Ottawa (April 27, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today introduced a bill in the House of Commons to amend the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act. The bill aims to give increased bylaw-making authority to the Cree of Eeyou Istchee.
“The introduction of this bill represents another step towards fulfilling our commitment to increase the governance capacity of First Nations in Canada,” stated Minister Strahl. “These amendments will allow the Cree of Eeyou Istchee to contribute to, and participate in, the decisions that affect the lives of their members, demonstrating what can be accomplished when we work together towards a common goal.”
Today’s proposed legislative amendments will empower the Cree Regional Authority (CRA), the administrative authority for the Cree of Eeyou Istchee, with bylaw-making powers for the purpose of setting regional standards. The CRA will have the capacity to carry out certain specified federal responsibilities, which were assumed by the federal government under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA).
“By working collaboratively, we are gradually finding ways to increase the recognition of Cree Government by Canada and we are putting into place the means necessary to meet the needs of the Crees for regional government,” stated Grand Chief Matthew Mukash.
The proposed amendments will also fulfil Canada’s commitment, under the 1992 Oujé-Bougoumou/Canada Agreement, to incorporate the Crees of Oujé-Bougoumou into the JBNQA and the Cree Naskapi (of Quebec) Act as the ninth Cree Band. Although they have always been part of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee and resided within the James Bay Territory, the Crees of Oujé-Bougoumou were not recognized as a separate Cree Band when the JBNQA was signed in 1975. The contemplated amendments will ensure that the Oujé-Bougoumou Band has the same legal standing, rights, powers and obligations as all other Cree bands under the JBNQA and the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act.
In 2007, Canada and the Grand Council of the Crees reached an agreement aimed at fulfilling Canada’s obligations under the JBNQA. In February 2008, Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee signed the Agreement concerning a New Relationship between the Government of Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (New Relationship Agreement) that supported the resolution of disputes between the Cree and Canada, concerning Canada’s responsibilities under the JBNQA.
Under the New Relationship Agreement, the Government of Canada promised to bring forward certain specified amendments to the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act. Today’s amendments make this promise a reality and will provide the necessary powers for the Cree of Eeyou Istchee to assume greater responsibility for economic and community development, as well as to achieve increased autonomy. The Cree of Eeyou Istchee will also receive $100 million within 30 days of the amendments receiving Royal Assent.
In addition, in a second phase of negotiations, the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the Cree will work to negotiate a self-government agreement to modernize the Cree’s current governance regime. Such an agreement will include the development of a Cree constitution and the establishment of a Cree Nation Government.
Backgrounder - Agreement Concerning a New Relationship Between the Government of Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
