the board, the cree communities,
acts & convention
the Cree Hunters Economic Security Board (CHESB) is a bipartisan organization composed of six members, three of whom are appointed by the gouvernement du Québec and three by the Cree Nation Government. The Board regroups ten Cree communities from northern Quebec and the head office is located in Quebec city.
This video is about the role of the CHESB - Formerly called the Cree Hunters and Trappers Income Security Board (CHTISB).
Our mission is to administer the Economic Security Program for Cree Hunters, which was established in 1975 following the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. The program is intended for Crees residing in Quebec who practice wildlife harvesting activities as a way of life.
The cree communities of northern quebec are Chisasibi, Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemaska, Oujé-Bougoumou, Waskaganish, Waswanipi, Washaw Sibi, Wemindji and Whapmagoostui.
The Cree population is divided into ten villages, all located in the province of Québec between the 49th and the 55th parallel, on the James Bay territory, called “Eeyou Istchee”.
The ground and marine surface of this vast territory spreads over 350000 km2 where only approximately 30000 people live, including 15000 Cree.
This population has been there for almost 5000 years and maintain their traditional lifestyle by hunting, fishing and trapping. Because of the biodiversity of the territory, the majestic rivers, and the abundant fauna, the Cree can pursue their traditional activities. The Baie James Cree use the word Eeyouch meaning "the people" and "Eeyou Istchee" which translates "land of the people' The northern Cree communities of Québec are: Chisasibi, Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemaska, Oujé Bougoumou, Waskaganish, Washaw Sibi, Waswanipi, Wemindji and Whapmagoostui.
Acts and convention
Following the agreement of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, the Board shall exercise the powers and duties provided for by the Act respecting the Cree Hunters and Trappers Economic security Board (R.S.Q, chapter O-2.1).
The Minister of Social Solidarity is responsible for the administration of this Act. Every year the Board reports its activities to the gouvernement du Québec and the Cree Nation Government.
In 1988, Chapter 30 of the Convention was modified by Complementary Agreement No. 8, which included several changes, especially the introduction of maternity benefits. Furthemore, in 2002, Complementary Agreement No. 15 introduced new amendments to the Program. Among the many changes, the daily allowance was increased and a new allowance was provided for days spent by beneficiaries in far harvesting regions.
