On the day the delegates were due to arrive from the south to attend the Grand Council of Eeyou Istchee, low-laying clouds blanketed the airstrip making it difficult for Air CreeBec’s Dash-8 to land. After two attempts, the landing was aborted.
The same thing happened to the two charters destined for the main event that Cree politicians look forward to. The Annual General Assembly is an event that recounts the previous year’s activities and, of course, explains how all the money was spent.
The following day, with beautiful skies and pristine visibility, the planes landed and the delegates hustled over to the Samson Dick Memorial Arena to ready themselves for a gruelling two-day ordeal of meetings spent rehashing items from the past year.
The first item on the agenda was deferred to accommodate the participants who needed to leave the conference later that day so that they could make their presentations to the delegations from all 10 communities. The first up was former Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come, who addressed the topic of the new agreement with the federal government and touched a bit on Cree governance.
The next presenter, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, represented by Sylvain Faucher, discussed the financial statements of the GCCEI-Cree Regional Authority.
The audit showed that there were no real discrepancies or financial problems. However the deferred revenues seemed a little extraordinary at $15 million plus which represents $11 million more than the previous year and the amounts due to the communities at $21 million plus nearly double that of the year before. Another interesting note is the Cree Pension Plan, where the amounts for keeping the pension plan alive increased dramatically, creating forecasted deficits of $2.5 million until 2016. The CRA’s annual pension was $1,096,623.
What was really eye-opening were the salaries for the executive members which ranged from $164,309 to $321,808 for a total of $1,278,759. This makes it even more appealing and worthwhile to run for office!
The agenda then focused on the ratification of the financial statements, resolutions and minutes of the year’s meetings held by the GCCEI-CRA including the Council Board. Presentations of the Cree Entities reports were then brought up, mainly for the Cree School Board, Cree Board of Health and Social Services, the Cree Trappers Association, the Board of Compensation and Creeco and its subsidiaries. The latter two were deferred.
The Cree School Board presentation highlighted its 30-year anniversary. The CSB has managed quite well financially, with a surplus of $3.3 million and a notable increase in student attendance, in particular, Chisasibi’s James Bay Eeyou School with 1,035 students. At the post-secondary level, 434 students were enrolled in universities, colleges and CEGEPs across Canada. Another highlight was the allocation of $1,797,900 for renovating and repairing schools and teachers’ residences.
The Cree Board of Health and Social Services’ presentation focused on creating more jobs throughout the Eeyou Istchee. One issue brought up were the Patient Services facilities in the south and how some residences were not up to par. A suggestion was made to examine the Inuit-run facilities in Montreal, where an apartment building houses all the patients from the North, including serving them country food, which is sorely missed by long-term Cree patients staying in the city.
Grand Chief Matthew Mukash presented for the Cree Nation Government, showing us that there is definite movement towards the development of a working framework to comply with the New Relationship Agreement with both provincial and federal governments. The proposed structure was outlined, with additional departments to be administered under the CRA, notably Justice and Correctional Services, Public Security / Eeyou Eenou Police Force with a few more positions to be filled, mainly the Deputy Director General, and Eeyou Eenou Police Commission and an Ethics Commission and Ombudsman. The Grand Chief stated that a document will be presented in the coming year focussing on the proposed development of Cree Nation Government.
There was also an emotional plea for making poverty a thing of the past. This brought up the topic of how our people, even though we have successfully managed to negotiate many working agreements with the various governments, agencies and other external sources of funding, that everyone who is Cree knows at least one person who is related to them or is a good friend, living in poverty, or has to struggle to provide for themselves or their families. The question was raised whether we are all united or is there a two-tiered system that continually feeds the well-to-do families with more wealth while at the same time the poor get poorer. This is an issue that no one wants to tackle, but it was brought up at the assembly, not to exclude the poor when it comes to Cree Nation Government and nation building.
Unfortunately, Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos First Nation from Penticton, B.C., turned out to be a no-show. It would have been interesting to hear this man talk about how he managed to turn his community around from practically 100% unemployment to nearly 100% employment by using economic development as the way to self-sufficiency and community pride. Perhaps another time.
One of the most impressive participants was a young lad from Waskaganish, who had won the public-speaking contest there. Introduced by Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff, the young man spoke very frankly about the Cree and their lifestyles, and about the evolution from who we were in the past to who were are today. After finishing his stirring speech, he received a standing ovation and loud applause filled the arena.
The host community, situated in beautiful Whapmagoostui, surprised many delegates with its natural scenery and wide-open spaces. Many, who were in Whapmagoostui for the first time, appreciated the exceptional good weather, often stating that their southern weather was quite dreary and had rained the entire summer. The fact that Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuaraapik has a 2km-long beach, two Aboriginal cultures and basically two of everything else impressed many of the delegates.
Grand Council of the Cree Annual General Assembly Resolutions
The recording secretary was Kenny Loon. This year’s Resolution Committee was composed of Don Nicholls, Bill Namagoose, Matthew Swallow and Stacey Bear. The agenda, financial statements and minutes were approved and ratified. Raymond, Chabot, Grant, Thornton did the audit and were approved to do next year’s audit.
2008-07, RE: CREE TREATMENT CENTER
WHEREAS the delegates of the 2008 GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly acknowledge and recognize that there are social issues with respect to alcohol and substance abuse addictions in the Cree communities;
WHEREAS alcohol and substance abuse issues have a negative impact on the social well-being of Cree families, schools and communities;
WHEREAS the delegates of the 2008 GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly recognize the need to develop treatment facilities and programs within the Cree Nation;
WHEREAS the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay has the mandate to provide health and social services to the Cree population of Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS the Cree population would benefit from the development of permanent facilities in Eeyou Istchee to deal with alcohol and substance abuse issues;
WHEREAS the development of Cree facilities would enable the Cree people to access such programs more readily, and the CBHSSJB to integrate Cree language, culture, values and ways into treatment programs;
BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the delegates of the 2008 GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly hereby request the Executive Office of the GCCEI/CRA to meet with the leadership of the CBHSSJB to establish a Cree treatment center for alcohol and substance abuse issues within Eeyou Istchee;
THAT the delegates of the 2008 GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly hereby request that the Cree treatment center for alcohol and substance abuse issues be tabled at the next GCCEI/CRA Council Board meeting as a priority for the Cree Nation.
2008-08, Re: HOUSING NEEDS SIMILAR TO SPECIALIZED SERVICES
WHEREAS the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement entered into on November 11,1975 provides for and guarantees the provision of health and social services to the Cree of Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CHBSSJB) is the body established pursuant to the said Agreement (Treaty) through which certain of the said health and social services are to be delivered;
WHEREAS the rights provided for in the JBNQA is protected by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, 1982;
WHEREAS the Cree local governments are primarily responsible for the provision of shelter to their respective members; WHEREAS the CBHSSJB provides certain specialized health and social services only in certain communities for various reasons;
WHEREAS this situation has exacerbated the housing shortage in certain communities;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT each of the entities who have the primary responsibility for the other specific incidental needs of the Cree, give immediate and serious consideration to providing the service or facility, as the case may be, as and when required until the situation improves;
THAT more specifically each of the communities directly affected, as well as the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee as a collectivity consent to the allocation of funding from the Capital “A”, the Cree-Federal New Relationship Agreement and the Cree Hydro-Quebec New Relationship Agreement to provide the shelter needs of the Cree who are not members of the community where the specialized service is provided and in the case of the other facilities that financial resources available to the Cree of Eeyou Istchee be also made available as appropriate.
2008-09, Re: EDUCATIONAL RIGHT OF CREE PEOPLE
WHEREAS the Cree School Board was created to serve the educational needs of the Cree in Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS the drop-out rate in the elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions is extremely high and is unacceptable;
WHEREAS the success rate of students depends to a large degree, on the level of support, both morally and financially, that is received from family, friends, counselors and the Cree School Board;
BE IT RESOLVED: THAT every effort be made to ensure that all the necessary requirements to enter into the postsecondary programs be provided to all students, both academically and financially;
THAT financial support to each student be provided on a timely basis with the least possible delay;
THAT the criteria for receiving financial assistance from the Cree School Board be adjusted or altered to meet the needs of the students, not the other way around;
THAT the GCC(EI) ensure that this is complied with.
2008-10, Re: HEMODIALYSIS MACHINE FOR WASKAGANISH FIRST NATION
WHEREAS the Crees of the Waskaganish First Nation held the local Annual General Assembly in Waskaganish, Quebec on July 2, 3, 7 and 8, 2008;
WHEREAS the members expressed their concern on the increasing number of people that are being sent out for hemodialysis due to kidney problems;
WHEREAS the members of the Waskaganish First Nation deem it appropriate that a hemodialysis machine be situated in the community of Waskaganish;
WHEREAS the members of the Waskaganish First Nation further deem it appropriate that discussions with the Cree Health Board be proceeded as soon as possible WHEREAS the members of the Waskaganish First Nation passed a resolution, MCWFN-2008-2009-11, agreeing with and fully supporting the need for a hemodialysis machine, and mandating Council to do all things necessary to realize this objective;
WHEREAS the delegates from the Waskaganish First Nation have requested the support of the delegates at the 2008 GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly for this request;
BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the delegates of the 2008 GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly hereby support the request of the delegates from the Waskaganish First Nation for a hemodialysis machine;
THAT the delegates of the 2008 GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly hereby request that the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay meet with representatives of the Waskaganish First Nation with respect to their request for a hemodialysis machine and make this a priority.
2008-11, Re: CREE SPORTS & RECREATION FOUNDATION
WHEREAS sports and recreation promote a healthy lifestyle for Cree youth in the communities;
WHEREAS many opportunities exist for Cree athletes and youth to participate in Sports and Recreational activities or development programs exist;
WHEREAS development schools, programs and training require support to lift Cree youth and athletes up who want to excel in sports and recreational activities:
WHEREAS there are many opportunities for Cree youth to participate in competitions and games;
WHEREAS it is difficult for many athletes and Cree youth to raise required funds to participate in programs, competitions and events;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the delegates of the 2008 Annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority hereby request that the Executive Office of the GCCEI/CRA look into establishing a Cree Sports and Recreation Foundation to provide support and enable opportunities for Cree athletes and youth.
THAT the delegates of the 2008 Annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority request the Executive Office to bring their findings to a meeting of the GCCEI/CRA Council/Board.
2008-12, Re: RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SETTLEMENT INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT PROCESS
WHEREAS a majority of the Cree people of certain generations faced a great trauma with the residential school system;
WHEREAS the Indian Residential School Settlement come into force on September 19, 2007;
WHEREAS the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) is part of the overall settlement of claims arising from the settlement;
WHEREAS a number of Cree intend to file a claim under this process;
WHEREAS these individuals do not have easy access, in particular to legal advice to assist them with processing and filing a claim with this process;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the Cree Nation through the appropriate organization provide specific assistance, legal and administrative to individuals who intend to avail themselves of this process as soon as possible.
2008-13, Re: SOCIAL WELLNESS TASK FORCE
WHEREAS many impacts have been felt by the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee due to the fast pace of change within the territory and culture of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee; WHEREAS certain changes from the Cree traditional hunting lifestyles have resulted in the negative impact of the overall health status of the Cree population;
WHEREAS the traditional norms of social wellness that have existed for many generations have been greatly affected and that the concept and practice of social wellness needs to be relearned and reintroduced into the Cree way of life;
WHEREAS the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee has inherent and legislative rights to govern and maintain all aspects of its health and well-being;
WHEREAS the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CHBSSJB) has the mandate for the delivery of health and social services for the beneficiaries and other residents within the area of its jurisdiction;
WHEREAS the CBHSSJB recognizes the need to work in collaboration with the other Cree entities due to the many determinants that affect the health of the Cree population;
WHEREAS the CBHSSJB has approached the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), the Cree School Board, the Cree Nation Youth Council and the Regional Elders Council to propose a project in consolidation to address the issue of Social Wellness with the Cree population;
WHEREAS the aforementioned entities have shown their commitment to work with the CBHSSJB in pursuing such a project;
WHEREAS such work involves a process design with clear objectives; a comprehensive, inclusive assessment/review of all existing programs related to social well being; to explore the rationale of the current design and paradigm of such programs; doing program research using a culturally appropriate, ethnomethodological design reflective of Cree reality; doing policy research at the national and international level with regard to social policy as it exists among indigenous peoples; doing an exercise of policy making design with the core social institutions of Cree society; employing the appropriate principles and paradigm, and ensuring complementarity of such design among Cree entities; to go in a process of program design using the results of the previous phases;
WHEREAS such project and process will require a sustained involvement of all entities engaged in the form of a Task Force represented by identified Cree entities to guide the entire process;
BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the 2008 Annual General Assembly of the members of the Cree Regional Authority hereby acknowledges and endorses a project to establish a Cree policy on Social Wellness for the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee; THAT the members of the 2008 Annual General Assembly hereby mandate the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority, the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, the Cree School Board, the Cree Nation Youth Council and the Regional Elders Council to work in collaboration in the form of a Cree Policy on Social Wellness Task Force along with the interagency of other Cree entities to guide the entire process;
THAT it is agreed that a Joint Working Group be formed from these entities to prepare a draft Terms of Reference and project design of the entire process to be approved by each of the entities involved;
THAT the Social Wellness Task Force be formed to assume its mandate as identified, once the Terms of Reference have been approved by all entities concerned;
THAT the members of the Social Wellness Task Force make periodic and scheduled reports and updates to their respective organizations as described in the Task Force mandate; That the Chairpersons of each of the entities involved ensure their respective organizations are apprised of the results and updates of the project during the entire process.
2008-14, Re: ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
WHEREAS the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay is charged with the delivery of health and social services to the people of Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS there is a need to provide health and social services in Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS there is a need to hold an Annual General Assembly on Health and Social Services to inform the Cree communities on the status of the development funds allocated through the Health Agreement 2004-2009;
WHEREAS the Cree population needs to be informed on the progress made on the implementation plan as approved by the Board of Directors, on the evolution of the organization chart, the status of current social issues and matters and furthermore, to table the annual report and financial statements of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay each year for the next 3 years;
BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Council Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority affirm and recognize the importance of social and health issues that impact the Cree Nation as a whole;
THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly further request that a Annual General Assembly on Health and Social Services be held each year for the next 3 years and that is inclusive of Cree men, women, youth and Elders;
THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority General Assembly further request that the Cree Health Board and Social Services and Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority, work closely together on addressing the health and social issues affecting the Cree communities and Cree youth;
THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby mandate the Council Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority to provide support necessary and for the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay to seek funds for Annual General Assembly on Health and Social issues;
THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby mandate the Council Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
2008-15, Re: CREE WILDLIFE PROTECTION OFFICERS
WHEREAS there is recreational hunting, fishing and wildlife activities within Eeyou Istchee by non-Cree people;
WHEREAS laws and regulations were established to conserve wildlife, fish, and fauna;
WHEREAS Agreements exist to protect Cree traditional rights to hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering activities within Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS a substantial portion of the Cree Nation continues to practice these traditional activities throughout the territory;
WHEREAS Cree Wildlife Protection Officers are trained to enforce laws and regulations within the territory, and their knowledge of Cree traplines and ways are important;
WHEREAS in some areas these Cree Wildlife Officers are employed on a part time basis, and therefore have to seek other employment, the Cree Nation loses important trained individuals;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the delegates of the 2008 Annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority hereby request that the GCCEI/CRA look into possibilities of retaining these Cree Wildlife Protection Officers to work cooperatively with the Cree Trappers’ Association and other Cree entities.
2008-16, RE: FOUNDATION TO ADDRESS POVERTY IN EEYOU ISTCHEE
WHEREAS the delegates of the GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly recognize and acknowledge that poverty exists within the Cree Nation and Cree communities ;
WHEREAS the membership of the Cree Nation recognize that the eradication of poverty within Eeyou Istchee should be a priority for the Cree leadership and organizations;
WHEREAS membership of the Cree Nation would like to take effective steps to eliminate poverty within the Cree communities;
WHEREAS there are national organizations such as Red Cross, food banks, and other human rights based organizations established to alleviate the situation of poverty in Canadian society;
WHEREAS the representatives of the Cree Nation attending the GCCEI/CRA Assembly recognize the need for a foundation or organizations to address the issue of poverty in the Cree Nation;
WHEREAS poverty contributes to malnutrition, disease, epidemics, inattentiveness in school, neglect, abuse and other social problems within Cree communities;
WHEREAS the delegates of the GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly recognize the need for an organization to be in place to respond in cases of emergencies or events within the Nation to ensure basic needs of shelter, food and water; WHEREAS the delegates of the GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly recognize to establish such foundations and organizations funding is required;
WHEREAS an investment of 1% of annual funding from the Cree communities and entities is not only an investment into our people but it also is into improving the standard of living, student success, social well-being, and health of our people;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the delegates of the GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly recommend that all Cree communities and Cree entities contribute annual funding to establish and support a foundation and organization to eliminate poverty within the Cree Nation;
THAT the delegates of the GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly recognize and affirm the importance of the situation of poverty within the Cree communities, and request that the Executive Office of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) table such an issue at the next meeting of the GCCEI/CRA Council/Board;
THAT the delegates of the GCCEI/CRA Annual General Assembly request that the Executive Office of the GCCEI and CRA work further to determine the extent and impacts of poverty within the Cree Nation.
2008-17, Re: MONITORING CONTAMINANTS RESULTING FROM THE DIKE COLLAPSE LOCATED IN CHAPAIS
WHEREAS the Public Health Department of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay is responsible for environment health in Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS there is a need to continue the monitoring of possible contaminants and to ensure that the levels of contaminants do not affect the health and safety of the population of Waswanipi and surrounding region;
WHEREAS the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly requests that the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay continue to ensure that the mandate of Public Health is fully carried out until such time there is no visible threat to the health and safety of the population of Waswanipi and surrounding region;
BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Council Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority affirm and recognize the importance of this responsibility to the Cree Nation as a whole;
THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority General Assembly further request that the Cree Health Board and Social Services of James Bay and the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority, work closely together in ensuring that this mandate is carried out on behalf the population of Waswanipi and the Cree Nation as a whole;
THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby mandate the Council Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority to support and defend the decision and resolution of the people of Waswanipi (see annex Waswanipi General Assembly Resolution) passed at their General Assembly in July 2008;
THAT the members of the 2008 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby mandate the Council Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority and the Cree Health Board and Social Services of James Bay to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
