Cree, Inuit and Naskapi Forum

WHEREAS the Crees, the Inuit and the Naskapis are the original occupants and Indigenous nations in Northern Quebec;

WHEREAS the Crees and the Inuit are the Indigenous parties to the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement treaty of 1975 (“JBNQA”) and the Naskapis, the Crees and the Inuit are the Indigenous parties to the Northeastern Quebec Agreement treaty of 1978 (“NEQA”);

WHEREAS, by virtue of these facts, the Parties share a number of common interests and concerns;

WHEREAS the Parties consider it appropriate to create a permanent forum to promote cooperation and coordination between them on these matters and to advance their Nation‑to‑Nation collaboration concerning Indigenous self-determination and aboriginal and treaty rights;

In an on-going effort to continue in the path of our past leaders in building and maintaining relationships with one another, the Crees of Eeyou Istchee, the Inuit of Nunavik, and the Naskapis of Nuchimiyuschiiy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Establishing a Cree, Inuit and Naskapi Forum of Northern Québec.

As parties to James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA) signed in 1975 and the Northeastern Québec Agreement (NEQA) of 1978, our collective challenges, although made distinct by our respective territories, politics, language, and customs, do hold similarities, especially when it comes to finding solutions in a reality that can only be truly understood by the inhabitants of Eeyou Istchee, Nunavik, and Nuchimiyuschiiy. It is by sharing our experiences and victories with one another that we can help one another succeed.

The mission of the Forum is to serve as a standing body for the Parties

1. to promote cooperation and coordination between the Parties where appropriate on matters relating to the interpretation, implementation and modernization of the JBNQA and NEQA;
2. to advance Nation-to-Nation collaboration between the Parties in respect of Indigenous self‑determination and aboriginal and treaty rights; and
3. to exchange information and to discuss issues of shared interest or concern.

The mandate of the Forum is not to substitute itself for existing committees or forums provided for in the JBNQA, the NEQA or elsewhere, nor to exercise powers and responsibilities vested in the governing bodies or constituents of the Parties.