OUR VISION
Building the 10th Cree Community in Eeyou Istchee
OUR VISION
Building the 10th Cree Community in Eeyou Istchee
About Cree Nation of Washaw Sibi
The Site Selection
The Site Selection
The Site Selection
Washaw Sibi is working toward establishing its permanent community near the Town of Matagami.
The Referendum
The Site Selection
The Site Selection
Washaw Sibi will require a transfer of Category IA lands from a Cree Nation through a community referendum.
Impact & Benefit
The Site Selection
Impact & Benefit
Learn more about the impacts and benefits of supporting the land transfer to Washaw Sibi.
Key Milestones
Site Selection
In 2023, Washaw Sibi members selected a community site located near Matagami. The location offers access to existing infrastructure and services, helping reduce construction and operating costs while creating opportunities for collaboration with the Town of Matagami.
Key Advantages
- Southern gateway to Eeyou Istchee
- Access to water and sewer infrastructure
- Shared municipal services
- Reduced development costs
- Strong local support and partnership opportunities
Who Will Live in Washaw Sibi?
While Washaw Sibi's membership includes several hundred people, approximately 150 residents are expected to form the first permanent population of the new community.
Why Are Category IA Lands Needed?
Category IA lands are essential for a Cree community to operate under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. These lands provide the legal foundation for self-government, local decision-making, and community development.
How Can the cree nation of Waskaganish Help?
TRANSFER OF CATEGORY IA LANDS
Washaw Sibi has formally requested the transfer of a small portion of Waskaganish Category IA lands—approximately 3 to 5 square kilometres, representing less than 1% of Waskaganish's total Category IA territory.
This amount would be sufficient for the construction, operation, and future growth of the Washaw Sibi community.
How Would the Transfer Work?
The transfer process follows established procedures under the JBNQA, the Cree Constitution, and the
The Process:
- Waskaganish members vote through a referendum.
- Approved lands are ceded to Quebec through an Instrument of Cession.
- Quebec transfers equivalent Crown lands to Canada.
- The lands are then set aside for Washaw Sibi's new community.
A similar process was successfully used to establish Ouje-Bougoumou.
