The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) welcomes the Cree Nation Government as a new member of the Union

NEMASKA, EEYOU ISTCHEE, QC, Sept. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - On May 28^th 2014, the Cree Nation Government received a letter from the IUCN Director General Julia Marton-Lefèvre announcing its admission to the Union.

The Cree Nation Government is proud to be part of such an influential network and hope to add value to this organization by participating in various assignments such as the Working Group on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.

We believe in the goals and mission of the IUCN:

To influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.

As they bear similar principles to the CNG vision on conservation:

Our Vision is to maintain strong ties to the Cree cultural heritage and way of life, and sustain biodiversity by creating a large, interconnected network of conservation areas in Eeyou Istchee.

Furthermore, to illustrate our commitment to the IUCN and to promote our cultural heritage, Cree delegates will be present at the World Parks Congress taking place in November in Sydney, Australia.

About the IUCN

Founded in 1948, IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, brings together States, government agencies and a diverse range of non-governmental organizations in a unique world partnership: over 1,200 Members in all, spread across some 160 countries.

As a Union, IUCN seeks to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. The globally distributed IUCN Secretariat coordinates the IUCN Programme and serves IUCN Members, representing their views on the world stage and providing them with the strategies, services, scientific knowledge and technical support they need to achieve their goals. Through its six Commissions, IUCN draws together almost 11,000 expert volunteers in project teams and action groups, focusing in particular on species and biodiversity conservation and the management of habitats and natural resources. The Union has helped many countries to prepare National Conservation Strategies, and demonstrates the application of its knowledge through the field projects it supervises. Operations are increasingly decentralized and are carried forward by an expanding network of regional and country offices, located principally in developing countries.

IUCN builds on the strengths of its Members, networks and partners to enhance their capacity and to support global alliances to safeguard natural resources at local, regional and global levels.

SOURCE: Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)

Chantal Otter Tetreault- Protected Areas Coordinator, Telephone: [phone]