Ted Moses facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ted Moses
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| Born | 1950 (age 74–75) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
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Notable work
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Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, Paix des Braves |
Ted Moses (born in 1950) is a Canadian leader from Eastmain, a small village in northern Quebec, Canada. He used to be the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees. Mr. Moses has also been honored as an "Officer" of the National Order of Quebec, which is a special award.
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About Ted Moses
Ted Moses was born in Eastmain, Quebec, in an area called the James Bay region. He studied school administration at universities in Toronto and Montreal.
After his studies, he became the Chief and Mayor of his home village, Eastmain, from 1987 to 1990. In 1984, he was chosen as the Grand Chief of the Crees. This is a very important leadership role for the Cree people.
Mr. Moses has traveled around the world. He often speaks at events about Indigenous peoples and the importance of being kind and understanding to everyone. He has also received two special university degrees called honorary Doctorates of Law.
His Work and Achievements
The "Paix des Braves" Agreement
Ted Moses helped the James Bay Crees become recognized as a "Non-Governmental Organization" (NGO) at the United Nations. This means the Cree Council can speak at the UN about important issues. He is currently the Ambassador for the Council at the UN.
Mr. Moses was also a key person in signing an important agreement called the "Paix des Braves". This French name means "Peace of the Brave." He worked with the Premier of Quebec, Bernard Landry, and the Quebec government to create this agreement.
The "Paix des Braves" was like a peace treaty between the Cree Nation and the Quebec government. It helped end many long legal disagreements. This agreement also changed how payments from the Quebec government were handled. These payments, which started in 1975, now go directly to the Cree government.
Benefits of the Agreement
The "Paix des Braves" was a big deal. It brought some disagreements but also many good things for the Cree communities. The Cree people voted on the agreement, and most of them (over 65%) said yes.
Today, this agreement provides 77 million dollars each year to the Cree communities from the Quebec government. This money will be given for 45 years. The amount can also change based on how much electricity, minerals, and wood are sold from the Cree traditional lands.
Eventually, a special Cree Heritage fund will take over these payments. This fund is being built by investing 15% of the money the Crees receive now.
A Sign of Respect
The "Paix des Braves" showed that both the Cree and Quebec governments respected each other. It recognized the Cree people's right to make their own decisions.
Ted Moses even supported Bernard Landry's political party in the 2003 Quebec election. This surprised many people because the Cree people had often disagreed with Quebec's government before. Moses said that Landry was his "friend and brother."
Moses and Landry became close friends. Landry even invited Moses to his wedding in 2004.
After the "Paix des Braves"
In 2005, Ted Moses ran again for Grand Chief of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee. However, he was not re-elected.
