Page 8 - The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)

model in the territory at the municipal and supra- to the Cree Nation Government. This Agreement
municipal levels, with the shared participation of the also provided for the Cree Nation to draft its own

Cree and James Bay residents, to foster respectful, Constitution.

harmonious, constructive relations in the Eeyou
Istchee James Bay Territory. "The Cree Chiefs took a historic step in enacting

this urgently needed legislation", said Grand
The infrastructure program comprises three phases Chief Dr. Abel Bosum. "It is in keeping with our

that can be carried out over a period of 30 years Indigenous nation-building agenda, our mission

through new government investments. to become 'masters of our own destiny' and our
In 2017, the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee profound commitment to ensure the protection and

successfully concluded a Governance Agreement the continuity of our Cree language. Our traditional
with the Government of Canada which described knowledge, our values and our cultural practices are

a vast range of powers and jurisdictions to be deeply embedded in our language and the Chiefs

exercised by the Cree Nation Government and today expressed their dedication to vigorously
by the local Cree First Nations. Pursuant to this protect and promote the Cree language."

Agreement, accountability to the Federal Minister of

Native Affairs has been replaced by accountability SOURCE Cabinet du premier ministre

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