With the consultation process on the Agreement-in-principle in full swing, questions persist. Reaction has been swift, but it has been difficult to gauge just how the deal has been received in the communities. The Nation has begun canvassing Cree leaders on the progress of the Agreement-in-principle consultations. What will determine Cree consent? How have the communities reacted so far? Where do the leaders stand on the issue? What is a realistic deadline? Part II will appear in the next issue.
Chief Reggie Mark, Wemindji What form will consent take?
We haven’t gotten that far yet. I have no indication how the vote is going to be taken.
What has been your community’s reaction?
It’s mainly positive. There are people that want some time to think about it before they come to a decision. (In a public meeting with the people of Wemindji, before the official consultations, Chief Mark met with the different groups, elders and youth, to pass on information. A translated breakdown of the Agreement in Principle in syllabics was made available.) What is your position on the AIP?
I supported the Agreement-in-principle right from the start and I will continue to support it.
Is there a set deadline?
I believe it’s around the 20*h of December.
Chief Violet Pachanos, Chisasibi What form will consent take?
I don’t think its been decided yet. There are various forms it can take: referendum, vote, etc.
What has been your community’s reaction?
Like most communities there are people who don’t agree, some who agree, and some who are undecided. People are looking for more details. From the meetings that we’ve had, people seem to support the agreement.
What is your position on the AIP?
Right now this is an Agreement-inprinciple, it is something to work with. For me, a lot of the things in the Agreement-in-principle are things we’ve been after for Chisasibi, especially as concerns relations with Hydro-Quebec and a desire to create more employment opportunities.
Chief Edward Gilpin, Eastmain What form will consent take?
No decision has been taken yet. Two options were raised: One was by power of attorney, given to the Chief to act on behalf of the community. The other is a referendum. For power of attorney you would need to sign a legal form mandating power to the Chief. You would probably need at least 50% plus one of everyone over voting age to confer power of attorney.
What has been your community’s reaction?
From my consultations and my meetings with the trappers and the youth, some of the youth are against the Agreement-in-principle.
Some misinformation has been circulating and more needs to be learned about it. Overall, I think people see the benefits of this agreement, but come elections that could change.
What is your position on the AIP?
I have to do the best I can for the people of Eastmain. I had questions about the agreement and I’ve had them answered. I signed the Agreement. This agreement will create jobs and the trappers will still be able to continue their traditions.
Is there a set deadline?
The new date for the final draft is December 20, 2001.
What is your reaction to Matthew Mukash’s opposition?
I’m glad he came out to state his position, because I knew something was up. (Chief Gilpin said he was a signatory to the AIP due to Mukash not signing the deal.) Chief David Masty,
Whapmagoostui What form will consent take?
I’ve discussed that with my council. As far as Whapmagoostui is concerned, I would like my community to decide through a referendum. We’re looking at options, but there’s been no formal decision yet. We are discussing at the local level. I want all community members to be involved. We’re thinking of a majority of 50%plus one as a minimum requirement, but it still needs to be discussed.
What has been your community’s reaction?
We just completed the consultation and had one meeting to explain the agreement. Now we need to do local consultations. It’s hard to say what the reaction is right now.
What is your position on the AIP?
I agreed to have this agreement brought to my people for their approval. I will respect the wishes of my community. It (the AIP) addresses some economic needs for our community, but I know there is a price to be paid. I’d like the people to reflect on it.
What is your reaction to Matthew Mukash’s opposition?
I will focus on the merits of the Agreement. The situation between Matthew Mukash and the Grand Chief is regrettable. The issue for me is whether my people accept (the AIP) or not.
Chief Paul Gull, Waswanipi What form will consent take?
I think it should be a vote in each of the communities. The problem with a referendum is that the bigger communities will outnumber the smaller ones. It has to be unanimous among all the communities. If one community doesn’t want it then it shouldn’t go through. I think the percentage should be higher than 50 plus one. Under the Cree-Naskapi Act you need a certain amount (65% support to cede land) for consensus.
What has been your community’s reaction?
There are still a lot of‘what-ifs’. There are still people with a lot of questions. I think they need to better understand the information that’s been put before them. There are a number of people who did not come to the meeting who need to understand.
What is your position on the AIP?
I had a hard time coming up with an answer. I believe that for future generations we could take it (the AIP) if we work on it. We need to develop it to make it work. If you are totally against it,
I would say to those people, it’s very easy to criticize but what would you do instead? In the end it’s the decision of the people.
John Paul Murdoch, legal advisor/CRA Rep. for Waskaganish What form will consent take?
There are many possibilities. We had a meeting discussing all the options: Band Council Resolutions; Referendum for everyone; Referendum by community, Special General Assembly. Consent will be determined by the will of the people, not the will of the leaders.
What has community reaction been like?
In some communities they asked us, where can we sign right now? Others want more information.
In Waskaganish there was initial shock over the announcement. Some were for it, some were against it, and many wanted more information. It’s been the same in all the communities. In general we’re heading in the support direction. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
What is your position on the AIP?
It will put the resources in our hands to finally do what we’re capable of. This (AIP) can help produce a Cree economy, a Cree market. The idea of self-government will be put to work, we won’t just be talking about it.
Is there a set deadline?
I think there’s a real possibility to get a text together by the end of December.
