The Cree Quebec relationship is at a crossroads

Recent events raise questions about the relationship between Quebec and the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee.

An independent report mandated by the government condemned Quebec for its failure to honour its obligations to the Cree Nation in its 2001 legislation to restructure the James Bay municipality. That legislation handed control over municipal administration of our lands to officials elected in non Cree municipalities in the south and outside of Eeyou Istchee. This was done without a word to the Cree chiefs who are also mayors of those Cree communities designated as municipalities.

Secondly, a new bill would unilaterally amend the Paix des Braves agreement to circumvent the territory’s forest management regime that the Crees and Quebec agreed to in 1975 and in 2002.

These events place the relationship between the Cree Nation and Quebec at a crossroads.

In 2002, the Cree entered into the Paix des Braves with Quebec, which I support, reaffirms the nation to nation relationship so as to proceed together with the development of Eeyou Istchee. It ended disputes and litigations that stood between us and made it difficult for development to be mutually beneficial. The settlement also provided Cree consent to two hydroelectric projects.

This agreement, together with another one with the federal government in 2008, have provided the Cree with what we were promised in 1975 – the tools to develop our territory for our communities’ benefit and being provided with the resources for our communities’ essential needs for basic infrastructure – housing and social services that most Canadians take for granted, but not attained by our people. These agreements reaffirmed the fundamental principles of our agreements with both governments.

The Paix des Braves introduced an era of promise through reasonableness between our nations. The realization of these noble intentions is an opportunity before us.

But there is the danger of the government slipping into its previous pattern of not fulfilling obligations under our agreements. Plans cannot be imposed. There must be trust, respect and accommodation. Otherwise social conflict, mistrust and litigation will result. Upon signing the Paix des Braves, we hoped to consign tired approaches and negative instincts to the past.

I ask Premier Charest to join me in reaffirming the spirit of both the Paix des Braves and the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

Let us reaffirm the relationship between the Cree Nation and Quebec, return to a principled nation to nation relationship in a spirit of mutual respect and good faith and find ways to implement the forestry regime established in the Paix des Braves, which was adapted to address the Cree circumstances.

We are also in discussions to redefine the scope and direction of Eeyou Istchee. This process must affirm our rights and build on the agreements that bring us together. We must reconsider the roles and responsibilities of the non Native enclaves in the region in the interest of those residing in the territory and calling it home.

The Plan Nord announced by Charest in 2006 has the potential to offer an historic opportunity for us all to move forward. I ask Charest to work together to develop the plan’s details.

I have always been committed to the defence of Cree rights, to the building of the Cree Nation and the laying of a secure economic foundation for our common future, to continuing the sustainable development of the resources within our territory and to the creation of respectful strategic partnerships to achieve this. My commitment will remain.