Matthew Coon Come's letter to James Bay Cree Voters

Dear Eeyou/ Iinuu voter,

Wachiya!

2009 is a turning point in the history of our Cree Nation. This is a time of great challenge and great opportunity.  There is a need for renewed strong leadership, renewed vision, and renewed direction for our People.

In the past few years the Cree Nation has signed two major agreements, with the governments of Quebec and Canada.  The potential is now there for the Crees to become the major political, economic and social force in Eeyou Istchee.  Whether we do so depends on whether we can seize the opportunity before us.  The Cree Nation is truly at a fork in the river.

Eeyou / Iinuu will need a courageous and experienced leader with a profile not only locally but also in the national and international political arena. I believe I am such a leader.  I can be and will be an effective "Voice of the People" for the next phase of Cree Nation-Building. 

Every year, 400 young Crees enter the work force. The Cree public sector and traditional economy alone cannot sustain them.  There are opportunities in the resource wealth of Eeyou Istchee.  Our challenge is to ensure that these developments occur in a way we Crees can accept.  A way in which we have the final say and full control.  A way that is sustainable for the animals and the land, and future generations.

We Eeyou / Iinuu have the collective right to self-determination. We must always assert this right with courage.  We must be both the architects of the development of our natural resources, full beneficiaries, and the gatekeepers to prevent what’s unacceptable to us. 

Our Cree communities must be livable, sustainable and self-reliant.  This includes the health of our people, culture, language, economy and our environment.  We must deal honestly, courageously and effectively with our social problems.  We cannot afford to ignore these issues a moment longer.

I will fight to maximize benefits for our People and our Nation.  I will fight to minimize resource depletion, environmental degradation, cultural disruption and social instability.  I will fight for maximum possible Cree say, and Cree control in the Territory.  And if a good balance is not possible, we Crees must have the final say in Eeyou Istchee.

In our "Nation Building", we must now build our own expanded Cree Government on the foundations we have inherited from the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.  We must adapt it to our contemporary reality. We Crees must assert our status as the “Owners" and the dominant government in Eeyou Istchee.

With excellent leadership and with your involvement, I believe out of Eeyou Istchee will come great leaders in medicine, law and education. Out of Eeyou Istchee will come a Prime Minister and world leaders. Together we can take our Nation into a "Renewed Direction" -- for a bright, prosperous and blessed Nation.

We cannot use the same methods we used in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000’s. We will need to “think outside of the box”.  I trust in the ability of our people to make the right choices for our future.

For us to achieve these things, I need your support.  I believe there is no limit to what we can achieve together. 

I would be honoured to receive your vote for Grand Chief on July 15, 2009.

Thank you!

Nii Matthew Coon Come

PS Please contact me with your ideas and concerns for the future!  My contact details are listed below.

(DOWNLOAD a copy of this letter in PDF format)