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SIGNING OF AN OUTLINE FOR AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE CREES OF QUEBEC

OTTAWA (July 4, 2005) - Minister Andy Scott and Grand Chief Ted Moses announce the commencement of negotiations between the Government of Canada and the Crees of Quebec, following the signing of an Outline for an Agreement last Thursday June 30th. Through the negotiations the parties are seeking to resolve issues with respect to the implementation of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and to confirm a Cree Nation Government in subsequent federal legislation. The Outline was signed by the Chief Negotiator for Canada, Mr. Raymond Chrétien, Strategic Advisor at the law firm of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin and former Canadian Ambassador to the United States, and the Chief Cree Negotiator, Mr. Bill Namagoose, Executive Director of the Grand Council of the Crees/Cree Regional Authority.

Minister Scott states: "Canada is committed to resolving outstanding issues with the Crees of Quebec amicably and expeditiously. The signing of the Outline, which defines the scope and the process for negotiations, sets a clear course for the parties. I am confident that the outcome of these negotiations will improve our relations with the Crees of Quebec and provide them with the required tools for strong governance and greater community and economic development."

For his part, Grand Chief Moses commented that: "It is our intention to establish Cree-Canada relations on a new footing that will benefit the Cree People by improving service delivery at the local and Cree Nation levels. In addition, we intend to improve cooperation and collaboration with our partners, Canada and Quebec, in the governance and development of the James Bay territory."

For more information, please contact:

Bill Namagoose
Chief Cree Negotiator and Executive Director
Grand Council of the Crees / Cree Regional Authority
(613) 761 1655

Raymond Chrétien
Chief Federal Negotiator and Strategic Advisor
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
(514) 397-5230

Brian Craik
Director of Federal Relations
Grand Council of the Crees
(613) 724 1097

Hélène Philippe
Regional Communications Manager
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(418) 648-7675

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