The Eeyou-Astchee Commission on the Future of the Cree Nation has almost all of its members chosen.
The 12 commissioners are Henry Mianscum, Diane Reid, Helen Atkinson, Robbie Matthew Sr., Rod Pachano, Lisa Petagumskum, Ted Moses, Romeo Saganash, Philip Awashish, Bertie Wapachee, James Shecapio and Bella Petawabano.
Hearings will get started within two weeks, says Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come, and will last at least a month and a half. But first, commissioners will meet to choose a coordinator and plan a schedule.
Afterwards, a special Legislative Assembly will be convened probably in May in Chisasibi, pending approval from Chief Violet Pachanos.
The timing could be affected by when Quebec decides to hold its own referendum on sovereignty. That’s an open question because of infighting among the separatists over timing of the referendum. Moderate separatists want to delay the vote because they’re worried they can’t win right now. The hardline crowd is pushing to do it right away. “Parizeau is busy putting out fires in his own camp,” commented the Grand Chief.
