Moose Cree First Nation Rejects Title Claims by Quebec Cree

Press Release

March 9, 2016 / MOOSE FACTORY ONTARIO] On March 7, 2016 the Quebec-based Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee announced that they had commenced a lawsuit claiming Aboriginal rights and Aboriginal title to lands in Ontario. The lands that the Quebec Cree claim are—and always have been—the heart of the Moose Cree Homeland.

Chief and Council of Moose Cree First Nation call on the Quebec Cree to immediately withdraw this misguided lawsuit. “The Quebec Cree’s decision to file a lawsuit making a claim to our Homeland is disrespectful and wrong.

Abandoning this lawsuit is the right thing to do and is what Moose Cree’s people expect from our neighbours in Quebec,” said Chief Norm Hardisty Jr.

“The actions by the Quebec Cree serve only to pit Cree against Cree. Filing this lawsuit, and making this claim to the Moose Cree Homeland, is deeply disrespectful to us and is not in keeping with the Cree way. We should be working to strengthen the relationships among all Cree people, not weaken them by starting lawsuits” continued Chief Hardisty.

The Moose Cree First Nation have used and occupied their Homeland since time immemorial. Chief Hardisty explained “we have exercised our rights under Treaty 9 throughout our Homeland since the Treaty was signed in 1905. Our Homeland is vital to us as Moose Cree and is of great spiritual and cultural significance to all our people. Our Homeland serves to support our existence and to safeguard our future. We have a deep connection with the land that has never been broken and will never be broken. We have always defended our Homeland and will continue to do so. Our lands do not belong to anyone else.

Should the Quebec Cree reject our call and proceed with their lawsuit, Moose Cree First Nation is committed to taking any and all steps to protect our Homeland and our Treaty rights.”

For further information, please contact:

Chief Norm Hardisty Jr.
Telephone: (705) 658-4619

Pam Hunter, Senior Advisor
Telephone: (905) 706-0680

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