The program
The Economic Security Program for Cree Hunters is a family program which provides an annual income to Crees who choose hunting, trapping and fishing activities as a way of life.
It encourages Crees to pursue harvesting activities by providing them with an income guarantee, benefits and other incentives.
Benefits from the Program are calculated based on the number of days the adults of the family spend harvesting in the bush as well as an additional guaranteed amount which is based on the number of adults and children in the family unit.
To enroll on the Program the head of the family must spend at least 120 days conducting harvesting and related activities in the bush and must do so each year to remain on the Program.
Seasonal or temporary work is possible however, all income received is taken into account in the calculations of benefits. The Benefits are calculated at the beginning of the year based on an estimation of the time the adults of the family will be spending in the bush during the year. An annual amount is established, and then divided into four quarterly payments, issued during an interview conducted by the local administrator of the Cree community in September, December, April and June of each year.
WHAT ARE THE related ACTIVITIES? Traditional activities means wildlife harvesting activities, with the exception of commercial fishing.
The beneficiaries of the Economic Security Program for Cree Hunters are people who are involved in harvesting and related activities as a way of life.
Moreover, hunting, fishing and trapping remain their main activities while in the bush, outside of the community. This traditional way of life remains at the heart of Cree culture and identity.
The program ensure that hunting, fishing and trapping shall constitute a viable way of life for the Cree people and that individual Crees who elect to pursue such way of life shall be guaranteed a consistent measure of economic security.
