Billy Diamond facts for kids

Billy Diamond (born May 19, 1949 – died September 30, 2010) was an important leader for the Cree people in Quebec, Canada. He became the Chief of Waskaganish when he was very young. Later, he was the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees. Billy Diamond was also a successful businessman. He started Air Creebec, an airline that helps connect remote communities. He worked hard to protect the rights and lands of his people.

Diamond passed away at age 61 from a heart attack. His tombstone reads: "Gone to a meeting - will return."

Growing Up

Billy Diamond was born on May 17, 1949. He was born in a tent near Waskaganish, Quebec, close to James Bay. He grew up in the Cree Nation of Waskaganish.

When he was a child, he had to attend a residential school in Moose Factory, Ontario. At the school, his hair was cut, and his clothes were taken away. Students were not allowed to speak in Cree. Despite these challenges, Billy Diamond showed strong leadership skills. He also became interested in many school subjects. As a teenager, he went to high school in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. There, he helped create a council for Indigenous students.

Political Leadership

After high school, Diamond returned to Waskaganish. In the 1960s, he worked as the Band Manager. Even though he wanted to study law, he followed his father's wishes. He decided to run for Chief.

Youngest Chief

In 1970, Billy Diamond was elected Chief of Waskaganish. He was only 21 years old. This made him the youngest Chief in Canada at that time. In 1974, he helped create the Grand Council of the Crees. He was then elected Grand Chief at age 23. In this role, he spoke for the Quebec Crees in the Assembly of First Nations. From 1980 to 1983, Diamond also helped negotiate parts of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Important Achievements

The James Bay Agreement

In 1971, Premier Robert Bourassa announced a huge hydroelectric dam project. This project would build dams on the Eastmain River. This river was in traditional Cree and Inuit territory. The government called it the "project of the century." However, they did not ask the Cree and Inuit people about it. The project would have flooded their traditional hunting grounds.

Billy Diamond quickly organized a meeting for the James Bay Crees. They decided to challenge the government in court. At first, the court ruling in favor of the Indigenous people was overturned. But Diamond and other Indigenous leaders kept fighting. They worked with groups like the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. They reached an agreement with Hydro Quebec in 1975. This agreement is known as the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA).

The JBNQA allowed a changed hydroelectric project to be built. In return, the Cree and Inuit received clear land rights. They also received money as compensation. This agreement is seen as the first "Modern Treaty." It gave the James Bay Cree and Inuit $225 million. It also provided money for important new buildings and services.

Air Creebec Airline

In 1982, Billy Diamond started Air Creebec. He also served as its president. This airline connects small coastal communities to bigger cities. These cities include Timmins, Val D'or, and Montreal. Air Creebec helps people in James Bay travel more easily. Today, the airline is still fully owned by the Cree people.

For his great achievements, Billy Diamond was honored in 1987. He was appointed as a Chevalier into the Ordre National du Quebec.

Personal Life

Billy Diamond and his wife Elizabeth had six children. Later in his life, he became a strong Christian.