Crees seal billion-dollar agreement with Quebec

The Grand Council of Crees and the Quebec government signed a deal last Thursday worth $3.4 billion to the Crees.

According to the terms of the agreement, the Crees will receive a cash payout of $23 million this year, $46 million next year and $70 million a year for the next 48 years.

In return, the Crees agree to allow more hydro-electric development on the Rupert and Eastmain rivers.

Last month, about 70 per cent of Crees voted in favour of the deal, which is expected to spur job creation and economic development in the territory.

At the signing ceremony Feb. 7 in Waskaganish, two Crees unhappy with the deal were taken into custody.

Former Chief Henry Diamond accused Grand Chief Ted Moses of lying to the people. Diamond told the Cree magazine, Nation, “I was surprised at what happened. I didn’t threaten anybody.” He said he only wanted to ask some questions.

“They [the police] grabbed me and started pushing me around. I couldn’t just let that happen. I went there to talk about some of the things that the people weren’t told. I’m glad I did what I did. I didn’t want to disrespect the people but I wasn’t allowed to talk.”

Chisasibi Band Councilor Larry House was also arrested. House wanted to attend the press conference following the signing, but was told he couldn’t. Police charged him with impeding pedestrian traffic and fined him $25.

According to some reports, Quebec Premier Bernard Landry had said he wouldn’t sign the deal if there were any protests during the ceremony.

Leaders in Nunavik watched the proceedings with interest. “We’re very happy for the Crees. We hope they’re planning to do the same thing for other aboriginal peoples in Quebec: this is what you’re doing for the Crees, do it for Nunavik!” said Makivik Corporation president Pita Aatami.