James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA)

The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) of 1975 is a landmark treaty between Indigenous Cree and Inuit communities in northern Quebec and the provincial and federal governments. It recognizes their rights to land and resources impacted by hydroelectric developments, particularly the James Bay Project. The agreement provides Indigenous communities with control over certain land and resource use, establishes funding, and ensures participation in decision-making. It was a pioneering deal that balanced development with Indigenous rights, serving as a foundation for future negotiations and recognizing the importance of respecting Indigenous peoples’ sovereignty over their territories.