Cree women tanning hide, Whapmagoostui, Cree Territory (Canada) in 1993. Photo: Langelle/GJEP

Matthew Mukash, elder was born in 1951 on the land in Eeyou Istchee, the traditional Cree territory in northern Quebec. He is known for his extensive work to advance Cree rights, promoting and enhancing Cree self-government and self-determination in the social, cultural and economic and political aspects of Cree society.