The Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation promotes the growth of philanthropy for the benefit of the Eenou and Eeyou (the James Bay Crees). The Foundation will support a wide range of charitable causes across Eeyou Istchee.

PROTECTION OF OUR ANCESTRAL RIGHTS

Our duty to be wise stewards of our ancestral lands remains strong, even as it has evolved to accommodate a rapidly changing world. Indeed a series of landmark treaties have both strengthened our traditional way of life and ushered in new opportunities to better our communities. They include:

• James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) with Quebec and Canada (1975)

• Paix des Braves with Quebec (2002)

• New Relationship Agreement with Canada (2008)

• Eeyou Istchee James Bay Governance Agreement with Quebec (2012)

Through these agreements, the Cree have assumed responsibility for governance, education, health and social services, culture and language, communications, economic development, tourism, police, and the protection of natural resources and the environment.

In addition, the Cree Vision of the Plan Nord (2011) has laid out a blueprint for the use and sustainable development of Eeyou Istchee that respects the Cree traditional economy.

More recently, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015), which laid bare the abuse of Indigenous schoolchildren across Canada, including within Eeyou Istchee, set a framework for healing, affirmation and redress.

Philanthropy

PHILANTHROPY CAN BE A COMMUNITY BUILDER

Since the JBNQA, our increased responsibility for Eeyou Istchee has included not just governance, economic development and environmental protection, but also social and cultural development.

The Aanischaaukamikw Foundation, which raised $26 million to establish the world-class Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute, also demonstrated that philanthropy can be a positive force in our community — especially as we come to terms with the past and seek positive, mutually-beneficial relationships with non-Indigenous communities.

As in southern Canada, philanthropy is a vital addition to government funding for enhancing much-needed social and community projects.

BROADENING THE SCOPE OF PHILANTHROPY

The Aanischaaukamikw Foundation has evolved to become the Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation (EECF). Granted charitable status by Canada Revenue Agency (No. 86904 2549 RR0001), EECF is a member of Community Foundations of Canada, and is in the vanguard of Indigenous community foundations. As a community foundation, EECF will develop philanthropic capacity throughout Eeyou Istchee.

Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation Goals:

EECF works with the Cree Nation Government and other Cree stakeholders to:

• Engage Cree organizations, communities and individuals, as well as corporate partners, private foundations and neighbours to lend philanthropic support for projects in Eeyou Istchee

• Establish a priority list of granting objectives for major cultural and social development initiatives

• Invest in pilot projects that can be replicated and attract long-term Cree and government support

• Set rigorous standards for program planning, execution and reporting for Cree grant-seekers, and help them build operational capacity

• Establish major endowments for priority areas. EECF will retain leading investment managers to grow these funds, and use endowment income to fund grants