The 50th Annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees brought Chiefs and delegates from all 11 Eeyou/Eenou communities to Wemindji August 27-29 under the theme “Maamuu – Safeguarding our Legacy in Pursuit of Progress.”
“The AGA makes you reflect on how much work we’ve done throughout the year,” said Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty. “In politics, you never see the fruition of your work. You are one cog in the wheel that continues pushing files forward.”
With one year remaining in the current leadership’s mandate, Gull-Masty and Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee are preparing an end-of-term report to communicate the CNG’s significant internal changes and ongoing work with federal and provincial governments.
While clarifying that community development is primarily the responsibility of local governments, Gull-Masty said a forthcoming social action plan will address certain issues stemming from substance abuse and violence. It was “high on our radar” at the most recent board council meeting.
As the world shifts toward renewable energies, a recent Energy Development Summit considered the role Indigenous communities could play while navigating environmental concerns. Gull-Masty suggested there will be substantial movement on energy and conservation files in the coming months.
The AGA brought back the “Cree Café” to encourage dialogue on emerging issues, this time focusing on how the proposed National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) can promote Cree cultural practices, economic development and youth opportunities. Former Chisasibi Chief James Bobbish will lead negotiations with Parks Canada beginning this fall.
“We’re hoping to conclude an agreement by May,” explained Wapachee. “One of the challenges with land use planning is harmonizing separate agreements to make sure the Cree play a greater role in management over all Eeyou Istchee. Chantal [Otter-Tétreault] and I are looking at the possibility of making another national park on land, co-managing with northern coastal communities.”
Along with the NMCA, another priority during Wapachee’s mandate has been to establish a Cree Nation Research Institute (CNRI). While various entities have long been involved in conducting scientific research in the region, it lacks central coordination.
“My major concern was people taking all that data outside with no benefit for the Crees,” Wapachee said. “With data, you can influence resource development to better account for Cree concerns. I’m building this with communities to build trust.”
Having already rejected an offer from Quebec to collaborate, Wapachee supports the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Centre’s (CERRI) position of overseeing research to ensure Cree data sovereignty. He made a parallel between CERRI’s wariness of the Niskamoon Corporation’s coastal research, partly funded by Hydro-Québec, to Ouje-Bougoumou’s province-led studies into mining contamination.
“Members were concerned the results were from the same government that’s responsible for this mess,” said Wapachee. “I really want to address the environmental issues the Cree have dealt with since development in the territory. People from outside study the Cree through a microscope.”
Wapachee recalled the influx of anthropologists interviewing Elders like his grandfather when hydroelectric projects began in the early 1970s to document the culture before it was expected to be forever altered. One of CNRI’s goals when it’s incorporated next spring is to repatriate the many recordings taken by these researchers.
At the AGA, the Cree Trappers’ Association highlighted the need for research on how climate change is impacting ecosystems, particularly moose, caribou and sturgeon populations. It celebrated the graduation of the Eeyou Ituun program’s second cohort, combining land-based scientific knowledge with fundamentals of the traditional Cree lifestyle.
With last year’s wildfires impacting nearly half the region’s traplines, the CTA is helping rebuild 50 cabins this summer and subsidizing half the cost of cabin insurance. A Cree hunting governance law will be finalized by December, including a dispute resolution process to settle overlap issues around trapline boundaries.
The Cree School Board reported o its expansion of land-based education, which supports Cree-language vocabulary and integrates cultural components into subjects like science and geography. This initiative is expected to improve student engagement and diminish an absentee rate of roughly 30%.
“Our entire student population is placing themselves at academic risk just from missing school,” said CSB chairperson Sarah Pash. “We’ve re-initiated sports leagues and extracurricular activities, collaboration with local recreation departments. This attendance issue directly affects student success.”
To improve attendance and food security, breakfast programs have been implemented and a lunch pilot program will eventually be expanded to all schools. Waswanipi Chief Irene Neeposh and Mistissini Chief Michael Petawabano suggested a wider awareness campaign to address truancy issues at the local level.
While Pash admitted the CSB has long been seen as under-performing, she countered that by implementing appropriate standards and resources there’s no reason why it can’t be the best. With individualized education plans doubling this year for students with special needs and new mental health supports, graduation numbers have bounced back since the Covid pandemic.
“Literacy has become one of the main priorities of the CSB, the foundation of all other academic success,” Pash asserted. “One program we initiated is called Lexia, a blended learning model with online components and independent practice. We’ve seen students increasing multiple levels per grade.”
The Cree Nation Youth Council discussed their recent AGA in Washaw Sibi, which produced ideas for addressing substance abuse and empowering leadership at community youth centres. There are early plans to build bridges beyond Eeyou Istchee through a youth exchange with the Ermineskin Cree Nation in Alberta.
At the third annual Acts of Service award ceremony, the late Kenneth Weistche was honoured for his determination to seek justice for former boarding home students; Wally Rabbitskin for his commitment to wellness and inspiring marathon achievements; and Justice Debassige for leading the movement against uranium mining and ongoing dedication to his people.
As well, Janie and Roderick Pachano were honoured for their lifelong contributions to Cree culture – Janie for her dedication to documenting Eeyou Istchee’s history and flora, and Roderick for his roles as leader, negotiator and advocate for Cree culture and language.
“Their efforts inspire us all to strive for the betterment of our people and future generations,” said Gull-Masty.