slow down. And then—BAM—it's Goose Break (not our favorite part of the trip, but hey).

   That's when many Cree families step away from school and work to head out onto the land. Yes, they hunt us. But more importantly, they share. We do get hunted—sure—but hey, it's nothing personal. 😅

   In fact, they only take what they need. Every goose is used fully, respected, honored. Nothing goes to waste. That's balance. That's life. You win some, you lose some. But really, we're all here for the same reason: to live with the land, not against it.

   And between us… a little migration break to preen and snack on fresh alfalfa? Not the worst.

    

    

The North Is Home

After weaving past predators, hunters, storms, and cornfields… finally, I reach the coastal plains of James Bay and Hudson Bay.

Time to get to work. Each pair picks a cozy spot to nest: quiet shoreline, thick vegetation, nice water views—perfect for laying our eggs. A good nest? It can be up to a metre wide. We don't do things halfway.

A Fragile Land Worth Protecting

Some years, things get tricky. If the snow doesn't melt in time, there's no water… no nesting.
And without wetlands, we can't drink, bathe, or lay eggs. These places are crucial—not just for us, but for all life in the boreal. Throw in foxes, gulls, jaegers, bears and then there's moulting season when we can't even fly. That's when we stick together, collective defense mode on, to make it through.

4. Boreal Summer: Feasts, Family, First Flights

   Once the goslings hatch, it's go-time: feeding, teaching them to swim, walk, avoid sneaky egg-snatchers… But oh, the joy of watching them grow right here, on ancestral land, where tundra meets boreal forest, where water sparkles under the midnight sun.

   Soon, they'll take off too—heading South, sure, but with a homing instinct pulling them right back here one day. To this same land, full of life, full of culture.

   Want to See It for Yourself?

   Come visit Eeyou Istchee Baie-James during goose migration.

   Bring your binoculars, your curiosity, and your respect for the land. Watch the flying V, listen for our rally calls, meet the people of this place. Discover what true sharing between humans and nature really means.

   We'll be here. Same time, every year.