Political+Organization

**Political Organization** = Political Structure Today =

Bands
All of the Cree bands combined compose the largest group of aboriginal people in Canada. The different bands of Cree are recognized as some of the over 630 First Nations by the Canadian government, and thus, are protected and given legal rights under the Indian Act of 1876. Using this political status, many of the bands remain autonomous and operate completely under their individual councils. Councils vary in size and qualifications for members, but the structures across the Cree are basically the same. Each council consists of a Chief, a Deputy Chief and several Councillors; they are elected by the general population of the band most councils use terms of four years.

Grand Council of the Crees
Some, however, use a more complex structure and participate in a larger group with other close bands. The greatest example of this is the Grand Council of the Crees who govern the nine Cree bands in the James Bay region: The GCC consists of a Grand Chief, a Deputy-Grand Chief, the chief of each of the nine communities, and one other representative from each. The Grand Chief and Deputy-Grand Chief are elected by the general population of the Cree every four years. The extra representative from each community is elected every three years. Currently, the Grand Chief is Matthew Coon from the Mistissini band; Coon has served two terms as the chief of the Mistissini and served as the National Assembly of First Nations Chief from 2000-2003 (FirstNations).
 * Chisasibi[[image:creeinfo/MatthewCoon.jpg width="267" height="275" align="right" caption="Grand Chief Matthew Coon wearing traditional clothing of the James Bay Cree"]]
 * Eastmain
 * Mistissini
 * Nemaska
 * Waskaganish
 * Ouje Bougoumou
 * Waswanipi
 * Whapmagoostui
 * Wemindji

The GCC itself describes its duties as:
 * to act as a regional council, group or association to solve and assist in solving the problems of the Cree people of Quebec;
 * to assist the Cree people of Quebec through all means permitted by law to affirm, exercise, protect, enlarge and have recognized and accepted the rights, claims and interests of the Cree people of Quebec;
 * to foster, promote, protect and assist in preserving the way of life, values and traditions of the Cree people of Quebec;
 * to improve and assist in improving the conditions in Cree communities and lands of northern Quebec and to foster and promote the development of the Cree communities, lands and people of Quebec;
 * to act as a regional or local government, authority, administrative or managerial body, institution or group in respect to such subject matters as may be given, delegated or confided to it by the Cree people;
 * to provide regional services in regard to programs, communications and activities which may affect or benefit the Cree people of Quebec.

Cree Regional Authority
Also representing the James Bay Cree is the Cree Regional Authority. Though it is a separate legal entity, the CRA and the GCC "have identical membership, board of directors, governing structures and are de facto managed and operated as one organization by the Cree Nation." It serves as the administrative authority, provides services, and is responsible for environmental protection of the nine bands. Other duties (specified by the CRA itself) include:
 * to give a valid consent, on behalf of the James Bay Crees, where such consent is required pursuant to the JBNQA or pursuant to an act;
 * to appoint representatives of the James Bay Crees on all agencies, bodies and entities established pursuant to the JBNQA or an act;
 * to relieve poverty, promote the general welfare and advance the education of the James Bay Crees, promote the development and means of intervention of the Cree communities and promote civic improvements;
 * to assist in any social welfare enterprise of the James Bay Crees;
 * to assist in the organization of recreational centres and public places for sports and amusements;
 * to work toward the solution of the problems of the James Bay Crees and, for such purposes, to deal with all governments, public authorities and persons;
 * to provide technical, professional and other assistance to the James Bay Crees;
 * to assist the James Bay Crees in the exercise of their rights and in the defence of their rights.

= Traditional Political Structure =

Okimaw
Before the Cree began organizing themselves in a more 'contemporary' way, chiefs were not elected. As in the Plains Cree, the //Okimaw//, or band chief, was selected based on two things, kinship and prestige. The title of //okimaw// generally passed from father to son, but the son always had to prove himself worthy. Prestige was earned through bravery, skilled hunting, and liberal thinking. The //okimaw// was also supposed to be selfless, hosting guests and giving gifts frequently; often, gifts were given to mediate disputes (Our Legacy).



Council of the Elders
In many bands of the Cree, elders were simply the older members who were more knowledgeable and traditional. In some, however, the title "elder" was not only earned, but appointed. This tradition has carried on to today in some bands. The Opaskwayak have a council of six elders; they must fulfill certain requirements. According to the Opaskwayak, an elder must have had an exemplar y lifestyle, been a spiritual, and been a community leader (Opaskwayak).