Nemaska Protected Areas
The Cree Communities of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Nation Government have taken the initiative to develop a conservation strategy to meet our goals and achieve our dream of keeping our lands healthy for future generations. We have identified areas of cultural and ecological importance to be established as protected areas recognized by the Quebec government and under international standards.
Assinica National Park
The Assinica National Park Reserve was created in 2011 through the Paix des Braves Agreement between the Quebec government and the Cree Nation Government. The Quebec National Park is located about 20 kilometers north of the Cree community of Oujé-Bougoumou and north of the towns of Chapais and Chibougamau. Nearly one-fifth of its area is occupied by bodies of water, many of which are renowned for fishing, while others are for long canoe expeditions.
Chisesaakahikan and Broadback River Biodiversity Reserve
Chisesaakahikan and Broadback River Biodiversity Reserve is located in the administrative region of Nord-du-Québec. It is approximately 150 km northeast of the city of Matagami, between 50°41’ and 51°17’ north latitude and between 75°49’ and 77°26’ west longitude. The boundaries of the area straddle the territories of the Cree Nation of Nemaska, Waswanipi Cree First Nation, and the Cree Nation of Mistissini. It covers an area of 4,977.9 km².
Dana Lake Biodiversity Reserve
The Dana Lake Biodiversity Reserve is located in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region, between 50°46’ and 51°0’ north latitude and 77°3’ and 77°27’ west longitude. It is situated some 115 kilometres to the north-east of Matagami and some 97 kilometres to the south-east of the Cree village of Waskaganish. It covers an area of 347.4 km² and lies within the territory of the Cree Nation of Nemaska.
Forested Peatland of Chiwakamu biodiversity reserve
The Forested Peatland of Chiwakamu biodiversity reserve is located in the administrative region of Nord-du-Québec, between 51°0’ and 51°8’ north latitude and 76°57’ and 77°11’ west longitude. It is situated approximately 80 km southwest of the Cree community of Nemaska and an estimated 109 km southeast of the Cree community of Waskaganish.