After decades of service, Michael Jolly has taken the helm of MoCreebec, continuing a legacy of resilience and advocacy for the community’s future.
In a delayed election process that concluded March 12, Jolly became the chief of MoCreebec, bringing with him experience in leadership roles in IT and community economic development.
“I’m looking forward to embracing the new role and responsibilities that the people have given me,” Jolly said.
Established in Moose Factory and Moosonee in 1980 to support Cree beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, MoCreebec adopted its constitution in 1993. Today, MoCreebec manages numerous programs, services and economic initiatives, while continuing to advocate for formal recognition as a First Nation.
Jolly’s path to leadership has been closely tied to the community’s history, working alongside his father Alan Jolly, a former chief and one of the key figures in MoCreebec’s development.
“I got to work with my father for 27 years,” Jolly stated. “It’s been an interesting journey. I travelled with him for various meetings in Ontario, and throughout Eeyou Istchee. I was at his side, learning about how things are done over in Eeyou Istchee.”
Jolly intends to continue a family legacy, as his father was among those who founded MoCreebec over 40 years ago.
“The ongoing challenge is that we’re not able to access certain funds,” he explained. “We don’t have access to infrastructure funding, like housing and developing new lands or lots. We don’t have funding for some of the social issues and helping families with some of the challenges they have, along with Elders.”
Although there are funds for the health department and some health services for the youth, Jolly said, “It’s important we look after our Elders and provide them the basic needs for healthy living.”
Looking ahead, Jolly identifies MoCreebec’s official recognition as a key priority, alongside securing access to infrastructure funding, housing and essential social services for community members.
“I need to meet and sit with my council, with the plans that have been laid down in front of us,” he said. “Formal recognition of the 11th Cree community is important, that was the work that was initiated by past leaders.”
Jolly described the community’s long history of self-organization. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, families took matters into their own hands to improve living conditions at a time when many were in overcrowded housing.
“They mobilize themselves in order to do what needed to be done,” he said. “This is the legacy of our people and our Elders.”
In a statement, the Grand Council of the Crees extended its congratulations to Jolly and expressed confidence in his potential to serve the community effectively, adding that they “look forward to seeing your leadership in action.”
Community member Hattie Bosum also shared a celebratory message following Jolly’s election, reflecting on her personal ties to his family and expressing hope that he will carry forward the qualities of his father, who she remembered as “a good friend of mine.”