Eeyou

Eeyou is the Cree autonym for "the people." It is used by the James Bay Cree, a grouping of Cree communities in northern Quebec, Canada, to refer to themselves and to their nation.

Eeyou Istchee, meaning "the land of the people" in Cree, denotes the traditional territory of the Cree in northern Quebec. The term is used in cultural, geographic, and political contexts to describe the Cree homeland and its resources, reflecting a sense of self-government and stewardship within the province.

Historically, Cree communities in the James Bay region have shared language, culture, and ties to the land. The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) of 1975 was a key treaty between the Cree and the governments of Quebec and Canada, addressing land rights, resource development, and a framework for self-government. In 2012, a governance agreement established the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory, creating a collaborative framework between the Cree Nation and Quebec to manage lands and resources across the region.

Economy and culture in Eeyou Istchee blend traditional practices with modern development. Many communities maintain hunting, trapping, and fishing traditions while engaging in contemporary sectors such as hydroelectric development and mining. Cree language, education, and cultural programs support the preservation and transmission of knowledge, art, and ceremony. The concept of Eeyou remains a living part of identity and place for Cree people in Quebec.