James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement

The James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, signed in 1975, is a landmark deal between the Canadian government, the province of Québec, and the Cree and Inuit nations. It was established to address the impacts of hydroelectric development in northern Québec, particularly the James Bay Project. The agreement provided land rights, financial compensation, and self-government provisions to Indigenous communities. It recognized their rights to land and resources, aimed to promote their economic and social development, and set a framework for future consultation on projects affecting their territory. This agreement is a significant step in advancing Indigenous rights in Canada.