20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Paix Des Braves
Nemaska, Eeyou Istchee (February 7, 2022)
It’s a pleasure to be here today to mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Paix des Braves. This new Agreement marked a new relationship between the Cree and Québec.
This new relationship was built on trust and partnership, one that was negotiated with former Grand Chief Ted Moses and Premier Bernard Landry. I believe the Paix des Braves marks an opportunity for the Cree as a nation to come to the table and participate in economic development of their territory.
I also believe that it provided the opportunity for the Cree to take on the management and leadership and development of Cree communities. It provided us with many tools and funding arrangements to be able to implement solutions to develop infrastructure and meet the needs of our members. In the past 20 years, we’ve seen development of the Cree Nation at a rapid pace.
Now, as a new leader, it is my turn to work with this agreement and implement it. Implement it so that we continue protecting the cultural heritage of the Cree and ensure that we also protect the Cree language.
In the past 20 years we’ve achieved much. It is my goal, to take on the opportunity to work with Premier Legault and evaluate the success that this Agreement has created for our two nations. It is also my goal to sit down and evaluate with him in mutual collaboration the next 30 years and to see where this Agreement will take both of our Nations.
It is important to extend a hand in the spirit of collaboration and respect for the Cree and Québec nations to mark a historic new path into the future.
Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty
Statement from Cree and Quebec Leadership
Cree and Québec governments reflect on the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Paix des Braves. The Agreement Concerning a New Relationship Between the Cree Nation and the Government of Québec signed on February 7, 2002 marked a turning point in the relationship between the Crees and the Government of Québec.