The Cree Regional Authority (CRA) is a public corporation constituted under the JBNQA. The CRA’s activities are divided into two distinct areas: activities carried out under the Board of Compensation, and those governed by the Council. The Board of Compensation is responsible for managing compensation granted to the Crees under the JBNQA. The CRA represents the Crees, when the JBNQA so requires, in such areas as the environment, the hunting, fishing and trapping regime, and economic and community development. With its head office in Nemaska, the CRA appoints Cree representatives to the agencies, committees and corporations created under the JBNQA. The CRA and the GCC (EI) share the same Board of Directors. The CRA has four departments:

The Department of Traditional Pursuits supplies the services required for application of sections 22 (environment) and 24 (hunting, fishing and trapping) of the JBNQA. In addition, it provides the communities with technical and scientific support for traditional pursuits, environmental management and transmission of Cree culture. It is also responsible for the James Bay Cree Cultural Education Centre and for archaeological digs conducted in Cree territory. The department also initiated the Aanischaaukamikw Cree cultural institute project; this institute is to be built in Oujé-Bougoumou.

The Cree Human Resources Development Department (CHRD) was established in 1996 under an agreement with Human Resources Development Canada. The CHRD helps the Crees find employment. It funds training programs and arranges on-the-job training to give young people a chance to gain work experience. The CHRD also promotes Cree labour to a variety of employers. Its regional office is located in Mistissini, and there is a Human Resources Development Officer in each community.

The Youth Department works to improve the well-being of young Crees. It supports the activities of the Cree Nation Youth Council.

The Community Services Department helps the Cree communities in a number of ways—with construction or renovation of infrastructure (including housing stock), provision of public services, economic development, tourism, early childhood services and police services.