By Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As more options become available in the region for the growing number of Cree students interested in post-secondary education, the Cree School Board has launched a new department dedicated to higher learning. The department will manage the post-secondary programs currently offered in Eeyou Istchee and those yet to come. So far it includes the Cree Teacher Training Program and the Iyeskuwiiu CEGEP-level springboard program. “We’re in the midst of negotiations to form my department, which will determine our plans for programs we want to develop in the next five years,” said director Darlene Cheechoo. “All the programs we are developing will emphasize Cree culture and language as much as possible, that’s a real high priority for the CSB and our department.” The land-based…