The proposed national marine conservation area spans more than 26,000 km2 and is home to the Crees and to abundant wildlife
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 this rich marine environment.
The announcement was made in Beaupré, Quebec, by Grand Chief and 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.
The proposed Wiinipaakw (James Bay) Protected Area would receive protection as an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) through mechanisms determined by the Crees and would be established as a national marine conservation (NMCA) area under the Canada National Marine Conservation Area Act and in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement. A proposed IPA - NMCA in the Eeyou Marine Region would be adjacent to but not in Quebec and would not include any portion under the administration of the Government of Nunavut.
The Eeyou Marine Region is rich in biodiversity and history. It is essential to Cree culture and Eeyou pimaatisiiwin (the Cree way of life). Many rivers flow out into Wiinipaakw (James Bay) bringing large amounts of freshwater to the Bay. This creates a unique marine environment with a salt concentration much lower than that of Chiwiinipaakw (Hudson Bay) and of oceans.
As a part of the larger Chiwiinipaakw (Hudson Bay) inland sea, Wiinipaakw (James Bay) is also a hub for migrating geese, ducks, shore birds, and marine mammals. The Wiinipaakw Indigenous Protected Area and national marine conservation area will contribute to the protection of offshore water ecosystems and help mitigate climate change. Large scale conservation aligns with the treaties and rights of the Eeyouch (Crees) of Eeyou Istchee and their determination to maintain their culture, pimaastisiiwin (way of life), and support food security. The Eeyouch have been stewards to these lands, waters, and ice since time immemorial.
Engagement and consultation will continue with Indigenous and local communities, other relevant jurisdictions and federal departments, stakeholders, and the public during the next stages toward establishment. Once protected, the new national marine conservation area will also contribute 0.45 per cent to the Government of Canada's target of protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters in Canada by 2030.
