An east James Bay family is asking the Cree Nation Government and the province of Quebec to step in and stop non-Native campers from squatting at their bush camp without permission.

Allan Saganash says his camping grounds, along with his son's camp, near the community of Miquelon, about 730 kilometres north of Montreal, have been invaded by non-Native people.

"When my son [and his wife] arrived [on July 5], they were surprised to see non-natives had settled around our camp," said Saganash.

"There was a big camper right at the entrance of our cabin; there was a tent near the fireplace we use to cook and there were vehicles parked around our teepee. And the view of the lake wasn't visible with their things all over our camp."

Saganash was so upset that he sent an official letter of complaint to the Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, as well at the Cree Nation Government.

"I find this totally disrespectful to set up [their] campers in an area where there are existing camps belonging to the Crees," Saganash wrote in his letter of complaint.

He added he was positive the campers knew the area was occupied by Native people because of the teepee at the campsite.

In response to Saganash's complaint, the Cree Nation Government immediately sent its own letter to the Quebec Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.

No regulations to remove campers

"The Quebec government told us that there isn't a law or regulation to remove the campers who are on Cree hunting territory," said Bill Namagoose, executive director of the Cree Nation Government.

He said they will continue to lobby for stricter rules.

"This is what we will push for, that there be a law or regulation not to disturb Crees who are out hunting, or not to cause any damage around Cree hunting camps."

Namagoose says these lobbying efforts will take time. For Saganash, it can't happen soon enough.

"It's a total breach of the James Bay Quebec Northern Agreement where we have the right to hunt and fish on the trapline. We can't practise that because of non-Natives who come to settle at our camp."