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 an important Canadian leader from Eastmain, a small village in northern Quebec. He used to be the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees. This means he was the main leader for the Cree people in Quebec. Mr. Moses has also received a special award called "Officer" of the National Order of Quebec.
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Ted Moses: Early Life and Leadership
Ted Moses was born in Eastmain, Quebec. This area is part of the James Bay region. He went to college at Ryerson University and McGill University. He studied how to manage schools.
After his studies, he became the Chief and Mayor of his home village, Eastmain. He held this role from 1987 to 1990. In 1984, he was chosen as the Grand Chief of the Crees. This was a very important job. Ted Moses often speaks around the world about Indigenous peoples and the idea of tolerance. He has also received two special degrees called honorary Doctorates of Law.
A Big Step for the Cree: The Paix des Braves
Ted Moses played a key role in getting the James Bay Crees recognized. They became a "Non-Governmental Organization" at the United Nations. This means they can speak at the UN about their issues. Today, Moses works as the Ambassador for the Cree Council at the UN.
What is the Paix des Braves?
Moses was also very involved in signing a special agreement called the "Paix des Braves". This French name means "Peace of the Brave." He worked with Quebec's Premier Bernard Landry and the Quebec government. This agreement was like a peace treaty between the Cree nation and the Quebec government. It ended many long legal fights.
The Paix des Braves brought both good things and some arguments. But it gave the Crees many economic and social benefits. Cree communities voted on the agreement. More than 65% of voters said "yes," and many people came out to vote.
Benefits of the Agreement
The Paix des Braves now gives the Cree communities $77 million each year from the Quebec government. This money will be given for 45 years. The amount can change based on how much electricity, minerals, and wood are sold from Cree lands. Later, a special Cree Heritage fund will take over these payments. This fund will be built by saving 15% of the money from Quebec.
This agreement showed great respect between the Cree and Quebec. It recognized the Cree's right to make their own decisions. Ted Moses even surprised many people by supporting Bernard Landry's political party in the 2003 Quebec election. This was after years of the Cree people being against Quebec's independence.
Moses said: "I support Bernard Landry... my friend and my brother... and I will recommend to my people to support the actual Member of Parliament of Ungava, Michel Létourneau." Ungava is the area where the Cree of Quebec live. Moses and Premier Landry became good friends. Landry even invited Moses to his wedding.
Ted Moses also said that he trusted the Bloc Québécois to protect Indigenous rights in Canada. He spoke in Europe, saying that Quebec and the Paix des Braves were great examples for how different peoples can work together.
After the Paix des Braves
In 2005, Ted Moses ran for Grand Chief of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee again. However, he was not re-elected. He continued to be an important voice for the Cree people on the international stage.
