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In the wake of the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec, the provincial government announced multiple funding initiatives November 26 to address significant gaps in Indigenous education, which studies have shown is closely correlated with family income and health outcomes.
As talks continue to settle compensation claims, the Canadian government has set aside $40 billion for First Nations child welfare in its latest economic update.
Responding to a 2019 British Columbia Supreme Court injunction, RCMP officers have arrested over 30 Wet’suwet’en community members, supporters and even journalists in BC in the past few weeks. This action has led to protests across the country in support of the Wet’suwet’en and their efforts to block a fossil-fuel pipeline from entering their territory.
It was no coincidence that the historic inauguration ceremony for Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty was held on November 11, the 46th anniversary of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). This “first modern treaty” was a frequent reference point throughout the prestigious event, proudly held in the Grand Chief’s home community of Waswanipi.
The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (NWSM) has suspended its partnership with an advisory committee involved in improving the city’s youth protection services for Indigenous children after continued inaction to address systemic racism at Batshaw Youth and Family Centre.
While many were disappointed that pandemic precautions prevented the planned gathering in Waskaganish, Cree leaders believe this year’s virtual Annual General Assembly (AGA) September 1-2 represented significant progress for the Cree Nation on several issues.
Electors across Canada will have the chance to vote for their Member of Parliament in the September 20 federal election. In Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou, there are five declared candidates from the major parties, with Sylvie Bérubé of the Bloc Québécois running for re-election.
Quebec Premier François Legault and Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière met with newly elected Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty and Deputy Chief Norman Wapachee in Mistissini August 16, the first meeting between the new administration of the Cree Nation Government and the Quebec government.
Despite the organizational challenges posed by a renewed Covid-19 pandemic, new Cree Youth Grand Chief Adrian N. Gunner and Deputy Youth Chief Jordan Masty are determined to address the challenges facing young people in Eeyou Istchee.
Many were surprised when Abel Bosum conceded the race for a second term as Grand Chief shortly after seeing the first-round Cree Nation Government election results July 14. However, his decision to forego the run-off vote was characteristic of the respect with which he approached his leadership.
