Significant events

The following chronology is not exhaustive. Nevertheless, it shows that Québec has broken with the tutelary approach that has long characterized government action in Canada and that the province’s relationship with First Nations and Inuit has changed since the middle of the 20^th century, although much remains to be done to correct the errors of the past. 

A timeline alone cannot recall all the treaties, agreements and political events in recent history. Yet it can highlight certain key moments and help foster an understanding of the Québec government’s current relations with First Nations and Inuit communities.

Signing of the Northeastern Québec Agreement

The Northeastern Québec Agreement is heavily inspired by the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It is signed on January 30 by the same parties and by the members of the Naskapi band of Schefferville. The Naskapi receive the collective allocation of land for their exclusive benefit and acquire exclusive and priority hunting, fishing and trapping rights. Also, both governments pay them financial compensation.

Constitution Act, 1982

Section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982 affirms the existing, ancestral and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples. It heralds the beginning of a new legal and political era with respect to Indigenous matters. It protects a range of Indigenous rights, including legal recognition of customary practices such as marriage and adoption, traditional harvesting on the land and others not related to land claims and resource exploitation, in addition to ownership of ancestral lands. It will therefore be up to the courts, and a fortiori the Supreme Court of Canada, to specify what these rights are, exactly, and to guarantee them.

The 15 principles of Indigenous status and rights

In response to proposals submitted in November 1982 by the Indigenous common front of Québec, the Cabinet adopts 15 principles. These principles recognize that the Indigenous peoples of Québec constitute distinct nations, entitled to their own culture, language, traditions and customs, and that they have the right to determine, by themselves, the development of their own identity.

Parliamentary committee on Indigenous rights and needs

For the first time, the Indigenous peoples of Québec are invited to address the National Assembly in the context of a parliamentary committee sitting precisely for this purpose. On November 22 , 23  and 24 , representatives of 17 Indigenous groups present their rights, basic needs and aspirations to the committee.

Motion of recognition by the National Assembly

On March 20, the National Assembly of Québec adopts a motion  to recognize Indigenous nations* and their rights in order to formalize and define the key principles that the government must respect in its relations with these communities. It urges the government to enter into agreements with Indigenous peoples in the areas of autonomy, culture, language, traditions, land ownership and control, hunting, fishing and trapping, and participation in wildlife management and economic development.

* The Malicite are recognized as the eleventh Indigenous nation of Québec by a motion adopted by the National Assembly on May 30, 1989 .

Oka Crisis

For more than two months, demonstrations are held in the community of Kanesatake, near the town of Oka. Mohawk protesters, the Sûreté du Québec, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian military endure a 78-day, at times violent, stand-off. The crisis is triggered by a proposed golf course expansion and townhouse development on disputed land in Kanesatake, which includes a Mohawk cemetery. Tensions are high, particularly after the death of Corporal Marcel Lemay, a police officer with the Sûreté du Québec. It is the Oka crisis that leads the Government of Canada to establish the Royal Commission on Peoples Indigenous 1991.

Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples

The Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples  is established by the Government of Canada in the aftermath of the Oka Crisis, which pitted Mohawk protesters from Kanesatake against the Sûreté du Québec and the Canadian military. Its mandate is to investigate and propose solutions to problems that affect the relationship between Indigenous peoples, the federal government and Canadian society as a whole. It submits its report  in October 1996. This five-volume report concerns Canada’s policy toward the nations that first populated the country.

Signing of the Paix des braves agreement

The Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee James Bay, the Cree Nation Government (formerly the Cree Regional Authority) and the Québec government sign the Agreement Concerning a New Relationship between the Government of Québec and the Crees of Québec, commonly referred to as the “Paix des braves” agreement. This agreement strengthens the political, economic and social relations between Québec and the Cree, ensuring the continued development of the James Bay territory. It establishes a new partnership, between Québec and the Cree, based on cooperation, trust and mutual respect. Complementary Agreement 14 of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, which follows the signing of the Paix des braves, agreement, adds Chapter 30A, dealing with an adapted forestry regime for the Cree.

Conclusion of the Sanarrutik Agreement (PDF 300 Kb) (french only)

The Inuit and the Québec government enter into a partnership agreement on the economic and community development of Nunavik. The objective of this agreement is to establish a new nation-to-nation relationship between the Inuit and the Québec government by proposing a common vision for the development of Nunavik. The agreement is designed as a flexible tool to meet the specific needs of the people of Nunavik by funding community and economic initiatives, primarily those resulting from the implementation of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. In addition, it provides local communities with better prospects for economic and social development, based on the priorities established by the Makivik Corporation and the Kativik Regional Government.

Agreement in principle of a general nature between the First Nations of Mamuitun and Nutashkuan (PDF 302 Kb) (French only)

The governments of Québec and Canada sign the Agreement in principle of a general nature between the First Nations of Mamuitun and Nutashkuan, which serves as a framework for a future treaty and deals, in particular, with the recognition of the rights, territory and self-government of the Innu and the future of the communities. Negotiations continue between the governments of Québec and Canada and the communities of Mashteuiatsh, Essipit and Nutashkuan, represented by the Regroupement Petapan, with a view to concluding a treaty.

Implementation of the Indigenous Initiatives Fund

The Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones is responsible for administering the Indigenous Initiatives Fund, created further to the Mashteuiatsh Forum. This $125-million financial assistance program is designed to stimulate the economic and social development of Québec’s Indigenous peoples.

Publication of an Interim Guide for Consulting the Indigenous Communities (PDF 81 Kb)

Following the Haida and Taku River rulings by the Supreme Court in 2004, the Québec government adopts an Interim Guide for Consulting the Indigenous Communities in 2006. This document sets out guidelines for the various government departments and agencies whose activities are likely to infringe on certain ancestral rights claimed by Indigenous communities. The Québec government publishes an interim consultation guide and undertakes a tour of Indigenous communities to discuss the issue. It also provides a fund to facilitate their participation in the consultations.

First Nations Socioeconomic Forum

The Mashteuiatsh Forum is the First Nations’ first socioeconomic forum. This activity brings together representatives of First Nations, civil society and the governments of Québec and Canada around the same table. Discussions centre on five main topics: economy and employment; health, social services and early childhood services; education and culture; infrastructure and housing; and sustainable community development.

Katimajiit Inuit socioeconomic forum

Representatives of the Inuit community and of the governments of Québec and Canada meet in Kuujjuaq on August 23 and 24 to address issues and challenges specific to the Inuit nation of Québec. On the heels of the Mashteuiatsh Forum in 2006, the Katimajiit Forum focuses on health and youth protection, education, housing, transportation infrastructure and the high cost of living in the region.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada  was established in 2008 by the Government of Canada as part of its Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement . Divided into 14 sections, the mandate  is relatively complex, but the Commission must, in short, document the experience of Indigenous peoples who attended residential schools and who must be compensated by the Government of Canada. The Commission publishes its final six-volume report in December 2015.

Partnership agreement between the Québec government and the Naskapi (PDF 125 Kb)

The Québec government signs a partnership agreement on economic and community development with the Naskapi. Spanning more than 25 years, the agreement aims to promote economic development, job creation and financial spinoffs for the Naskapi and the population of Québec in general.

Accession of Canada to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 

In 2007, when the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted, four countries, including Canada, had not signed on to this international agreement. On November 12, 2010, Canada announces its official support for the Declaration, in full respect of the Constitution and its laws. On November 15, the Québec government welcomes this gesture, stating that the Declaration will help promote and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples, in accordance with the law applicable on its territory.

Implementation of the Indigenous Initiatives Fund II

The Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones is responsible for administering the Indigenous Initiatives Fund II. This $135 million financial assistance program is designed to stimulate the economic and social development of Québec’s Indigenous peoples.

Agreement on Governance in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory 

The Paix des braves agreement leads to the signing of the Agreement on Governance in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory by the Cree and the Québec government. This agreement stems from the desire to modernize the governance structures created by the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement by introducing a new public management method for territories at municipal and supramunicipal levels that allow for the participation of Cree and James Bay residents, with a focus on shared interests.

Summit on territories and resources

The summit on territories and resources, organized by the Assembly of the First Nations of Québec-Labrador, is held in Montréal on December 3. During this gathering, the Québec government demonstrates its intention to establish a nation-to-nation relationship with the First Nations in its territory, to strengthen political, economic and social exchanges characterized by cooperation, partnership and mutual respect.

At the conclusion of this summit, the Québec government and the Assembly agree to continue discussions on the following issues: royalties, co-management and conservation of the territory, as well as the consultation process and accommodation.

Agreement on labour between the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and le gouvernement du Québec 

The Québec government and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake reach an agreement on September 18 on the regulation of work on construction sites. This agreement is implemented in collaboration with the departments and agencies concerned (Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail, Régie du bâtiment du Québec, Commission de la construction du Québec, Secrétariat au travail). A complementary agreement  with the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail will subsequently be signed in 2017, and in 2020 the complementary agreement aiming to integrate Kahnawake workers into the construction industry will be signed.

Implementation of the Urban Indigenous Support Program

The Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones is responsible for administering the Urban Indigenous Support Program. This $8.9 million financial assistance program aims to improve the living conditions of Indigenous peoples in Québec cities by supporting community organizations that serve this clientele.

Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services

The Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec: listening, reconciliation and progress is established on December 21, 2016. Its mandate  is “to investigate, address facts and conduct analyses in order to make recommendations concerning concrete, effective, lasting remedial measures to be implemented by the Government of Québec and indigenous officials to prevent or eliminate, regardless of their origin or cause, all forms of violence, discriminatory practices and differential treatment in the delivery of the following public services to Québec’s indigenous peoples: police, correctional, legal, health and social services, as well as youth protection services.” It reveals the difficulties Indigenous peoples sometimes experience in obtaining the services to which they are entitled, as well as the frustrations they feel in the face of the shortcomings, real or alleged, of the Québec network, in addition to highlighting the complexity of intergovernmental affairs and the delivery of public services. It also recalls harsh realities, including the difficult socioeconomic conditions experienced by many Indigenous peoples in Québec and the gap created by the ignorance and prejudices that sometimes divide Indigenous and non‑Indigenous people. 

The brief  submitted by the Québec government to the Commission and Commissioner Jacques Viens’ final report  are available for consultation.

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is a public inquiry established by the Government of Canada under the Inquiries Act (R.S.C.). 1985], c. I-11). The inquiry is also established under respective provincial and territorial inquiries’ legislation through Orders-in-Council. This gives the inquiry the ability to look into federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions as a part of the inquiry. It addresses the systemic causes of all forms of violence, including sexual violence, against Indigenous women and girls. It makes valuable recommendations to the Québec government in its final report , while acknowledging that Québec police forces conduct their investigations adequately in Indigenous communities.

The various volumes  that make up the Inquiry report, including one specific to Québec, are available for consultation.

Implementation of the Indigenous Initiatives Fund III

The Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones is responsible for administering the Indigenous Initiatives Fund III. This financial assistance program, initially in the amount of $143.9 million (including the integration of the Urban Indigenous Support Program), aims to stimulate the economic and social development of Indigenous peoples in Québec. Since its implementation, it has been increased twice, bringing the total budget to $167.5 million.

Do More, Do Better: Government Action Plan for the Social and Cultural Development of the First Nations and Inuit 2017-2022

The Québec government has heard the call to action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. It develops a Government Action Plan for the Social and Cultural Development of the First Nations and Inuit. The starting point of this action plan (PDF 6.92 Mb) is the Québec government’s acknowledgement of a twofold responsibility. First, a responsibility for the population: the Indigenous peoples belong to separate nations but they are also Québec citizens. Generally speaking, the Québec government has a duty to assist the least privileged populations and to establish equality of opportunity in Québec society. It also has a historic responsibility: since the 1980s, the Québec government has recognized the nation status of the Indigenous peoples. The Inuit and the First Nations are not simple minority groups. They are the first inhabitants of the territory and occupy a specific place in Québec’s history, both culturally and politically. In this spirit, they must be regarded as partners in developing the Québec society. Consequently, the Québec government must seek to establish conditions that will enable the Indigenous peoples to consolidate their powers and reaffirm their creative strengths.

The action plan has a budget of $147 million over the next five years. This is in addition to the $135 million that the government will provide over the same period for First Nations and Inuit economic and community development through the renewal of the Indigenous Initiatives Fund.

Agreement between the Abitibiwinni First Nation and the Québec government (PDF 264 Kb)

On February 16, the Québec government reaches an agreement on consultation and accommodation with the Abitibiwinni First Nation, signing the first agreement of this kind. The agreement’s objectives include specifying the consultation processes applicable to mining activities and enabling the community to express its concerns regarding mining activities.

Apology from the Premier of Québec 

Following the tabling of the report by the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec, on October 2 the Premier of Québec apologizes to First Nations and Inuit on behalf of the government.

Motion in the National Assembly on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 

On October 8, the National Assembly unanimously supports a motion to recognize the principles and commit to negotiating the implementation of the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with First Nations and Inuit.

Signing of the Grand Alliance with the Cree 

The Québec government, the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee James Bay and the Cree Nation Government sign a memorandum of understanding on the long-term economic development of the municipality of Eeyou Istchee James Bay. Known as the Grand Alliance, this memorandum of understanding envisages, among other things, the implementation of a strategic infrastructure program. The program includes three phases that can be implemented over a 30-year period with new government investment.

Agreement between the Mi’gmaq Nation and the Québec government (PDF 2.40 Mb)

On February 5, the Québec government and the Mi’gmaq Nation reach an agreement on the process governing consultation and accommodation in respect of hydrocarbon activities. This agreement puts in place a mutually agreed upon, predictable consultation and accommodation process adapted to the reality of the Mi’gmaq Nation people and hydrocarbon development activities.