Cree Nation of Mistissini governance project receives funding from Justice Canada

The Department of Justice Canada has provided funding to the Cree Nation of Mistissini as part of the federal government’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 50.

Call to Action 50 calls upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, in collaboration with Indigenous organizations, to fund the establishment of Indigenous law institutes for the development, use, and understanding of Indigenous laws and access to justice in accordance with the unique cultures of Indigenous peoples across Canada.

The justice department confirmed that it had invested a total of $499,000 for the next four years to support the adoption of the Mistissini Governance Project. This project aims to develop a series of fundamental governance laws for the Cree Nation of Mistissini, including a Mistissini Constitution, a Mistissini Governance Law, a Mistissini Hunting Law, a Mistissini Development Law, and a Mistissini Lake Law.

“These laws will set forth traditional Cree knowledge and authority in the form of legislation that clearly describes how our Iinou Iidouwun − our laws and legal systems, values, principles and practices − apply today,” Cree Nation of Mistissini Chief Thomas Neeposh said.

The justice department said that the Cree Nation of Mistissini will work closely with elders, tallymen, and other community members to gather information − stories, teachings, perspectives, practices – to ensure the integration of Cree values, traditions, and teachings into the five governance laws to be developed under the Mistissini Governance Project.

“I am pleased to support the Cree Nation of Mistissini with their important governance project,” Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti said. “The revitalization of Indigenous laws in Quebec, through partnership with Indigenous peoples, is a critical step in strengthening communities, advancing self-determination and increasing access to justice.”