After many trips to the region in previous years, Jacques Rousseau is curious about all aspects of the day-to-day life of the Cree of Mistassini. Figuring it is quite different in winter than in summer, he makes another trip in the beginning of 1948. He is fascinated by the ingeniosity of the Cree facing the harsh realities of the northern climate forest. Snowshoeing, toboggan (large flat sleds), rudimentary hunting camp and hunting activities form the core of his observations, much more focused on the lifestyle of the natives than the landscape surrounding them.