Quebec Cree unanimously support renaming James Bay Highway after former grand chief

The Grand Council of the Crees of northern Quebec have passed a resolution at a virtual general assembly in favour of renaming the James Bay Highway after a former grand chief.

The Cree will make a request tothe provincial governmentto rename itBilly Diamond, with the permission from the Diamond family.

"We will commemorate our former leader,'' said Grand Chief Abel Bosum.

Diamond, the late grand chief, from Waskaganish, was a successful entrepreneur and aprominent leader for the Crees of eastern James Bay.

Diamond was also one of the main negotiators and a signatory of the James Bay Northern Quebec agreementin 1975. From there he created the airline, AirCreebec, and Cree construction companies.

"This man has contributed a lot, not only for Waskaganish but for all Crees and Indigenous people across Canada," said Waskaganish Chief ClarkeShecapio.

The 620 kilometre road extends north from route 109from Matagami towardRadisson. The paved road passes through tworivers in James Bay.

If the province approves the name change, it will be unveiledin November,the month that marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.