Bringing Governance Home
ᐁ ᒌᐌᐦᑕᑖᓂᐎᒡ ᑎᐯᔨᐦᒋᒉᐎᓐ
The founding Chiefs of the Grand Council of the Crees in their own handwriting envisaged a Council whose mandates came from the people and the communities, not the other way around.
This needs to be enshrined in all constitutional documents and conventions of the Cree Nation Government.
A responsive Cree Nation Government needs to be present in Eeyou Istchee with an open door to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the decisions of the Nation.
Principle
Any growth of the Cree Nation Government must be prioritized in the communities of Eeyou Istchee and there should be a continuous effort to examine the possibility of delegating capacity to the local governments or relocating offices and positions to the communities of Eeyou Istchee.
Call to Action
Amend the Cree Nation Government Financial Administration Act to ensure the prioritization of locating employment and offices in the communities of Eeyou Istchee.
Principle
The closer a government is to the grass roots, the more responsive it will be.
Calls to Action
Allow communities that are ready, to reassume the authority of Local Environment Administrator over the certification of local projects on Category IA lands.
The delegation to local governments of authority over enforcement and implementation of regional Category II lands laws.
The introduction of any program, fund or new government authority needs to begin with the question, “Can this be done at the local level?”
Principle
The more public and inclusive the Cree Nation Government is, the wiser the decisions will be.
Calls to Action
Timely and public communication of the Cree Nation Government agendas will give the public and Cree entities the opportunity to prepare and contribute to Cree Nation Government deliberations.
The use of Public Consultations, Public Hearings or Commissions are tools for the Cree Nation Government to proactively reach the Cree Nation and our entities.