Cree

The Cree are a group of Indigenous peoples in Canada and, to a lesser extent, parts of the northern United States. They form one of the largest Indigenous populations in North America, with communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Within Cree communities, endonyms such as Nehiyaw (for many Plains Cree) and Eeyou (for East Cree) are commonly used, reflecting diverse dialects and cultural practices across the homeland.

The Cree language belongs to the Algonquian language family and comprises several dialects, including Plains Cree, Woods Cree, Swampy Cree, Moose Cree, and East Cree. Writing systems vary by community, with Cree syllabics used in some areas and Latin-based orthographies in others. The language remains a key element of Cree identity, with ongoing efforts in revitalization and education.

Historically, Cree peoples occupied a wide swath of boreal forests and plains, adapting to regional environments through hunting, fishing, and gathering. The Cree played a central role in the North American fur trade and developed complex political and trading networks. In the modern era, Cree communities participate in Canada’s political and legal framework through band councils and regional organizations, and several Cree groups have treaty agreements, most notably the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA, 1975) and other numbered treaties.

Cultural traditions include distinctive beadwork, clothing, storytelling, music, and dance. Regalia, ceremonies, and subsistence practices vary by community but collectively reflect a rich heritage connected to the land. Today, many Cree people balance cultural preservation with participation in broader Canadian society, including education, media, and governance.