United We Walk – Episode 1 is now available!

The UNITED WE WALK series celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement by revisiting its context, process and outcomes. The animated video format is made available for everyone as an easily accessible source of information on Canada’s first modern treaty and steppingstone of Cree modernity. The series’ 9 episodes will be launched between November 2024 and November 2025, when a full version will be made available. Watch, listen, comment, and share with friends, colleagues and family to celebrate 50 years of the recognition of Cree rights!

The James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA) was signed on November 11, 1975, by the Government of Québec, the Government of Canada, Hydro-Québec, the Grand Council of the Crees of Québec and the Northern Québec Inuit Association. Described by many as the “first modern treaty,” the JBNQA created a new legal and eventually a constitutional framework for, among other things, local self-governance, land management, protection of the traditional Cree way of life as well as the relationship between the Québec and the Indigenous peoples of the James Bay and Northern Québec region.

The Agreement was signed within a very unique historical context—the ambition on the part of Québec to develop the James Bay hydroelectric potential and the determination on the part of the Crees and the Inuit to protect our lands and advocate for our rights.  Over the last 45 years, our leaders have worked diligently to ensure that no development can take place on our traditional lands without our engagement and involvement.

The JBNQA gave Crees our governance framework, and through the nation-building vision of our leadership and people, we have gradually developed the tools and the knowledge to be able to address the current challenges in a way that reflects the concerns and the needs of our people