Cree Grand Chief candidates consider legalization of marijuana at all-candidates forum

Unpaid rent and the legalization of marijuana were two more issues candidates in the race to replace Grand Chief of the Quebec Cree Nation discussed at an all-candidates forum on Tuesday night.

The event was co-hosted by CBC North and the James Bay Cree Communications Society in Mistissini, about 800 kilometres north of Montreal.

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While there are no hard statistics, estimates suggest rental arrears in Eeyou Istchee in 2013 were around $40 million. All five candidates running to replace Matthew Coon Come were asked how they would address the chronic problem.

"This is a sensitive subject," said Ashley Iserhoff, who served two terms as deputy grand chief, under both Coon Come, and previous grand chief, Matthew Mukash.

He says too many opportunities are going to consultants from the "outside."

"I think it is the responsibility [of] the leadership to ensure there are adequate employment opportunities in our communities," Iserhoff said.

Abel Bosum, who is a former chief of the community of Ouj-Bougoumou and long-time Quebec negotiator for the Cree Nation Government, says more social housing is needed.

"We need to get into social housing, home ownerships and real estate," said Bosum, adding that he would create a $100 million housing fund.

"Jobs will be created."

Rodney Mark, who is the current deputy grand chief and former Wemindji chief, says he would help local administrations help people get out of debt.

"We did this in Wemindji to [help people] reduce debt," said Mark.

Richard Shecapio, current chief of the community of Mistissini, says people should look at the $40 million as potential capital for buiding more homes.

"I think we need to help each other," said Shecapio. "Show how people can get out of debt."

Darlene Cheechoo, who is the chief of Waskaganish says people need an incentive to pay their rent.

"What is that incentive?" said Cheechoo. "Home ownership. Let's renovate the units and let them know, 'once your rent is caught up, you will become homeowner of that unit.'"

'Are we ready to legalize marijuana?'

The Cree Grand Chief candidates also discussed how they would deal with recreational marijuana legalization, something the federal government is planning to implement by July 2018.

Some Indigenous communities across the country are hoping to cash-in on the marijuana business to help provide much needed services. Others, like Quebec's Ghislain Picard, chief of the Assembly of First Nations for Quebec and Labrador, is urging caution.

"Are we ready to legalize marijuana for anyone to smoke anywhere?" asked Shecapio.

He urged Cree communities to consider the whole picture before investing in the cannabis business.

"We don't sell alcohol in the Cree Nation, or we don't allow gambling in some communities. We know that some people have a hard time with these."

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Bosum thinks the Cree Nation needs to be vocal and help shape the legislation.

"We need to participate," said Bosum, who admitted that he thinks differently about the issue now as an elder.

"It's good for [our elders and] people who experience pain," he said. "They won't be foolish. I think they'll be more calm than foolish."

For Iserhoff, more work needs to be done to understand the effects of drugs and how to support people.

"When people use it, there's a reason why, they don't want to deal with their problems," said Iserhoff, who is also director of health and social development for the community of Mistissini.

Iserhoff spoke about a local Mistissini program thatsupports youth who are struggling.

The federal government's plans about what legalization will look like and how much control individual communities and regions will have are not yet clear, which concerns Cheechoo.

"I haven't heard whether [the] federal government has allowed people to opt out," said Cheechoo.

"So this may be something where people can lobby the government Marijuana is a gateway drug an addiction that can lead to serious addiction."

Mark said Cree self-governance would ensure Eeyou Istchee gets to make up its own mind on these issues.

"The communities will have a stronger control on their law-making powers," said Mark.

The election for Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees is set for July 12.