James Bay Cree Nation has a case before the Superior Court of Justice Ontario that is seeking official provincial recognition of the Cree Nation’s Aboriginal title and rights over traditional territory in Northern Ontario.

The lawsuit, filed against the governments of Canada and Ontario, seeks declarations of Aboriginal title (on a shared basis with other Aboriginal nations) and Aboriginal rights over approximately 48,000 square kilometres of lands located south of James Bay and immediately west of the Ontario-Quebec boundary.

In addition, the lawsuit claims damages of $495 million for past breaches of the Cree Nation’s rights in relation to these lands.

Cree Nation Grand Chief Dr. Matthew Coon Come said this is part of the Cree Nations long struggle to ensure pre existing rights over all traditional lands are respected.