Cree Nation Signs the Aah Nuutaahtikwaaniwich Nisituhtimuwin Memorandum of Understanding

Today, the Aah Nuutaahtikwaaniwich Nisituhtimuwin Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty and Chiefs Clarence Jolly, Clarke Shecapio, Curtis Bosum, Thomas Neeposh and Marcel Happyjack.

The Cree Nation Government, the Cree Nation of Mistissini, the Cree Nation of Nemaska, the Crees of the Waskaganish First Nation, the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi and the Ouje-Bougoumou Cree Nation agree to take steps to enhance employment and contract opportunities to James Bay Crees and Cree Enterprises involved in forestry and to enhance the opportunities flowing from the wood allocation stemming from the Paix des Braves, among other things.

The purpose of the Aah Nuutaahtikwaaniwich Nisituhtimuwin Memorandum of Understanding is to create the “Cree Leadership Forestry Table” as a working table among the Parties in order to ensure cooperation and coordination and to reach specific objectives.  In order to reach these objectives, the proposed Aah Nuutaahtikwaaniwich Nisituhtimuwin Memorandum of Understanding sets out various undertakings of the respective Cree First Nations and of the Cree Nation Government. Ensuring a balanced approach respectful of and in harmony with the Cree way of life that is deeply rooted within our environment will be a priority for leadership.

During the signing ceremony, Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty explained: “By maintaining and increasing Cree unity, we position ourselves to take back our rightful place in the economy of Eeyou Istchee. We are building a long-term strategy for the growth of our Cree economy. Our Cree entrepreneurs want to be truly involved in forestry development. Our youth can look at forestry as a promising sector and engage themselves in training and employment opportunities. The Cree Leadership Forestry Table will ensure that our Cree youth and entrepreneurs truly benefit from this initiative.”

Flora Weistche, Political Attachée 

Telephone: (514) 604-3276