Federal agreement debated at AGA

As expected, the new relationship agreement with the Government of Canada was a hot topic at this year’s Grand Council/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly in Chisasibi August 7-9. Many questions about the 20-year, $3.5 billion deal were directed to the Grand Council.

One Cree woman, a hunter, asked, “For the people who hunt in the bush, since they have agreed to not sue Canada or Quebec, do we have any recourse over what happens on our lands? Since the MBJ have been taking control over these lands and when they [Cree] receive a ticket and the SQ would be the ones who pass justice, who will be given control over the Municipality of Baie James? They act as if they are the owners of the region. We’re seeing interference in hunting, fishing and trapping rights. Nets are taken out of water and they decide where the campgrounds will be put. Talleymen are not spoken to before they hear about the plans.”

The Grand Council was quick to address this complaint, saying nothing in the Paix des Braves or the new agreement with Canada ends discussions about the creation of the MBJ and its new status as a colonial power. They said a complaint has been sent to the minister responsible. Currently the GCCEI/CRA is waiting for a formal response that will include major changes in the MBJ’s powers. The Crees expect the elimination of a colonialist body over James Bay. Hunting is a constitutional right of the Crees, the GCCEI emphasized.

Thomas Jolly wanted to know if Crees would receive information about how the new federal funds would be budgeted before the agreement is approved in a referendum.

“They [the chiefs] gave the word to put the money into certain entities and when they are done the money will no longer be there and we can have control,” Jolly said. “These people divided the money in their favour and the Cree governance was not visible to me. It made me think about the chiefs who make decisions about our issues and where they put their priorities. Where will they put the money? Will leaders fight among themselves for money?” For Roderick Pachano, oversight to ensure the agreement is followed is a priority. “Who will be watching over what the agreement will be and what will be done about these authorities? We all agreed to the law and the entire nation and chiefs, natives were giving the right to kill what he wanted on his land and now we cannot kill as much as we want in our own lands. So what will be done about our trapping rights? Who will be in charge of what is done about these rights?”

Pachano noted that numerous committees to address hunting, fishing and trapping already exist. “This is the CRA and Grand Council’s job,” he said. “The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement will not give us these rights and the constitution; we will not let our lands be treated like that of Manitoba who lost their rights. There is no one person who has the power over those rights.”

Simeon Trapper of Waskaganish said, “It has been difficult in the past. I believe we should not fight over the money. We can help this by dropping the things that ruin us. We should agree upon where the money goes.”

Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff said, “When our Elders and fellow Cree told us to not give up our beliefs and rights. We should not leave our rights and skills of hunting in the trap lines.

We have come from the forests and we still love these habits and our traditional food. Now I think about these agreements and it makes me think about the past and how the people and Elders and chiefs of the past and that we must stand strong and work together and we still use these values. And today it has been a new way that we have found our right and we must think about what has happened and how our people help us. Keep an eye on what we have gotten and what the Lord has given us.”

Former Deputy Grand Chief Violet Pachanos said, “The Cree Naskapi Act will be altered and what is the exact change in the Act? How will we help the relationship and what rights will be changed for the people affected? Another layer of bureaucracy, will CRA get the right over this as well? Who will watch the budget concerning these events and what will Indian Affairs be doing?”

Bill Namagoose answered that question. “The Cree Naskapi Act will be changed only temporarily. The chief and deputy chiefs will not be changed and the reconstitution will have direct control over the people who will be there for about another two years. The local governments will still have there powers intact. The bylaw power that will be given to the CRA in phase I is only where the CRA is taking over responsibilities over the Canadian government and is very limited.”

More information and questions will be answered by the community consultations.

2006-2007 Resolutions of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly

SUBJECT: 2006-2007 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority

WHEREAS the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly have received and taken cognizance of the 2006-2007 Minutes of the meetings of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and Cree Regional Authority;

IT IS RESOLVED THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby confirm that they have received and taken cognizance of the 2006-2007 Minutes of the meetings of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority.

SUBJECT: 2006-2007 Minutes of the Cree Regional Authority Board of Compensation

IT IS RESOLVED THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority

Annual General Assembly hereby confirm that they have received and taken cognizance of the 2006-2007 Minutes of the meetings of the Cree Regional Authority Board of Compensation.

SUBJECT: Semi-Active Status of Income Security Program

WHEREAS in the Complimentary Agreement N. 15 a new component of the Income Security Program was introduced referring to “Semi-Active Status” along with other amendments to the Program;

WHEREAS in the implementation of the “Semi-Active Status” certain Elders who are registered as a spouse to the head of family unit encounter negative consequences when the head of the family unit passes away (deceased);

WHEREAS the “Semi-Active Status” in the Complementary Agreement No. 15 is accorded for a five (5) year period;

WHEREAS upon the expiration of the five (5) year period of the Income Security Program “Semi-Active Status” the spouse who is a member of the family unit automatically loses their Income Security Program benefits;

WHEREAS the “Semi-Active Status” discriminates, penalizes and discourages Elders who are still active and capable of carry ing out the Cree traditional activity of hunting, fishing and trapping as a way of life;

IT IS RESOLVED THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Income Security Program Board review the “Semi-Active Status” as introduced in Complementary Agreement No. 15 and seek manners and methods within its authority and jurisdiction to relieve the discriminatory and negative impact on Cree Elders;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly further request the Income Security Program Board explore the extension of the “Semi-Active Status” period from five (5) years to ten (10) years or facilitate the transfer of the surviving spouse associated with the head of a family unit to regular status under the Income Security Program or seek other measures to ensure that Cree Elders are not penalized with respect to Income Security Program benefits upon the death of their spouse;

THAT the members of the 2007 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 open discussions with the Government of Quebec to ensure that further discrimination due to the difference in status between spouses is ceased.

SUBJECT: Cree Science and Technology Program

WHEREAS on numerous occasions at Annual General Assemblies of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou/lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Elders and delegates have expressed the need for a program that will provide for Elders to transfer Cree traditional knowledge to Cree youth;

WHEREAS the Cree School Board and the Cree Trappers’ Association have been working on the development of a Cree Science and Technology Program to respond to the aforementioned request;

WHEREAS the work on the program is ongoing;

IT IS RESOLVED THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou/lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby request that the Cree School Board and Cree Trappers’ Association seek ways and means to accelerate the development of the Cree Science and Technology Program and to seek long term funding from the Minister of Education of Québec;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou/lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby further request that the Cree School Board and Cree Trappers’ Association commence the implementation of the Cree Science and Technology Program by the fall of 2008;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou/lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby further mandate the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou/lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

SUBJECT: Cree Nation Youth Council Annual General Assembly

WHEREAS the Cree Nation Youth Council of Eeyou Istchee has held its Annual General Assembly on July 31st, 2007 in Wemindji, Eeyou Istchee;

WHEREAS the Cree Nation Youth Council has as its primary mandate the representation of the interests of the Youth of Eeyou Istchee;

WHEREAS the Cree Nation Youth Council passed a number of Resolutions at its Annual General Assembly which have been presented to the membership delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority 2007 Annual General Assembly;

IT IS RESOLVED THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority 2007 Annual General Assembly hereby ratify and support the Cree Nation Youth Council in the adoption of:
• CNYC Resolution 2007-05, calling for a change in the title of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson;
• CNYC Resolution 2007-06, calling for the hosting of a conference on Global Warming and Climate change to be hosted by the CNYC
• CNYC Resolution 2007-09, calling for the establishment of a Cree Youth Role Model Program and Annual CNYC Achievement Awards;
• CNYC Resolution 2007-10, calling for the participation of the CNYC in Eeyou Governance;
• CNYC Resolution 2007-12, calling for the revival of the Cree Summer Games;
• CNYC Resolution 2007-13, calling for revival of the Mamuu Nikamuutaau (Music Festival);

SUBJECT: Cree Unity

WHEREAS the Eeyou are a Nation of people who occupy and are the true owners of Eeyou Istchee and have secured a place in the modern world and within the current Canadian context through a spirit of unity;

WHEREAS the Eeyou have negotiated many Agreements with Governments, developers and other First Nations and have also sought to protect their peoples and their lands to ensure the perpetuation and development of the Cree way of life;

WHEREAS the Cree Nation is composed of nine communities, regional government and regional Cree entities mandated to serve and protect Cree interests;

WHEREAS the Eeyou of Eeyou Istchee have always conducted themselves in manner to protect not only their own interests but also the interests of their families, extended families and fellow members of the Cree Nation;

IT IS RESOLVED THAT the members of the 2007 Grand council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual general Assembly hereby reaffirm and confirm the unity of the Cree Nation and confirm the principle that when any individual, entity or Government negotiates with Governments, developers and other First Nations they must give due consideration and appreciation for the interests of all Crees in a spirit of unity

SUBJECT: Involvement of Cree Elders in Eeyou governance matters

WHEREAS the present governance structures of the Eeyou-Eenou (Cree) Nation of Eeyou Istchee as well as those of Cree institutions, organizations and entities do not include Eeyou-Eenou Elders as advisors in their governance;

WHEREAS historically in Eeyou-Eenou society, Elders have been keepers of Eeyou-Eenou faith, history, knowledge, wisdom and the fundamental values, beliefs, life principles, customs, traditions and heritage of the Eeyou-Eenou people;

WHEREAS the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly wish to preserve, promote and protect the knowledge, wisdom and life philosophies held by Eeyou-Eenou Elders:

WHEREAS the Eeyouch-Eeyouch of Eeyou Istchee recognize the importance of promoting and utilizing Eeyou-Eenou knowledge, wisdom and philosophy within the decision-making bodies of Eeyou-Eeyou government, institutions, organizations and entities;

BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request and encourage the Grand Council of the Crees(EI)/Cree Regional Authority, all Cree institutions, organizations and entities to include in their governance structures the participation of Eeyou-Eenou Elders in their decision-making bodies.

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly further request that the GCCEI/CRA, all Cree institutions, organization and entities acknowledge and affirm Eeyou-Eenou knowledge, wisdom and philosophy of the Eeyouch-Eenouch of Eeyou Istchee;

THAT the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority be and it is hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

Draft AGA Resolution

Respecting the Development of

Framework for Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-Tah-Jeh-Souwin Wee Sou-Wehwun (Governance Law) and Eeyou Eehdou-wun (Eeyou Way)

WHEREAS the work to develop a framework on Eeyou/Eenou Eehdou-wun (Eeyou way) and Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-tah-jeh-souwin (Eeyou Governance Law) to better express the Eeyou Nation’s internal Sovereignty and Self-determination has been a commitment by the Eeyouch/Eenouch and their leadership;

WHEREAS Eeyou/Eenou Eedhou-wun and Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-tah-jeh-souwin are fundamental and inherent rights of the Eeyouch/Eenouch, and are independent of external relations and agreements with other governments;

WHEREAS given the sacred nature of the concept of Eeyou-Eenou sovereignty and self-determination, no written document could fully reflect or express Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-Tah-Jeh-Souwin and Eeyou/Eenou Eehdou-wun;

WHEREAS any framework on Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-Tah-Jeh-Souwin Wee Sou-Wehwun and Eeyou Eehdou-wun being developed is not intended to reflect the result of negotiations with Canada or Quebec or indeed any nation outside that of Eeyou Nation;

WHEREAS it is essential for the interest of the Cree Nation to complete this work in the short term considering the time and resources already committed to this work by various bodies and organizations in Eeyou Istchee;

WHEREAS it is now necessary that the Eeyou-Eenou Nation of Eeyou Istchee adopt its governance law and related Eeyou laws;

RESOLVED:

THAT the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou lstchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Chisasibi on August 7, 8 & 9, 2007, hereby call for the conclusion of the process to develop framework for Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-Tah-Jeh-Souwin (Eeyou Governance Law) and Eeyou/Eenou Eehdou-wun (Eeyou way);

THAT the content of the framework for Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-Tah-Jeh-Souwin and Eeyou/Eenou Eehdou-wun include: (i) the use of Eeyou-Ayimuwun (language) promotion; (ii) the revitalization and reaffirmation of Eeyou traditional institutions, belief systems and laws: and (iii) valuing the importance of Eeyou knowledge and role of traditional knowledge holders in any process of developing this framework;

THAT no written document may fully reflect or express Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-Tah-Jeh-Souwin and Eeyou/Eenou Eehdou-wun, but the process be as inclusive and respectful of the Eeyou-Eenou traditional wisdom, knowledge and vision regarding Eeyou-Eenou Nation’s determination to maintain, preserve, protect, promote, revitalize, reaffirm and transmit to future generations its distinct Eeyou Wee-sou-wehwun (Eeyou Law) and Eehdou-wun (Eeyou way of doing things);

THAT a framework for Eeyou/Eenou Tapay-Tah-Jeh-Souwin and Eeyou/Eenou Eehdou-wun be completed by the year 2009 and subsequently thereafter the Eeyou/Eenou Nation shall adopt the Eeyou Governance law and related Eeyou Laws

SUBJECT: Regional Conference on Social Issues

WHEREAS a Regional Conference on Social Issues for Women was held in November 2006 to look at issues of family violence, suicide, and sexual abuse;

WHEREAS the social issues discussed at the Regional Conference impact all of the Cree communities;

WHEREAS there would be great social benefit to have a similar regional conference inclusive of Cree men, women, youth and Elders;

WHEREAS it would be of great benefit to have the Cree Regional Authority, the Cree Health Board and Social Services, and the Cree Regional Youth Council work together to address social issues impacting the Cree Nation;

IT IS RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority affirm and recognize the importance of social issues such as family violence, suicide, and sexual abuse impact the Cree Nation as a whole;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly further request that a regional conference on social issues be held that is inclusive of Cree men, women, youth and Elders;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly further request that the Cree Regional Authority, Cree Health Board and Social Services and the Cree Regional Youth Council work closely together on addressing social issues affecting the Cree Communities and Cree youth;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby mandate the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to provide support and seek funds for a Cree Regional Conference on Social issues, and are mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

SUBJECT: Special 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 that affect the Cree Nation;

WHEREAS there is a need to hold a special general assembly on health and social services to reflect the different and more culturally appropriates means;

WHEREAS it would be of great benefit to have the Cree Board of Health and Social Services Cree Regional Authority, to work together to address the social and health issues impacting the Cree Nation;

IT IS RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/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 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly further request that a Special General Assembly on Health and Social Services be held that is inclusive of Cree men, women, youth and Elders;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Cree Board of Health 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 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly hereby mandate the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to provide support and seek funds for Special General Assembly on Health and Social issues, and are mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

SUBJECT: Funding for Cree Trappers Association Activities

WHEREAS increased funding is anticipated upon acceptance of the New Agreement between Canada and the Crees of Eeyou Istchee;

WHEREAS many activities are directly related to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping, examples include living a healthy lifestyle, good eating habits, hunting practices and a way of life for the Crees;

WHEREAS support both physically and financially will encourage youth to pursue the Cree way of life.

IT IS RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority make every effort to increase funding to the Cree Trappers Association to allow active participation in the Cree way of life.

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly further request that the present level of funding forthe Cree Trappers Association never be decreased, and efforts be made to increase the funding.

SUBJECT: Municipality of Bay James (MBJ)

WHEREAS the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority must act to protect Cree rights and interests in Eeyou Istchee;

WHEREAS the James Bay Development Act was recently amended by the Quebec Government in 2001 to effectively transfer control of the James Bay municipality to Mayors of non-Native communities of the James Bay territory;

WHEREAS amendments were made without the consent of the Cree Nation and without any prior consultation of the Cree Nation;

WHEREAS Quebec government representatives have previously stated that these matters would be dealt with within the context of the New Relationship Agreement with Quebec, without success or any meaningful discussions;

WHEREAS MBJ has taken actions adverse to Cree interests including extending by-laws which hinder trappers and hunters to Category II & III lands by using MNRA to harass Cree trappers and hunters and Crees engaging in harvesting activities;

WHEREAS MBJ has put in force by-laws which affect the Cree territory, water, hunting, fishing and trapping rights and encroachment of these rights and interests;

IT IS RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority are hereby mandated to fully seek a solution with the Quebec government to end the illegal and unconstitutional transfer of authority to certain non-Native Mayors;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly further request that the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority initiate all discussions and legal proceedings and appropriate solutions to remedy the illegal and unconstitutional actions ofthe new MBJ on this transfer and that this litigation is fully supported by the General Assembly;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly fully support and are mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution;

SUBJECT: Crees with Special Needs WHEREAS there are Cree persons who cannot enjoy fundamental human rights due to a physical mobility handicap;

WHEREAS the rights and benefits enjoyed by able-bodied Crees are being denied to these individuals due to the lack of programs and services;

Authority develop strategies and do all things necessary to ensure that the benefits and rights are made available to these Cree persons with Special Needs.

SUBJECT: Nemaska

Access Road

WHEREAS the Cree Nation of Nemaska has constructed an Access Road using Cree funds;

WHEREAS the government of Quebec and Canada have not contributed to the costs of their Access Road using Cree funds;

WHEREAS Canada in the proposed New Relationship Agreement is committed to contributing to the reimbursement of their claim;

WHEREAS the claim for reimbursement to recover the costs in construction of the Nemaska Access Road has been submitted to Quebec;

IT IS RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional

Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional

Authority hereby support the Cree Nation of Nemaska for reimbursement for the Access Road claims and further mandated the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to do all things necessary to give effect to the above.

SUBJECT: Documentary on JBNQAWHEREAS a documentary detailing the events and issues that lead to the signing of the JBNQA by the Cree Nation in November 1975 is deemed necessary;

WHEREAS it is essential that the thoughts, views and vision of the Cree Leaders in the 1970s be recorded to enable the Cree Nation to learn and comprehend the issues of that time.

IT IS RESOLVED THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority

Annual General Assembly request that the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority hereby give general support for the production in such a documentary project. Entitled “JBNQA A documentary; The story of the Cree people of Eeyou Istchee”.

SUBJECT: Wilderness Survival School

WHEREAS a Wilderness Survival School is required to advance and teach wilderness survival skills for Cree youth;

WHEREAS the Cree Nation presently lacks facilities and resources to undertake such a program;

IT IS RESOLVED: THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly request that the Council/Board of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority seek ways and means to set up such a program in collaboration with other Cree entities, and to seek appropriate funds;

THAT the members of the 2007 Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly ensure that the Cree Elders be the primary resource persons for such Survival Wilderness School.

Federal agreement debated at AGA

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