AnnounCEMENT: Signing of MOU to work towards Wiinipaakw IPA-NMCA Establishment
Today,
the Cree Nation Government and Parks Canada announced the
successful completion of the Feasibility Assessment and signed an agreement to
formally work toward establishing a proposed Indigenous Protected Area and National
Marine Conservation Area in the offshore waters of the Eeyou Marine Region. This
is a major step toward achieving official protection for Wiinipaakw (James Bay),
a unique marine environment that represents an essential part of the Cree
culture and Eeyou pimaatisiiwin (Cree way of life).
The
establishment of a protected area aligns with the treaties and rights of the
Eeyouch (Crees) of Eeyou Istchee and their determination to maintain their
culture and pimaastisiiwin (way of life). Protecting this hub for migrating
geese, ducks, shore birds, and marine mammals would also support food security.
The announcement was made in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré,
Québec, by Grand Chief/Chairperson Mandy Gull-Masty of the Grand Council of the
Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government and the Honourable Steven
Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible
for Parks Canada
View pictures of the signing here
Cree Conservation Strategy
The Cree Communities of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Nation Government have taken the initiative to develop a conservation strategy to meet our goals and achieve our dream of keeping our lands healthy for future generations. We have identified areas of cultural and ecological importance to be established as protected areas recognized by the Quebec government and under international standards.
Protected Areas and Conservation Planning in Eeyou Istchee
Implementing the Cree Regional Conservation Strategy
The Cree Nation Government along with nine Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee have taken the initiative to develop a conservation strategy to protect their land.
Visit the page below to view an ArcGIS StoryMaps created by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
