Cree Nation congratulates the International Uranium Film Festival for a successful inaugural event in Quebec

QUEBEC CITY, April 24, 2015 /CNW/ - As the 2015 International Uranium Film Festival draws to a close today, the Cree Nation extends its congratulations and appreciation for a successful inaugural event in Quebec. Over 50 films from around the world were screened in Quebec City and Montreal over the 10 days of the festival, each telling a different story about the impact of uranium mining and the risks of the nuclear age. The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) was the major partner for this year's festival, which drew some serious star power, with Quebec superstar Karine Vanasse and Hollywood actor/environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. in attendance for the opening gala on April 15, 2015.

"From the very beginning of the Cree Nation's fight against uranium development on our land, we have maintained that once Quebecers learned the true facts about uranium, they would stand with us," said Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come. "We have seen that the more people learn about uranium and the nuclear chain, and the more we listen to the stories of those who have been affected by this industry, the more we are convinced that the risks brought by uranium are simply unacceptable, both today and for future generations. We have been honoured to host the International Uranium Film Festival in Quebec."

The Cree Nation's stand against uranium development began in 2008 when junior mining company Strateco Resources applied to the Quebec Government to pursue the Matoush advanced uranium exploration project, located on the family hunting grounds of the Cree Nation of Mistissini. The Government of Quebec has since denied the required permit for the Matoush project, due largely to its lack of social acceptability amongst the Cree Nation.

"The Cree Nation is grateful for the wide support we have received for our stand against uranium, both in Quebec and internationally," Grand Chief Coon Come noted. "Eeyou Istchee is now free from the threat of uranium development, and we intend to keep it that way. The way forward is clear: uranium must stay in the ground."

For more information on the Cree Nation's stand against uranium, please visit: www.standagainsturanium.com

For more information on the 2015 International Uranium Film Festival, please visit: http://uraniumfilmfestival.org/en/quebec-uranium-festival

SOURCE The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)

Matthew Coon Come, Grand Chief, GCC, Telephone: [phone]; Bill Namagoose, Executive Director, GCC, Cellular: [phone]; Jessica Orkin, Legal counsel, Cellular: [phone]