Here are Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty’s observations on topics concerning the Cree Nation over the past year and the year to come.
I would first like to wish everyone a Happy New Year across all of our Nation’s territory. My best wishes to each of the communities for 2025, which I believe is going to be an extremely exciting time for the Cree Nation. There’s going to be a period when we see many of the files that we have been working on ready for our members.
I can truly say that 2025 has begun with a boom with so many interesting things happening in the political sphere in and outside of the Cree Nation’s territory. We are in an extremely interesting position with the introduction of a new government in the US as well as a change with the federal government here in Canada coming early in 2025. It is important for our members to understand that these relationships do have an impact on the Cree Nation and that we maintain our positions in working with any incoming government.
International Political Relations
The Cree Nation Government works with the federal government, and we have been diligently preparing for a change, so it is not a surprise to see the beginning of preparations for an election. With the recent resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have the opportunity to reflect on everything that he has done in advancing the position of Indigenous nations and reconciliation.
During his nine-year tenure as prime minister, the openness of the Liberal Party and willingness to work together has been very progressive for all Indigenous people in Canada. There has also been much-needed action on the climate crisis, which is something that is of great importance for all Indigenous territories. Whatever party comes into power in the next election, we remain focused on maintaining our relationships for the continuity of the files that we have on the table.
As for our friends and neighbours to the south, with the entrance of President Donald Trump we are seeing a lot of movement and commentary by his office, some I find amusing and some I find concerning. It is impossible that we would be joining the US as a state as we are a sovereign country, but we do have very important relationships with the US, and I think this is going to be the big focus for 2025.
Two files that are of extreme importance are going to be energy and climate. This year we will see the announcements of energy plans from the Cree Nation that the council board has been working on for a long period of time. Energy factors into the larger scope of energy planning in this province and that exportation to outside partners means that we do have a significant role to play.
Some areas to watch and are actions for the climate and the potential of enhanced development of fossil fuels by the US, which could have an impact on our environment. We are on the frontliners in the North and we see the impacts and shifts in climate before anywhere else. It is important that we remain diligent in being vocal and sharing what shifts we see.
State of the Cree Nation
When looking at the Nation through a regional lens we are in an extremely interesting position. The Cree Nation plays a huge role in Quebec’s energy plan overall. The communities through the council board have been working together to come up with a strategy on how we can achieve two priorities for our members.
The first is going to be a focus on how to provide better and consistent greener energy to our communities and prepare for the electrification that will come into implementation for 2035. Our communities are going to be participating in the development of green wind energy projects for the benefit of the Cree Nation and the region. This is a really important role as it allows for us to be partners and involved in the energy development of the province with Hydro-Québec.
Secondly, we are in discussions with the government for the impending upgrade processes of the hydroelectric dam infrastructure in the Cree Nation. As some of this infrastructure is reaching 50 years of usage; it is important that we participate in the process to determine how new and modern efficient turbines will replace the existing ones.
We are one of the few Indigenous territories that will not see additional dam infrastructure being developed in our territory. This is going to be a very long and complex discussion between the Cree and Quebec governments but is required as it is part of the maintenance and upgrades process that is outlined in the JBNQA. Our members can look forward to hearing about this information in the spring sessions of the council board in January and March.
This past fall we also saw an important event held in partnership with Parks Canada recognizing the work being carried out to protect the waters of Wiinipaakw – a process that is going to start work on a feasibility assessment for the formal development of an Indigenous protected area and national marine conservation area within the Eeyou marine region. This important initiative is going to contribute to the continued protection of terrestrial and aquatic areas for our Nation.
Our Nation’s continued efforts in conservation have been recognized internationally and I was pleased to accept the Conservation Visionary Award on behalf of the many individuals who contributed to the Cree regional conservation strategy and protected areas network throughout Eeyou Istchee. The hard work and knowledge of our land users and tallyman is a true testament to the principal work of safe-keeping Eeyou Istchee for our future generations.
When looking at the accomplishments of the Cree Nation I can only share that I am very pleased with the level of collaboration and partnership amongst the entities and communities in working together. I have seen important leadership initiatives coming from the Cree Nation Youth Council which for me is something truly inspiring seeing the amount of engagement and interest our youth have in determining the future of the Cree Nation.
I was also so impressed to see initiatives like midwifery and birthing occurring in the community. The development of this approach and bringing our newest members into the territory from the start of their life is something that is so significant and spiritual. It is a moment of time that is so precious and I’m truly glad to see that they are starting their life within Eeyou Istchee.
I am looking forward to working with new leadership at the Cree Health Board that was recently elected. We will also see continued participation at the Tripartite Table with our reelected chairperson Dr. Sarah Pash (of the Cree School Board). I am looking forward to seeing how we can collaborate on the new declaration for 2025 – a continued commitment from the Cree Nation Government. This year’s declaration will be announced at the upcoming council board meeting.
Cree Governance and Cree Constitution
The Cree Constitution is an important internal governing tool to engage our members in determining the future direction of how our Nation develops and the legacy we want to establish for our members in the Cree Nation. Our government and relationships between communities is a commitment that will have an everlasting impact on how decisions are made.
With each generation our expectations of the governing body changes and evolves. With the Cree constitution it helps us identify how this relationship grows and evolves. Members of the Nation can expect to see a consultation process being carried out this year. I highly encourage you to participate and voice your thoughts and hopes on where we head into the future.
Cree Economy
Some exciting announcements of funding for economic development will be done in 2025 for development of the Cree economy. Last year we provided a mandate to the government to seek and establish a relationship with our economic partners to develop and determine a new funding source that will allow for the strengthening and further enhancement of our economy for the territory.
As we see the Canadian economy continuing to be impacted by inflation, we are coming up with a strategy to have a regional approach and enhancing collaboration and introducing cost savings to our communities in the purchase and development of large projects and investment opportunities. A planning session in the fall of 2024 was carried out and we will be introducing the information and report that came out of those sessions to our members. We continue to collaborate as a team to push for private entrepreneurship and relationship development to enhance our Cree economy.
What will 2025 bring?
One of the biggest celebrations will be held throughout Eeyou Istchee! We launched the 50th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement which began in November 2024 and will conclude in November 2025. Focused on 12 months of initiatives recognizing the importance of this historic agreement and highlighting what was established for the Cree Nation members and communities.
I am inviting everyone to follow our social media pages and website to see the mini history clips that outline how and why we entered into this agreement. It is so important for us to learn, know and understand why the JBNQA has created a unique legislative and governance position for the Cree Nation. It is a living document that has evolved over time, amended and enhanced as our Nation’s territory shifts and grows. As the only agreement of its kind, it is the role of the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief to defend it and work with our communities to ensure its proper implementation.
The Cree Nation will also be working with the Innu Nation to raise awareness of the Refuge Mitshuap – a service available to Indigenous members facing homelessness in the city centre of Montreal. It is apparent that there is an increased issue of homelessness in and outside of the territory. As a regional entity we are focused on building resources in areas outside of Eeyou Istchee to continue helping our members deal with this barrier. This year we launched a joint initiative to raise awareness and funding to assist this important service.
In closing, I am looking to invite the members of the Cree Nation to continue participating and listening to the upcoming council board session. It is important that our membership is informed and engaged in the nation building. Please follow our social media for the monthly information and update sessions that the Deputy Grand Chief and I provide regarding the work we are carrying out for our members as well as following our platforms more important updates.
Meegwetch and sending my best wishes to all of the members of Eeyou Istchee.
Mandy Gull Masty
Grand Chief
Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee