The Economic Security Program for Cree Hunters
grant_single|update April 5, 2025
QC, Canada
Provides economic security for Cree traditional harvesting activities
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Cree Hunters Economic Security Board (CHESB)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Economic Security Program for Cree Hunters provides an annual income to support traditional activities like hunting, trapping, and fishing, with a maximum funding of up to $60 per day spent in the bush. Eligible activities include wildlife harvesting, equipment fabrication, berry picking, and managing the wildlife environment.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- The Economic Security Program Cree Hunters provides a daily allowance between $55-$60 for each day spent in the bush, up to 240 days per individual and consort.
- An additional basic amount is possible based on family unit size, factoring in all received income.
- At year-end, an extra allowance between $15-$20 for days in far regions is granted, based on predefined regional maps.
- Quarterly payments calculated on year-begin forecast and other income sources, distributed in September, December, April, and June.
- Retroactive adjustments at year's end for extra bush days and far region days through a retro cheque.
- Annual reports (Relevé 5 and T5007 slips) are issued to beneficiaries.
- Separate payments can be requested by the consort with appropriate documentation.
- Income from wage work is considered in benefit calculations and may affect the basic amount payable.
- Income verification agreements ensure eligibility consistency with Social Aid regulations.
- Payment adjustments are made based on updated family or income status during the year.
- Interviews are conducted quarterly to account for days spent and other relevant changes.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Wildlife harvesting activities, excluding commercial fishing.
- Manufacture or repair of equipment used for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
- Preparation of food reserves, clothing, housing, equipment, and land management necessary for exploitation activities.
- Gathering and preparation of small fruits.
- Treatment, transportation, and marketing of products from exploitation activities.
- Domestic production of craft items from exploitation products.
- Correctional work, safeguarding, and improvement of wildlife.
- Wildlife inventories or management to aid exploitation activities.
- Travel between camps and exploitation activity locations.
- Work as a member of a local program committee, up to ten days per year.
- Time spent in required firearms handling courses, up to three days per year.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 35,000
Start an eco-friendly urban farming initiative
$ 40,000
Develop a new software to support small businesses
$ 35,000
Launch an arts program for underprivileged youth
$ 50,000
Create a mobile app for mental health support
$ 55,000
Implement a community-based renewable energy project
$ 60,000
Establish a vocational training center for new immigrants
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must live in the province of Québec.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
- The applicant must practice harvesting and related activities as a way of life on traditional territory.
- The applicant must be the head of the family, defined as "the member of a family who habitually is the chief provider for the needs of such family, taking into account established Cree custom."
- The applicant must be on the Eligibility list prepared by the Local Committee.
- The applicant must spend at least 120 days conducting harvesting and related activities, with at least 90 days spent away from the settlement.
- The applicant must spend more time harvesting than working for a wage income.
- The applicant must earn more from harvesting than from wage labor.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Cree beneficiaries as defined in Chapter 3 of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, holding a Cree Beneficiary Number.- Individuals at least 18 years of age residing in Québec.- Persons who live a lifestyle on traditional territory that includes hunting, fishing, and trapping as primary activities.- Heads of families who are chief providers according to established Cree customs.- Those who spend significant time (minimum 120 days) conducting harvesting and related activities in the bush and earn more from these activities than wage labor.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Fabrication or repair of gear for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
- Preparation of food reserves, clothing, shelter, equipment, and land for harvesting activities.
- Gathering and preparation of berries.
- Processing, transportation, and marketing of products from harvesting activities.
- Domestic production of handicrafts from harvesting products.
- Corrective work, conservation, and enhancement of wildlife.
- Wildlife inventories or management in support of harvesting activities.
- Travel between camps and harvesting activity locations.
- Work as a member of a local program committee, up to a maximum of ten days per year.
- Time spent on mandatory firearms handling courses, up to three days per year.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Cree beneficiaries within the territory governed by the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
- Residents of the province of Québec.
grant_single_labels|apply
- Step 1: Contact Local AdministratorReach out to the local administrator in the Cree community where you reside.
- Step 2: Gather Required InformationEnsure you have your Cree Beneficiary Number as per the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
- Prepare to provide estimates of days to be spent in the bush for the year, any other income sources, and your family status.
- Step 3: Application MeetingSchedule and attend an interview with the local administrator.
- During the interview, present a calendar marking the days you intend to spend in the bush.
- Update any changes to your family status, income, and any other relevant information.
- Submit any required forms and documentation as instructed by the local administrator.
- Step 4: Submit ApplicationEnsure your application with the local administrator is submitted within the designated application period, between July 1 and July 31.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Benefit payments are issued in person at quarterly interviews with the local administrator, conducted in September, January, April, and June.
- Beneficiaries will receive a Statement of benefits (Relevé 5 and T5007 slips) by mail before the end of February each year.
- The consort of the file can request separate payments by meeting with their local administrator and signing a form.
- Payments can be affected by changes in family status or income, which must be reported to the local administrator immediately.
- The Cree Hunters Economic Security Board has information exchange agreements to verify if a beneficiary receives Social Aid benefits, which cannot be combined with this program's benefits.
- Any income from employment is considered in benefit calculations, with 40% of the income deducted from the Basic Amount.
- Beneficiaries must inform their local administrator of temporary or seasonal work to prevent overpayments.