Self-government for the James Bay Cree Nation in Quebec over part of their territory moved one step closer to reality Thursday, as the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee Governance Agreement Act passed third reading in the House of Commons. "It's good news for the Cree Nation," said Bill Namagoose, executive director of the Grand Council of the Crees. The act also gives the Cree Nation the power to tax, but not the obligation, which is an important distinction for Namagoose. The Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee Governance Agreement Act also creates a Cree constitution, based on the Cree-Naskapi Act, an agreement signed in 1984. The legislation gives the Crees complete control to amend a Cree constitution without needing approval from Ottawa.

Source: CBC News February 17, 2018 00:56 UTC