On November 11, 1975, we signed the first modern treaty and land claims Agreement with Quebec and Canada to establish a new relationship between our Nations. What began as an awakening call to action over bush radios to oppose the government’s plan to expropriate portions of Eeyou Istchee for development, led to a landmark agreement which recognizedcertain rights and provided protections for our Nation.

 

Today, we continue to enjoy those rights and protections and our People can enjoy a way of life that we have practiced since time immemorial. In the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement were certain guarantees related to culture, language, ways, traditional activities, and ancestral lands. Further, future development of any institutions and systems within Eeyou Istchee had to respect Cree values, ways and understandings. 

 

We as a Nation had to be vigilant to protect and implement these rights and breathe life into the Agreement. Our populations and communities grew, and with them our own institutions. On JBNQA Day, we thank those who stepped forward then and continue to do so each and every day to ensure our Nation is strong, and the rights and interests recognized in this Agreement continue to be implemented in a way that preserve our identity and build upon our strengths together.

 

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