Quebec, move on over, the Crees are coming and they are talking self-governance and self-determination. That was the hot topic at the grand Council of the Crees/ Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly. Perhaps Quebec should have seen the warning signs in 1995 when the Crees preempted Quebec’s sovereignty referendum with their own. The Crees decided they would prefer not to join the PQ in their journey into self-determination.
It won’t be something that the Crees are going to rush into but they are definitely starting to look seriously at how they can take back control of Eeyou Istchee. “We want to do this alone,” said Deputy Grand Chief Matthew Mukash. Mukash says Crees want to determine what structures they’ll need as well as looking at the impacts of development of aboriginal peoples. Mukash said Crees were aware of the disappearing languages and socio-cultural traditions as well as the constant erosion of land bases for aboriginal peoples. “We have to put a stop to that. If we [Crees] don’t stand up now, we’re going to end up like all the other First Nations in the south,” said Mukash.
Mukash justifies the Crees position saying there are over 300 unfulfilled obligations and breaches to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. He points out to the replacing of Judge Croteau as increasing the momentum towards Cree self-determination. Mukash said the denial of Cree rights in this manner shows the system is flawed and non-supportive of Crees.
But it was a situation that was fundamentally flawed from the beginning according to Mukash. He said the extinguishments clause in the JBNQA lead to a loss of control for the Crees, which in turn led to the Feds and Quebec not fulfilling or breaching the JBNQA but that this leads to Cree justification for Cree sovereignty.
A sovereignty that Mukash says could lead to a third order of government. “We’re looking at a nation to nation treaty. We’ll be a part of the United Nations,” said Mukash.
Some of the things that were considered by the working groups were the threat of Quebec exercising “effective control” over Eeyou Istchee. Mukash feels this can be countered by a worldwide awareness campaign. “Any form of violence against the Crees would only show what Quebec is capable of if they separate from Canada,” said Mukash. He said that the Crees want powers similar to the state similar to the situation that Porto Rico is in. Porto Rico is a dependent state under the United States protection.
To finance this new state Mukash is looking at the Crees taxing developers. He said at the moment the Crees don’t even see two per cent of that “We want the maximum share we can get so the territory is less dependent on government handouts and we’ll have the money to take on the new responsibilities we’ll be assuming,” stated Mukash. Mukash seen the biggest obstacle as being the Crees themselves. “It might be that some people are comfortable with the present system because they have big salaries or are in positions they want to keep. The next will be the government who will want to take control of the process or the new structure,” said Mukash.
Mukash said that people are excited and that people have said since the beginning that Crees should take back control of our destiny. A series of public consultations will be taking place in the coming year.
Another highpoint of the AGA was the feast to honour Matthew Coon Come. The outpouring of pride and support was unreal. The local arena where the feast was held erupted into cheering upon his entry. Numerous speeches were given and then the man himself was on stage. Coon Come said that it was a special homecoming for him. He talked about how he was born. “It was 1956 and we were on a dogsled hallway to Mistissini when my mother started,” he said. Coon Come told of how his father ran ahead and had barely gotten the tent up when his mother arrived. He said that his grandmother had said that she never felt this way before. “He’s going to be a leader,” grandmother Coon Come said.
Matthew told the audience that it was lucky that he didn’t know about that before or it might have gone to his head, while people laughed. He thanked his family and supporters.
Then he talked about the past. “There was a time in our history when we were made ashamed to be an Indian. I thank the Elders who weren’t ashamed to speak the language, live the life and culture and passed it on,” he said.
It was time for the presents after a while. Matthew received a beaver pelt in the frame with the logos of all the nine communities on it along with a picture. Four men carried out what looked like a body wrapped in a red blanket. It was a polar bear mg. The community of Mistissini gave Matthew a log cabin to be built in the Mistissini area where he wanted. His family gave a nice moose hide vest.
Even Hydro-Quebec got into the act. As Real Cousours, the HQ representative was coming up the stairs Albert Diamond asked him if his gift was a hundred light bulbs. Alas, it was a sculpture of an owl. Cree music fans got to see some great Cree artists in action. Up front and returning later in evening was the ever-popular Francine Weistchee. She was followed by Angelina Brien, Richard Bo sum, Matthew Iseroff, Emily B. Diamond, Claudette and Patrick Estelle and Kenny Mianscum.
Then there was hilarious skit by James Jonah and Queeny Steven. These two comedians had people in stitches. I don’t think I’ve ever heard so much continuous laughter in all my life.
I thought I had see everything there was to see but learnt I hadn’t I feel I owe it to all you readers to report that Elvis is alive and he performed for Matthew. Women were screaming and throwing themselves at him. I was shocked and a little jealous but wouldn’t want to have to perform with four bodyguards around me at all times. Guess I’ll have to pass.
It was a great evening. The event was well planned and the setting beautiful.
The following are drafts of resolutions.
I’ve taken out the standard “adopting the agenda” type of resolutions and left in the interesting ones. For resolution 25 see the Grand Council’s advertisement on page 18, it’s a great one.
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-08
SUBJECT: Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute
WHEREAS for many years the Cree People have sought to preserve Cree culture, language and traditional knowledge, and to support the role of Elders in passing on such culture, language and knowledge to youth;
WHEREAS the members recognize a need to create a Cree entity to organize and coordinate the setting of cultural and language policies and to represent Cree efforts to gain access to certain sources of provincial and federal funds;
WHEREAS the number of entities involved in Cree language and culture development has created confusion among the entities themselves about mandates and where the ultimate responsibility for the setting of cultural and language policies lies, and this profusion of Cree entities and unclear mandates has created problems in gaining access to certain sources of provincial and federal funds;
WHEREAS the Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute has been established to provide a permanent facility to coordinate the delivery of cultural and language programs for all Crees, to support local cultural initiatives, and to facilitate the involvement of Elders in all aspects of Cree culture;
WHEREAS the Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute has been incorporated and is currently functioning with an interim Board of Directors and must next establish a formal Board of Directors;HEREAS Native Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal has been hired to design the Aanischaaukamikw building, and construction of the facility is scheduled to begin spring 2001, and such construction will require the active participation and support of the Institute’ formal Board of Directors;
WHEREAS detailed program planning for the Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute will soon commence, and will require the active participation and support of the Institute’s Board of Directors;
WHEREAS the Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute is currently conducting a major fund raising campaign with the involvement of several Cree and nonnative volunteers, which campaign has already raised several million dollars, and which campaign will be greatly assisted by the establishment of the Institute’s formal Board of Directors;
WHEREAS it is therefore necessary to establish the formal Board of Directors of the Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute in order to finalize the Institute’s program planning, to manage the construction project, to collaborate with the fund raising campaign, and to oversee the long-term management of the Institute.
RESOLVED:
THAT the Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute, the James Bay Cultural Education Centre, Regional Council of Eeyou/ Eenou Elders, Cultural Services administered by the Cree Regional Authority Traditional Pursuits Agency and the Cree School Board Language Program, shall be amalgamated as the Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute, in order to establish a permanent Cree entity to preserve and develop Cree culture and language, and to facilitate the transfer of Cree culture, language and traditional knowledge from Cree Elders to youth, and to otherwise support the involvement of Elders in all aspects of Cree culture;
THAT the Board of Directors of the Aanishaaukamikw Cultural Institute shall include the Cultural Coordinator and an Elder from each of the nine Cree communities;
THAT the leaders of the three bodies shall be mandated to accomplish the amalgamation immediately.
Proposed by: Norman Cheezo
Seconded by: Chief Edward Gilpin
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-09
SUBJECT: Firearms Legislation
WHEREAS the members of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority, having met on 22-25 August 2000;
WHEREAS the Crees of Eeyou Istchee have lived as hunters, trappers, fisherman and gatherers as a traditional way of life and have always lived by a code of ethics by their customs and traditions as to safety and security while practicing their livelihood of hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering;
WHEREAS the members of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority, hereby express grave concern regarding certain provisions of Bill C-68, Firearms legislation, as it affects their livelihood as traditional trappers and hunters by the licensing, registration of firearms and ammunition and acquisition;
WHEREAS these requirements are in direct violation of the aboriginal and treaty rights which are protected under s. 35(1) of the Canadian Constitution, 1982;
WHEREAS these requirements will create hardship on the traditional trappers and hunters as regards to the deadline of January 1, 2001, for training and acquiring valid firearm licenses and firearm acquisition certificates (FAC);
WHEREAS the factor of traditional and customary lifestyles of the aboriginal peoples was not taken into consideration and seriously taken when the legislation was drafted and enacted;
WHEREAS the aboriginal peoples have adopted the use of firearms in their traditions and customs as an essential tool of subsistence;
RESOLVED:
THAT the members hereby request that amendments and exemptions be recommended to the Firearms Legislation;
THAT these amendments take into account the aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nation peoples as it relates and affects their livelihood of hunting and trapping for subsistence and have lived by their own code of ethics, traditions, customs and practices;
THAT a moratorium or extension be applied to these licensing, registration and acquisition requirements for First Nations Peoples until the legislation has been amended to comply with the constitutionally protected aboriginal and treaty rights;
THAT the Grand Chief/Chairman and Deputy Grand Chief/Vice Chairman of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Trappers Associa tion, in conjunction and consultation with the Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee, be and hereby mandated to do all things necessary to ensure that these concerns are put forth and submitted to the appropriate authorities and governments.
Proposed by: Abraham Rupert
Seconded by: Chief David Masty
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-10
SUBJECT: Funding for the Council of Chisayouch
WHEREAS the Eeyou/ Eenou Elders are the holders and protectors of Eeyou/ Eenou traditional knowledge and wisdom
WHEREAS the Elders as the holders and protectors of the said knowledge and wisdom can, should and must participate in a significant way as advisors at the regional and local levels, in all areas, and to Eeyou/ Eenou entities that deal with the well being of Eeyou/ Eenou in general;
WHEREAS the impacts of “modern” society have been negative and in some cases devastating to the culture, values, traditions, language and beliefs on Eeyouch/ Eenouch especially on the youth;
WHEREAS the “modern” methods and systems, such as the education, social services, justice, recreation etc. have not attained the desired success in dealing with the problems created within Eeyou/ Eenou society;
WHEREAS the Elders believe that the time has come for Eeyou/ Eenou to overcome their dependency on said methods and systems which do not work for many Cree youth in particular;
WHEREAS the Elders believe that the time has also come for them to assist in a meaningful way with resolving the said social problems by using and passing on their knowledge and wisdom as they determine and circumstances necessitate;
WHEREAS the Elders recognize the need to work collectively in the development of their goals and objectives to deal with the said problems;
WHEREAS the Elders also recognize the need to have the common basic understanding of Cree culture, values, tradition, language and beliefs so that the same maybe utilized and transmitted;
WHEREAS the financial resources available to the Eeyou/ Eenou has decreased and the requests and needs have increased exponentially;
WHEREAS the responsibility of the different aspects of the culture and language have, without proper consultations with the Crees, including the Elders in their respective areas of expertise, been assigned to numerous agencies on a piece meal basis contrary to the holistic approach of the Eeyou/ Eenou;
WHEREAS Eeyou/ Eenou must deal with the social problems on an urgent basis and the Elders have a significant role in the restoration of balance and harmony in Eeyou/ Eenou Society;
WHEREAS funding from the Board of Compensation is no longer sufficient to meet the requirements for the Elders to meet and plan properly their contribution to the restoration of harmony and balance;
RESOLVED:
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Regional Authority make provisions in their annual operating budgets for the funding of the Eeyou/ Eenou Elders/ Youth Conferences and the Regional Council of Elders on an ongoing basis;
THAT the annual operating budget based on the needs as determined by the Elders shall be submitted on a yearly basis through the James Bay Cultural Education Centre to the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Regional Authority.
Proposed by: Norman Cheezo
Seconded by: Billy Stephen
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-11
SUBJECT: Income Security Program
WHEREAS the community of Whapmagoostui, a member of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee, being situated in the northernmost part of Eeyou Istchee, is the only community that is not accessible by road and has the highest cost of living;
WHEREAS, the beneficiaries of the Cree Hunters and Trappers Income Security Program from the community of Whapmagoostui are experiencing great difficulty meeting their basic needs and the costs associated with maintaining their beneficiary status on the program due to the high cost of living and isolation;
WHEREAS, the administration of the Income Security Program at present does not address the unique situation of the Whapmagoostui beneficiaries, for example, the rate per diem under the Program is the same for all nine Cree communities in Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS, it is appropriate and necessary that the community of Whapmagoostui be treated in a fair and equitable manner with respect to the delivery of programs in Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS, the Whapmagoostui First Nation is requesting the support of the Annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Regional Authority to have the Quebec Government acknowledge the unique situation of the community of Whapmagoostui in the administration of the Income Security Program; RESOLVED:
THAT the members of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority hereby give support to the request of the community of Whapmagoostui to have its unique situation recognized with respect to the administration of Income Security Program by the Quebec Government;
THAT the government of Quebec be lobbied to reconsider and accept the original proposal by the Cree party on the Cree-Quebec Working Group on the Review and Revision of the Income Security Program that called for a $74.00 daily allowance for the Income Security Program beneficiaries who are in the “far” category;
THAT the Grand Chief/Chairman and the Deputy Grand Chief/Vice-Chairman be and it is hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to he foregoing.
Proposed by: Chief David Masty
Seconded by: Chief Edward Gilpin
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-12
SUBJECT: Funding for the Cree Trappers’ Association
WHEREAS the Cree Trappers’ Association is the Cree entity that is responsible for representing the interests of the Cree Trappers of Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS the Cree Trappers’ Association provides many important services to the Cree trapper’s of Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS in order for the Cree Trappers’ Association to fulfill its responsibilities to the Cree Trappers’ of Eeyou Istchee the Cree Trappers’ Association requires a stable and sufficient source of funding;
RESOLVED:
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee/ Cree Regional Authority undertake a concerted effort to secure sufficient funding for the Cree Trappers’ Association.
Adopted by: Chief Edward Gilpin
Seconded by: Gilbert Dick
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-14
SUBJECT: Forced Relocation of Nemiscau Eenouch and Development of Nemiscau Eenouch Traditional Territory
WHEREAS, following notification in 1968 that the whole Nemiscau Eenouch traditional territory would be flooded and the only source of provisions and trading, namely the local Hudson’s Bay Company store closed, the members of the Nemiscau Eenouch were forced to relocate from their traditional hunting territory and lands within the region surrounding Lake Nemiscau;
WHEREAS, as a result, the members of the community were displaced and scattered between the communities of Mistissini and Waskaganish, forced to leave behind their homes, to break their spiritual and cultural ties to the area and to sever their relationship to their traditional lands;
WHEREAS, despite such upheaval, the Nottaway Broadback Rupert River Complex did not proceed and the Government of Quebec and Hydro-Quebec instead developed the La Grand River Complex;
WHEREAS the forced relocation caused much trauma and stress both to individuals and to the community as a whole;
WHEREAS, as a result of the conditions set out in the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement, the members of the Nemiscau Eenouch were required to reestablish themselves prematurely in a new community on the shores of Champion Lake before proper infrastructure and housing had been completed;
WHEREAS such premature relocation caused some unnecessary loss of life of certain community members as a result of unsanitary living conditions;
WHEREAS, furthermore, no proper funding arrangements for the relocation of the community of Champion Lake were established with the result that the community was forced to resort to the use of regular program funding and Cree monies in order to re-establish the community with appropriate infrastructure and services, thereby incurring additional delays and unnecessary health hazards;
WHEREAS the Nemiscau Eenouch have also committed substantial Cree monies to the construction and maintenance of the Nemaska access road, an obligation of the federal and/ or provincial governments;
WHEREAS, in 1998, Hydro-Quebec proposed exploratory works to consider the potential of a revised EM I hydroelectric project;
WHEREAS the project as proposed will have serious impacts on the hunting, fishing and trapping activities of the Nemiscau Eenouch and will have a significant effect on the waters within the traditional territory of the Nemiscau Eenouch to which the members have never surrendered their aboriginal title and interest;
WHEREAS, as a result of the foregoing, on 2 September 1999, the members of the Nemiscau Eenouch called for, inter alia, an independent inquiry into the events surrounding the forced relocation of their community and the establishment of the relocated community on Champion Lake, to be carried out during the current year;
RESOLVED:
THAT the members of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority do hereby express their support for the holding of an independent inquiry, to be carried out immediately, into the forced relocation from the original Nemiscau community on Lake Nemiscau and the re-establishment of a new community at Champion Lake;
THAT a moratorium on all further resource development affecting the traditional territory of the Nemiscau Eenouch be sought by the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority and to continue in affect until such time as the Nemiscau Eenouch otherwise direct.
Proposed by: William Hester
Seconded by: Andrew Kawapit
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-15
SUBJECT: Inclusion of Traditional Mistissini Territories in Forestry Negotiations
WHEREAS the members of the Cree Nation of Mistissini held their Local Annual General Assembly from August 14-18, 2000, and addressed the issue of including all Mistissini traditional territories into forestry negotiations with the governments of Quebec and Canada;
WHEREAS the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee have entered into formal negotiations with the Governments of Quebec and Canada regarding forestry related issues;
WHEREAS the elements for negotiations do not take into account traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping territories of the Cree Nation of Mistissini, more specifically in the area referred to as “Beyond the Height of Land”;
WHEREAS the said traditional territory is not within the defined territories of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement;
WHEREAS the Cree Nation of Mistissini has never ceded, or relinquished title or Aboriginal rights to those traditional territories;
WHEREAS the said traditional hunting, fishing and trapping territories have been negatively affected by commercial forestry operations and continue to be subjected to such operations;
RESOLVED:
THAT the Grand Chief/Chairman and Deputy-Grand Chief/Vice-Chairman are mandated to do all things necessary to include the said traditional territories into the forestry negotiations with the governments of Quebec and Canada;
Proposed by: Jimmy Trapper
Seconded by: Chief George Wapache
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-16
SUBJECT: The Firearms Act
WHEREAS the members of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority having reviewed and discussed a status report on issues related to the federal gun control legislation;
WHEREAS the Government of Canada has enacted Bill C-68, referred to as the Firearms Act, and undertaken the implementation of the Act within a specific time frame;
WHEREAS the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee with the participation of the Cree Trappers Association have made presentations, on behalf of the Cree Nation to the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs and the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs concerning the impact that the Firearms Act will have on the Cree way of life, and will be in violation aboriginal, treaty and Cree human rights and freedoms;
WHEREAS in such presentations the Government of Canada has been made aware that hunting, trapping and fishing are at the heart of Cree society and that all members of the Cree Nation depend on the land for their sustenance;
WHEREAS the Cree Nation has also informed the Government of Canada that firearms are a necessity to the Cree way of life and the continuance of traditional hunting and trapping;
WHEREAS the Cree Nation had entered into the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement with Canada and Quebec, an Agreement constitutionally protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
WHEREAS the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement guarantees that the Cree traditional way of life based on hunting, trapping and fishing will be forever protected;
WHEREAS paragraph 24.3.12 of the Agreement concerns hunting, trapping and fishing and deals precisely with the issue of firearms control;
WHEREAS Chapter 24 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement addresses hunting, trapping and fishing rights and more particularly paragraph 24.3.18 provides that the right to harvest shall not be subject to the obtaining of permits, licenses, or other regulatory restrictions;
WHERAS the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee holds that chapter 24 of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement ensures that the Cree Nation’s constitutionally protected right to possess and use firearms for harvesting be regulated by local aboriginal governments;
WHEREAS the Cree Nation has requested that the legislation clearly state that it is not to be construed so as to abrogate or derogate from existing aboriginal or treaty rights;
WHEREAS as the Firearms Act requirement that all Cree gun users obtain licenses from the federal government in order to continue using firearms in the pursuit of traditional life on the land is in violation of Cree constitutionally protected harvesting rights;
WHEREAS the Firearms Act is also in violation of inherent aboriginal rights, contemplated by article I of both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;
RESOLVED:
THAT the members of the Cree Nation notify the Government of Canada and Quebec of the hardships encountered in the implementation of the Act, and that the members of the Cree Nation are prepared to take all necessary measures to have Cree inherent, constitutional, and treaty rights respected, recognized and fully protected;
THAT the members of the Cree Nation petition the Minister of Justice to provide an immediate suspension of the implementation of the Firearms Act as it affects the Cree way of life, until such time an agreement between the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Federal government on all issues relating to the Firearms Act is reached;
THAT the members of the Cree Nation further call upon the Governments of Canada and Quebec to provide immediate access to human and financial resources to enable the Cree Nation to deal with all administrative and delivery issues related to the Firearms Act;
THAT the members of the Cree Nation do hereby mandate the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee to do all things deemed useful and necessary to give effect to the foregoing.
Proposed by: Andrew Kawapit
Seconded by: Mary Shanush
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-17
SUBJECT: Firearms Act Administrative Agreement
WHEREAS the federal government of Canada has enacted a Firearms Act wherein all firearms owners and users, including aboriginal people are required to register all firearms and to take a gun safety training course in order to apply for possession and acquisition licenses;
WHEREAS in the implementation of the Firearms Act, the Cree Nation is required to administer the Act in the Cree territory within a strict timeframe;
WHEREAS the administration of the Firearms Act requires an Administrative Agreement to implement the Act and that government proposals have attempted to impose a definition of a “sustenance” hunter;
WHEREAS the government of Quebec has attempted to have such Administrative Agreements in each Cree community without meaningful consultations with the Cree Nation;
WHEREAS the governments of Quebec and Canada have not provided any resources to enable the Cree to properly administer the Act in the Cree territory;
WHEREAS a Special Meeting was convened on August 10 & II, 2000 to review Cree interests and concerns related to the Firearms Act, and where a Report has been tabled to the members of the Cree Nation;
RESOLVED:
THAT to promote Cree unity the Cree Nation recommends that one Cree Regional Administrative Agreement be negotiated by the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee to ensure all Cree rights, aboriginal rights and treaty rights are fully taken into account in such agreement;
THAT in response to the administration of the Act, the members of the Cree Nation hereby serve notice to the governments that any imposed definition to “sustenance” hunters is unacceptable nor will the Cree Nation accept any infringement of Cree rights, aboriginal rights and treaty rights through administrative modalities of the Act;
THAT the members of the Cree Nation mandate the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee to seek appropriate resolution to the critical and urgent concerns and interests of all Cree members in the administration of the Firearms Act;
THAT the Report on the Firearms Act as tabled at the Annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and Cree Regional Authority held in Mistissini on 22-25 of August, 2000 be considered part and partial of this resolution;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee are further mandated to do all things necessary and useful to give effect to the foregoing
Proposed by: Bobby Neacappo
Seconded by: John Tent
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-18
SUBJECT: Full-time Firearms Coordina tor
WHEREAS the federal government has enacted the Firearms Act which requires the Cree Nation to administer the Act in the Cree territory;
WHEREAS the Cree Nation is willing to work with such legislation, providing the governments make available all necessary human and financial resources to enable the Cree Nation to properly administer the Act, and providing all Cree rights, aboriginal and treaty rights are fully respected and recognized;
WHEREAS the members of the Cree Nation are cognizant of the many changes in Cree society, in particular, the need to promote safe community environments while respecting the necessity of guns and ammunition to the traditional Cree way of life;
WHEREAS the members of the Cree Nation recognize and respect the many efforts of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee, the Cree Trappers Association and other Cree entities;
WHEREAS the members of the Cree Nation recognize that issues relating to gun control require in addition to the immediate administrative needs, the need to establish adequate long term educational material and proper management on all matters related to the administration of the Act;
RESOLVED:
THAT the members of the Cree Nation affirm the importance of addressing issues beyond the federal government initiatives contained in the Firearms Act, such as all Cree concerns and interests on gun safety issues, training, application to gun permits and registration of all firearms, and specifically the need to promote safe Cree community environments;
THAT the members of the Cree Nation affirm the importance of promoting, enhancing and protecting the traditional Cree way of life;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee/ Cree Regional Authority are mandated to seek all government resources to allow the Cree Nation to deliver adequate and appropriate support services related to the administration of the Act; including the placement of a full-time Cree Firearms Coordinator under the supervision of the Department of Traditional Pursuit of the Cree Regional Authority;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee are hereby mandated to do all things useful and necessary to give effect to the foregoing;
Proposed by: Joseph Pepabano
Seconded by: John Longchap
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-00
SUBJECT: Cree Governance
WHEREAS the Eeyou Nation of Eeyou Istchee has called for a process of defining the extent of Eeyou Istchee and the development and establishment of Eeyou government to be responsible for all areas of Eeyou governance in Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS at previous General Assemblies the Eeyou Nation has expressed its full and total support to the said process;
WHEREAS it is the expressed will of the Eeyou Nation that the extent of Eeyou Istchee be defined without delay and that the said Eeyou Government be established through a Declaration of Eeyou Governance Principles and the enactment of an Eeyou Constitution;
WHEREAS it is the desire of the present General Assembly of the Eeyou Nation of Eeyou Istchee that the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, the affected First Nations and the Canadian public be made aware of the Eeyou self-governance process;
WHEREAS the members of the Annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and Cree Regional Authority recognize the need for community consultations regarding the Eeyou Governance Process;
RESOLVED:
THAT the proposed community consultations regarding the Eeyou Governance Process begin without delay;
THAT a Declaration of Cree Eeyou Governance be made in the summer of 2001;
THAT the Grand Chief/ Chairman be and is hereby mandated to hold a press conference to formally announce the said process to the Canadian public;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Regional Authority be directed to ensure that there are adequate financial resources to carry out the mandate regarding Eeyou self-governance and the definition of Eeyou Istchee;
THAT the Grand Chief/Chairman and the Deputy Grand Chief/Vice-Chairman be and are hereby mandate to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.
Proposed by: Oliver Visitor
Seconded by: Joseph Pepabano
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION No. 2000-20
SUBJECT: Cree Professionals
WHEREAS the Cree People of Eeyou Istchee have always exercised self-determination and will further enhance this right through the consultation and involvement of all Cree People in the formation of a contemporary Cree Nation Government;
WHEREAS the experience at the local level is that the local autonomy and control is not enhanced through the use of on non-Cree lawyers and consultants at the regional and local entities Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Regional Authority level;
WHEREAS the reason for this dependency in the past was the absence of experienced Cree professionals, a situation which has long since been remedied;
WHEREAS as a step toward autonomy in Eeyou Governance, it is a desire of the members of this Assembly that existing Cree human resources be used to their fullest capacity in areas of community devebpment as well as in all other areas of Eeyou/Eenou Governance;
RESOLVED:
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee/Cree Regional Authority be and is hereby directed to use Cree professionals, be they at the local or regional level, in areas of community development as well as in other areas of Eeyou/Eenou Governance;
THAT the Grand Chief/Chairman and Deputy Grand Chief/Vice-Chairman be and they are hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.
Proposed by: Abraham Rupert
Seconded by: Janie Pachanos
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-21
SUBJECT: Acknowledgement of the Whapmagoostui Women’s Association and Approval of Request for Financial Support
WHEREAS the mem bers of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Regional Authority have received a report from the Whapmagoostui’s Women’s Association asking for acknowledgement of the entity’s existence and a request for financial support;
WHEREAS the Whapmagoostui’s Women’s Association is a non-profit organization which depends solely on local fund-raising efforts to sustain itself and the services it provides to the community;
WHEREAS the local demand for the Whapmagoostui Women’s Association’s services is rapidly increasing in accordance with the needs of the members of the Whapmagoostui First Nation and additional financial resources are needed to meet these needs;
WHEREAS the CRA Board of Compensation and other organizations presently provide funding for the services of non-profit organizations such as the Cree Trapper’s Association and other Cree entities;
RESOLVED:
THAT the members of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and Cree Regional Authority hereby acknowledge receipt of the report of the Whapmagoostui Women’s Association and acknowledge the existence of the Whapmagoostui Women’s Association;
THAT the members of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and Cree Regional Authority support the request for financial assistance on an ongoing basis of the Whapmagoostui Women’s associations as well as other Cree Women’s association;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and Cree Regional Authority are hereby directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.
Proposed by: Rose Lynn Rabbitskin
Seconded by: Losty Mamianskum
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-22
SUBJECT: Cree Nation Confederacy Gathering
WHEREAS there have been gatherings of the Cree Nations Confederacy of Canada in various Cree traditional territories in Canada;
WHEREAS the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee has been requested to host the next gathering in the year 2001 ;
WHEREAS the Cree Nations Confederacy has requested that the holding of this gathering be held in the community of Chisasibi;
WHEREAS the Cree Nation of Chisasibi has considered the request and have agreed that the community of Chisasibi be the site of the 2001 Cree Nations Gathering;
RESOLVED:
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee/ Cree Regional Authority Annual Assembly hereby supports and agrees that the Cree Nation of Eeyou September 8. 2000
Istchee through the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee/ Cree Regional Authority host the next gathering of the Cree Nations Confederacy Gathering for the year 2001 ;
THAT the holding of this gathering be held in Chisasibi as agreed to by the community of Chisasibi;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee/ Cree Regional Authority with the concerned Cree communities be and are hereby mandated to put in place the appropriate budgets and organizational mechanisms to realize this historical event to be held in Eeyou Istchee.
Proposed by: Oliver Visitor
Seconded by: Chief David Masty
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-23
SUBJECT: Washaw Sibi
WHEREAS the members of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority recognize and acknowledge the historical, cultural and family bonds between the Washaw Sibi Eeyou and the Cree Nation, more particularly the Crees of the Waskaganish First Nation;
RESOLVED:
THAT the Washaw Sibi Eeyou Association is hereby recognized as the official voice of the Washaw Sibi Eeyou with official observer status at all meetings of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority;
THAT the members also hereby express their support of the efforts of the Washaw Sibi Eeyou Association to obtain full measure of the rights and benefits under the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement to which its members may be entitled;
THAT all Cree entities such as the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), the Cree Regional Authority, the Cree Board of Health and Social Services, the Cree School Board and the Crees of the Waskaganish First Nation be and hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.
Proposed by: Chief David Masty
Seconded by: William Hester
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-24
SUBJECT: Political and financial assistance to the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and of Mistissini in quest for final land re-allocation and negotiations of relevant agreement to give effect of the land re-allocation from Mistissini Cree First Nation land base for the creation of land base for the Ouje-Bougoumou Cree First Nation.
WHEREAS the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou received by virtue of a resolution of the Council of the Cree Regional Authority and Board of Directors of the Grand council of the Crees (of Quebec), hereafter referred to as “Council/Board”, giving recognition to the representatives from the Cree Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou as members to the Council/Board and in recognition of the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou as a distinct group within the Cree Nation and;
WHEREAS the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec) on march 16, 1989 Special General Assembly of the Cree Nation supported and approved the institution of legal proceedings with and in support of the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou against the governments of Canada and of Quebec asserting aboriginal title and jurisdiction of specific land for the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and confirming that the Ouje-Bougoumou Cree First Nation was excluded from the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and claiming damages and;
WHEREAS the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and the Government of Quebec signed the Ouje-Bougoumou Agreement on September 06, 1989 to provide for an equitable and fair settlement on certain of the legitimate and tong standing grievances of the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and agreed to construct a village at Lake Opemisca and;
WHEREAS the Cree First Nation of Mistissini and the Government of Quebec signed a Memorandum of Understanding on December 6, 1989 to provide the re-allocation of category I and II lands from the land base of the Cree First Nation of Mistissini for the benefit of the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and agreed to take all necessary steps to authorize the above land re-allocation subject to receiving a fair and equitable arrangement for matters contained in the memorandum of Understanding of December 6, 1989 and;
WHEREAS the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and Canada signed the Ouje-Bougoumou/Canada Agreement on May 22, 1992 to provide federal contribution to the construction of the village at Lake Opemsica, the creation of the Ouje-Bougoumou Socio-Economic Fund, the Operations and Maintenance Funding, the commitment to undertake the necessary measures for the amendments of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement and the Cree Naskapi (of Quebec) Act to accommodate the recognition of the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and to initiate measures to treat the Cree First nation of Ouje-Bougoumou as equal to other Cree First nations and;
WHEREAS the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and the Government of Quebec signed an agreement for the implementation of the outstanding issues related to the Ouje-Bougoumou Agreement signed on September 6, 1989 to provide specific agreement on the installation of a telephone system , to provide safety on road no. 209, the transfer of Operations Fund to the Ouje-Bougoumou Socio-Economic Development fund and the institution of the Regional Ventures Fund and;
WHEREAS the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou filed a legal proceedings on December 22, 1993 against the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada claiming unextingished Indian title and existing aboriginal rights and personal usufructuary rights over, in, under and to all lands and natural resources situated in the land claimed by the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and claiming special and general damages and;
WHEREAS by virtue of Council/Board resolution no. 1995-17 an amount of $527,898.00 incurred by the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec) in support of the negotiations and work for the benefit of the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou was written off from the financial statements of the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec) for accounting purposes for the period ending March 31, 1995 and that this amount was included to the financial statements of the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec) under Cumulative Net Expenditures subject to Claims and Potential Reimbursement and;
WHEREAS the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec)/ Cree Regional Authority has had given political and financial support, with Cree funds, to other Cree First Nations, from time to time, on specific matters of interest pertaining to their well-being, protection of rights and to achieve fair and equitable agreements/ settlements and;
WHEREAS the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec) had granted this political and financial support, with Cree funds, to other First Nations of Canada, more specifically the Lubicon Cree First Nation and of Bear Island First Nation and;
WHEREAS the Cree First Nation of Mistissini and of Ouje-Bougoumou desires and requests the political and financial support of the Cree Nation of Quebec as represented by the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec)/ Cree Regional Authority in their quest for the reallocation of lands from the land base of the Cree First Nation of Mistissini for the benefit of the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou creation of a land base;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT the will of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee hereby supports the Cree First Nations of Mistissini and of Ouje-Bougoumou in their quest for fair and equitable agreements/ settlements on matters of interest related to land re-allocation from the land base of the Cree First nation of Mistissini for the benefit in the creation of a land base for the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou;
THAT the will of the Cree First Nation of Eeyou Istchee hereby gives its political and financial support to the Cree First Nations of Mistissini and of Ouje-Bougoumou in their work and negotiations for securing the fair and equitable agreements/ settlements on matters of interest pertaining to the re-allocation of lands;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees (of Eeyou Istchee) is hereby mandated to give priority to the work and negotiations of the Cree First Nations of Mistissini and of Ouje-Bougoumou to conclude the appropriate agreements/ settlements related to the re-allocation of lands;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees (of Eeyou Istchee) is hereby mandated to make all necessary arrangements with the Cree First Nations of Mistissini and of Ouje-Bougoumou for the political and financial support and to do all things necessary to give effect of the support granted;
THAT the following goals are determined by the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee as necessary to be completed to the satisfaction and agreement of the Cree first Nations of Mississippi and of Ouje-Bougoumou and is included in the political and financial support given by the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee:
1. The negotiations of a fair and equitable agreement for the Cree nation of Mistissini related to the Memorandum of Understanding of December 6, 1989.
2. The negotiations of fair and settlement for the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou related to the outstanding issues from the Ouje-Bougoumou Agreement and the Ouje-Bougoumou/Canada Agreement and the Ouje-Bougoumou-Quebec Agreement related to specific matters.
3. The negotiations of final land selection and re-allocation of lands from the land base of the Cree First Nation of Mistissini for the benefit of creating a land base for the Cree First Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou.
THAT the Grand Chief/ Chairman be and is hereby mandate to give full political support to the Cree First Nations of Mistissini and of Ouje-Bougoumou in their work and negotiations and to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.
Proposed by: Sam Tapiatuk
Seconded by: Gilbert Dick
Carried: 25 August 2000
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-26 SUBJECT: Collective Effort on the Protection of Intellectual Rights and Traditional Ecological Knowledge
WHEREAS in recent years there has been an increase in research activities in Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS the research activity has had the effect of enhancing the further development and exploitation of Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS the research activity in Eeyou Istchee is not conducted with the knowledge, permission or participation of the Cree Nation and Cree First nations of Eeyou Istchee;
WHEREAS the increase in research activity in Eeyou Istchee is disrupting traditional activities;
RESOLVED:
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and Cree Regional Authority coordinate and organize a collective effort of the Cree First Nation of Eeyou Istchee to address this problem;
THAT the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Regional Authority in conjunction with the collective effort of the Cree First Nations of Eeyou Istchee develop policies, protocol agreements with research institutions and develop training opportunities for Eeyou/ Eenou;
THAT the Grand Chief/Chairman and the Deputy Grand Chief/Vice-Chairman be and hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.
Proposed by: Gilbert Dick
Seconded by: Eric R. House
Carried: 25 August 2000
