Engagement activities
Two rounds of engagement activities took place during the feasibility study of a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the Cree zone of the Eeyou Marine Region: In February 2024, information sessions were held with the general population in Waskaganish, Eastmain, Wemindji, and Chisasibi. They were followed by engagement sessions in the same communities in May and June 2024. Additionally, an information session took place in Whapmagoostui in June 2024.
Throughout the process, the project received a high level of support from community participants. Below are the main themes that emerged from the engagement activities.
• Preservation and Promotion of the Cree Way of Life, Culture, and Language.
• Improvement of access and Safe Travels to Offshore Waters and Islands
• Enhancement of Tourism and creation Job Opportunities
• Coastal Marine Protection through monitoring and research
There was a lot of emphasis on the necessity of Cree leadership for the project. Finally, participants wished that the name of the James Bay could be replaced by the ancestral Cree name, Wiinipaakw.
For more information see the Cree Engagement Activities Report
