The Cree Nation Mining Policy

Mining activity has a history in Eeyou Istchee. Mines began operating in the southern part of the territory and nearby areas in the 1950s. Exploration activity was robust in the 1970s, followed by a significant decline in the early 1980s, with a resurgence after 2000. The environmental impact of past mining and the limited Cree participation in those projects highlight the need for a more sustainable approach to mining in Eeyou Istchee, one that involves close collaboration with the affected Cree First Nations.

The number of claims and the diversity of minerals found in the territory indicate that mineral exploration and the development of new mines in Eeyou Istchee are likely to continue. Several new mines are currently in development, progressing through impact assessment or preparing for environmental review. Therefore, this Policy is crucial for standardizing how parties conduct themselves during mining activities.

This Policy applies to all mining projects, both new and existing, within Eeyou Istchee. All individuals and entities involved, directly or indirectly, in mining projects must comply with the terms and principles outlined in this Policy.

The Crees, the first inhabitants of the Eeyou Istchee Territory, have a deep and enduring relationship with the land, which they use for traditional activities that are still of great importance in their lives.

Over the years, the Crees have entered into over eighty agreements with federal and provincial governments, industry partners, and Crown corporations, covering a wide range of topics, including land claims, governance, health, education, and natural resource development. Notably, the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA), signed in 1975 with Canada and Québec and later modified by subsequent agreements, established significant norms regarding environmental, social, and governance issues. The Cree Nation Government (previously the Cree Regional Authority) was established through the JBNQA as the administrative body for Cree governance. It now represents approximately 20,000 Crees, known also as “Eeyouch” (“Eenouch” – inland dialect).

The Cree Nation has eleven communities, nine of which are recognized under the JBNQA, located along the James Bay and southeastern Hudson Bay coasts and along the rivers flowing into eastern James Bay. Each community’s territory includes several Cree traplines, where traditional harvesting takes place.

Through its Board of Directors, which also serves as the governing body of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), the Cree Nation Government exercises certain jurisdictions over Category II lands and has responsibilities related to land and resource planning and use, environmental protection, hunting, fishing, and trapping, economic and community development, and Cree governance. At the local level, Cree First Nations are governed by their respective Chief and Council, according to the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Government of Canada and the Constitution of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee, both of which have been granted the force of law.

• Sustainable Development: Briefly explain the Cree Nation’s commitment to sustainable development, balancing ecological, productive, spiritual, and traditional values, and ensuring environmental protection, responsible development, capacity building, economic growth, and employment opportunities.
• Cree Participation: Emphasize the importance of continuous Cree participation and economic benefits for the region in every mining project.
• Collaboration: Highlight the Cree Nation’s encouragement of a collaborative, flexible, and transparent approach in negotiations and project development, fostering mutual understanding between Cree parties and mining proponents.