Young Cree leaders bring modern-day Treaty to United Nations forum

At the heart of the United Nations headquarters in New York, Cree youth from Northern Quebec stood before a global audience — not just to speak, but to lead.

Cree youth shared insights on Indigenous self-governance at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on April 22 in New York City.

"It was nice to hear a lot of people say that we were inspiring as a nation. We're very fortunate to be able to have our rights protected already," said Kevin-Joe Mianscum, who is a council member of the Cree Nation of Mistissini. 

This year's forum, which runs until May 2, examines how UN member states and the UN system implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, highlighting successful practices and addressing challenges faced by Indigenous peoples.

"Some of these nations around the globe have trouble acquiring services and especially protecting their rights," said Mianscum.

Many delegates from all over the world are attending this year's forum. They have been discussing how some nations and tribes thrive under self-governance and sharing knowledge on how developing nations can do the same.

"They're really interested in learning all our ways — how we brought ourselves to economic development, education, health board, government, communities, and how we established everything," said Mianscum.

Mianscum, along with three other fellow delegates, presented during part of the forum. They talked about the history of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, Canada's first modern treaty, signed in 1975. 

Since then, northern Quebec Cree have had the right to self-government. 

For Mianscum, meeting people and building relationships from other nations gives him a new sense of hope, he said. 

"This is a space where we can all help each other to gain what we want … to acquire safe living and protected environments, protected lands, education, and health care," said Mianscum. 

Indigenous peoples from across Canada, Native Americans, and Indigenous groups from Africa, Guatemala, and other nations have all been taking part in the forum.

"I think they're taking home hope and see that other nations are excelling in certain fields," said Mianscum. 

For Tanisha Bear, 18, meeting youth from other nations brings more awareness that adults are not the only ones who can make changes in Indigenous communities. 

"Hearing other people's stories really connects us. it's the same story, just on a different paper … We share a lot of the same struggles as other people," said Bear. 

Drug abuse, rising suicide rates and insufficient Indigenous programming for youth are issues that many nations face, according to conversations Bear has had with other youth. 

"As youth, our role is to make changes, and what we think is needed at the moment. Because we're the ones that are there, we're the ones that see it," said Bear. 

Bear is involved with her local Mistissini Youth Council, an organization that helps youth with healthy lunch programs, after-school activities, and more opportunities to practice Cree culture. 

She said the more people who speak up and advocate for their needs, the more it will be heard. 

"When we come together, our voices are much louder," said Bear. 

The Cree Nation Youth Council has agreed to do a cultural exchange with Indigenous youth from British Columbia, which they will be planning for this coming fall. 

"It's about creating a global network where we can support each other, and that amplifies our voices. It really helps us tackle these challenges together," said Bear. 

Bear hopes that cultural exchanges lead to knowledge sharing, language learning and stronger bonds with other nations across Canada.

"That's one of the ways to take a step in the right direction," said Bear. 

Mianscum shares this sentiment and hopes the cultural exchange with their new friends from British Columbia will enhance knowledge of self-governance and foster stronger relationships with other Indigenous communities.

"This is only the beginning," said Mianscum.