In February 2020, the Quebec government and Cree Nation signed a historic agreement to establish a regional governance regime in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory. This agreement is a significant milestone in the history of Indigenous-Crown relations in Canada.
Under the agreement, the Cree Nation will have more self-determination and control over their governance while maintaining their special relationship with the province of Quebec. This includes the implementation of a co-management framework to better support the management of land, resources and wildlife in the region. The agreement also establishes a new Cree Regional Authority and a Cree Constitution that will outline the governance structure of the Cree Nation.
This agreement is an important step in recognizing and respecting the Cree Nation’s inherent right to self-determination and self-governance, which is enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It also builds upon the landmark James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, signed in 1975, which established a framework for the co-management of land and resources in the region.
The Quebec Cree Governance Agreement has been praised by Indigenous leaders and government officials alike for its collaborative and innovative approach to governance. The agreement represents an important shift away from the paternalistic and colonial approach of the past towards a more equitable and mutually beneficial partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
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