In the December 2nd article entitled, "Cree reject Rupert River diversion project", Deputy Grand Chief Iserhoff was erroneously quoted as as having stated that the decision on the 2002 Agreement, "...wasn't made by each community. It was made by the Grand Council."

"The executive summary and recommendations are available in both official languages on the Agency's Web site. The full report will be available as soon as possible."

Deputy Grand Chief Iserhoff stated he is, "two minds about hydroelectric development", stressing that while we want employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for our people, in order for development to be meaningful and progressive to a local population, it must make sense in terms of their values and world view.

Grand Chief Mukash addressed the issue of Diabetes, saying that, "Together, unified as people, organizations, and communities we can determine what we each can do to overcome this problem."

The Grand Council of the Crees acknowledges the press release of the Review Committee (COMEX) issued on November 2, 2006. The press release notes the report of the Committee has been given to the Provincial Administrator of the Agreement for review.

The Grand Council of the Crees wishes to clarify that Mr. Romeo Saganash does not work for the Grand Council as legal counsel, and secondly, he has not been mandated by the Council as a spokesperson on the Eastmain 1 A- Rupert Diversion Project or for the review process, but has spoken out in his personal capacity

Quebec's northern Inuit nation has approved a potentially lucrative land deal that will grant it control over hundreds of islands in the Hudson and Ungava bays, and the Hudson Strait. About 78 per cent of eligible voters endorsed the deal, which is part of the Nunavik Land Claims Agreement.

Grand Chief Mukash congratulated the community of Wemindji on their accomplishments, stating that, "You have provided a fine example of community contribution and demonstrated the kind of care our people have for their children."

Indigenous groups from all over the world, including the Grand Council of the Crees are lobbying to have the declaration adopted by the UN general assembly in the shortest delay possible. Here are ten reasons to support the declaration.

Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff called being invited to the Muskegowuk Council in Fort Albanyan an honor and a privilege.

Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff expressed heartfelt sympathies for the tragedy which occurred at Dawson College in Montreal on September 13, 2006, stating, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of all victims of this tragedy."

"The collective knowledge, experiences and information contained within this room today, of our tallymen, trappers, land users, and workers can paint a much truer and more complete picture of the reality of the impacts and benefits of hydroelectric development than anything else to date." Deputy Grand Chief Iserhoff stated at the conference.

The Anglican Church of Canada will ordain six Cree elders in a northern Quebec village so they can perform services in the church. (Via CBC News)

We are calling upon all states to support as a priority the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Human Rights Council, Res. 2006/2, 29 June 2006, Annex) and its adoption by the General Assembly before the end of 2006. Show your support by signing the Petition on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff lauded all firefighters, stating, "Your profession, your commitment and sacrifices are to be commended."

The 32nd annual General Assembly of the Grand Council of the Crees, and the 29th annual General Assembly of the Cree Regional Authority will be held in the community of Ouje Bougoumou August 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.

Matthew Mukash, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff congratulate National Chief Phil Fontaine on his re-election: “On behalf of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee I congratulate National Chief Fontaine for such a resounding victory in the election yesterday," said Grand Chief Matthew Mukash.

Indigenous peoples and human rights organizations in Canada are welcoming the historic decision by the United Nations Human Rights Council to back the adoption of the draft UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. However, these organizations also expressed their deep frustration and disappointment with the Canadian government’s efforts to stall this much-needed and long overdue human rights instrument. Canada called the vote as a pre-emptive move against the Declaration’s passage, but in the end Canada was one of only two countries to vote against the Declaration.

" Today, as we celebrate National Aboriginal Day, and what it means to us as Aboriginal People, we should remember the importance of the knowledge, skills and traditions we possess. Within them, there are many more cures and remedies, and transformative innovations for modern society to enjoy with us. One thing, Aboriginal Peoples are not lacking in, is our appreciation of the life and people around us. ", stated Deputy Grand Chief Iserhoff.

Grand Chief Matthew Mukash marked the occasion by stating, "There are many obstacles and challenges in life, but each one of them serves a purpose. If we approach them with an open mind, open heart and without fear, we realize that they are our greatest teachers. Remember this!"

Indigenous peoples, faith-based and human rights organizations say the Harper government should follow the lead of a House of Commons committee which yesterday gave its endorsement to a key draft international instrument for the global protection of the human rights of Indigenous peoples.

Deputy Grand Chief Iserhoff remarked, "Through the training centre, we are able to advance Eeyou Istchee and make our dreams and needs a reality. By designing programs such as those offered by the vocational training centre, we show that we are able to work with our people to fit the growing needs of our communities."

Today deputy Grand Chief Iserhoff delivered a presentation entitled, "The Draft U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Millennium Development Goals: Importance of a Human Rights-Based Approach" to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

"Representatives of indigenous and tribal communities today urged the United Nations panel charged with drawing attention to their plight to press Member States to rapidly adopt a long-negotiated draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples, as the surest way to promote the human rights of 370 million people worldwide and to protect the fragile traditional lands and resources on which they depended for survival."

The position of the Dutch government was recently conveyed to the Dutch Parliament in the following terms (see full article): "As far as the Netherlands is concerned, ... the proposed text is acceptable and should be given priority during the Human Rights Council's first session on 19-30 June, so that it can then be adopted by the General Assembly. [unofficial translation from Dutch]"

In his presentation today, Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff stated, "We strongly encourage you to take into account the preoccupations of the Cree people who have come to testify in your public hearings or who have submitted briefs to you. We also encourage you to review this project with all objectivity to ensure that the criteria for project acceptability set out under the JBNQA have been fully taken into account in your recommendations."

The decision released on Friday vindicates the Crees' long standing position that the CEA Act did not take into account their treaty rights and was therefore in contradiction with the JBNQA. Though requested to correct this situation many times through negotiations, the federal authorities had rather decided to impose CEA on the Crees in disregard of the terms of the treaty. The Court has now ordered Canada to respect the terms of the treaty.

Premier Jean Charest and Grand Chief Matthew Mukash have met today in Montréal. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since Grand Chief Mukash's election on September 16th, 2005. Both leaders have confirmed that they wish to maintain a harmonious, productive and long term relationship between the Crees and Québec.

The public hearings schedule regarding the EM1A Project, including the times and locations for meetings in Mistissini, Nemaska, Eastmain, Wemindji, Waskaganish, Chisasibi, Chibougamau, and Montreal.

A complete schedule events of the Mistissini Community Wellness Week, brought to you by Brighter Futures, Building Healthy Communities under the Public Health Department.

"Whapmagoostui has a good history of people who have set aside their own dreams and personal goals in education to either serve their community or their Nation.", Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff stated at the Graduation ceremony.

Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff delivered the opening address for a new youth center in Chisasibi, Quebec on behalf of Grand Chief Matthew Mukash. The Deputy Grand Chief stated, "let this center be your outlet to express yourselves through art and entertainment. Let it be your motivation, encouragement and a source of inspiration for your future."

Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff joins the community of Mistissini in celebrating the opening of the first Multi Service Day Center in Eeyou Istchee.

Grand Chief Matthew Mukash congratules the graduates of the Educators in Native Childcare Program, stressing to, "remember to recognize the potential in your choices to help shape our nation with the way you influence our children."

Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff highlights the limitless opportunities present in the constantly evolving economy, while stressing the continued importance of assigning proper value and recognition to our traditions and culture.

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