Page 4 - The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)

Cree Grand Chief Abel Bosum, seated left, and Quebec Premier François Legault, along with many of the Cree community chiefs and provincial
ministers were on hand for the signing of an MOU for the Grande Alliance economic development agreement. (Susan Bell/CBC)

the Chiefs of the Eeyou Istchee Cree First Nations. the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory and Québec

overall. The Memorandum of Understanding will
A Grand Alliance that will directly benefit lead to a sweeping technical and financial feasibility

communities in the region and in neighbouring study for phase I of the project and to pre-feasibility

regions, the project stems from a patient studies for phases II and III.
consultative process with the Cree communities and

calls for the extension of the rail network to promote Abel Bosum, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of

economic development and reduce the impacts the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and President of the
of trucking; the electrification of certain industrial Cree Nation Government, said "This Memorandum

projects; the sharing of infrastructure in the territory; of Understanding marks just the first stage in an

local labour force training; and the identification of ambitious process to transform Eeyou Istchee's
new protected areas conducive to the connectivity infrastructure and economy. The project will

of the territory's wildlife habitats. help to unlock the wealth of the region's varied
natural resources and create jobs and business

It is anticipated that the plan will extend over a opportunities for the Cree and James Bay residents,

period of 30 years to ensure the predictability and while protecting the environment and wildlife. It
stability of the economic and social development of paves the way to a bright future for ourf young

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