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

AGA 2006

Ouje-Bougoumou played host to this year’s Grand Council of the Crees and Cree Regional Authority’s Annual General Assembly.

Elijah Harper was a keynote speaker and talked about how he had to study legislative procedures and rules in his battles out west when he refused to accept the Meech Lake Accord. He was very well received by all and his message inspired many.

One of the interesting portions of the presentations was the residential school settlement. Charlene Belleau, Director of the Assembly of First Nations Indian Residential Schools Unit explained the settlement. Only those who had actually been in the residents themselves would be eligible for compensation. Even if you went to the school but boarded with non-Natives, you would not be eligible. This was something the Canadian government insisted upon. Cultural extinguishment seems to have some sort of a rating system. Crees were informed they had until August 25 to opt out of the government settlement. That would have been by the end of the week.

Matthew Coon Come and Diane Soroka also went around on a community tour to talk about residential schools. Some of the questions asked by trappers was whether the settlements would affect income security payments, unemployment insurance or welfare checks. At this point no one knows the answers.

The Cree Health Board in their presentation said they are still figuring out the costs of the treatment centres in Eeyou Istchee.

Robbie Dick talked about the loss of Cree culture. It was an opinion echoed by many Elders.

Chief Randy Kapashesit of MoCreebec was back again this year looking for recognition and assistance. As in past years, he was unsuccessfull. The MoCreebec people originally come from Cree coastal communities located in Quebec. It is a situation where everyone agrees something has to be done but none are sure exactly what.

The dramatic portion of the event took place at the concert after the feast on Wednesday. Local talent was showcased in the form of Dianne Bosum. She was followed by then Waswanipi candidate-for-chief Johnny Cooper. Most of the tunes up to this point were soft rock or country.

Chris Sutherland of Moosonee changed that tune fast with some hard hitting rapping. Some Elders didn’t know what hit them.

Sutherland was followed by Matthew Iseroff and Pakaso Mukash of Ceremony. They started of with “First Son,” saying they first sang it Ouje-Bougoumou four years and it stilled applied today. It was to show that the youth do care about preserving the land and the Cree way of life.

Resolution : 2006-08

Subject: Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James bay

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 through different and more culturally appropriate and effective means;

It is Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, hereby direct the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to help the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay to Secure and disburse more funding to its mental health department;

That the Cree Board of Health and Social Services James Bay further encouraged to provide more funds for traditional Cree approaches to land based holistic healing to be used by the Cree communities to meet the actual mental, emotional and physical health needs of the Cree people.

That the Grand Chief/Chairperson and Deputy Grand Chief/Vice Chairperson are hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

Resolution 2006-09

Subject: Sponsorship of Cree Beneficiaries in Eeyou Istchee

Whereas Crees of Eeyou Istchee have educational rights under the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement within the territory recognized under the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement which comprises of a large portion of Eeyou Istchee;

Whereas the Cree School Board under section 16 of the James Bay Northern Agreement is charged with administering and delivering services related education to the beneficiaries of the James Bay Northern Agreement;

Whereas the current administration of educational services is excluding those Cree beneficiaries who reside within Eeyou Istchee but not on category 1 lands;

Whereas the Cree Nation cannot accept the limitation of Cree rights, such as but not limited to Education Rights to territory less than what was agreed to under the James Bay northern Quebec Agreement;

It is Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby mandate the Chairman of the Cree School Board and the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to do all things necessary to ensure that all Crees residing within the Eeyou Istchee, regardless of whether they are residing on category 1 lands or not, are guaranteed and allowed to exercise their educational rights under the James Bay northern Quebec Agreement.

That the Grand Chief/Chairperson and Deputy Grand Chief/Vice Chairperson are hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

Resolution: 2006-10

Subject: Lake Bienville Sanctuary

Whereas Lake Bienville and the surrounding lands have sustained the Cree people for generations:

Whereas lake Bienville and its surrounding lands have sacred significance of the Cree people resulting from their traditional use and historical occupation;

Whereas many Cree Elders that have already passed on, have left instructions to protect Lake Bienville and the surrounding lands from development in order that the future generations of Crees may continue the respect and traditional use of the area as their ancestors have before them;

It is Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, hereby direct the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to open discussions with the Government of Quebec and Canada about turning Lake Bienville and its surrounding lands into a protected sanctuary;

That the proposed discussions regarding Lake Bienville and its lands as a potential sanctuary be done in concert with all Cree communities with a historical interest in the area.

That the Grand Chief/Chairperson and Deputy Grand Chief/Vice Chairperson are hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

Resolution 2006-11

Subject: Impact of hydro-electric development on the lands of Whapmagoostui

Whereas Hydro-Quebec and the Government of Quebec did not inform or consult the Crees of the Whapmagoostui or receive their consent prior to damming on of the rivers that flow into Great Whale River;

Whereas the water flow of the Great Whale River has consequently decreased considerably, adversely affecting the wildlife habitat, environment and the traditional harvesting activities and the rights of the Crees of Whapmagoostui;

Whereas the Crees of Whapmagoostui do not see the funds provided under the New Relationship Agreement with Hydro-Quebec as a remedy to the unique situation and grievance of the Whapmagoostui Crees regarding the decreased flow of the Great Whale River, which is a direct consequence of Hydro-Quebec’s development;

That the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority is hereby directed to include the grievance of the Whapmagoostui Crees regarding the decreased flow of the Great Whale Rive , in a Mukash-Charest Cree Quebec Resolution Agenda.

That the Grand Chief/Chairperson and Deputy Grand Chief/Vice Chairperson are hereby mandated to do all things necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

Resolution 2006-12

Subject: Support for the Paakumshumaau-Maatuskaau Protected Area

Whereas the proposed Paakumshumwaau-Maatuskaau Protected Area is primarily in Category II Lands of the community of Wemindji;

Whereas the proposed Paakumshumwaau-Maatuskaau Protected Area is 4,755km2

Including the Old Factory River and Popular River watershed areas (some in Category III lands);

Whereas the Paakumshumwaau-Maatuskaau Protected Area is a traditional travel route for the Cree, and has a significant cultural, historical and ecological value in its protection;

Whereas the Paakumshumwaau-Maatuskaau Protected Area is used for traditional activities consistent with the preservation of the Cree way of life, as well as of social and spiritual significance;

Whereas the importance of the Paakumshumwaau-Maatuskaau Protected Area is supported by past and ongoing work and studies by researchers from the McGill University, Concordia University, University of Manitoba and the University of British Columbia;

Whereas the past and ongoing work and studies by research in the Paakumshumwaau-Maatuskaau protected Area includes cultural anthropology, geography, archaeology, wildlife botany, forest ecology, natural resource sciences, oceanography, environmental ethics, and philosophy of science;

Whereas the community of Wemindji wishes to continue partnerships with the abovementioned institutions and in the areas of study they are pursuing, as its enriches local knowledge and history;

Whereas the community of Wemindji wishes to develop a cultural and environmental information and research institute to integrate knowledge from the protected area into public education and community planning;

Be It Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Wemindji for the Grand Council of the Crees(Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to promote the establishment of the Paakumshumwaau-Maatuskaau Protected Area.

Resolution 2006-13

Subject: Support for the Implementation and Construction of Aanischaaukamikw

Whereas the realization of Aanischaaukamikw (Cree Cultural Institute) has been promoted by Cree Elders, Cultural Coordinators, Cree educators and other Cree parties since at least 1985;

Whereas several resolutions from previous Cree Nation Annual General Assemblies have declared support for the realization of Aanischaaukamikw (Cree Cultural Institute);

Whereas previous resolutions of the Cree Nation Annual General Assembly in 1991 have confirmed the location of Aanischaaukamikw (Cree Cultural Institute) in Ouje-Bougoumou;

Whereas the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority has supported efforts to undertake fundraising activities toward the construction and operations of the future Aanischaaukamikw (Cree Cultural Institute);

Whereas successive Grand Chiefs have personally been involved in fundraising activities toward the construction and operations of the future Aanischaaukamikw (Cree Cultural Institute);

Whereas several Cree entities have undertaken measures to support the fundraising activities noted above;

Whereas several Cree communities have undertaken measures to support fundraising activities noted above;

Whereas the realization of Aanischaaukamikw continues to be an important goal for Cree Elders, Cultural Coordinators, Cree educators, and other Cree parties;

Be It Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the Aanischaaukamikw Board of Directors in their request, that in order to realize the above, Aanischaaukamikw (Cree Cultural Institute) be promoted as a priority capital project for the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee;

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees(Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby request the Grand Council of the Crees to pursue federal funding which would enable realization of the above;

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees(Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Aanischaaukamikw Board of Directors to request the Grand Council of the Crees to allocate funding from the New Relationship Agreement towards realization of the above; and,

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby request the Grand Chief to undertake any further measures required to further the objectives contained in this resolution.

Resolution 2006-14

Subject: Role of School Committees in the Communities

Whereas the education of our children is a priority for the Cree Nation;

Whereas the quality of education offered in the communities is an important issue of all parents in Eeyou Istchee;

Whereas each school Committee is comprised of representatives of the parents in each community;

Whereas the School Committees presently have recommending powers in decisions made by the Cree School Board on issues of personal, curriculum , and services provided in the communities;

Whereas parents and community members would like to take a more active role in the providing of education services in the communities;

Be It Resolved:

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Ouje-Bougoumou to propose that the Cree School Board and the Grand Council of the Crees review and clarify to role of School Committees in light of the desire of parents and community members to have more delegation of authority to the School Committees in the delivery of education services in their communities.

Resolution 2006-15

Subject: Support for the Otish Mountain Road Project

Whereas the community of Mistissini wishes to have support of the Cree Nation for the Otish Mountain Road Project;

Whereas Cree tallymen of the traplines this road would cross have supported this project, and it would enhance the preservation of hunting or cultural activities;

Whereas there is tremendous potential for mining exploration, wind energy development, tourism and recreation in the area to be opened by this road project;

Whereas there is potential for economic benefits for the community of Mistissini, and spin-off benefits for other communities and neighbouring municipalities;

Be It Resolved:

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the proposal by the community of Mistissini for the Otish Mountain Project.

Draft Resolution 2006-16

Subject: Support to Expedite to Resolve the Mistissini Height of Land Negotiations and the Ouje-Bougoumou Land Transfer

Whereas there have been ongoing negotiations on a complementary agreement to complete the land transfer between the communities of Mistissini and Ouje-Bougoumou;

Whereas the negotiations have the support of the government of Quebec and the Grand Council of the Crees;

Whereas the community leadership from each community have come to an understanding with respect to the land transfer and any complementary issues;

Whereas a deadline for resolution of this issue has been extended to December 31, 2006;

Whereas the Federal Government needs to finalize the working of the Complementary Agreement;

It Is Resolved:

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support and ensure the expedition of a resolution on the Mistissini Height of Lands negotiations to complete the complementary agreement on the Mistissini and Ouje-Bougoumou land transfer before the December 31, 2006 deadline.

Resolution 2006-17

Subject: Mistissini Access Road

Whereas the community of Mistissini wishes to bring to the attention of the Annual General Assembly and Grand Council of the Crees the issue of the twelve (12) kilometres of unpaved portions of the Mistissini access road;

Whereas the Paix des Braves Agreement has been signed with respect to provincial obligations and a remaining section of (12) kilometres of the Mistissini access road remains unpaved due to and issue of federal jurisdiction;

Whereas the community of Mistissini wishes the remainder of the access road to be paved for health and safety reasons of those who use this road regularly;

Whereas the streets in the community are either paved or planned to be paved in the future;

Be It Resolved:

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the Crees of Mistissini in their request to the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority that the issue of paving the remainder of the Mistissini access road be listed as a priority project and be included in federal negotiations.

Resolution 2006-18

Subject: Forestry Enhancement Program Tour

Whereas the community of Mistissini requests a tour to be planned for the communities affected by forestry activities enhancement program;

Whereas the objective of the tour would be to explain and provide information to the affected communities about the Forestry Enhancement Program;

Whereas the Forestry Enhancement Program administrators and the Cree-leadership should meet with the trappers and tallymen of the land for comments, suggestions and feedback on the program;

Be It Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Mistissini that a Forestry Enhancement Program schedule a community tour of the communities affected by forestry;

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Mistissini that the office of the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief are requested to do all things necessary and useful to carry out the foregoing.

Draft Resolution 2006-19

Subject: Installation of Aneometers Towers on Eeyou Istchee without Authorization

Whereas the communities of Mistissini and Chisasibi expressed grave concern that meteorological towers are being erected in Eeyou Istchee by Non-Native developers without the authorization of the Cree people;

Whereas Cree consent is required for development projects on Eeyou Istchee;

Be It Resolved:

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Mistissini and Chisasibi ,that the Grand Council of the Crees/Cree Regional Authority establish that developers may initiate projects in Eeyou Istchee without prior authorization and consent from the Cree Nation.

Draft Resolution 2006-20

Subject: Support for the “Forest Communities Program 2007-2011”

Whereas the Waswanipi Cree Model Forest is in the process of renewing its program under the “Forest Communities Program: of the Canadian Forest Services of Canada for 2007-2011;

Whereas the objective of the program is to pilot ideas, conduct experiments and develop models that assist forest –based communities to build capacity and meet the opportunities and challenges of a forest sector in transition;

Whereas the Waswanipi Cree Model Forest will submit a proposal as the Cree Model Forest;

Whereas to work with the industry and other community-level stakeholders to develop a new forest-based opportunities for rural Canada;

Whereas to develop and share sustainable forest management knowledge, practices, tools and experiences with international forest-based communities and their Model Forests, in keeping with Canada’s international forest agenda;

Whereas it is important to recognize the work of the Waswanipi Cree Model Forest and the new tool it has developed within Ndoho Istchee Planning Process. This process is being implemented within the new forest management process under the new Cree Quebec Agreement of Forestry;

Whereas in order to continue to go beyond the boundaries and expand the partnership and the ideas in developing a sustainable forest management for the stakeholders, it is important that we include a new partnership with the region and the Cree Nation territory and Abitibi Region and stakeholders impacted by forestry;

Be It Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Waswanipi for the renewed partnership to include the Grand Council of the Crees and the Cree communities affected by forestry and regional entities that maybe interested in furthering the research and development of forest tools to ensure full participation of the communities and trappers;

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Waswanipi that the office of the new forest communities program remain in Waswanipi with its support staff that is already working under the Waswanipi Cree Model Forest;

Draft Resolution 2006-21

Subject: Healing Conference

Whereas the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee has experienced much social impacts that has created social problems that affect our well-being as individuals, families and clans;

Whereas the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay has the primary responsibilities for health and miyupitmaatsiium services for the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee;

Whereas the communities also have to be empowered to deal with the social situation of our people and seek a renewed vision how we as people can resolve together the social situations of the communities;

Whereas all the Cree entities are expected collectively to support this initiative and contribute with human and financial resources along with a collaborative committee to realize this initiative;

Whereas the delegates of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee gathered at this 32nd Annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees (of Eeyou Istchee) and the 29th annual general assembly of the Cree Regional Authority in Ouje-Bougoumou call upon the leadership of the Cree to work together to realize this initiative;

Be It Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay’s request that the Board of Directors Grand Council and the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) Cree Regional Authority and the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay organize a conference on Healing for the summer of 2007 to ensure the full participation of Elders.

Draft Resolution 2006-22

Subject: Creation of a “Student Success Class” and Implementing it in the School Curriculum

Whereas the Cree School Board does not have a class that focuses on student success;

Whereas a “Student Success Class” can focus on our history , our cultural , the effects of alcohol and drugs, traditional teachings, health issues concerning sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, fetal alcohol syndrome and diabetes;

Whereas through this class workshops about suicide, depression, grieving, anger management, self-esteem and confidence, residential schools, traditional medicines, goal setting workshops, traditional teachings of rules in gender and bring our own people to share their stories of inspiration, hope success and leadership;

Whereas this class can be an effective was to reach out to the youth in assisting them within their academic success in retaining the importance of their culture and tradition;

Whereas the proposed class will assist the youth individually in providing, educational development with their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual being by teaching them about their history, their present and with these providing them tools to increase their determination as to where they want to journey into their future;

It Is Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, hereby direct the Cree Trappers’ Association, Cree School Board and Cree Nation Youth Council, Council of Elders , the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay to discuss how they can cooperate with one another to ensure the development and implementation of the “Student Success Class.”

Draft Resolution: 2006-23

Subject: Mediation Process to deal with Waswanipi Forestry Issues

Whereas the Cree Nation of Waswanipi has many difficulties with aspects concerning the adapted Forestry Regime under the “New Relationship Agreement Between the Government of Quebec and the Crees of Quebec”

Whereas the Cree Nation of Waswanipi would like to see a satisfactory and suitable solution to their outstanding issues with the adapted forestry regime;

It Is Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, hereby support the Cree Nation in their request for a mediation process with the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority concerning forestry issues.

Draft Resolution: 2006-24

Subject: Relocation Claim of Waswanipi

Whereas the Cree nation of Waswanipi has been displaced by development on numerous occasions and currently occupies a location which is not the traditional location of the community of the Cree Nation of Waswanipi;

Whereas the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Nation of Nemaska, hereby support the Cree Nation of Waswanipi in their request to have the issue of the relocations of the community of Waswanipi in the Cree Federal negotiations.

Draft Resolutions: 2006-25

Subject: Resurfacing of Highway 113 and the James Bay Highway / Route du Nord

Whereas Highway 113 is used by members of the Cree Nation to access the communities of Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou and Mistissini;

Whereas Highway 113 is in need of major repairs as its state is posing problems of safety and increased transport costs for the Cree Nation

It Is Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, hereby mandate the Board of Directors of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to undertake measures to ensure the proper resurfacing and maintenance on Highway 113.

Draft Resolution: 2006-26

Subject: Housing Distribution Formula

Whereas the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority makes use of an annual distribution formula for the allocation of funding envelopes between the communities of Eeyou Istchee;

Whereas this distribution formula requires a review of the variables and the assessment of housing needs to ensure that there is an equitable distribution of housing resources in Eeyou Istchee;

It Is Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, hereby mandate the Board of Directors of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to undertake a review of the variables and the assessment of housing needs in regards to housing distribution formulas of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority.

Draft Resolution: 2006-27

Subject: Cree CEGEP

Whereas the educational needs of the Cree Nation are increasing on a regular basis;

Whereas there is a need for educational institutions of higher learning within the territory of Eeyou Istchee, such as a Cree CEGEP;

Whereas there is currently a technical vocational training institute in the Cree Nation of Waswanipi

It Is Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority , Eeyou Istchee, hereby support the Cree Nation of Waswanipi to have the fore mentioned Cree CEGEP located in the community of Waswanipi.

Draft Resolution 2006-28

Subject: Support for the Co-Management and Development of the Albanel-Mistissini-Waconichi (AMW) Wildlife Reserve and the Proposed Albanel-Timiscamie-Otish (ATO) Provincial Park

Whereas the proposed Albanel-Mistissini—Waconichi AMW) Wildlife Reserve and the Proposed Albanel-Timiscamie-Otish (ATO) Provincial Park is the result of ongoing negotiations between the community of Mistissini and the Province of Quebec;

Whereas the proposed Albanel-Mistissini-Waconichi (AMW) Wildlife Reserve and the Proposed Albanel-Timiscamie-Otish (ATO) Provincial Park is an area with significant cultural , historical , and ecological value for the Cree people;

Whereas the proposed Albanel-Mistissini-Waconichi (AMW) Wildlife Reserve and the Proposed Albanel-Timiscamie-Otish (ATO) Provincial Park is used for traditional activities consistent with the preservation of the Cree way of life, as well as of social and spiritual significance;

Be It Resolved

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Mistissini for the realization of the initiative of the Cree Nation of Mistissini and the Government of Quebec partnership in the two projects of the Albanel-Mistissini-Waconichi (AMW) Wildlife Reserve and the Proposed Albanel-Timiscamie-Otish (ATO) Provincial Park;

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Mistissini for the Grand council for the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to send a letter of support for an interim status of a biodiversity reserve for the ATO Park project;

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee, do hereby support the request of the Crees of Mistissini for the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee to support the Minister’s brief submission to the National Assembly of Quebec to officially create the ATO Provincial Park;

That the delegates of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority Annual General Assembly held in Ouje-Bougoumou, Eeyou Istchee , do hereby support the request of the Crees of Mistissini for the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Regional Authority to include the ATO Provincial Park project in the complementary agreement regarding the Ouje-Bougoumou Mistissini Land Transfer.

Resolution: 2006-29

Whereas the GCC (EI)/CRA is responsible for the protection and enhancement of the Cree rights and interests.

Whereas there is encroachment on these discussions on these rights and interests.

Where the GCC(EI) /CRA is currently in discussions with Quebec through the Access Territory Table

It Is Resolved

The GCC (EI) /CRA is mandated to do all things necessary to prevent further encroachment remedy pass encroachments.