Ministers Bennett and Miller mark the 45th anniversary of the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement

Transcript

Hon. Carolyn Bennett: Wa-chi-ya, Bonjour, Greetings.

This is indeed a historic day, not only for the Cree First Nation, but all Quebecers and Canadians. I wish I could be there with you but we are celebrating together, while apart.

It is hard to believe that is has been 45 years since the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement was signed.

Hon. Marc Miller: Forty-five years ago today, visionary leaders like Billy Diamond, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, and Senator Charlie Watt, negotiator for the Northern Quebec Inuit Association, revolutionized Crown-Indigenous relations in this country. Because of their advocacy for Indigenous land rights and their determination to achieve justice for their peoples, an unprecedented agreement was reached.

Hon. Carolyn Bennett: Much has changed in the world around us but your vision for creating a better future for your people has not. The signing of the first modern treaty on November 11, 1975 was a momentous event in Canada's history. This was a significant and important milestone in our shared history and the rebuilding of our relationship.

Hon. Marc Miller: The ground-breaking and far-reaching agreement covered economic development and property issues, and established critically important cultural, social and governmental institutions. Your communities quickly seized these opportunities and ran with them, launching successful businesses like Air Creebec and the Cree Construction Company.

Hon. Carolyn Bennett: I applaud the work of the Eeyouch, the Cree communities and the Cree Nation Government in the protection of Indigenous rights and in advancing the Cree way of life and interests.

I remember being together 3 years ago on that hot breezy day in July on the lawn in front of the Peace Tower to sign the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance.

That agreement signed in 2017 furthered self-determination, your self-government and shifted the approach from by-laws, to law-making powers on federal Cree community lands that reflect your culture, priorities and aspirations.

This is reconciliation in action. The path your community has taken over the last 45 years has made a significant impact on history of our country.

This agreement is one part of the story. Since 1975 much work has been undertaken, whether that be in the establishment of Cree governance structures, the provision of health and education services and more recently with the development of the Cree Nation Housing Strategy.

Hon. Marc Miller: Today, your communities are thriving: boasting Indigenous led schools, health services, policing and justice systems. You now also have control over language, culture and heritage because of the giant step forward taken 45 years ago.

Hon. Carolyn Bennett: Your hard work is improving your community, creating jobs and a stable economic environment. You are leading by example. I look forward to many years of collaboration and cooperation and inspiration ahead of us in the implementation of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Today we celebrate your continued success.

Hon. Marc Miller: Meegwetch, Thank you, Merci.

Hon. Carolyn Bennett: Meegwetch, Thank you, Merci beaucoup.