Teepee frame on the eastern shores of James Bay north of Chisasibi.

Crédit : Jennie Knopp

On the afternoon of October 18th, among the glowing red, orange, and yellow-leaved trees on the hills of Beaupré, Quebec, the Cree Nation Government and Grand Council of the Crees – Eeyou Istchee took an important step towards protecting up to 26,000 square kilometres of marine habitat.

In partnership with Parks Canada, a memorandum of understanding was signed that will begin negotiations around the establishment of the Wiinipaawk Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) and National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the waters of eastern James Bay. This Cree-led initiative will help protect a vital region that supports communities as well as polar bears, a year-round population of beluga whales, and millions of migrating birds.

After working directly with the Cree Nation chiefs, tallymen, and people of Eeyou Istchee, as well as the Eeyou Marine Region boards, the province of Quebec, and the federal government, a Feasibility Assessment for the protected area was accepted by Parks Canada. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault was present for the signing alongside Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee, Quebec Minister Benoit Charet, and Parks Canada representatives.

Grand Chief Gull-Masty extended a heartfelt and proud thank you to Deputy Grand Chief Wapachee for leading the Wiinipaawk IPA and NMCA efforts, while Minister Guilbeault noted that, when completed, the new protected area will contribute nearly 1.5 percent to Canada’s goal of protecting 30 percent of its waters by 2030.

Grand Chief Gull-Masty and Minister Steven Guilbeault sign the Wiinipaawk IPA and NMCA establishment negotiations MoU, accompanied by Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee and a representative from Parks Canada.

Crédit : Jennie Knopp

The announcement is just the latest advancement on existing work that the Eeyou Cree have done to protect their territories. The evening before, Grand Chief Gull-Masty received the International Land Conservation Network’s 2024 Conservation Visionary Award for her work in protecting 23 percent of Eeyou Istchee’s land and freshwater, covering 10,000,000 acres.

Freighter canoes pull up on the eastern shores of James Bay at a traditional harvesting camp near Chisasibi, where research on eelgrass is also being conducted using Cree Knowledge and western science.

Crédit : Jennie Knopp

Grand Chief Gull-Masty outlined her thinking on what goes into the creation of successful protected areas, sharing that a whole-of-society approach, thoughtful cross-cultural conversations, and work towards reconciliation are all critical. She went on to describe how, “through the establishment of the Winnipaawk IPA and NMCA, we wish to create opportunities for our youth through cultural programming and guardian programs. There is also interest in the possibilities and added benefits of tourism and sustainable economic development at a community level.”

The Grand Chief also described how the Cree Nation Government has a close relationship with its members, and the process of ensuring these Nations’ visions and needs are met within protected areas agreements—including harvesting and cultural rights—were critical to their success. A turning point in buy-in from the Nations and members came once they fully understood that both the process and the protections would be Cree-led, she said.

Grand Chief-Gull Masty receives the ILCN Conservation Visionary Award at the 2024 conference in Beaupré Quebec, presented by a member of Innu Nation.

Crédit : Jennie Knopp

Grand Chief Gull-Masty explained that the creation of the Wiinipaawk IPA and NMCA opens a new chapter in treaty negotiation within the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement for both the Cree Nation and for Canada. Setting an ambitious timeline, she said she wants to see the Wiinipaawk IPA and NMCA established within six months, and for implementation to begin by May 2025.

Oceans North has had the honour of working with the Cree Nation Government, the Eeyou Marine Region boards, and Eeyou communities over the past few years. Our initiatives include partnering with the James Bay Cree Research Needs Working group and collaborating with National Geographic Pristine Seas on their Canada expedition that visited the Eeyou Marine Region and two Eeyou coastal communities.

We extend a big congratulations to all Eeyou on their protected areas accomplishments, and to Grand Chief Gull-Masty for receiving the Visionary Award.

Jennie Knopp is Oceans North’s Community and Science Director.