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Cree voters will see a familiar name on their ballots in the provincial election this October. Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash announced May 29 her intention to run as a Québec solidaire candidate in the Ungava riding.
Despite growing protests, the National Assembly adopted Bill 96 in a 78-29 vote May 24. The controversial language law reforms the Charter of French Language in all spheres of society, imposing heavier French requirements in the workplace, education and government services.
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is launching an Office of Self-Determination and Self-Government to pool research, legislative materials, and training to help First Nations implement their own laws. The office will conduct studies, gather expertise, and develop a “media watch” on issues related to self-determination.
Sixteen police officers from the Sûreté du Québec are being “loaned” to four Cree communities as the Eeyou Eenou Police Force (EEPF) says it is operating with staffing levels of only 40%.
A historic week of meetings with Indigenous leaders from across Canada culminated with Pope Francis expressing his “sorrow and shame” for the “deplorable” abuses at residential schools.
Cree Nation leaders could have been forgiven for thinking the Quebec and Canadian governments would finally respect Cree sovereignty when the three parties signed the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) nearly 50 years ago.
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.
