James Bay Cree

Rising mercury levels in the fishing waters of the James Bay Cree. (October 1976)
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In 1971, Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa announced plans for a massive hydroelectric-power development in northern Quebec. Hydro-Québec would build a series of dams, dikes, reservoirs and power stations and divert major rivers to harness massive amounts of power. The government believed the James Bay Project was the key to its economic future, because cheap power would encourage new industry and create jobs. Called the "project of the century," it promised to create over 100,000 jobs. But the native people living in the area were not consulted at all.

The Grand Council of the Crees was created on Aug. 8, 1974, in Eastmain, Que., to defend Cree interests during negotiations on the James Bay hydroelectric project. In 1994, this political body celebrated its 20th anniversary. A ceremony was held to mark the occasion in Eastmain.

Widely scattered and poorly organized at first, Cree communities eventually joined forces to preserve their way of life, traditions, knowledge and land. Chiefs from different communities pooled their efforts to defend their people. Consultations were organized with the communities to determine their needs and claims.

The Grand Council of the Crees consists of 20 members: the grand chief and deputy grand chief, as well as one band chief and one delegate for each of the nine communities. The group represents the Cree east of James Bay and south of Hudson Bay in dealings with the federal and Quebec governments. The group's head office is in the village of Nemaska. In 1978, the Quebec government created the Cree Regional Authority (CRA). The Grand Council and the CRA share the same management.

http://archives.cbc.ca/society/native_issues/clips/14288/
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Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• mercury
• poisoning
• fish

[tullysika]

Typical of governments the world over.