How did the James Bay project affect the Cree?
The dispute culminated in 1975 with the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. (See also Treaties with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.) In the agreement, the Cree and Inuit surrendered their land claims for $225 million, retaining special hunting and fishing rights (see Fisheries).
What did the James Bay project do?
The James Bay Hydroelectric Project proposed by Hydro-Quebec, the government run electricity company, would construct three major dams at James Bay. The project would supply electricity to millions of people, but would also submerge entire Cree communities and disrupt their fishing and hunting sources.
Who were the James Bay Cree?
East Cree, also known as (Eastern) James Bay Cree, and East Main Cree, is a group of Cree dialects spoken in Quebec, Canada on the east coast of lower Hudson Bay and James Bay, and inland southeastward from James Bay. Cree is one of the most spoken non-official aboriginal languages of Canada.
What is the significance of the James Bay and Northern Quebec treaty?
The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement is widely regarded as the first modern treaty in Canada. It has facilitated the reconciliation of the protection of the traditional way of life of the signatory nations and natural resource development in the territory.
Why was the James Bay project built?
The over CAD$20 billion project was intended to be built in two phases 1) La Grande and 2) La Grande Baleine and was meant to dam and divert water flow from nine rivers and eventually flood an area the size of Belgium [1, 3, 11].
How was James Bay formed?
History. Human presence along the shores of the bay began after the retreat of the glaciers at the end of the last ice age, around 8,150 years ago.
Where is Cree territory of James Bay?
northern Quebec
The Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee Our traditional territory, an area of over 400, 000 square kilometres, or two-thirds the size of France, is located primarily in northern Quebec and includes the lands on the eastern shore of James Bay and south-eastern Hudson Bay, as well as the lakes and rivers that drain into them.
Where is the James Bay?
eastern Canada
James Bay, the southern inlet of Hudson Bay in eastern Canada, is located between the provinces of Quebec (right) and Ontario (left), Canada. The bay, 443 km long and 217 km wide, contains numerous islands. The crescent-shaped Akimiski Island (visible) is the largest with an area of 3002 sq km.
Are there any treaties in Quebec?
The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement is an exception to this since there are seven signatories. Each modern treaty covers a multitude of subjects and touches on the jurisdictions of three levels of government. Each brings different views, perspectives and priorities to the table.