Waskaganish 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.
Boatswain Bay Biodiversity Reserve
The Boatswain Bay biodiversity reserve is located in the southeast James Bay region, 30 km north of Waskaganish. It lies within the the Baie-James Municipality, to which the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement applies, and covers an area of 108.7 km². It comprises habitats typical of the natural region of the James Bay Coastal Plain.
Ministikawatin Peninsula Biodiversity Reserve
The Ministikawatin peninsula biodiversity reserve is located in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region, between 51°09’ and 51°40’ latitude north and 78°59’ and 79°31’ longitude west. It is situated 40 km west of the community of Waskaganish. It lies within the Baie-James Municipality, to which the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement applies.
Missisicabi Plain Biodiversity Reserve
The Missisicabi plain biodiversity reserve is located in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region, between 50°28’ and 50°47’ north latitude and 78°27’ and 79°55’ west longitude. It is situated some 125 km to the north-north-west of Matagami and 85 km south of the Cree community of Waskaganish.
Muskuuchii Hills Biodiversity Reserve
The Muskuuchii hills biodiversity reserve is located in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region, between 50°04’ and 50°27’ north latitude and 78°22’ and 78°58’ west longitude. It is situated 90 km north-north-west of Matagami and 105 km south of the Cree community of Waskaganish. The biodiversity reserve covers an area of 801.1 km², and lies within the Baie-James Municipality.
Niquet Stream Biodiversity Reserve
The Niquet stream biodiversity reserve is located in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region, between 50°04’ and 50°14’ north latitude and 78°53’ and 79°10’ west longitude. It is situated 93 km north-west of Matagami and 110 km south of the Cree community of Waskaganish. The proposed biodiversity reserve covers an area of 164.6 km² and lies within the Baie-James Municipality.
North Harricana River Aquatic Reserve
The North Harricana River aquatic reserve is located in the Nord-du-Québec region, between 50°11’ and 51°00’ latitude north and 79°07’ and 79°20’ longitude west. It is situated to the south of James Bay, roughly 110 km north-north-west of e Matagami. It lies within the Baie-James Municipality.
Upper Harricana Aquatic Reserve
The Upper Harricana aquatic reserve is located between 48°46’ and 50°14’ north latitude and 77°58’ and 78°58’ west longitude. Most of the aquatic reserve lies within the Baie-James Municipality, in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region.
Waskaganish Biodiversity Reserve
The Waskaganish biodiversity reserve is located in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region, between 51°21’ and 51°38’ north latitude and 77°18’ and 78°52’ west longitude. It is situated some 40 km east of the Cree village of Waskaganish, within Baie-James Municipality. The protected area covers an area of 1,062.7 km2. Its’ eastern portion is accessible by Route 109, which runs through it over short distances.