Melissa Brousseau Saganash takes over as director of Cree-Quebec relations

The Grand Council of the Crees welcomed a new Director of Cree Quebec Relations on April 15 as Melissa Brousseau Saganash replaced Tina Petawabano in the position.

Saganash was just settling in to her new job – a key position for the Cree government – when the Nation spoke to her about her priorities.

The Nation: How do you feel about your new job?

Melissa Brousseau Saganash: I’m happy to be working for the Cree Nation. It’s where I hope my contribution will help as we build towards a strong and healthy nation. There are lots of things happening right now in Eeyou Istchee, like the new regional government with the Jamésiens, the capacity building efforts put forward by the Cree Nation Government and communities expanding. I am glad to be part of it all. There’s a lot of pride in being able to work for your people.

TN: Define what you will be doing?

MBS: The top priority of the Cree Nation has always been to defend Cree rights and to ensure respect and proper implementation of our treaty. My job will fall in line with these guidelines. The voice of the James Bay Cree has always been present and so we will continue to be heard and make our positions known. We’re still here and we intend to stay.

TN: Why is this of interest to you?

MBS: I’ve always had an interest in the politics of Eeyou Istchee. I don’t think there are any other politics like it! The rate at which we are moving forward in terms of self-governance, community building, and establishing of a political force in the province, and the country, is astounding. We have been witnessing history in the making for 40 years. What’s also great about all this is that we still have many of the original signatories and negotiators still here with us to talk about what really happened during those years. Today, our models of governance are at the forefront of Aboriginal politics. There is a tremendous amount of history in just the last 40 years of the James Bay Cree. We have always been a very important fibre in the fabric of Quebec. We’ve reached a point where we are now sitting at that table where decisions are made. We are no longer waiting for others to decide for us. It’s an important turning point in our story. We have a very interesting story and we’re not done writing it just yet.

TN: Where have you worked previously?

MBS: Before being hired at the Cree Nation Government I was at CBC North. I produced Maamuitaau, the only Aboriginal-language show on the CBC, along with a great team for three adventurous seasons. In hindsight, my experience at CBC researching topics affecting the people of Eeyou Istchee, reading agreements, being present at most events was great preparation for this position.

Prior to working for the CBC, I was the communications officer for Niskamoon Corporation during almost six years. My role was to help in the recruitment of 150 JBNQA beneficiaries to train and then work for Hydro-Québec as per the Paix des Braves Agreement.

I also worked for the CHRD as their Youth Programs Officer for several years.
Through these jobs, I have seen lots of opportunity for Cree employment. The next several years will most definitely bring more employment. We’ll have to get everybody prepared in anticipation for these.

TN: How do you like Quebec City?

MBS: So far, it’s great! I haven’t had the chance to explore as much as I’d like to, but I’m sure I’ll find the time once I’ve settled in a bit more. The city is rich in culture and history and I hear the summer festivals are very entertaining. I’m looking forward to getting to know my new neighbourhood over the next while.

TN: How do you feel about working with the Quebec government?

MBS: I look forward to it. The timing at which I’m entering into this job couldn’t be better. As we know now, the Liberals won a majority government in the April 7 election that will bring in a new cabinet. Essentially, they will be starting their new jobs at the same time as me!

As we have proven in the past, we have always found a way to work with Quebec, regardless of the party elected, and I look forward to this new relationship establishing itself.