Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec, is a vibrant Cree community nestled on the shores of Opémisca Lake, in Eeyou Istchee, a territory equivalent to a regional county municipality. Known as "Oujé" by local residents, this community is the newest Cree settlement in Quebec, Canada, boasting a population of 795 people as of 2022. Accessible by a 25 km paved road, Oujé-Bougoumou is a short distance from Route 113 and the neighboring towns of Chibougamau and Chapais.
The history of Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec, is marked by the resilience of the Cree people. Throughout the 20th century, the Cree in the Chibougamau area were marginalized and forced to relocate multiple times to accommodate the mining industry. After decades of struggle, the community finally gained recognition from the government for their right to establish a permanent village.
Designed by community members with the assistance of professional planners and renowned architect Douglas Cardinal, the village was built in the early 1990s. The architectural theme, which won recognition and awards for its innovative approach to community development, reflects a commitment to economic sustainability, environmental conservation, and architectural expression.
Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec, is home to the Waapihtiiwewan School, which offers English, French, and Cree curricula under the Cree School Board. The school, designed by indigenous artist Douglas Cardinal, opened on September 21, 1993, and currently serves around 162 students.
The Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute, a $15 million project that took a decade to plan and construct, opened its doors on November 15, 2011. This multi-purpose cultural institution offers local cultural programs and collaborates on Cree-language research with the Cree School Board. With a mission to preserve Cree culture and educate visitors about Cree history, the institute has become a major tourism destination in the region.
Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec, offers a variety of leisure activities for residents and visitors alike. The Albert Mianscum Memorial Sports Complex features a swimming pool, competition-grade rink, skate park, and weight training facility. The local Petaapin Youth Centre and a motocross course that converts to a snocross course in winter provide additional recreational options.
The people of Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec, have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by establishing a community-wide district heating system fueled by wood waste from a nearby sawmill. This innovative system, which includes a built-in telecommunications modem for remote troubleshooting and monitoring, provides heat and domestic hot water for the entire village. The system's design reflects the community's commitment to environmental conservation and economic sustainability.
