eenou-eeyou - The Grand Council of the Crees

Transcription

eenou-eeyou
annual report 2008–2009 | limited partnership
Qu ebec
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Nemaska
Waskaganish
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
c a n a da
Quebec
Grand Chief Dr. Matthew Coon Come »
A Message
from Grand Chief
Dr. Matthew
Coon Come
we have continued to make
progress in building the Cree communities and
in ensuring that the services provided to the
Cree People are the best possible. We have
made strides in advancing the recognition of
Cree Nation Government as the Cree Regional
Authority (CRA), which was set up in accordance
with Quebec law, pursuant to the James Bay and
Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). It is now
recognized under federal law as called for in the
Canada-Cree New Relationship Agreement.
This past year
As the regional government over Category 1A
lands, the CRA will have the responsibility of
developing and enforcing, in cooperation with
the Cree communities, means that will ensure
that municipal facilities are built and that services
are maintained in accordance with accepted
high standards.
We are also in the process of organizing and
planning to build the facilities that will be
required by the regional government to carry out
its mandate. We hope to improve the services
A Message from Grand Chief Dr. Matthew Coon Come
1
“This is our challenge over the next year or
years: to address an historic injustice in order
to re-establish relations of respect, cooperation
and partnership with Quebec.”
offered through ongoing cooperative efforts
with the communities and, of course, with the
governments of Quebec and Canada.
In fact, we are now in a process with Canada to
make further changes to the Cree Government.
The Canada-Cree New Relationship Agreement
contains a list of matters to be discussed during
the negotiation process with Canada, that may
be helpful in leading to an agreement on regional
government. These discussions should be
completed in the coming year.
The Canada-Cree New Relationship Agreement
provides also that the Cree Nation will develop
a Constitution that will reflect fundamental Cree
values and describe the powers of structures of
Cree governance at the local and regional levels.
There is also a need to address matters with
Quebec concerning regional governance of the
territory—outside of Category 1A lands. Because
the issues are only of concern to Quebec, they
will be negotiated solely with Quebec. Recent
changes to territorial governance made by
Quebec are, in our view, contrary to the spirit
and the obligations of Quebec under the JBNQA
because they exclude the Crees from governing
a large part of our traditional lands—the territory
at large.
our democratic and political rights and set up
a regime that excludes the majority of territory
residents. The new regime under Quebec
Bill 40 (2001), An Act to Amend the James
Bay Development Act and other Legislative
Provisions, requires that you must be a resident
of a non-Cree community to participate in
governance of the territory. Category 3 Lands
are not attached to the Quebec municipalities
which elect the mayors that now form the
regional council. In fact, many of their home
communities are not even in the territory.
Category 3 Lands form an integral part of the
JBNQA and are lands in which both Quebec
and the Crees have a presence and rights.
This is our challenge over the next year or
years: to address an historic injustice in order to
re-establish relations of respect, cooperation and
partnership with Quebec, for the benefit of all of
the residents of the territory.
We look forward to working with Quebec on the
continued implementation of the JBNQA and the
Paix des Braves, which will require that all issues
relating to territorial governance be resolved. We
have embarked on such a process and remain
optimistic that appropriate solutions in the long
term interests of the territory and its constituent
population will be achieved.
In part, we signed the JBNQA with Quebec
and Canada as a way to have our presence
recognized and also to establish long-term
relationships with both governments. However,
unilateral changes to the JBNQA that exclude
the Crees from governing the territory deny
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Limited Partnership Annual Report 2008–2009
ᒋᔐᐅᒋᒫᐦᑳᓐ ᒫᕠᔫ
ᑰᓐᑲᒻ ᐅᑕᔨᒧᐎᓐ
ᐁ ᐋᔨᒨᑕᐦᒃ
ᐐᒉᐅᑐᓈᓅᐦ
ᓂᔅᑯᒧᐎᓐ 2009
ᐆ ᐅᑕᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐱᐳᐦᒡ ᑕᓯᓀ ᓃᑳᓐ
ᐃᔅᐸᔫ ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐋᐸᑎᓰᐦᑲᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒀᐤ ᐄᓅ
ᐊᐦᑖᐎᓐᐦ ᐅᑌ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ/ᐄᓅ ᐊᔅᒌᐦ ᑲᔦ ᒫᒃ
ᐊᓂᔫᐦ ᐐᒋᐦᐄᐌᐎᓐ ᒌ ᓇᓈᑲᒋᐦᑖᑲᓅ ᒥᓯᐌ
ᒉᒌ ᒥᔫᐸᔨᐦᐤᑳᐤ᙮ ᒥᔅᑕᐦᐄ ᒌᔑ ᐋᐸᑎᓰᐦᑲᐦᑖᑲᓅ
ᐁᑎᑑ ᔮᐸᒡ ᒉᒌ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐸᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ
ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓱᐎᓐ ᐊᓐ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐐᔥᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ
ᐊᓂᑌ ᑰᐯᒃ ᐐᔓᐌᐎᓂᐦᒡ , ᐊᓐ ᐅᐦᒋ
ᒉᒥᔅ ᐯᐃ ᑲᔦ ᒌᐌᑎᓅᑖᐦᒡ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎ᙮ ᑲᔦ ᒫᒃ,
ᓵᔅ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐸᑖᑲᓅ ᐊᓂᑌ ᐊᑐᐙ ᐐᓱᐌᐎᓂᐦᒡ
ᐊᓐ ᐅᐦᒋ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐐᔥᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᐊᓂᑕ
ᑳᓈᑖ ᑲᔦ ᐃᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᐁ ᐅᔅᒋᐦᑖᑣᐤ ᐁ ᐃᔑ
ᐐᒉᐅᑐᑣᐤ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓐ᙮
ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᑎᐸᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲ ᒫᒃ ᐐ ᐁ ᓃᑳᓂᔥᑲᐦᒃ
ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌ 1A ᑳ ᐃᑎᔑᓈᑌᔨᒀᐤ, ᐁ
ᐐᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᓂᑌ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᐦᑖᐎᓂᐦᒡ,
ᑲᑕ ᐎᔦᔨᐦᑕᒻ ᑲᔦ ᑲᑕ ᓈᓈᑲᒋᐦᑖᐤ ᔮᐃᑌᐃ
ᒉᒌ ᐐᑳᐴᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒀᐤ ᐊᓂᐦᐄᐦ ᐙᔅᑳᐦᐄᑲᓐᐦ
ᓀᑐᐌᔨᐦᑖᑯᒀᐤ ᐊᓂᑕ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᐦᑖᐎᓂᐦᒡ ᑲᔦ
ᔮᐃᑌᐃ ᒨᔥ ᒉ ᓂᑐᐙᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒀᐤ ᐐᒋᐦᐄᐌᐎᓐᐦ
ᒉᒌ ᒥᔫᐸᔨᐦᒀᐤ᙮
ᑲᔦ ᒫ ᒣᒀᒡ ᓂᐱᒦᐦᑫᓈᓐ ᐁ ᐎᔦᔨᐦᑕᒫᐦᒡ
ᑖᓐ ᒉ ᐃᔑᓈᑯᐦᒡ ᑲᔦ ᑖᓐ ᐁ ᐃᔑ
ᓂᑐᐌᔨᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲ
ᐅᐙᔅᑳᐦᐄᑲᓂᒻ ᐊᓂᑌ ᒉᒌ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐱᒦᐦᑲᐦᒃ
ᐅᑖᐸᑎᓱᐎᓐ᙮ ᓂᐳᑯᔐᔨᒧᓈᓐ ᐁᑎᑑ ᒉᒌ
ᒥᔫᐸᔨᐦᒡ ᓇᓈᐦᑰ ᒉᒀᓐ ᐊᓂᑌ ᐁ ᐅᐦᒋ
ᐐᒋᐦᐋᑲᓅᑣᐤ ᐃᔨᔨᐅᒡ, ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐃᐦᑖᐎᓐ ᑮᐹ
3
«ᐁ
ᐅᒄ ᒫᒃ ᐆ ᒉ ᐃᔑ ᒫᓯᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐆ ᒉ ᐱᐳᐦᒡ ᒫᒃ
ᑕᓯᓀ ᐅᑌ ᐃᔑ ᓃᔥᑖᒥᐦᒡ: ᒋᑲᐐ ᒥᔫᐸᔨᐦᑖᓈᓅ
ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐯᒋ ᐗᓂᑑᑖᑯᔨᐦᒄ ᒦᓐ ᑳᐤ ᒉᒌ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᐦᒡ
ᐁ ᒋᔅᑌᔨᒥᑐᓈᓅᐦᒡ, ᐁ ᐙᐐᒋᐦᐄᑐᓈᓅᐦᒡ ᑲᔦ ᐁ
ᐐᒑᐸᑎᓰᒥᑐᓈᓅᐦᒡ ᑰᐯᒃ ᐁ ᐐᒉᐅᐦᒄ, ᒥᓯᐌ ᐊᐌᓐ
ᒉᒌ ᐐᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐅᑌ ᐅᔫ ᐊᔅᒋᔫ ᑳ ᐃᐦᑖᑦ᙮ »
ᐁ ᐐᒋᐦᐄᔨᒥᐦᑣᐤ ᑲᔦ ᒫᒃ ᑰᐯᒃ ᑲᔦ ᑳᓈᑖ
ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲᒡ᙮
ᑖᐺ ᒫᒃ ᐁᑴᔑᓈᑯᐦᒡ ᒣᒀᒡ ᐊᓄᐦᒌᔥ
ᓂᑕᔨᒥᐦᐋᓈᓐ ᑳᓇᑖ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲ ᐁᑎᑑ ᐋᐦᒌᐤ
ᒉᒌ ᐋᐦᒋᔥᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓱᐎᓐ᙮
ᐊᓐ ᑳᓈᑖ ᑲᔦ ᐃᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᐁ ᐅᔅᒋᐦᑖᑣᐤ ᐁ
ᐃᔑ ᐐᒉᐅᑐᑣᐤ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓐ ᐁᑯᑦ ᒣᓯᓈᑌᒀᐤ
ᓇᓈᐦᑰ ᒉᒀᓐᐦ ᒉᒌ ᐋᔨᒨᑖᑲᓅᐦᒀᐤ ᒣᒀᒡ
ᐊᔨᒥᐦᐋᑲᓅᑌ ᑳᓇᑖ ᒋᔐᐅᒋᒫᐤ, ᒋᑲᒌ
ᐃᔑᓈᑯᓐ ᒫᒃ ᒉᒌ ᐐᒋᐦᐄᐌᐸᔨᐦᒡ ᐆ ᒉᒌ
ᐅᐦᒋ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᐦᒡ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓱᐎᓐ
ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓐ᙮ ᓵᔅ ᒫᒃ ᒋᐹ ᒌᔑ ᐊᔨᒥᑐᑖᑲᓅ ᐆ
ᒦᓐ ᒉ ᐱᐳᐦᒡ᙮
ᐆ ᑳᓈᑖ ᑲᔦ ᐃᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᐁ ᐅᔅᒋᐦᑖᑣᐤ ᐁ
ᐃᔑ ᐐᒉᐅᑐᑣᐤ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓐ ᐐᔥᑌᐤ ᐊᓂᑕ
ᐃᔨᔨᐅᒡ ᐅᑌ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌᐦᒡ ᑳ ᐃᐦᑖᑣᐤ ᒉ
ᐅᔑᐦᑖᑣᐤ ᐐᔓᐌᐎᓂᔫ ᐁ ᓅᑯᓂᔨᒡ ᐊᓂᑕ
ᐊᓂᔫᐦ ᒉᒀᔫᐦ ᒉᔅᑎᒫᐌᔨᐦᑕᒥᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ
ᑲᔦ ᑲᑕ ᐐᐦᑖᑯᓐ ᑖᓐ ᓂᐦᐋᐤ ᒉ ᐃᔑᓈᑯᐦᒡ
ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓱᐎᓐ ᐊᓂᑌ ᐹᐸᐦᑳᓐ
ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᐦᑖᐎᓂᐦᒡ ᑲᔦ ᒫᒃ ᐊᓂᑕ ᐁ ᐅᐦᒋ
ᒫᒨᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᐋᑲᓅᑣᐤ᙮
ᓂᑐᐌᔨᐦᑖᑯᓐ ᑲᔦ ᒉᒌ ᐗᐌᔥᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᑖᓐ
ᐁ ᐃᔑ ᐅᔥᑖᐸᔨᐦᒡ ᒉᒀᓐ ᐐᐐᑎᒥᐦᒡ
ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᐦᑖᐎᓂᒡ - ᐐᐐᑎᒥᐦᒡ 1A ᑳ
4
ᐃᑎᓯᓈᑌᒡ ᐊᔅᒌ᙮ ᐊᓐ ᒫᒃ ᒥᒄ ᐅᑕ ᑰᐯᑲᐦᒡ
ᐁ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᐦᒡ ᑖᓐ ᐁ ᐃᔑ ᐅᔥᑖᐸᔨᐦᒡ, ᒥᒄ
ᑰᐯᒃ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲ ᑲᑕ ᐊᔨᒥᐦᐋᑲᓅ᙮ ᐊᓂᔫ
ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐋᐦᒋᔥᑖᑦ ᑰᐯᒃ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲ ᒉ
ᐃᔑᓈᑯᓂᔨᒡ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓱᐎᓂᔫ, ᓇᒧᐃ
ᐌᔅᑲᒡ ᐅᑌ ᐃᔑ ᐅᑖᐦᒡ, ᓇᒧᐃ ᓇᐦᐄᔅᑳᑯᓈᓐ
ᓂᔮᓐ, ᐌᔅ ᓇᒪᔦᐅᑌ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐐᔥᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ
ᒋᐹ ᐃᔑᓈᑯᓐ ᐊᓂᑌ ᒉᒥᔅ ᐯᐃ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᓂᐦᒡ
ᐌᔅ ᑰᐯᒃ ᓇᒧᐃ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐌᐤ ᐃᔨᔨᐅᐦ
ᒉᒌ ᐅᒋᒫᐦᑲᐦᑕᒥᔨᒡ ᒥᔅᑕᐦᐄ ᑖᓐ ᐁ ᐃᔅᐱᔖᔨᒡ
ᓂᑑᐦᐆᔅᒋᔫ - ᒥᓯᐌ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌᔫ᙮
ᐊᓐ ᑳ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐅᓱᔨᐦᒄ ᒉᒥᔅ ᐯᐃ ᑲᔦ
ᒌᐌᑎᓅᑖᐦᒡ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓐ ᐊᓯᒡ ᑰᐸᒃ ᑲᔦ
ᑳᓈᑖ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲᒡ ᒋᒌ ᐃᑌᔨᐦᑌᓈᓅ ᐁᑯᑦ
ᒉᒌ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐸᒥᑯᔨᐦᒄ ᑲᔦ ᒫᒃ ᒋᓀᐅᔥ
ᒉᒌ ᐐᒉᐅᐦᒀᐤ ᑖᐱᔅᑯᓐ ᐅᒌ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲᒡ᙮
ᒥᒄ ᒫᒃ, ᐊᓂᔫ ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐋᒋᔥᑖᑣᐤ
ᐊᓄᔫ ᒉᒥᔅ ᐯᐃ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓂᔫ ᓇᒧᐃ ᐊᔮᐤ
ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐅᒋᒫᐎᓂᔫ ᐊᓂᑌ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌᐦᒡ,
ᐁᒄ ᐊᓂᔫᐦ ᑲᔅᒋᐦᐆᓐ ᑳ ᐊᔮᑣᐤ ᓇᒧᐃ
ᒌᐦᑳᔮᐸᐦᑖᑲᓅᔫ, ᑲᔦ ᒫᒃ ᐊᓂᔫ ᑖᓐ ᑳ
ᐃᔑ ᐎᔦᔨᐦᑕᐦᒀᐤ ᓇᒧᐃ ᒥᓯᐌ ᐊᐌᔫᐦ
ᐊᓂᑌ ᑳ ᐃᐦᑖᔨᒡ ᐅᐦᒋ ᒫᒥᑐᓀᔨᒣᐅᒡ᙮
ᐊᓐ ᑳ ᐅᔥᑳᒡ ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐎᔦᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ
ᐊᓐ ᐅᐦᒋ ᑰᐯᒃ ᐱᓪ 40 (2001), ᐁᐅᑰ
ᐐᔓᐌᐎᓐ ᒉ ᐋᐦᒋᔥᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᒉᒥᔅ ᐯᐃ ᐁ
ᐊᑐᔥᒉᐦᑲᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᐐᔓᐌᐎᓐ ᐃᔑᓂᐦᑳᑌᐤ ᑲᔦ
ᒫᒃ ᑯᑕᒃ ᐐᔓᐌᐎᓐᐦ ᐁ ᐃᔑ ᐐᔥᑌᒀᐤ, ᐁᑯᑦ
ᐙᐦᑖᑯᐦᒡ ᒥᒄ ᐊᐌᓐ ᐁᑳ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᐦᑖᐎᓂᐦᒡ
ᑳ ᐐᒋᑦ ᒋᑲᒌ ᐐᒋᐦᐄᐌᐤ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᐎᓂᐦᒡ
ᐁ ᐅᐦᒋ ᐱᒥᐸᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᔨᒡ ᐅᔫ ᐊᔅᒋᔫ᙮ 3
ᑳ ᐃᑎᓯᓈᑌᒀ ᐊᔅᒌᐦ ᓇᒧᐃ ᐊᓯᑎᓯᓈᑌᐤ
ᐊᓂᑌ ᒣᓯᓈᑌᒀᐤ ᑰᐯᒃ ᐊᐦᑖᐎᓐᐦ ᐅᑕ ᒫᒃ
ᐅᔫᐦ ᐊᐦᑖᐎᓐᐦ ᐃᐦᑖᐤ ᐊᐌᓐ ᐁ ᓃᑳᓂᔥᑲᐦᒃ
ᐁᐅᑯᓂᒡ ᒫᒃ ᐅᒌ ᒥᔮᒨᐱᑣᐤ ᐁ ᐎᔦᔨᐦᑕᐦᒀᐤ
ᒉᒀᔫ᙮ ᐁᒄ ᒫᒃ ᑖᐺ ᐁ ᐃᔑᓈᑯᐦᒡ, ᒥᐦᒉᑐ
ᐊᓂᔫᐦ ᐅᑎᐦᑖᐎᓂᐙᐤ ᓇᒧᐃ ᒣᒋᒻ ᐲᐦᒡ
ᐊᓂᑌᐅ ᐊᓂᔫ ᐊᔅᒋᔫ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᓂᔫ᙮ ᐊᓂᔫᐦ
ᐊᔅᒌᐦ 3 ᑳ ᐃᑎᓯᓈᑌᒀᐤ ᒥᔅᑕᐦᐄ ᐋᔨᒨᑌᐤᐦ
ᐊᓂᑌ ᒉᒥᔅ ᐯᐃ ᑲᔦ ᒌᐌᑎᓅᑖᐦᒡ ᑰᐯᒃ
ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓂᐦᒡ ᑲᔦ ᐁᑯᑌ ᐅᑌ ᐁ ᐊᔮᑣᐤ
ᑖᐱᔅᑯᓐ ᑰᐯᒃ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᓲ ᑲᔦ ᐃᔨᔨᐅᒡ
ᐅᒋᒫᐎᓂᔫ ᑲᔦ ᑲᔅᒋᐦᐅᐎᓐᐦ᙮
ᐁᐅᒄ ᒫᒃ ᐆ ᒉ ᐃᔑ ᒫᓯᐦᑖᔨᐦᒄ ᐆ ᒉ
ᐱᐳᐦᒡ ᒫᒃ ᑕᓯᓀ ᐅᑌ ᐃᔑ ᓃᔥᑖᒥᐦᒡ: ᒋᑲᐐ
ᒥᔫᐸᔨᐦᑖᓈᓅ ᑖᓐ ᑳ ᐃᔑ ᐯᒋ ᐗᓂᑑᑖᑯᔨᐦᒄ
ᒦᓐ ᑳᐤ ᒉᒌ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᐦᒡ ᐁ ᒋᔅᑌᔨᒥᑐᓈᓅᐦᒡ, ᐁ
ᐙᐐᒋᐦᐄᑐᓈᓅᐦᒡ ᑲᔦ ᐁ ᐐᒑᐸᑎᓰᒥᑐᓈᓅᐦᒡ
ᑰᐯᒃ ᐁ ᐐᒉᐅᐦᒄ, ᒥᓯᐌ ᐊᐌᓐ ᒉᒌ
ᐐᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᐅᑌ ᐅᔫ ᐊᔅᒋᔫ ᑳ ᐃᐦᑖᑦ᙮
ᓂ ᓴᒋᔦᓯᓈᓐ ᒉᒌ ᐐᒑᐸᑎᓰᒪᒋᐦᑦ ᑰᐯᒃ ᐁᔅᒄ
ᒣᒀᒡ ᐁ ᐃᐦᑕᑯᐦᒀᐤ ᒉᒀᔫ ᐊᓂᑌ ᒉᒥᔅ
ᐯᐃ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓂᐦᒡ ᒉᒌᔑ ᐋᐸᑎᓰᐦᑲᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒀᐤ
ᑲᔦ ᐊᓐ ᓇᔅᑯᒧᐎᓐ ᑰᐯᒃ ᑲᔦ ᐃᔨᔨᐅᒡ
ᐁ ᐅᔅᒋᐦᑖᑣᐤ ᐁ ᐃᔑ ᐐᒉᐅᑐᑣᐤ ᑳ
ᐃᔑᓂᐦᑳᑌᒡ, ᑲᑕ ᓂᑐᐌᔨᐦᑖᑯᓐ ᒉᒌ
ᒥᔫᐸᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦᒡ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᑎᒉᐎᓐ ᒉ ᐃᔑᓈᑯᐦᒡ
ᐅᑌ ᐃᔨᔨᐤ ᐊᔅᒌ᙮ ᓵᔅ ᒫᒃ ᓂᒌ ᒋᐦᒋᐸᔨᐦᑖᓈᓐ
ᐁ ᐊᔨᒥᑐᑕᒫᐦᒡ ᐆ ᑲᔦ ᓂᒉᔅᑎᓈᐦᐅᓈᓐ
ᐊᓐ ᒉ ᐃᔑ ᒥᔫᐸᔨᐦᑖᑲᓅᐦ ᒥᐦᒉᑐ ᐳᓐᐦ ᒉ
ᐐᒋᐦᐄᐌᐸᔨᐦᒀᐤ ᑲᔦ ᒉ ᐐᒋᐦᐄᑯᑦ ᒥᓯᐌ
ᐊᐌᓐ ᐊᓂᑌ ᑳ ᐃᐦᑖᑦ ᐲᐦᒡ ᐅᔫ ᐊᔅᒋᔫ᙮
5
A Message
from Deputy
Grand Chief
Ashley Iserhoff
Kweh! Kweh! This report is a record of the
activities and spending over the last year made
possible by the Cree-Quebec New Relationship
Agreement. This year, among other things, we
completed planning and consultation with the
Cree communities about the facilities and staff
we will need to provide justice services, and we
are planning for the building of facilities for the
Cree Regional Police Force.
Appropriate justice services and facilities are
a long-outstanding obligation of Quebec and
Canada as called for in Section 18 of the James
Bay Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA).
Measures were negotiated with Quebec in 2002
and with Canada in 2008 to finally bring important
aspects of the administration and implementation
of justice to the Cree communities.
For there to be a sense among the Crees that the
rule of law is fairly applied, there is a need for the
community to know the facts and also, of course,
to understand the laws and how they are applied.
This applies to the perpetrators as much as it
6
does to the victims of crime and it applies to the
community at large.
This is why it is so important that court facilities
be built in the Cree communities. In the past, the
details of a crime and the exact nature of the
sentencing were often not communicated back
to the local communities. The new Cree justice
program and the related facilities will bring the
balance of justice back to the communities.
Under the new program, we will explore and
implement means to mediate the impacts of
crime on the victims and the community at
large. We will also explore measures aimed at
establishing sentencing procedures that actually
bring about conditions of justice and community
reconciliation in the Cree way.
We are now planning for the construction
of court and justice facilities in Waswanipi,
Wemindji, Mistissini and Whapmagoostui.
Construction should proceed in the coming
year. Also in the planning stages are
facilities for Chisasibi, Oujé-Bougoumou and
Waskaganish that should proceed soon after.
We also now have an agreement with
Canada and Quebec about financing and
implementing the Cree Regional Police Force.
The new headquarters will be built in Chisasibi.
Implementation of the force will require putting
together a long-term training program to ensure
that our officers are fully aware of and equipped
to use the latest modern crime prevention and
other policing techniques.
Implementing a fair justice system and forming
Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff »
the professional regional police force are but a
small part of ensuring that our communities are
the peaceful and friendly environments in which
we want to raise our families. Justice begins
in the home where the time-tested values of
our society must guide the way. As we provide
new services in the communities, it is important
that community members participate in the
discussions about the future and fully participate
in voting on the decisions that will touch all of us
and future generations.
Thank you and God bless all of you.
“It is important that community members
participate in the discussions about the future
and fully participate in voting on the decisions
that will touch all of us and future generations.”
A Message from Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff
7
8
Funding Report
9
Cree-Quebec
New Relationship Agreement
USE OF FUNDING 2008–2009
Government of Quebec
capital contribution
Received
Deferred
Revenue
Opening
Available
$73,242,623
20,151,120
93,393,743
Deferred
Revenue
Closing
Expended
CQNRA
Implementation
Expenses
230
350,000
350,000
EnvironmentRelated
Expenditures
ForestryRelated
xpenditures
E
Cree
Representation
Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership:
Capital appropriation to o
perations
Capital contribution to W
yapschinigun
Fund
350,230
350,230
10,986,393
10,986,393
10,986,393
Capital distribution to
special partners:
Cree Nation of Chisasibi
11,905,587
5,196,675
17,102,262
1,862,021
15,242,241
Cree Nation of Eastmain
2,456,291
2,299,468
4,755,759
3,108,092
1,647,667
Cree Nation of Mistissini
10,165,520
2,593,191
12,758,711
3,940,821
8,817,890
71,152
16,800
Nemaska First Nation
2,610,696
539,913
3,150,609
749,596
2,401,013
The Crees of the W
askaganish Band
7,736,582
1,514,087
9,250,669
1,903,953
7,346,716
Cree First Nation of Waswanipi
6,313,404
529,512
6,842,916
1,056,743
5,786,173
Cree Nation of Wemindji
4,224,470
4,965,714
9,190,184
3,767,626
5,422,558
Whapmagoostui First N
ation
5,606,104
104,660
5,710,764
2,908,761
2,802,003
197,000
2,984,347
641,622
2,342,725
175,000
156,685
Capital distribution to other Cree entities:
Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation
2,787,347
Cree Trappers Association
1,750,000
1,750,000
1,750,000
Cree Outfitting and Tourism
Association
300,000
300,000
300,000
Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association
200,000
200,000
200,000
1,094,704
Cree Regional Authority – GCC(EI)
Agreement Implementation
Cree-Quebec Forestry Board, local
joint working groups
Forestry Development/Traditional
Activities Enhancement
1,000,000
94,704
1,094,704
575,000
65,681
640,681
164,521
476,160
476,160
1,000,000
1,181,244
2,181,244
1,617,228
564,016
564,016
425,000
—
425,000
425,000
430,000
—
430,000
755,992
17,154
738,838
Other Forestry-Related E
xpenditures
425,000
Environmental Review of EM1-A/
Rupert Project
430,000
Cree Rights
750,000
Community Centre A
nimation
100,000
100,000
100,000
Community Fire Protection
100,000
100,000
100,000
Training Facilities and Manpower
Offices
100,000
Cree Development Corporation
5,992
100,000
100,000
698,472
698,472
698,472
164,807
484,807
484,807
1,094,704
430,000
738,838
Cree Mineral Exploration Board
320,000
Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute
100,000
100,000
100,000
Youth Council
150,000
150,000
150,000
Elders Council
150,000
150,000
50,000
50,000
James Bay Cree Communications
Society
100,000
100,000
100,000
Washaw Sibi Eeyou
500,000
500,000
500,000
—
—
—
—
70,611,591
1,444,704
849,637
1,465,176
738,838
Elders and Youth C
oordination Fund
TOTAL
$73,242,623
10
20,151,120
93,393,743
150,000
47,313
22,782,152
2,687
Community
Infrastructure
Housing
Community
Centre
Facilities
Economic
and Human
Resources
Development
Assistance
to Trappers
Community
Facilities and
Equipment
Social and
Cultural
Activities
Local
Government
Operations
Contribution
to Local
Heritage
Fund
Contribution to
yapschinigun
W
Fund
Total
350,000
10,986,393
4,894,739
4,745,171
65,946
40,000
1,980,570
1,584,930
4,158,816
86,256
10,986,393
889,132
247,533
306,850
15,242,241
128,393
108,096
610,428
621,994
72,810
1,647,667
651,132
271,100
842,549
1,458,493
1,871,708
8,817,890
194,882
962,123
279,235
2,401,013
991,563
1,832,793
7,346,716
605,013
393,765
247,413
181,036
125,759
1,115,767
1,490,243
1,476,350
440,000
614,523
218,250
1,254,801
665,000
1,048,134
1,205,452
1,011,341
937,808
674,345
311,710
157,000
485,465
444,956
173,548
550,880
257,533
30,000
1,188,401
2,802,003
81,699
195,167
1,337,321
277,857
450,681
2,342,725
1,744,889
5,786,173
100,000
5,422,558
1,750,000
1,750,000
300,000
300,000
200,000
200,000
1,094,704
476,160
564,016
425,000
430,000
738,838
484,807
484,807
100,000
100,000
150,000
150,000
150,000
150,000
2,687
2,687
100,000
100,000
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
500,000
—
—
500,000
10,603,306
9,632,530
5,989,961
7,039,065
3,929,198
4,049,982
8,314,392
5,468,409
100,000
10,986,393
70,611,591
Funding Report
11
A Message
from Executive
Director Bill
Namagoose
Cree Heritage Fund
Foundation Inc.

The purpose of the Wyapschinigun Fund
has always been clear: to generate a sustainable
revenue stream for future generations, one that
will equal or exceed contributions from the
Province of Quebec. By creating that sustainable
revenue stream, we will accomplish the goal we
set when establishing the Wyapschinigun Fund
eight years ago, to benefit the Cree people for
generations to come.
The Wyapschinigun Fund’s investment policy
is established and administered by the fund’s
actuaries and by the Investment Committee.
The Investment Committee alone is responsible
for ensuring that a sustainable revenue stream
is in place when the fund matures in 2050.
Clearly, the financial health of the fund is
important. However, so is ensuring that the
Cree communities are positioned to use the
fund’s resources prudently and wisely.
12
When we signed the Cree-Canada Agreement in
2007, the Cree Nation achieved, at long last, the
opportunity to develop and implement a new
form of Cree Nation Government, one capable
of introducing long-range community economic
and social development plans. The economic
potential of this opportunity to develop the local
and regional Cree governments, as well as the
Cree Communities, is significant.
The Agreement addresses the issue of Cree
governance in two key ways.
First, it enables the Cree Regional Authority
(CRA) to receive and carry out the federal
JBNQA obligations we assumed through the
Agreement by equipping the CRA with bylawmaking powers similar to those of the Cree
bands under the CNQA, through proposed
amendments to that Act.
Second, it set out a process for negotiations
leading to a governance agreement, governance
legislation, and possible amendments to
the JBNQA and to the CNQA concerning a
Cree Nation Government with powers and
authorities beyond the scope of the CNQA
and its amendments. These negotiations
would expand Cree Nation governance by
establishing the structures and powers of a
Cree Nation Government.
While Cree governance negotiations are
mandated by the Cree-Canada Agreement,
it naturally affects our agreement with the
Province of Quebec.
Executive Director Bill Namagoose »
Over the past year, most of my work as the
executive director of the Cree Heritage Fund
Foundation has been focused on working
with the communities to bring about the
conditions we need to create a successful
Cree Nation Government. I work with the
Directors of Operations and Treasurers in each
of the communities to arrive at a consistent
set of standards for each community, in areas
as diverse as water and sewer services to
community centre construction as well as its
operations. We’ve taken a holistic approach to
this process, looking not only at the standards
we must meet when we put up a building, but
also those that apply to the services provided
or the programs carried out in that building.
In the coming months and years, we’ll work
with the communities on a whole range of issues,
from policing to health care and education,
to ensure we are ideally positioned to benefit
from the Cree-Canada Agreement, the Paix
des Braves and, eventually, the funds from the
Wyapschinigun Fund.
Let me be clear about this important exercise:
the Cree Regional Authority is not seeking more
control. On the contrary, its only motive is to
facilitate consistency and consensus among
the communities, a set of rules that we all
understand and appreciate.
Meegwetch.
“In the coming months and years, we’ll work
with the communities on a whole range of
issues, from policing to health care and education.”
A Message from Executive Director Bill Namagoose
13
Aanischaaukamikw
(Cree Cultural Institute)
Although it has yet to move into its permanent
home—construction was scheduled to begin in the
summer of 2009—Aanischaaukamikw, the Cree
Cultural Institute, made significant progress in the
areas of programming and training in 2008–2009.
Programming efforts were focused on
translating the program plan into an actionable
set of staffing, funding and scheduling
plans. These plans will be implemented
with the opening of the Aanischaaukamikw
building, projected for late 2010 or early 2011.
Aanischaaukamikw officials also worked closely
with the Canadian Conservation Institute
over the past year to ensure appropriate
environmental standards will be in place for
collections displayed at the Institute.
An Aboriginal Heritage Training Program was
initiated in 2008–2009, with 22 participants from
8 Cree communities taking part in formal training
sessions and workshops jointly organized by
Aanischaaukamikw and Fleming College in
Peterborough, Ontario. Support for the program
was provided by the Niskamoon Corporation and
the Cree Human Resources Department.
Due to the efforts of several key committees—
including the Aanischaaukamikw Executive
Committee and the Building Committee—
progress was made on construction of the new
Institute building. The Executive Committee
provided guidance and leadership while the
Building Committee oversaw the development
of the Aanischaaukamikw building project
design, budget and construction schedule.
The Aanischaaukamikw Technical Team looked
after the Institute’s day-to-day operations,
as well as focusing on preparations for the
construction project, program development and
administrative capacity. Team members worked
with the Douglas J. Cardinal/Rubin Rotman
architectural consortium, Groupe Aecon, the
Cree Construction and Development Company,
14
Dessau and SNC-Lavalin to ensure that the
Aanischaaukamikw project will be delivered
within the $14.7 million budget.
The Institute’s fundraising campaign, Sharing the
Ways, had another successful year, bringing the
total raised for the construction project to more
than $11 million. To ensure the required funds are
in place when construction begins, campaign
officials presented funding proposals to several
Cree entities, to potential backers from the
private sector and to the federal government.
James Bay Cree
Communications Society
A not-for-profit organization, the James Bay
Cree Communications Society (JBCCS) relies
on Eeyou-Eenou Limited Partnership (EELP)
financial support every year to provide access
and radio programming services for the Cree
Nation. In the 28 years since its inception, the
JBCCS has been a voice for all of the Cree
communities, covering major events and
accomplishments throughout Eeyou Istchee.
In 2008–2009, the JBCCS devoted much
of its time and energy to enhancing its
communication services through expanded
radio programming. Instrumental in that
initiative are the meetings held every year by
the Society’s board of directors, including
the annual general meeting and one special
meeting. Over the past year, items reviewed at
the meetings included:
• strategic planning initiatives
• expansion opportunities
• administrative and personnel matters
• annual funding applications
• approval of operational and production
budgets
• local radio issues
• local and regional programming
• regional Bingo
A total of $13,663 in EELP funds were used to
support the travel and accommodations required
by the production department to cover regional
events. Another $13,529 went to consulting
and professional fees: the JBCCS often works
with different professionals such as lawyers
and technical experts to provide input into
specific areas of the organization. For example,
the total includes audit fees for the completion
of the Society’s financial statements. Another
$10,000 was allocated to cover day-to-day
communications expenses such as telephone,
fax and Internet connections.
Regional Council
of Elders
Elders play a central role within Eeyou Istchee.
They work closely with the Cree Health Board,
advising directors in the areas of traditional
medicine and healing methods. As they did
in 2007–2008, this past year the Regional
Council of Elders continued to assist Health
Board members in establishing guidelines for
the proposed Cree Helping/Healing Methods
program. Under the program, patients may
choose traditional Cree healing and counseling
methods instead of, or in addition to, standard
medical treatment.
Representatives of the Cree Trappers Association
and the Cree Health Board attended each of
the three Elders’ meetings held in 2008–2009.
The trappers want Elders to guide their efforts
in teaching Cree youth traditional methods of
hunting and trapping, while the Health Board
wants their input into ongoing research on the
use of traditional medicines in treating diabetes.
As part of its mandate to protect Cree values
and principles, the Regional Council of Elders
spends a great deal of time supporting the
activities of Cree youth. Eeyou-Eenou Limited
Partnership funds enable the Council to organize
joint projects with the Cree Nation Youth Council
such as the annual Elders/Youth Gathering
Grand Council of the Crees
15
and the annual Regional Canoe Brigade. These
events provide Elders an opportunity to pass
along traditional knowledge and to encourage
young people to go out on the land.
Cree Nation
Youth Council
Delegates to the annual Youth Assembly—held in
Wemindji in summer 2008—debated a number
of diverse challenges affecting the Cree Nation.
Social issues dominated the discussions, in
particular the continuing tragedy of high rates
of suicide among Cree youth.
Anticipating the need to document the
Assembly, the Cree Nation Youth Council
(CNYC) invited Milton Creagh and Beesum
Communications to film the workshops in which
these issues were discussed. The result is a
valuable tool for parents and youth, a two-disc
DVD entitled The Power of Parenting. It is now
available at the CNYC’s head office in Nemaska.
The DVD demonstrates the CNYC’s
determination to take action on tough issues.
For example, 14 Cree youths attended the
2008 World Drug Prevention Conference in
Charleston, West Virginia. Since their return,
the youths have worked to pass on the
knowledge they gained of innovative methods
for combating drug addiction and other social
problems in their communities.
Originally scheduled to be held in Eastmain in
March 2009, the Elders/Youth Gathering will
now be held in the fall. The Gathering provides
an open forum for youth and Elders to deliberate
and share ideas on preserving Cree culture and
promoting the Cree way of life among future
generations. Demonstrations will include moose
hide preparation, setting up fish nets, carving,
sewing and cooking.
16
Elders and Youth
Coordination Fund
As part of its mandate to support the activities
of the Cree Nation Youth Council (CNYC), the
Elders and Youth Coordination Fund often
encourages the CNYC to work with local youth
councils on specific projects. In July 2008, the
CNYC collaborated with the Mistissini Youth
Council to organize the “Spirit of Youth, Our
Future Leaders” training session in Mistissini.
Conducted by the Recovery Foundation and
supported by the Cree Regional Authority
(CRA) Youth Department, the training session
brought Cree youth together in an activity-filled,
hands-on, positive program focused on personal
growth, self-esteem and spirit.
The CRA Youth Department believes the
training will help Cree youth by developing
their skills in leadership, communication,
creativity and relationship building. The course
also promotes a sense of unity, respect and
understanding among participants, who start
to see themselves as resources and the future
leaders of the Cree Nation.
The Coordination Fund also responded to
funding requests from the CNYC to allow
Cree youth to participate at regional, national
and international events and conferences. In
2008–2009, for example, a youth delegation
from Eeyou Istchee attended the Gathering
of Our Ancestors conference in Arizona.
Eeyou-Eenou Limited Partnership funds also
helped to alleviate a manpower shortage at the
CNYC in the past year. Specifically, these funds
were used to secure the resources required
to coordinate a number of special projects,
including the annual Regional Canoe Brigade and
the annual Youth General Assembly. Also, the
CNYC occasionally engaged casual help to work
with the administrative assistant in preparing kits
for the CNYC Board of Directors meeting and the
Elders/Youth Gathering.
Washaw Sibi Eeyou
When the Cree Nation and the Government of
Canada reached a landmark agreement in 2007,
it moved the Washaw Sibi Eeyou a key step
closer to becoming the tenth Cree Nation of
Eeyou Istchee. Within the Agreement concerning
a New Relationship between the Government of
Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee is a section
referring specifically to the establishment of a
Washaw Sibi village.
Almost immediately after the new agreement
was signed, discussions were organized between
the Cree Regional Authority (CRA) and the
Washaw Sibi Eeyou on how best to implement
that section of the agreement. In 2008–2009,
those discussions began in earnest. As this
project moves forward, Canada and Quebec
will be invited to participate in the final round of
talks, those that will grant formal recognition of
Washaw Sibi as the tenth Cree First Nation. With
that recognition, Washaw Sibi will be formally
included in the James Bay and Northern Quebec
Agreement (JBNQA) and will receive all of the
benefits and advantages that the other nine
Cree communities receive under the JBNQA.
Washaw Sibi was never formally incorporated,
as a community, into the JBNQA. As a result,
its residents do not receive the programs and
services available to other communities in Eeyou
Istchee. The Washaw Sibi people see the CreeCanada Agreement as a vital step in their quest to
have their own community. Only by receiving the
benefits available through the JBNQA—benefits
they feel are rightfully theirs—will the Washaw
Sibi Eeyou be in position to preserve their Cree
language and culture.
One of the major issues to be addressed in talks
with Canada and the Province of Quebec is the
site of a new village for the Washaw Sibi Eeyou.
In a community-wide referendum, members of
the Washaw Sibi Eeyou made it clear they would
like to their new village to be located within the
municipal boundaries of the town of Amos.
17
Important discussions have already taken
place with the leadership of the municipality to
secure their assistance in designating a site for
the new village. In addition, the province will
be approached to discuss the establishment
of a land regime for their new community.
The result—if the discussions go as hoped—will
be the first Cree urban reserve in Quebec.
The Washaw Sibi Eeyou’s struggle to claim their
rightful place in the Cree Nation has been not
only long, but also expensive. In 2008–2009,
as in years past, the Grand Council of the Crees
allocated a portion of the funds it receives
through the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership
to assist the Washaw Sibi Eeyou in their struggle
to secure their rights as the tenth Cree Nation
of Eeyou Istchee. Specifically, the funds were
used by the Washaw Sibi Eeyou to maintain an
office and to conduct its daily affairs as well
as providing the capacity for the Washaw Sibi
leadership to continue to address the larger
issues of site selection and community planning.
Forestry
Since 2002, local forestry joint working
groups have worked hand-in-hand with the
Cree-Quebec Forestry Board to ensure that
commitments set out in Chapter 3 of the
Paix des Braves are fulfilled. Made up of Cree
representatives and members of the Quebec
Department of Natural Resources, these working
groups carry out their tasks in the five southern
Cree communities, where forestry activity is
most prevalent: Waswanipi, Mistissini, OujéBougoumou, Waskaganish and Nemaska.
18
Traditionally, funding support for the Cree
members of the working groups was shared
equally between the Quebec government and
the Cree Nation. These funds provided for
the employment of 10 Cree representatives in
the five southern Cree communities. Working
with Quebec government members, these
representatives have sought to ensure that an
adapted forestry regime takes into account the
traditional Cree way of life and the integration
of concerns relating to sustainable development
and Cree participation.
In 2008–2009, Quebec withdrew its
commitment to sharing the cost of the
working groups; the two parties are currently
discussing the matter. Meanwhile, funding for the
Cree-Quebec Forestry Board continues to be
shared equally by the Grand Council of the Crees
and the Quebec government.
Over the past year, the Forestry Board continued
to oversee and guide the implementation of
the forestry provisions of Chapter 3 of the Paix
des Braves. Among other things, this involved
the review and analysis of the General Forest
Management Plans for Eeyou Istchee, as well
as providing feedback and input to the Quebec
Ministry of Natural Resources on proposed
legislation and developing a five-year assessment
on the progress of implementation.
The Cree Trappers Enhancement Program
supports projects to offset the impact of forestry
activities on Cree trappers. In 2008–2009,
Program funds were used for a wide variety
of projects aimed at improving the trappers’
ability to pursue their traditional lifestyle in
a post-logging environment. The projects
included cabin renovations, trail clearing,
snowplowing, goose pond development and
equipment replacement.
Volet II is a community-oriented program
designed to ensure that communities receive
a portion of the stumpage fees that forestry
companies pay to the Province of Quebec.
Recognizing the need for such a program and
the benefits it delivers to Cree communities, the
Grand Council voluntarily dedicated EELP funds
to further enhance the program’s benefits and
coverage. Among the projects carried out under
Volet II over the past year were community
enhancements such as tree planting, the
construction of walking trails and snowplowing
of large forestry roads. Funds were also directed
to local forestry budgets to allow for the hiring
of additional personnel as required.
In other forestry-related expenditures, funds
were provided through the Regional Forestry
Coordination Budget to oversee the coordination
of all additional forestry activities and programs,
including staffing and related expenses.
Forestry Enhancement Program
Forestry enhancement program funding through
the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership (EELP) is
divided into two separate streams (“volets” in
French): Volet I (the Cree Trappers Enhancement
Program) and Volet II.
19
chisasibi
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
Community Infrastructure
and Housing
With a view to improving the quality of life for
existing residents and preparing to meet the
needs of a rapidly increasing population (the
community has more than 100 births a year),
Chisasibi devoted more than $8 million in EeyouEenou Limited Partnership (EELP) funds to
community infrastructure and housing projects
in the past year.
In the area of infrastructure, roads were
constructed and sewer, water and drainage
systems were installed to service 165 new
housing lots. In the northwest commercial and
industrial sector of Chisasibi, surveying and
preliminary sketches were completed for 29
lots. In addition, seven streets in the northwest
section were paved, which not only improved
the cosmetic look of the area but also reduced
erosion and blowing soil. The paving project also
contributed to improved air quality.
In a separate project, crushed rock and clean stone
were delivered to build roads, and to prepare for
the installation of drainage systems and water
systems at the site of the housing projects.
Chisasibi » The modern community of Chisasibi—
meaning “Great River” in Cree—is located at the very
end of the James Bay Highway, on the south shore
of the La Grande River. It is here that the northern
forest gives way to the Arctic barrens, and the waters
of James Bay meet those of Hudson Bay. Thanks to
this unique location, Chisasibi offers an impressive
selection of adventures and activities.
20
In the area of housing, five modular homes
were transported to Chisasibi, finished on-site,
and then rented to local residents. Another
11 homes—four two-bedrooms, two threebedrooms and five four-bedrooms—were built
using EELP funds. All were made available to
Chisasibi residents, significantly easing the
chronic housing shortage in the community.
Social and Cultural
Activities
Funding was also allocated for projects that
supplied prepared soil and landscaping for open
spaces and homes. This landscaping improved
the look of the yards and reduced the blowing
sand and soil in the area.
Finally, in 2008–2009 Chisasibi repaid a loan to
the James Bay Eeyou Corporation with a final
payment of $1 million. The loan was taken out
some years ago in order to fund infrastructure
development for 64 housing lots. Every year
since then, the community has allocated a
portion of EELP monies to repay it.
Community Facilities
and Equipment
To participate in their traditional pursuits,
Chisasibi residents require easy access both to
the La Grande River, on which the community is
located, and to nearby James Bay. Through the
use of EELP funds, the south coast canoe landing
was re-profiled and repaired, and the parking
lot at the ferry crossing (which is also used as a
canoe crossing) was expanded and improved.
In addition, more than $217,000 was used to
prepare a detailed study outlining various
scenarios and the feasibility of establishing a
marina and a canoe landing at Aatiwaaskawch
on James Bay. The study included an extensive
oceanographic and bathymetric survey as well
as tidal and wave analysis, infrastructure design,
and drilling and soil samples. The marina and
canoe landing are far from becoming a reality,
however: not only did the study indicate the
project would be extremely expensive, but a
major and costly environmental review would be
required before construction begins.
The entrance to Chisasibi—long considered an
eyesore within the community—is expected to
improve dramatically with the completion of lots
in the community’s new industrial park. With
the lots in place, construction companies will
move into them and vacate their locations near
the community entrance. Chisasibi’s Wellness
Building was also upgraded in the past year,
and unhealthy rotting wood was removed.
This benefitted the quality of life and health of
residents, many of whom have disabilities.
Chisasibi made considerable progress in
the past year in its efforts to preserve the
community’s culture and heritage. The
Genealogy and Iyiyuu Place Names projects
expanded the Cultural Department’s information
base. Department employees attended a variety
of training workshops to expand their skills and
knowledge, including the Aboriginal Heritage
Interpretation Program at Fleming College; Blue
Sky Design Workshops; GIS and Adobe Audition
Training; and the Archives and You Conference
in Regina. The Traditional Wear Project was also
expanded. In addition to traditional garments,
participants learned to make toys and tools.
To enhance its knowledge of the history of Fort
George Island and the eastern coast of James
Bay, the Cultural Department continued its
archaeological investigations and excavations.
Participants recover, salvage, evaluate and
preserve cultural resources and materials of
the area. Many of the artifacts are now being
classified and named, while others are in
storage (e.g., furs in a freezer) or on display in the
interim Cultural Centre. When the new Cultural
Centre is built—the scheduled completion date
is March 2010—the Cultural Department and its
resources and materials will be relocated there.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
Social and Cultural Activities
Expenditures: $8,314,392
Aanischaaukamikw
Cultural Institute $100,000
Elders and Youth
Coordination Fund $2,687
James Bay Cree
Communications
Society $100,000
Youth Council $150,000
Elders Council $150,000
$247,533
Cree Native Arts
and Crafts Association
$200,000
$621,994
Oujé-Bougoumou
Cree Nation $450,681
$1,458,493
Whapmagoostui
First Nation $1,188,401
$962,123
Cree Nation of
Wemindji $485,465
The Crees of the
Waskaganish Band $991,563
Cree First Nation
of Waswanipi $1,205,452
Allocation of Funding: $15,242,241
Social and Cultural
Activities $247,533
Local Government
Operations $306,850
$4,894,739
and Equipment
$889,132
Housing
$4,745,171
Community Centre
Facilities $4,158,816
Chisasibi
21
eastmain
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
As one of the smallest and most isolated
communities in Eeyou Istchee, Eastmain is keenly
interested in preserving its traditions and cultural
heritage. Eastmain allocated nearly $150,000 to
support its community-wide traditional healing
program in 2008–2009, the second year of this
four-year program. Aimed primarily at youth
and children, the healing program covers a wide
range of activities, from sweat lodge ceremonies
to workshops on drumming and dancing.
Many of the activities take place at Eastmain’s
cultural village, used year-round for traditional
gatherings and meetings and for teaching
purposes. The cultural village features teepees,
a sweat lodge and a variety of buildings that
can be used for counseling or workshops. The
village is also the focal point for the community’s
ongoing efforts to document its past through
the collection and archiving of photographs
and other materials.
Eastmain » Located on the southern shore of the
Eastmain River, the community still bears the historic
name given to it by the Hudson Bay Company more
than 400 years ago. Today, Eastmain is a thriving
community of 700. The area surrounding Eastmain is
famous for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Local
outfitters offer world-class fishing and some of the
best caribou hunting in Eeyou Istchee.
22
In the 2008–2009 year of the traditional
healing program, participants were also given
the opportunity to watch or take part in goose
dances, hear from community elders, and attend
counseling sessions on a wide range of historical
and contemporary subjects.
A massive stone crushing project not only
provided much-needed materials for community
buildings and housing, it also delivered
employment opportunities for Eastmain
Environment and Forestry
Funds amounting to $73,000 were allocated
to contribute to Eastmain’s environmental
health services.
residents. The $456,000 project produced
nearly 100,000 metric tonnes of gravel, which
was used as backfill for concrete in construction
projects and for roadwork.
The actual work was carried out by a contractor
hired by the community. As part of the contract,
however, a joint venture was set up with a local
entrepreneur to promote economic development
within the community, As a result, local residents
were given the opportunity to work on the
project. Most of the stone used to create gravel
came from sites in the Eastmain area identified
as suitable for such a project years ago.
and Equipment
Eastmain’s size and isolation create unique
challenges in terms of communication. Unlike
larger communities, Eastmain lacks adequate
satellite reception and Internet capabilities. While
this is a problem for all residents, it is particularly
troublesome for police, fire and medical service
providers. In the past year, Eastmain dedicated
some $195,000 in Eeyou-Eenou Limited
Partnership funds to improving its communication
infrastructure. Most of the money—approximately
$155,000—was used to build a new
communications tower. Not only will the new
tower enhance existing communications services
in Eastmain, but it may eventually be used to
provide cell phone service to the community.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
$16,800
$71,152
Cree First Nation
of Waswanipi $175,000
Environmental Review
of EM1-A/Rupert Project
$430,000
Whapmagoostui
First Nation $156,685
Other Forestry-Related
Expenditures $425,000
Cree-Quebec Forestry
Board, local joint working
groups $476,160
Forestry Development/
Traditional Activities
Enhancement $564,016
Housing
As part of its efforts to promote private
ownership in the housing sector, Eastmain
established a $40,000 fund to assist residents
wishing to purchase a housing unit. Applicants
who want to purchase their own homes must
meet certain qualifications to receive funds.
$65,946
Housing
$40,000
Local Government
Operations
$72,810
Economic and
HR Development
$128,393
Social and
Cultural Activities
$621,994
Assistance to Trappers
$108,096
and Equipment
$610,428
Eastmain
23
mistissini
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
A Hudson’s Bay Company trading post
was established in the Mistissini area nearly
200 years ago, fostering a regional trapping and
hunting industry that continues to thrive today.
Traditional family trapping and hunting territories
still extend across the Mistassini watershed (Lake
Mistassini is the largest naturally occurring lake
in the province) and into the Marten, Rupert and
Eastmain watersheds.
However, the introduction of mineral exploration
and forestry to the Mistissini area has had a
negative impact on these activities. To ensure
that trappers and tallymen can continue to live
off the land, Mistissini set aside $289,500 in
Eeyou-Eenou Limited Partnership funds last year.
The money was used to pay for the airlifts that
transport trappers to their traplines in spring
and back to their homes once the season is over.
It was also used to support programs run by
the local Cree Trappers Association that help
trappers build and improve cabins on existing
traplines. As well, funds were made available to
buy equipment and gas, and to provide snow
removal services and search and rescue missions
if and when required.
Mistissini » Cree for “Big Rock,” Mistissini takes
its name from the enormous boulder that has served
as a landmark for generations. One of the larger
and more modern communities of the nine in Eeyou
Istchee, Mistissini’s population exceeds 3,500 residents.
Located near the largest wildlife preserve and the
largest freshwater lake in Quebec, Mistissini is especially
popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
24
To ensure that trappers in the Mistissini area can
continue to practise their livelihood in the future,
money was also set aside to clean up traditional
hunting and trapping areas. The cleanup includes
clearing and removing brush near cabins and
surrounding areas, and removing garbage and
old equipment.
and Equipment
Mistissini completed several major paving
projects in the past year as part of its plan to
pave all of the community’s streets, in large
part to control a persistent dust problem. The
community’s main access road was one of the
first priorities, and all 12 kilometres received a
fresh coat of asphalt in 2008–2009.
The Mistissini Fire Department acquired a range
of new equipment in the past year, which will
replace old and worn-out gear while ensuring
that the community has the necessary resources
to serve Mistissini’s growing population. The
key purchase was a new fire truck, while the
firefighters also benefitted from upgraded
gear and a number of improvements to their
fire station.
Mistissini also advanced infrastructure projects
for several new housing developments in areas
where the community is expanding. Most of the
work took place in zones C and D. In zone C,
where the bulk of the work has already been
completed, street lights were installed. Other
than areas still under development, all residential
areas in Mistissini now have street lights. More
work was required in zone D to prepare the lots
needed for the new houses. Excavation activities
were completed, enabling the installation of
water, hydro and sewer services.
When the infrastructure work is completed,
Mistissini will have added significantly to its
available housing, a major step forward for a
community striving to overcome a number
of housing challenges. In total, there will be
8 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
housing units, 6 Band-owned units, 12 private
homes, 11 rent-to-own units and approximately
15 Cree Health Board units added.
Economic and Human
Resources Development
Mistissini used some of the funds allocated to
economic and human resources development
to meet the needs of its youth. The community
took a far-reaching approach, offering suicide
prevention programs as well as an anti-violence
program. These programs encourage youth
to see themselves as worthy people, often in
need of motivation but in charge of their own
futures. For youth who feel they need additional
help, the programs help to direct them toward
the appropriate outside assistance, such as
professional treatment programs.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
Community Facilities and Equipment
$157,000
Whapmagoostui First Nation
$30,000
Cree First Nation
of Waswanipi
$1,048,134
Oujé-Bougoumou
Cree Nation
$277,857
$194,882
$889,132
$842,549
$610,428
Community Centre Facilities
$86,256
Economic and HR
Development $651,132
Environment-Related
Expenditures
$71,152
$271,100
Community Facilities and
Equipment $842,549
$1,980,570
Social and Cultural
Activities $1,458,493
Housing
$1,584,930
Local Government
Operations $1,871,708
Mistissini
25
nemaska
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
and Equipment
Nemaska residents may soon be able to
enjoy the benefits of one-stop shopping: a
proposed mini-mall moved closer to reality
in 2008–2009, thanks in part to the support
of Eeyou-Eenou Limited Partnership (EELP)
funds. The mini-mall will house a hardware
store, a grocery store, a bank, a post office
and a restaurant, as well as a clothing boutique
owned and operated by the local youth council.
By building the mini-mall, community officials
achieve two key objectives. First, many of the
buildings currently housing these businesses
and services are beyond repair. They can now
be torn down or, where possible, renovated and
used as office space. As well, residents benefit
by having these services centralized in a single
location at the heart of Nemaska.
Other than the clothing boutique, the services
offered at the mini-mall will be run by the
community. When the operation is stabilized,
however, the community may turn it over to
the private sector.
Nemaska » Nemaskau Eenouch, as it is known to
the people of Eeyou Istchee, is one of the smallest
Cree communities in James Bay. Still, all of the modern
services, supplies and information that visitors might
require are available. Nestled on the shores of beautiful
Champion Lake, Nemaska—meaning “Place to Fish” in
Cree—is a perfect vantage point from which to enjoy
the area’s considerable natural beauty.
26
Nemaska residents have participated in
the fur trade since Europeans first arrived at
the site of the old community of Nemaska
more than 400 years ago. Like the people of
Nemaska today, those early residents were
drawn to an activity that delivered economic
Economic and Human
Nemaska’s location—more than 1,000 feet
above sea level, in the centre of the province
and near the edge of the highlands—is ideal
for harnessing the power of the wind. In fact,
the community’s energy strategy is focused on
wind power generation. Eventually, Nemaska
hopes to produce a few hundred megawatts of
wind power while integrating run-of-the-river
projects—in which energy is produced from
flowing water, unlike a dam—to meet much of
its own energy needs. Excess energy would be
sold to the Province of Quebec.
advantages while allowing them to enjoy a
traditional life in the bush.
Fortunately, the knowledge and experience
gathered by those early trappers has been
passed down from generation to generation.
As a result, many Nemaska residents today are
expert trappers and tallymen, born and raised
in the bush. Unlike their ancestors, however,
today’s trappers and tallymen often require
financial assistance and logistical support to
continue their activities in view of changing
times and lifestyles.
In Nemaska, some $175,000 in EELP funds was
devoted to financial assistance of trappers. Of
that amount, about $76,000 was devoted to the
airlifts that transport trappers to their traplines
in spring and back to their homes once the
season is over. The remaining funds supported
programs run by the local Cree Trappers
Association. These programs cover a wide
range of areas, from building and improving
cabins on existing traplines to assisting trappers
in a general cleanup of traditional hunting and
trapping areas. As part of the cleanup, brush
near cabins and surrounding areas is often
cleared and removed. Financial assistance is
also available purchase equipment and gas, and
to provide snow removal services and search
and rescue missions if and when required.
The most visible sign of Nemaska’s commitment
to wind power are the Mett Towers, located on
a hill just outside the village. For two years,
community officials have measured and tracked
wind patterns at the two towers, using the data
to assess the feasibility of wind power in the
region. In 2008–2009, $73,659 in EELP funds was
dedicated to this project, some of it to employ
local youth to help collect and compile the data in
order to prepare a wind map of the area.
Should the Mett Towers yield favourable data,
Nemaska will work with an engineering firm in
Montreal to develop a business plan for wind
power generation in the region.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
Economic and HR Development
Cree Mineral
Exploration Board
$484,807
$128,393
$651,132
Cree Outfitting and
Tourism Association
$300,000
$181,036
Oujé-Bougoumou
Cree Nation $1,337,321
The Crees of the
Waskaganish Band
$1,476,350
Whapmagoostui First
Nation $550,880
Cree First Nation
of Waswanipi
$1,254,801
$674,345
Environment-Related
Expenditures
$16,800
$393,765
Housing
$247,413
Social and
Cultural Activities
$962,123
Economic and HR
Development
$181,036
Local Government
Operations
$279,235
$125,759
and Equipment $194,882
Nemaska
27
oujé-bougo
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
Economic and Human
Through Oujé-Bougoumou’s socio-economic
development plan, Enterprise Inc., 12 community
members sought bridge financing to pursue
their business goals in the past year. With
a $750,000 budget, the development plan
provides funding for a variety of programs,
including business loans, equity assistance,
business plan development and micro
business grants. Enterprise Inc. also helps new
businesses by providing funding for start-up
costs and initial equity assistance.
In 2008–2009, $650,000 was made available
to applicants. Among the companies to receive
bridge financing was a locally based general
contracting company and a forestry operations
company. As well, a local transport company
received money to upgrade its equipment,
the community’s Blueberry Festival got an
operating grant, and a snowshoe-making
venture was given money to develop its
business plan. A micro business grant was
awarded to a traditional crafts operation, and
a marketing grant to a local outfitter.
Oujé-Bougoumou » Built to reflect the Cree
philosophy of living in harmony with the environment,
Oujé-Bougoumou—meaning “The Place Where People
Gather” in Cree—attracts visitors from all over the world.
Some come to experience its history and culture by
spending time at the cultural village, enjoying a traditional
feast or learning the art of handicrafts. Others may choose
to explore the land with a Cree hunter and his family.
28
Already considered one of the most
efficient operations in Eeyou Istchee, the
Oujé-Bougoumou landfill site continued to
work toward reaching provincial standards in
all areas in the past year. Garbage is now buried
in the trench-like landfill every two weeks or so,
a gate has been installed to control access, and a
oumou
Local Government
Operations
An outreach program is making sure that the
widows of Oujé-Bougoumou Elders can continue
to live independently and on the land, if they so
choose. Through the program, residents regularly
visit the women in their homes, ensuring that
they have enough firewood and supplies for the
winter, that their cabins are in good shape, and
that they have everything they need to continue
living on their own. If the women have traplines
and wish to maintain them, the program provides
whatever expertise and assistance are needed.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
Local Government Operations
sign has been posted to let the public know that
only Oujé-Bougoumou residents can use the
site. Efforts are also underway to better measure
the amount of waste coming into the site and to
install monitoring wells to check for seepage.
and Equipment
Honoured many times for its architecture and
overall design, the award-winning community of
Oujé-Bougoumou feels a special responsibility
to maintain its public buildings. With the help of
Eeyou-Eenou Limited Partnership funds, several
buildings were repaired and renovated in the
past year. The roof was replaced at the local
business centre; the ceiling was repaired at the
community’s sports complex; and landscaping
was carried out in and around all public
properties in the community.
$72,810
$279,235
Washaw Sibi Eeyou
$500,000
$306,850
Cree First Nation
of Waswanipi
$605,013
The Crees of the
Waskaganish Band
$1,832,793
$1,871,708
$81,699
Housing
$195,167
Social and
Cultural Activities
$450,681
Economic and
HR Development
$1,337,321
and Equipment
$277,857
Oujé-Bougoumou
29
waskagani
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
and Equipment
With its drainage system no longer able to
meet the needs of its growing population,
Waskaganish allocated some $750,000 for
upgrades and repairs. Three years ago, the
town was overwhelmed by a massive rainfall,
resulting in widespread flooding of residential
homes and buildings. At the time, funds to
complete a more effective drainage system were
unavailable. Now, using Eenou-Eeyou Limited
Partnership (EELP) funds, the system will be
repaired and upgraded to ensure residential
areas are adequately protected in the event of
major rainfalls or snowfalls.
Waskaganish is planning to convert a portion of
its waterfront area into a heritage and cultural
site, helping to preserve the community’s
incredible history while ensuring future
generations have access to the culture and
traditions of this unique area in Eeyou Istchee.
The decision to build on the waterfront reflects
community’s strong ties to its inland waterways—
even James Bay can be reached by boat.
Waskaganish » Waskaganish—Cree for “Little
House”—is within walking distance of Canada’s original
fur trading post. Located at the southeast end of James
Bay, on the south shore of the Rupert River, Waskaganish
is home to 2,200 people. The area is generally
considered one of North America’s premier destinations
for observing migratory birds; in 1995, a record number
of species was identified there in one day.
30
The heritage and cultural site will be built along
the majestic Rupert River, near the original
fur trading post that operated here for some
300 years. In fact, before it was renamed,
Waskaganish was known as Rupert House and
was a popular meeting place for communities in
the interior. The old trading post will be a focal
point at the new site.
ish
Housing
The area in which the cultural site will be located
is already used for many community events
such as Canada Day and Aboriginal Day, and
this tradition will continue when construction
is complete. Several new buildings will be
built on the site to house activities that reflect
community history. Gazebos, a teepee and other
attractions will be added for the use of tourists
and residents.
Like most of the communities in Eeyou Istchee,
Waskaganish is faced with a chronic shortage
of safe, affordable housing. The need to house
people while their homes are being renovated,
repaired or replaced is an ongoing challenge
as the community improves. In 2008–2009, eight
housing units were demolished and replaced.
While most were torn down because they
were unsafe or unhealthy, two were destroyed
by fire. The community dedicated $609,313
to build eight pre-fabricated housing units to
accommodate residents while their homes
were replaced or repaired.
Over the past few years, local historians at
the Waskaganish Cultural Institute have been
documenting the area’s past. Their contributions
to the preservation of Cree culture will be a
focal point in one of the key buildings on the
site, a kind of living museum where artifacts
are displayed.
Economic and Human
Creating job opportunities for youth is especially
important in Eeyou Istchee: young people are
the fastest growing segment of the population.
Recognizing the need to provide adequate
training and educational opportunities for
youth, the community of Waskaganish devoted
$800,000 in EELP funds to pay for various
programs and initiatives. Under the program,
local businesses hire up to a total of about 100
students annually. Salaries for these students
are split equally between the employer and
the community’s EELP funds. Should students
require tools or equipment for their specific jobs,
these are provided as well.
Funding assistance also goes to the local
youth council. Patterned after the community
governance structure, the youth council has a
chief, deputy chief and members with specific
responsibilities. To further prepare youth to
take part in governing the community in the
future, personal development workshops are
offered dealing with topics such as leadership,
the importance of good hygiene and personal
finance. The youth council also organizes
entertainment activities and events like
magic shows.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
Housing Expenditures: $9,632,530
Cree Nation of Eastmain $40,000
The Crees of the
Waskaganish Band
$1,490,243
$195,167
$937,808
$1,584,930
$247,413
Cree First Nation
Whapmagoostui
First Nation
$173,548
$4,745,171
The Crees of the
Waskaganish Band
$440,000
Social and
Cultural Activities
$991,563
Economic and
HR Development
$1,476,350
Local Government
Operations
$1,832,793
Housing
$1,490,243
Community
Infrastructure
$1,115,767
Waskaganish
31
waswanipi
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
Economic and Human
Promoting job creation and supporting
economic activity are top priorities for
Waswanipi. In recent years, the community
has seen tourism and mining become
increasingly important economic sectors. In
2008–2009, Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership
(EELP) funds enabled the community to study
and, where possible, develop tourism and
mining initiatives. The objective is to generate
employment for and provide compensation to
trappers whose traplines have been affected by
mining activity.
Also in the past year, Waswanipi’s Development
Corporation was completely restructured.
The community also set aside EELP funds
to support its annual summer student
employment program.
waswanipi » Waswanipi is a modern and active
community of 1,500. The most southerly of the nine
Cree communities, Waswanipi offers a wide selection
of hiking and cross-country ski trails, rustic camping
spots, pristine lakes and rivers for fishing, hunting,
canoeing and kayaking. Waswanipi is one of the two
communities in Eeyou Istchee selected to take part in
Canada’s model forest network.
32
Social and cultural activities play an integral
role in the day-to-day lives of the people of
Waswanipi. As with most communities in Eeyou
Istchee, Waswanipi financed a large number
of related projects and programs with EELP
funds in 2008–2009. A total of $668,333—
more than half of the $1.2 million spent in
this area—was dedicated to cultural events,
sports and recreational activities aimed at
both minors and seniors.
Another $50,000 went toward Chiiwetaau, the
annual summer gathering at the site of the old
i
In recent years Waswanipi has found it necessary
to compensate tallymen and trappers for the impact
that forestry has had on their way of life. In addition
to the $400,000 in EELP funds set aside to assist
trappers directly, in 2008–2009 another $75,000
was allocated to establish a Natural Resources
Department to consult with and assist trappers who
have forestry or mining activity on their traplines.
The local Cree Trappers Association received
$190,000 to provide subsidies to tallymen and
trappers to purchase gas and equipment for use on
their traplines and to pay the annual salary of the
radio operator who assists trappers.
EELP funds allocated to environment-related
expenditures should also benefit local trappers as
they deal with the effects of the forestry industry.
As in previous years, $175,000 will enable the
Local Forestry Joint Working Group to study the
relationship between modern forestry operations
and the native way of life. In the past, both trappers
and tallymen have benefited from this program.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
community (often referred to as the Old Post)
on Waswanipi Lake, and one of the highlights of
the year on the community calendar.
Social programs and support systems also
benefitted from EELP funding. A total of
$165,000 was set aside for emergencies such
as medical and funeral expenses, and important
social needs such as suicide prevention
programs. Funds were also forwarded to the
Community Action Program, which works
to secure short-term employment for Band
members on social assistance.
Two churches received aid in the past year in
the form of labour and materials to continue
renovation programs. Both got additional
assistance to help administer activities during
the year. The Local Women’s Association
received $13,400 for operations and
special events.
$125,759
$108,096
The Crees of the
Waskaganish Band
$440,000
Cree First Nation
$311,710
Cree Nation
of Mistissini $271,100
$1,750,000
Whapmagoostui
First Nation $257,533
Environment-Related
$614,523
Local Government
Operations $605,013
Housing
$218,250
Social and Cultural
Activities $1,205,452
Economic and
HR Development
$1,254,801
and Equipment
$1,048,134
$665,000
Waswanipi
33
wemindji
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
Opened in December 2008, Wemindji’s modern
eco-centre has enhanced the community’s
province-wide reputation as a leader in recycling.
The eco-centre features four large containers
for different types of waste: construction and
demolition waste, metals, non-metallic bulky
waste and wood. The centre also houses a small
plastic bin for glass, a barrel for hazardous
waste such as batteries and old propane tanks,
and two smaller containers for domestic waste
and recyclables.
The community has ordered custom signs
(in Cree and English) to identify the various
features of the eco-centre. When production of
the permanent signs was delayed, temporary
signs were provided by Tawich Construction.
Wemindji has also ordered containers to be
used on construction sites to better manage
waste material and recyclables generated during
construction and/or demolition. When the
containers are full, the community picks them
up to dispose of the waste safely and efficiently.
Wemindji » Taking its name from the Cree word for
Paint Hills, Wemindji is an economic engine within Eeyou
Istchee. The community hosts the main high-speed
cable Internet provider, CreeNet, and sells electricity to
Hydro-Quebec generated by a “mini-hydro” dam on the
Maquatua River. Wildlife in the area is abundant, from
the spring and fall migrations of waterfowl on James
Bay, to scores of beluga whales, seals and caribou.
34
Meanwhile, Wemindji is hard at work cleaning up
its old dump site. Much of the waste material at
the old dump has been transferred to the new
eco-centre and plans are in place to re-vegetate
the site.
Introduced at the end of 2006, Wemindji’s
waste management program is among the most
comprehensive and innovative in Eeyou Istchee.
In fact, in 2007, the community was honoured by
the province for its waste management practices.
Housing
The housing situation in Wemindji continues to
be a challenge for the community. Approximately
45 percent of residents live in overcrowded units.
In the most severe cases, up to four people are
forced to share a single room. At the same time,
the number of residents in need of adequate and
affordable housing continues to grow. There are
about 90 applicants on the waiting list; another
40 residents have requested a change to their
housing situation.
In response to its ongoing housing problem,
Wemindji continues to upgrade housing units
throughout the community. In the past year,
10 units built in 1979–1980 were renovated.
Work performed on these units included the
construction of concrete slabs, replacement of
windows and doors, installation of wood stoves
(and removal of old furnaces), and replacement
of heating systems with baseboard heaters. New
washroom fans and air exchangers were also
installed to comply with current building codes.
Community Centre
Facilities
Built in the mid-1980s, the Wemindji Community
Centre received a much-needed facelift
over 2008–2009. Most of the work—primarily
renovations and upgrades—was done to the
auditorium, which was also expanded. In
addition, space was made to accommodate the
Wemindji radio station and a larger wellness
centre. The community centre provides
programs and services for Elders, youth and
children in Wemindji.
While no new houses were built in the past
year, Wemindji did construct a two-bedroom
bachelor unit. It was completed in June and is
now occupied.
Increasing tourism, largely through the
promotion of culture and traditional arts
and crafts, is a key goal in Wemindji’s longterm economic vision. A tourism committee,
comprised of five residents interested or involved
in the tourism trade, is putting together a plan
to develop the community’s tourism trade over
the next three to five years. A log building at
the town’s entrance has been repaired and
converted into a tourism office. In addition,
$2,000 was dedicated to the construction of a
traditional tannery building.
The tourism committee met four times in 2009.
Among other achievements, it formed a local
tourism association to offer services and to
support to local tourism entities. A number of the
committee members were involved in organizing
Wemindji’s 50th anniversary celebrations,
helping to set up a traditional cultural camp and
offering activities such as boat rides. The project
received a $5,000 grant from the town to cover
start-up costs.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
Community Centre Facilities
$86,256
$1,744,889
$4,158,816
$485,465
Contribution to
Local Heritage Fund
$100,000
Community Facilities and
Equipment $157,000
Community
Infrastructure
$1,011,341
$311,710
Community Centre
Facilities $1,744,889
Economic and HR
Development $674,345
Housing
$937,808
Wemindji
35
whapmago
Whapmagoostui
Chisasibi
Wemindji
Eastmain
Waskaganish
Nemaska
Waswanipi
Mistissini
Oujé-Bougoumou
Washaw Sibi
Housing
To assist residents who are planning to move into
private housing units eventually, Whapmagoostui
owns and maintains three trailers. Designed
for short-term use only, the trailers have often
been a temporary home to small families as the
community deals with its housing shortage.
In 2008–2009, Eenou-Eeyou Limited Parternship
(EELP) funds were used to renovate the trailers.
Specifically, insulation was added when it was
discovered how much energy was being used
during the winter. Windows were also replaced
to make them more energy-efficient. As well
as these repairs, seven Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation units received internal
repairs during the past year.
Whapmagoostui’s ongoing commitment to
create and maintain a clean community for
its residents is succeeding on several fronts,
most notably through the community’s annual
clean-up campaign. The campaign not only
helps to make the community more livable, but
it creates employment for up to 20 residents
every summer.
Whapmagoostui » Located at the very edge of
the Arctic, Whapmagoostui—meaning “Place of the
White Whales” in Cree—is the most northerly of the
Cree communities. Because of its unique location, the
surrounding landscapes and wildlife are unlike any
other in Eeyou Istchee. The region features windswept
beaches, scattered stands of spruce forests, vast
expanses of tundra and unspoiled lakes.
36
Residents are hired for a six-week period to
remove garbage and waste from around public
buildings, in public spaces and along the banks
of the Great Whale River. They also focus on
the tree line surrounding Whapmagoostui. As
the most northerly of the Cree communities,
the Whapmagoostui area features scattered
goostui
stands of spruce forests and vast expanses of
tundra. As a result, trees around the community
routinely capture garbage carried by the wind.
Anticipating that its rapid rate of growth will
continue, Whapmagoostui extended water and
sewer services from its main line to the Otter
Road area in the past year. Eventually, about six
housing units are expected to be built in the area.
EELP funds were also used to prepare plans and
specifications for similar projects in other areas
over the coming years.
While the annual clean-up campaign has been
successful, Whapmagoostui also seeks a more
permanent solution. A Montreal firm has been
hired to complete a landscaping study for the
entire community—the same company that
developed a landscaping scheme for the
award-winning community of Oujé-Bougoumou.
While the study has yet to be completed,
community officials hope to build on the
success of the clean-up campaign.
Local Government Operations
Many youth camps are offered in Whapmagoostui.
In 2008–2009, a science camp was created as
part of the Elephant Thoughts initiative. Founded
in 2002 by a group of teachers, principals and
other professional educators, Elephant Thoughts
overcomes economic or geographic barriers to
promote a higher standard of education. More
than half the population of the community’s
school—about 130 students—attended the weeklong camp, which was held at the school during
regular hours so that each class would have the
opportunity to participate. In addition to learning
about science, campers learned about the value
of their own culture and the need to protect and
promote the environment.
With the assistance of EELP funds,
Whapmagoostui youth also had the opportunity
to attend basketball, hockey and sports camps.
In all cases, they were taught by professionals
in the sport. While youth were acquiring sports
skills, the Elders of Whapmagoostui were
ensuring the survival of traditional Cree skills
like carving, ice chiseling and snowshoe making
by offering workshops. These were open to
all residents and generally held at the cultural
centre just outside the community.
EEYOU ISTCHEE
$65,946
Ouje-Bougoumou Cree Nation
$81,699
Whapmagoostui
First Nation
$444,956
$393,765
$1,980,570
Cree First Nation
of Waswanipi
$614,523
$4,894,739
$1,011,341
The Crees of the
Waskaganish Band $1,115,767
$257,533
and Equipment
$30,000
Housing
$173,548
Economic and
HR Development
$550,880
$444,956
Social and
Cultural Activities
$1,188,401
Environment-Related
Whapmagoostui
37
A Message
from Treasurer
Matthew Swallow
of the
Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership detail
the receipt of the Capital Contributions
received from the Government of Quebec
and their distribution to the Special Partners
(Cree Communities) and other Cree Entities.
The allocations also include the obligatory
contribution to the Wyapschinigun Fund
as provided for pursuant to the Limited
Partnership Agreement.
The financial statements
The Total Capital Contributions received from
Quebec for the year ending March 31, 2009
were $73,242,623. This amount represents the
first year of actual indexation adjustments under
the funding formula. The funding agreement
provides for the escalation of the base amount
in accordance with the value of economic
production in the James Bay Territory relating
to Hydro, Mining and Forestry.
In the past three years a dispute has arisen
with Quebec and Hydro-Québec as to the
confidentiality of information relating to the
determination of the amounts payable to
the Cree Nation pursuant to the indexation
provisions of the Agreement. The Government
of Quebec has failed to provide the required
38
information to permit an evaluation of the
indexation formula despite having agreed
to provide this information in the Paix des
Braves. In accordance with the provisions of
the Agreement, the Eenou-Eeyou Limited
Partnership has requested an independent audit
of the amounts payable to the Cree Nation.
These financial statements also detail the
revenues and expenditures of the Wyapschinigun
Fund. The Wyapschinigun Fund ended the year
with a balance of $43,667,791. The contribution
for the year was $10,986,393 (15% of Quebec’s
Capital Contribution for the year) and the
fund recorded a net deficiency of revenue
over expenditure of $13,458,148 related to the
changes in the fair value of investments held
for trading of $13,965,252. This deficiency is the
result of decreases in the value of the equity
portfolio and the direct result of the financial
crises suffered in all equity markets worldwide
over the past year.
The Wyapschinugun Fund is a true Long Term
Investment Fund with new Capital Contributions
of 15% of the total amounts paid by Quebec
being invested in the fund. All earnings are
reinvested and distributions from the fund are
not permitted for the life of the Agreement. The
investment policy of the fund considers this long
term horizon and the partnership has adopted
an asset allocation mix which is concentrated
in equity markets with more than 90% of assets
equally divided between Canadian, U.S. and
International equities. As a result, investment
fund performance is tied to the performance of
the associated equities.
Treasurer Matthew Swallow »
Distributions to the Cree communities last year
(Special Partners including Oujé-Bougoumou)
totalled $53,806,000. Distributions to other Cree
entities totalled $8,100,000.
These financial statements generally deal with
the allocations from the recipient of funding
(the Eenou-Eeyou L.P.) to the various Cree
communities and Cree entities and should be
read in conjunction with the Use of Funding
Report detailed earlier in this Annual Report.
The Eenou-Eeyou L.P. is managed by a mirror
corporation to the Cree Regional Authority. This
entity is the Cree Heritage Fund Foundation
Inc., which acts as the General Partner to the
Limited Partnership. The use of this vehicle to
manage the resources of the Limited Partnership
minimizes the overhead costs of management
and also provides for a decision making structure
which parallels that of the Cree Regional
Authority/Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou
Istchee) and enables the elected members of the
Council/Board to effectively act as the decision
makers overseeing the Limited Partnership.
We trust that this Annual Report will assist our
membership to better understand the financial
affairs of the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership.
“The use of this vehicle to manage the resources
of the Limited Partnership minimizes the overhead
costs of management.”
A Message from Treasurer Matthew Swallow
39
Eenou-Eeyou
Limited Partnership
Financial Statements
March 31, 2009
Auditors’ Report
41
Revenue and Expenditure and Comprehensive Income – General Fund
42
Revenue and Expenditure and Comprehensive loss – Wyapschinigun Fund
42
Changes in General Capital Account
43
Changes in Partners’ Capital Account
44
Fund Balance – Wyapschinigun Fund
44
Balance Sheet
45
Notes to Financial Statements
40
46 to 54
41
Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership
Revenue and Expenditure and
Comprehensive Income – General Fund
Year ended March 31, 2009
2009
$
Interest revenue
2008
$
41,002 9,897
Expenditure Contribution to Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc. 391,002 359,897
Excess of expenditure over revenue before appropriation from
General Capital Account
Appropriation from General Capital Account Excess of revenue over expenditure after appropriation from
General Capital Account and comprehensive income
(350,000)
(350,000)
350,000 350,000
–
–
Revenue and Expenditure and
Comprehensive loss – Wyapschinigun Fund
2009
$
2008
$
INVESTMENT REVENUE
Distribution from pooled funds classified as held-for-trading financial assets
982,787 4,234,135
Interest income from investments classified as held-for-trading financial assets
160,062 54,042
(460,195)
–
682,654 4,288,177
Expenditure
Custodian and management fees
175,550 195,224
507,104 4,092,953
Loss on sale of investments classified as held-for-trading financial assets
Changes in fair value of investments held-for-trading
(13,965,252) (7,867,661)
Deficiency of revenue over expenditure and comprehensive loss
(13,458,148) (3,774,708)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
42
Changes in General Capital Account
2009 $
38,937 Balance beginning of year
2008
$
813
Governement of Québec Capital Contribution (Note 5)
73,242,623 70,000,000
73,281,560 Distribution to:
Special Partners (Note 6)
Other Cree Entities (Note 7)
Contribution to Wyapschinigun Fund
51,018,654 49,085,000
10,887,346 10,065,000
10,986,393 10,500,000
72,892,393 69,650,000
70,000,813
389,167 (350,000)
350,813
(350,000)
39,167 813
–
–
Distribution of the Net Loss of the Parthership:
General Partner
Special Partners
1,346 134,584 377
37,747
Balance, end of year
175,097 38,937
Capital Appropriation to operations
Excess of revenue over expenditure after appropriation from General
Capital Account
43
Changes in Partners’ Capital Account
Unit Cumulative
contribution distribution, Distribution Cumulative
beginning for distribution, of year 2008-2009 end of year
Partners’
Capital
account
$
$
$
$
$
1
16
(1,346)
(1,330)
(1,329)
Cree Nation of Chisasibi (1,111 units)
1,111
138 (16,823)
(16,685)
(15,574)
Cree Nation of Eastmain (1,111 units)
1,111
138 (16,823)
(16,685)
(15,574)
Cree Nation of Mistissini (1,111 units)
1,111
138 (16,823)
(16,685)
(15,574)
Nemaska First Nation (1,111 units)
1,111
138 (16,823)
(16,685)
(15,574)
The Crees of the Waskaganish Band (1,111 units)
1,111
138 (16,823)
(16,685)
(15,574)
Cree First Nation of Waswanipi (1,111 units)
1,111
138 (16,823)
(16,685)
(15,574)
Cree Nation of Wemindji (1,111 units)
1,111
138 (16,823)
(16,685)
(15,574)
Whapmagoostui First Nation (1,111 units)
1,111
138 (16,823)
(16,685)
(15,574)
1,120 (135,930)
(134,810)
(125,921)
General Partner
Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc. (1 unit) Special Partners
Total
8,889
2008
8,889 39,244 (38,124)
1,120 10,009
Fund Balance – Wyapschinigun Fund
2009
$
Balance, beginning of year
Adjustment of investments at fair market value as at April 1, 2007
2008
$
46,139,546 35,595,775
–
3,818,479
46,139,546 39,414,254
Contribution from General Fund
10,986,393 10,500,000
Deficiency of revenue over expenditure
Balance, end of year
44
(13,458,148) (3,774,708)
43,667,791 46,139,546
Balance Sheet
General Wyapschinigun
Fund
Fund
$
2009
Total
2008
Total
$
$
$
ASSETS
Cash
392,529 Due from Wyapschinigun Fund,
without interest or repayment terms
490,195 Investments (Note 8)
1
392,530 883,883 44,157,985 44,157,985 46,466,269 882,724 44,157,986 44,550,515 47,350,152 LIABILITIES
4,997 4,997 4,997
Due to Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc.,
without interest or repayment terms
748,551 748,551 544,163
Due to other Cree entities, without interest
or repayment terms
80,000 80,000 612,500
Accrued liabilities
Due to General Fund, without interest
or repayment terms
833,548 490,195 490,195 833,548 175,097 175,097 38,937 (125,921)
(125,921)
10,009 1,161,660
PARTNERS’ EQUITY
General Capital Account
Partners’ Capital Accounts
43,667,791 43,667,791 46,139,546 49,176 43,667,791 43,716,967 46,188,492 882,724 44,157,986 44,550,515 47,350,152 Fund Balance
Accepted and approved,
On behalf of the General Partner
45
Notes to Financial Statements
1 – GOVERNING STATUTES AND NATURE OF OPERATION
The Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership is a limited partnership created in March 2002 pursuant to the
Civil Code of Québec.
All Cree Bands constituted as corporations under the Cree-Naskapi (of Québec) Act are Special Partners
of the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership, each having subscribed 1,111 units of the partnership for the
sum of $1,111. The Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc. acts as the General Partner to the Eenou-Eeyou
Limited Partnership and has subscribed to 1 unit of the partnership for the sum of $1.
The Limited Partnership Agreement stipulates that the subscription price for units of the Eenou-Eeyou
Limited Partnership is set at $1 and that such units may only be issued to the General Partner and to a
Cree Band constituted as a corporation by the Cree-Naskapi (of Québec) Act.
The Crees of Oujé-Bougoumou do not hold units of the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership, however,
units will be issued to the Oujé-Bougoumou Band as soon as it is constituted as a corporation under
the Cree-Naskapi (of Québec) Act.
The Limited Partnership Agreement specifically provides that each Special Partner shall hold the same
number of units in the Partnership and have the same participating percentage in the Eenou-Eeyou
Limited Partnership.
A Special Partner cannot sell, alienate or otherwise transfer any interest in any units of the Eenou-Eeyou
Limited Partnership unless authorized to do so by Extraordinary Resolution of the General Partner and
only if the transfer is made to a Cree Band.
The Limited Partnership Agreement provides that the principal establishment of the Eenou-Eeyou
Limited Partnership is to be located in Cree Category IA lands of the community of Nemaska.
The purposes of the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership are set out as follows in the Limited Partnership
Agreement :
a) to receive, manage and invest any of the annual capital payments made by Québec in accordance
with chapter 7 of the New Relationship Agreement;
b) to use, allocate or distribute these annual capital payments in accordance with the spirit and relevant
provisions of the New Relationship Agreement;
c) to provide for the establishment, management and investment of an Heritage Fund for the benefit
of current and future generations of Cree beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Québec
Agreement, including the Crees of Oujé-Bougoumou.
The Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership has been designated pursuant to section 1.18 of the Agreement
Concerning a New Relationship between le Gouvernement du Québec and the Crees of Québec in
order to receive the whole of the annual payments of Québec set out in chapter 7 of that Agreement
and to act as Recipient of Funding pursuant thereto.
46
This designation entails many consequences under the terms of the Agreement Concerning a New
Relationship between le Gouvernement du Québec and the Crees of Québec signed by the Government
of Québec and the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority on
February 7th, 2002.
Sections 7.1 to 7.4 of the New Relationship Agreement read as follows :
“7.1For the period from April 1st, 2002 to March 31st, 2052, Québec shall pay to the Recipient of
Funding, on behalf of the James Bay Crees, an annual amount so that the James Bay Crees
may assume for that period the obligations of Québec, Hydro-Québec and la Société d’énergie
de la Baie James to the Crees under the provisions of the James Bay and Northern Québec
Agreement set forth in section 6.3 of this Agreement and concerning Economic and Community
development.
7.2The said annual payment from Québec shall be in the amounts determined pursuant to sections
7.3 to 7.14 hereof and shall be paid by Québec to the Recipient of Funding.
7.3
This annual payment from Québec for the first three (3) Financial Years shall be as follows :
a) for the 2002-2003 Financial Year: twenty-three million dollars ($23 million);
b) for the 2003-2004 Financial Year: forty-six million dollars ($46 million);
c) for the 2004-2005 Financial Year: seventy million dollars ($70 million).
7.4For each subsequent Financial Year between April 1st, 2005 and March 31st, 2052, the annual
payment from Québec shall be the greater of the two (2) following amounts :
a) seventy million dollars ($70 million); or
b)an amount corresponding to the indexed value of the amount of seventy million dollars
($70 million) as of the 2005-2006 Financial Year in accordance with the formula described
herein that reflects the evolution of the value of hydroelectric production, mining exploitation
production and forestry harvest production in the Territory.”
Sections 7.21 and 7.22 concern the Recipient of Funding and read as follows:
“7.21The James Bay Crees, acting through the Recipient of Funding, will use this annual payment from
Québec for the economic and community development of the James Bay Crees in accordance
with the priorities and means which the James Bay Crees, acting through the Recipient of Funding,
shall deem appropriate, including support for Cree traditional activities and the creation of a
Heritage Fund for the benefit of the James Bay Cree Bands.
7.22For these purposes, the Recipient of Funding may allocate or distribute the annual payment from
Québec and any revenues derived therefrom at its discretion and for a specific purpose or for
general purposes to any Cree Enterprise, any Cree Band or to any trust, foundation or fund whose
beneficiaries include Crees or Cree Bands or Cree Enterprises or any combination thereof.”
47
The net income of the Partnership allocated to a Special Partner of the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership
is not taxable under Part I of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and under the Taxation Act (Québec), in
accordance with the current provisions of the said acts and with the terms of the advance income
tax rulings rendered by the Canada Revenue Agency dated as of March 31, 2003, as amended by
letter dated March 23, 2004 and by the Ministère du revenu du Québec dated November 7, 2002.
Any allocation of the net revenue of the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership for income tax purposes is
made strictly and only for such purposes and not for any other objects and any such allocation does
not entail any vested rights or vested interest for a particular Special Partner in any part of the revenue
or the capital of the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership. More particularly, article 10.1 of the Limited
Partnership Agreement provides, among others, as follow:
“No Special Partner shall have a vested right or a vested interest in any part of the Heritage Fund
until such time as, and only to the extent that, the General Partner makes a distribution or an
allocation out the Heritage Fund for the benefit of a Special Partner.
For greater certainty, it is agreed that any allocation determined by the General Partner, or the
competent tax authorities, for taxation purposes in furtherance of the provisions of the Tax Acts
does not entail or carry with it any vested right or vested interest for a Partner in any part of the
Heritage Fund.”
2 – ACCOUNTING CHANGES
On April 1, 2008, in accordance with the applicable transitional provisions, the Partnership applied the
following new recommendations of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accounts :
Capital Disclosures
Section 1535, “Capital Disclosures”. This section effective for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1,
2007, establishes standards for disclosing information about the entity’s capital and how it is managed
to enable users of financial statements to evaluate the entity’s objectives, policies and procedures for
managing capital.
Financial Instruments
Section 3862, “Financial Instruments - Disclosures” describes the required disclosures related to the
significance of financial instruments on the entity’s financial position and performance and the nature
and extent of risks arising for financial instruments to which the entity is exposed and how the entity
manages those risk. Section 3863, “Financial Instruments – Presentation” establishes standards for
presentation of financial instruments and non-financial derivatives. These new standards were effective
for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2007. They replace the presentation standards of
Section 3861, “Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation”.
General standards of financial statements presentation
Section 1400, “General Standards of Financial Statement Presentation” was modified and requires that
management make an assessment of the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern over a period
which is at least, but not limited to, twelve months from the balance sheet date.
These new standards only address disclosures and have no impact on the Partnership’s financial results.
48
3 – ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recorded in
the financial statements and notes to financial statements. These estimates are based on management’s
best knowledge of current events and actions that the limited partnership may undertake in the future.
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Basis of presentation
The financial statements are prepared using the historical cost method, except for certain financial
instruments that are recognized at fair value. No information on fair value is presented when the
carrying amount corresponds to a reasonable approximation of the fair value.
Financial assets and liabilities
On the initial recognition, all financial assets and liabilities are evaluated and recognized at fair value,
at the exception of the assets and liabilities arising from certain operations with related parties.
Transaction costs from held-for-trading financial assets and liabilities are recognized in earnings.
Subsequently, the financial assets and liabilities are measured and recognized as follows :
Held-for-trading financial assets
Held-for-trading financial assets are measured at their fair value and changes in fair value are recognized
in earnings. Changes in fair value that are recognized in earnings include realized and unrealized gains
or losses.
Cash and investments are classified as held-for-trading financial assets.
Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities are evaluated at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The
calculated interests using the effective interest method are presented in earning statement under
interest incomes or interest expenses, if necessary.
The accrued liabilities, due to Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc. and due to other Cree entities are
classified as other financial liabilities.
Revenue recognition
Investment transactions are recorded on the transaction date and resulting revenues are recognized
using the accrual basis. Interest income is accrued based on the number of days the investment is held
during the period. Dividends are recognized as of the ex dividend date. Gains or losses on the disposal
of investments are calculated on an average cost basis. Transaction costs related to the acquisitions
and disposals of investments are included in the cost of investments acquired or treated as a reduction
of the proceeds on the disposal of investments.
49
4 – POLICIES AND PROCESSES FOR MANAGING CAPITAL
The Limited Partnership’s objectives when managing capital is to meet the purposes for which the
Limited Partnership was created, more particularly to invest and distribute, in the capacity of Recipient
of Funding under the New Relationship Agreement, the annual capital contributions made by Québec
in accordance with the New Relationship Agreement and to appropriate to the Wyapschinigun Fund an
annual amount that is not less than 15% of the contributions made by Québec.
The Limited Partnership manages its capital mainly by investing the amounts received from Québec by
virtue of the New Relationship Agreement and by providing distributions to the Special Partners and,
at its discretion, to any Cree Enterprise, any Cree band of to other Cree entities in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the New Relationship Agreement and, in relation to the Wyapschinigun Fund, to
manage the investments of such fund in accordance with the specific rules contained in the Limited
Partnership Agreement.
In order to maintain or to adjust its capital structure, the Limited Partnership may have to modify its
forecast relating to distributions.
The Limited Partnership is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
5 – GOVERNMENT OF QUÉBEC CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION
The amount of $73,242,623 provided by Québec during the year pursuant to the New Relationship
Agreement, was determined by Québec based on information which has yet to be shared with the Limited
Partnership. The Limited Partnership has engaged an independent firm of Chartered Accountants to
verify this and previous years’ amounts and report on their findings. Any adjustment resulting from this
verification will be reported in the year during which such adjustment, if any, is recognized.
6 – DISTRIBUTION TO SPECIAL PARTNERS
2009
2008
$
$
11,905,587 10,000,000
2,456,291 2,450,000
10,165,521 10,000,000
2,610,696 2,450,000
The Crees of Waskaganish Band
7,736,582 6,885,000
6,313,404 6,000,000
4,224,470 2,800,000
Cree Nation of Wemindji – Community Center
5,500,000
3,106,103 3,000,000
Whapmagoostui First Nation – Community Center
2,500,000
51,018,654 50
49,085,000
7 – DISTRIBUTION TO OTHER CREE ENTITIES
2009
2008
$
$
2,787,346 2,500,000
1,750,000 1,750,000
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association
300,000 300,000
Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association
200,000 200,000
2,000,000 2,000,000
1,750,000 1,750,000
Environment Issues
430,000 350,000
Cree Mineral Exploration Board (a)
320,000 320,000
Youth Council
150,000 150,000
Community Centre Animation Study
100,000
Community Fire Protection Study
100,000
Training Facilities and Manpower Offices
100,000
Cree Regional Authority – Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)
Forestry Issues
Regional Support and Implementation
50,000 50,000
James Bay Advisory and Evaluating Committee
80,000
Elders and Youth Coordination Fund
500,000 265,000
Elders Council
150,000 150,000
Aanischaaukamiwk Cultural Institute
100,000 100,000
James Bay Cree Communications Society
100,000 100,00 0
10,887,346 10,065,000
Washaw Sibi Eeyou
(a) In 2009, the distribution to these entities was done as a flow-through in CRA.
8 – INVESTMENTS
2009
2008
$
$
Cash and short-term investments at market value
Treasury bills at market value
Investments funds at market value
15,059 17,054
1,442,082 1,572,163
42,700,844 44,877,052
44,157,985 46,466,269
51
9 – WYAPSCHINIGUN FUND
The Limited Partnership Agreement provides that the Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc. must
establish as of April 1st, 2002 on the books of the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership a separate fund
for the benefit of the Special Partners known as the Heritage Fund and designated the Wyapschinigun
Fund.
This Heritage Fund is intended to be a means to support the community, cultural, educational, social
welfare and economic development needs of the James Bay Crees and Cree Bands. It is also intended
to assist the James Bay Crees and Cree Bands in achieving increased autonomy, in preserving the Cree
way of life, Cree values and Cree traditions and in encouraging the emergence of Cree expertise in the
fields of economic and community development, job creation and economic spin-offs.
Under the Limited Partnership Agreement, commencing with the 2004-2005 financial year and in each
subsequent financial year, the Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc. acting as General Partner to the
Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership, must appropriate to the Wyapschinigun Fund an annual amount that
is not less than 15% of the annual capital payments made by Québec in accordance with chapter 7 of the
New Relationship Agreement with respect to the then current fiscal year. These appropriations to the
Wyapschinigun Fund must be made forthwith upon receipt by the Eenou-Eeyou Limited Partnership of
the payment of each quarterly instalment of the said annual capital payments from Québec.
Moreover, the Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc., acting as General Partner to the Eenou-Eeyou
Limited Partnership, may also transfer, at its discretion, any unallocated amounts from the General
Capital Account to the Wyapschinigun Fund.
Though the assets of the Wyapschinigun Fund are held and owned by the Eenou-Eeyou Limited
Partnership, they are to be managed and invested under the authority of an Investment Committee of
the Wyapschinigun Fund composed of between 6 to 12 persons designated by the Cree Heritage Fund
Foundation Inc. acting as General Partner.
The members of this Investment Committee must have prior experience in connection with the
management or investment of monies for the benefit of other persons, they must not be a director
of the Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc. nor hold an elected office with any Cree Band or Cree
Enterprise, nor may they accept or carry out directly or indirectly any consultancy or other contract for
or concerning any investment adviser, investment manager, broker or other person acting with respect
to or for the Wyapschinigun Fund.
It is prohibited to use the Wyapschinigun Fund for certain purposes, including :
a) carrying on commercial activities;
b)trading on margin or short selling securities, or using derivative instruments for leverage or
speculation:
c)any form of loans to individuals, as well as loans to corporations, entities or other ventures
except through corporate bonds, debentures or other similar instruments which are rated by
reasonable, prudent and reputable bond rating agencies;
52
d)investing in real estate property except through real estate investment vehicles which are
publicly traded in a reputable, major and publicly regulated market;
e)assisting or investing in privately held entities, corporations or ventures or in a corporation
or partnership whose securities are not publicly traded in a reputable, major and publicly
regulated market.
The following investment concentration limitations also apply :
a)at any given time, not more than 5% of the Wyapschinigun Fund may be invested in, or
exposed to, any given corporation, entity or venture, except when investing in securities
issues by or fully and unconditionally guaranteed by either of the governments of Québec,
Canada or the United States;
b)the Wyapschinigun Fund may not hold, at any given time, more than 5% of any outstanding
securities issue, except when investing in securities issued by or fully and unconditionally
guaranteed by either of the governments of Québec, Canada or United States.
No distribution may be made from the Wyapschinigun Fund before April 1st, 2052.
10 – EXPENSES RELATING TO THE OPERATION
The expenses relating to the operation of the Limited Partnership are included in the financial
statements of Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc., the General Partner, and are reimbursed by the
Limited Partnership through the contribution to Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc.
11 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Partnership is exposed to various financial risks resulting from both its operations and its
investments activities. The Partnership’s management manages financial risks.
The Partnership does not enter into financial instrument agreements including derivative financial
instruments for speculative purposes.
Financial risks
The Partnership’s main financial risk exposure and its financial risk management policies are
as follows:
Interest rate risk
The Partnership’s other financial liabilities do not comprise any interest rate risk since they do not bear
interest.
The Partnership does not use derivative financial instruments to reduce its interest rate risk exposure.
Market risk
The Partnership’s financial assets exposed to price risk on the market in the event price fluctuate,
represents short-term investments , treasury bills and investments funds.
53
Fair value
The following methods and assumptions were used to determined the estimated fair value of each
class of financial instrument.
Short-term financial instruments
The fair value of the short-term financial assets and liabilities approximates their carrying amount given
that they will mature shortly.
Investments
The fair value of these investments is equivalent to the market value based on the closing price.
Long-term debt
The fair value of the due to Cree Heritage Fund Foundation Inc. and the due to other Cree entities could
not be determined since it is practically impossible to find a financial instrument on the market having
substantially the same economic characteristics.
12 – STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
No statement of cash flows has been presented since principal operating, investing and financing
activities may be readily apparent from the other financial statements and presenting such a statement
would provide no additional information.
54

eenou-eeyou - The Grand Council of the Crees

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