In order to implement the Agreement on Governance in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Gouvernement du Québec, the Act establishing the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government was adopted and assented to in June 2013.

In particular, this Act provided for the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government (Regional Government) to come into force on January 1, 2014, thereby replacing the Municipalité de Baie-James (MBJ).

The Regional Government is governed under the laws of Québec and exercises the same jurisdictions, functions, and powers over Category III lands in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory as those formerly attributed to the MBJ. The Regional Government has the authority to affirm its jurisdiction as a regional county municipality (MRC). It also acts as a regional conference of elected officers (CRÉ) with respect to Category III lands in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory.

Language

Citizens may communicate with the Regional Government in French, English or Cree. Where applicable, the Regional Government will take the necessary measures to have any document intended to be understood by Crees translated into either Cree or English.