With the theme “United in Purpose, Guided by Hope,” the Cree Nation Government annual general assembly took place in Waswanipi August 10-13. An extra day was added this year to provide more time for community dialogue, entity presentations, service awards and cultural activities.
“Over four days, delegates from across Eeyou Istchee came together to share knowledge, discuss priorities and help guide the work ahead,” stated the Grand Council of the Crees.
The AGA is a forum to evaluate the Cree Nation’s direction and establish strategic priorities while providing a platform for grassroots dialogue. It’s a key opportunity for major Cree organizations to share details about their development.
Following introductory remarks from Cree leaders and community delegates, the first day featured the tabling of the CNG’s annual report and the Eeyou Eenou Police Force’s recognition of service awards. While the additional half-day for corporate matters freed up more time for presentations, Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch said it still wasn’t enough.
“I was so happy at the level of participation because I see the need for organizations to work more closely together,” said Murdoch. “It was an assembly that symbolized the commitment of everyone to dismantle these barriers between us. A coordinated effort across entities will always have a much larger impact on an issue than one entity working by itself.”
On the second day, Youth Grand Chief Jade Mukash shared how the Cree Nation Youth Council is using increased funding to expand youth programs and resources. Murdoch later tabled a resolution asking entities to develop more youth activities, such as book groups or debate clubs.
“It baffles me we don’t have programs for youth in our communities to match the resources we have,” Murdoch asserted. “It makes no sense – we have nice buildings but no programs. It should never happen that youth access is second to some other request.”
The Grand Chief addressed safety concerns related to violence, drugs and alcohol, saying they can’t be solved by communities alone.
Murdoch underlined the importance of accountability and transparency, referring to a founding principle handwritten by Cree Chiefs in 1973 stating that mandates must come from the people. Murdoch won support for a non-confidence procedure that could lead to the impeachment of a Grand Chief or Deputy Grand Chief.
“There’s a process that can be followed for the removal of a Chief if a community is not happy,” explained Murdoch. “That didn’t exist at the regional level, but it will now. I was also happy that now the hiring of anyone outside a Cree community requires a board council resolution, a very practical way of prioritizing employment and offices in the communities.”
The second day featured a presentation on the 50th anniversary of the Cree Hunters Economic Security Board by Dr. Philip Awashish and director general Serge Larivière. The evening honoured the contributions of past and present board members in shaping the board.
“We’re really proud we’ve paid almost $800 million to Cree hunters since 1976,” said Larivière. “Each year, the program contributes $25 to $30 million to between 1,200 and 1,400 Cree families. It still plays a vital role in keeping people on the land.”
Created through the JBNQA, the program has been updated three times over the years to make the distribution of funds more equitable. While the rising cost of living and rapidly evolving Cree society make it difficult to adequately support hunters, local coordinators can specify available coverage for each claimant’s unique situation.
“The lifestyle changes faster than the program so we’re always struggling to catch up,” Larivière admitted. “The needs are changing. We have a whole wave of new retirees returning to the bush with pension incomes. Even though this program is outside of the CNG, we’re there for the people – the hunters on the land are our bosses.”
The AGA’s third day was marked by the arrival of walkers led by Sol Awashish raising awareness for the need of hemodialysis machines in Waswanipi, bringing community members home from treatments in Chibougamau and Montreal.
“I was touched by the stories and even heard patient Paul Gull speak through the phone,” said Waswanipi delegate Julie-Ann Cooper. “I pray that we all find a way to help each other and bring our people home.”
The Cree Health Board (CBHSSJB) identified the priorities of a centralized information system, shifting from crises-response to prevention-based holistic approaches, and implementing shared responsibility for high-risk patients.
“Healing is collective,” said CBHSSJB chairperson Jeannie Pelletier. “Through kinship and solidarity, we create safe spaces where relationships become sources of strength, where cultural responsiveness is honoured, and where well-being is understood holistically.”
Miikun frontman Reuben Wapachee reunited the Waskaganish band’s original members to deliver an evening of music August 12. The AGA’s final day included a presentation from the Cree Trappers’ Association, general law amendments and an open discussion before the final resolutions were confirmed.
“I could easily be overwhelmed by the challenges that lay ahead for the Cree Nation, but when I look at the commitment of fellow Chiefs and chairpersons of other organizations, I can’t help but be optimistic,” said Murdoch. “It’s not as daunting because you’re not alone. It makes you feel pretty invincible.”