1. Corporate Matters

• Adoption of the Agenda
• Appointments: John Kitchen has been locally elected to represent the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi on the Board/Council of $GCC(El)$/Cree Nation Government. Local representatives hold a 3-year mandate.

2. Governance

• Joint Process on the Potential La Grande Capacity Upgrades
• The presentation updated the Board/Council on the Ayimihiituunaanuwich Joint Process between the Cree Nation Government (CNG) and Hydro-Québec.
• Project Objective and Scope: The primary goal is to replace aging power generating equipment (at Robert-Bourassa/LG-2, LG-3, and LG-4) to ensure safe and reliable power generation for the next 50+ years and to evaluate the opportunity to increase power generating capacity for peak periods.
• Cree Engagement and Collaboration: The project aims to assess the technical, environmental, cultural, and social aspects of potential upgrades. Innovations include acting on Eeyou advice, adding studies to reflect Eeyou values, and integrating Eeyou and Western knowledge in studies and fieldwork.
• Update on the Cree Development Corporation (CDC)
• Presented by Clarke Shecapio, CEO of the CDC, the update focused on the CDC’s mandate to facilitate sustainable and culturally-respectful socio-economic development.
• Key Project Updates: The CDC is actively involved in several community-driven initiatives, including:
• Development of a Cree-controlled airport management model (Nemaska Airport). ⁷
• Operation of a Cree-owned permanent camp (Nadoshtin Residence at Eastmain-1).
• Community-driven energy studies (Waskaganish Energy and Eeyou Istchee Wind Energy).
• A proposed Cree-owned railway extension study (Cree Railway Initiative) to address highway deterioration and heavy traffic.

4. Human Resources

• Anthony Macleod has been named Executive Director of the Cree Nation Government.
• Since 2018, Anthony Macleod led the Department of Commerce and Industry, bringing innovation and pride to local entrepreneurs and experts in Eeyou Istchee.
• The Board/Council members were unanimous in the nomination on December 2nd.

5. Justice and Correctional Services

• Justice Action Plan
• Presented by Donald Nicholls, Director of the Department of Justice and Correctional Services (DOJCS), the plan detailed the department’s mandate, operations, and key initiatives.
• Restorative Justice and Prevention Initiatives: The DOJCS focuses on supporting individuals through justice programs and partnerships to reinforce traditional values, reduce crime, and enhance community safety.
• Community Justice Committees: A core component is the operation of Community Justice Committees in all nine Cree communities, which use restorative approaches to restore peace and harmony among victims, offenders, and communities. ¹⁶
• Infrastructure and Correctional Services Development: Projects underway or explored include establishing Transitional Tiny Homes and community Homeless Shelters (Almshouses) to provide safe, stable housing and support for individuals returning from detention or experiencing homelessness.
• Judicial Advisory Committee (JAC)
• The JAC is a key advisory body established under the 2007 Justice Agreement with Quebec to advise on the administration of justice for the Cree Nation.
• Mandate, Structure, and Governance: The JAC is comprised of equal members (five each) from the Cree Nation and Quebec. Its role is to make recommendations on priorities and strategies related to the administration of justice.
• Current Focus and Appointments: The recent meeting focused on appointing new members to fill vacant positions:
• New members: Michael Petawabano, Daniel Mark Stewart
• Continuing members: Samson Weistche and Flora Blacksmith

6. Environment and Wildlife

• Communication Awareness Plan for JBNQA Section 22 and 24
• Presented by Nadia Saganash, Director of Environment and Wildlife, the plan is a year-long, multi-platform awareness campaign titled: “Our Land, Our People, Our Unity, Our Power.”
• The campaign is designed to empower the Crees of Eeyou Istchee by deepening public understanding of their rights under Section 22 JBNQA.
• It will highlight how Crees can meaningfully influence environmental decisions and protect the land and wildlife that sustain them through social media, community tours, radio, and accessible materials.

10. Cree Nation Youth Council (CNYC)

• The presentation by Youth Grand Chief Jade Mukash and Deputy Youth Grand Chief Darius Neacappo-Pelchat focused on their new term, strategic plan, and critical resource needs.
• Strategic Vision and Core Initiatives (2024-2029): The CNYC is committed to prioritizing transparency and membership engagement. Key initiatives include: 
• Pushing for the negotiation and construction of Youth Centres in upcoming New Relationship Agreement (NRA) discussions.
• Collaborating on a new violence prevention awareness campaign.
• Creating a funding document for communities.

  Four-Year Plan Major Events: The plan includes the Youth Councils of Eeyou Istchee Summit (2026), the Eeyou Istchee Summer Games (2026 and 2028), and a Treaty Simulation (2027). ²⁸

  Critical Need for Increased Resources: The CNYC stressed that their current team of four staff members is insufficient to cover the heavy workload, requesting the Board’s support to start discussions on increasing resources to create a lasting administrative structure

11. Next Meeting

• January 27, 28 & 29, 2026 – Wemindji