The Eeyou Marine Region refers to a vast marine area located along the eastern coast of James Bay and the southern coast of Hudson Bay in Quebec, Canada. It is predominantly inhabited by the coastal Cree communities of Whapmagoostui, Chisasibi, Wemindij, Eastmain and Waskaganish who have traditionally relied on the land and waters of the region for sustenance and cultural practices. Inland communities of Mistissini, Ouje-Bougoumou, Nemaska, Waswanipi have historically travelled to James Bay for trading as well, using historical travel canoe routes to descend to the shore of James Bay for trading.

The Eeyou Marine Region covers approximately 61,270 square kilometers and is known for its diverse marine ecosystems, including coastal wetlands, estuaries, and shallow bays. These habitats support a variety of plant and animal species, including fish, marine mammals, and migratory birds.

The Eeyou Marine Region holds significant cultural and economic importance for the Cree Nation. It supports traditional activities like hunting, fishing, and gathering, which are essential for the Cree way of life. The region's natural resources also contribute to the local economy through fishing, ecotourism, and other sustainable economic activities.

For many decades, the Cree Nation Government have been supporting Cree communities in protecting terrestrial and marine areas deemed important for cultural and environmental reasons.

As in the case of Wemindji’s 2009 Tawich proposal that drove the interest and discussion of marine protected areas with the Federal Government.

This proposal is what led Cree Nation Government to begin this conservation initiative for the Eeyou Marine Region with the signing of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding with Parks Canada to conduct a National Marine Conservation Areas Feasibility Assessment.