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National Chief Matthew Coon Come Congratulates Ted Moses, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), and Quebec Premier Landry on Economic Development Agreement

OTTAWA, CANADA - Matthew Coon Come, after reviewing the Agreement between Grand Chief Moses and Premier Landry, congratulates the two parties on their historic agreement. "This agreement is historic because it is the first time that a province recognizes the interest of First Nations citizens in the development that has taken place and will take place on their traditional territories. The Canadian tradition has been to keep First Nations citizens on reserves without the means or incentives to become players in the larger economy. This agreement reverses that practice and raises the bar for economic development agreements with First Nations across Canada", he stated.

The Agreement in Principle signed October 23rd provides for the implementation of Quebec's obligations to the Crees under the economic development section of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Among other things it provides for at least $70 million dollars per year for 50 years to be paid to the Crees, separate agreements with Hydro Quebec on remediation of mercury contamination and on Cree employment on the La Grand Hydroelectric Complex, modifications to the Quebec forestry regime, Cree consent to the Rupert-Eastmain Diversion Project and a new cooperative relationship with Quebec. The agreement implements and in no way detracts from the rights of the Crees in respect to economic development. "When we fought the Nottaway, Broadback, Ruperts and Great Whale Projects in 1989 to 1995, we saved 8 rivers. The Cree people are now considering the Agreement and this reduced proposal for one diversion. The Cree people have until December 2001 to make their decision", stated the National Chief.

"This is not a model for aboriginal relations with Canada or with the provinces. It makes sense in the context of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. However, the principle of sharing in the revenues derived from resource development and of measures aimed at achieving employment equity with the non-aboriginal population must be praised as they are in line with Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Premier Landry must be congratulated for his vision of future relations with the Cree People. By this agreement Quebec demonstrates that it is in the forefront in Canada in the development of new economic relations with First Nations citizens", concluded National Chief Matthew Coon Come.

For additional information, contact Jean LaRose, by phone: 613-241-6789 (ext.251), by e-mail: jlarose@afn.ca or by cell phone: 613-795-9664.