May 28, 2024

Discover the importance of Eeyou Istchee Protected Area

by Youth Advisory Council (2023-2024 Cohort)

“Conservation is more than protecting the environment; it’s about protecting our cultural heritage,” says Chantal Otter Tetreault on the importance of the Eeyou Istchee Protected Area network. Eeyou Itschee, the People’s Land, is overseen by the Cree First Nations and has been stewarded by the Cree since time immemorial. This Protected Area and territory is found in what is colonially known as Northern Québec.

The establishment of the Protected Area network was finalized at the end of 2020, as the Cree Nation Government met its target of protecting 20% of Eeyou Itschee and Quebec met its target of protecting 17% of the province. In fact, the Cree Nation Government exceeded its target of 20% to reach 24% protection for the territory from development.

But wait. You might be wondering, what benefits do Protected Areas have for the Cree Nation?

Natural resource development has disrupted Indigenous ways of life, including cultural practice – harming not only the environment but also the well-being of Indigenous communities. The Protected Area network ensures that the Cree First Nation communities and its people can participate in traditional activities – including hunting, fishing, and trapping for sustenance. With legislative Protected Areas, the Cree people of Eeyou Istchee can participate in a balanced sustainable management approach, where they can lead the ongoing protection of the Protected Area network through guardianship.

To learn more about the Cree Nation Government, check out their website: cngov.ca. And to learn more about the Cree Conservation Strategy, Protected Areas and Conservation Planning in Eeyou Istchee, or to view a map of the Protected Areas in Eeyou Istchee, and more, visit eeyouconservation.ca.