Paved roads to Eastmain and Wemindji.

A Cree Housing Commission. A Cree Economic Summit. A review of chiefs’ honoraria and ofthe Cree Health Board. And much more.

The Cree “G-9” Annual General Assembly held in Chisasibi last month produced resolutionson these issues and oh so many others. Here is the full list (summarized by us).

Cree-Naskapl Commission.

Members “strongly disapprove” the lack of funding for the Cree-Naskapi Commission fromthe Feds. This has impaired the commission’s job of being the watchdog over theCree-Naskapi Act. Indian Affairs is called upon to rectify the situation.

Ottawa Citizen Denounced.

The assembly denounces The Ottawa Citizen for publishing a “negative” and “racist” editorial about the Nisga’a people of British Columbia, who just signed a historic treaty.

“The contents of this editorial have reached a level of racist comments and discrimination to such an extent that it affects not only the Nisga’a people but represents an insult to all other members of the First Nations,” reads this resolution.

Washaw Sibi Eeyouch Supported.

The assembly votes to support a study by the Washaw Sibi Eeyou Association, whichrepresents 150-200 Waskaganish Crees who live in the non-Native towns on the southernedge of Cree land. The $50,000 needed is requested from Indian Affairs.

Traditional Pursuits Now.

The Cree School Board and trappers want to bring back the Traditional Pursuits Program,which helped youth learn about the Cree hunting way of life but was canned by Quebecin 1994 “due to technicalities.” The Grand Council of the Crees is mandated to get itback.

Pave the Roads.

The assembly supports efforts by Eastmain and Wemindji to get their access roads paved toimprove safety.

Radisson Out

Radisson has no place as a permanent town inside Cree land, but Chisasibi people havewatched the Hydro work camp grow bigger. The assembly says Radisson’s existence violatesthe James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. It calls for an impact assessment and forthe Cree leadership “to do everything necessary” to stop Radisson being made permanent.

Cree AFN Vice-Chief.

The Assembly of First Nations is called upon to recognize a Cree Regional Vice-Chief,“complete with all resource and support needs.” The Grand Council is mandated to appointsomeone to the position.

JBNQA Review.

Members support an ongoing Cree-backed review of the James Bay Agreement provision thatdeals with the Cree Trappers’ Association.

Tallymen as Conservation Officers.

Little progress has been made on the section of the JBNQA that says tallymen should besworn in as auxiliary conservation officers and Crees trained as wildlife officers. TheGrand Council is mandated to find out what’s gone wrong and pressure Quebec to wise up.

Nisga’a Commended.

The Nisga’a people are commended for their landmark treaty and struggle againstignorance and racist reaction among many within the non-Native population.

Val d’Or Friendship Centre Supported.

The Native Friendship Centre of Val d’Or is praised for its important work on behalfof the Aboriginal population.

Social Work Program.

The assembly pledges CRA financial support to the Cree Health Board for its Bachelor ofSocial Work training program. The Health Board is advised to seek extra funds from itsown budget, Quebec, the feds and the Cree School Board.

Cree Language and Culture.

Members support the efforts of the James Bay Cree Communication Society to produce Creelanguage and culture programs.

G-9 Summit.

The “G-9” (nine communities) agree to hold a Cree Economic Summit before March 31, 1998to discuss: “Understanding Together, Cree Unity and Cree Self-Government.”

What Housing Commission?

Back in 1995, the Annual General Assembly voted to create a Cree Housing Commission toaddress the housing crisis. Alas, the commission never saw the light of day. The assemblyagain calls for the creation of such a commission “with adequate resources,” ruled by onemember from each community.

Sharks draft Jonathan Cheechoo.

Congratulations to Jonathan Cheechoo! The Moose Factory Cree has been drafted to the NHLs San Jose Sharks and got the MVP award at the National Midget Tournament. The assembly extends its congratulations and best wishes.

Whapmagoostul Wants Roads.

With travel to hunting grounds along the coast harder and more dangerous, Whampagoostui has gotten support for a proposal to build access roads to Lac Bienville and along the Hudson Bay coast. Funds to be requested from Canada and Quebec.

Elders and Ybuth.

The assembly supports and endorses three resolutions passed at the Elders and YouthConference held in Chisasibi Aug. 1

to 3. Included was a request to the Grand Chief to attend Elders and Youth meetingsand a resolution seeking funding for cultural development.

Youth Assembly.

The assembly supports and endorses six resolutions passed at the Youth General Assembly held outside Waskaganish June 30 to July 2.

Outside Review of Cree Health Board.

Complaining of the Cree Health Board’s “deficient services delivery,” the members voted to immediately undertake an independent review of the Cree Health and Social Services Board.

The Grand Council/CRA is mandated to ensure the review is carried out. Also it must ensure the holding of a Special General Assembly on Cree health and social services “within the shortest time delay possible.”

Such a special assembly was requested at last year’s AGA held in O.J., but was never held. That assembly also expressed concerns about the quality of Cree health care and social services.

Review of Honoraria.

The assembly recommends that the Grand Council/CRA and other entities “carefully review” their policy on honorariaand present options to the next AGA. In a time of budgetary constraints, the membersquestion how honoraria are paid to board members. In many cases, the board membersare chiefs who hold many hats and receive honoraria from various sources.

Protect the Land.

Forest fires have ravaged the land and wildlife in lyiyuuschii, affecting the Cree way of life. But government authorities “are only concerned with the protection of the inhabitants of settlements and communities and the hydro-electric projects.” The assembly calls for “immediate discussions” with the government to create better protective measures for the resources.

Whampagoostui In ’99.

The next Annual General Assembly is to be held in Whapmagoostui.

AGA Lengthened.

To give delegates enough time to discuss important issues, the members recommendlengthening the assembly to five days, from the current three. This would take effect atnext year’s AGA.

Adjourned.