Waswanipi 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.
Taibi Lake Biodiversity Reserve
The Taibi Lake biodiversity reserve is located in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region, between 49°20’ and 49°30’ north latitude and 77°16’ and 77°44’ west longitude. It is located approximately 50 km north-west of the town of Lebel-sur-Quévillon and approximately 30 km south of Matagami and forms part of the Baie-James Municipality. It is within the territory of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi. The protected area covers an area of 266.1 km².
The Mishigamish protected area proposal
The Mishigamish protected area proposal was developed directly with the Waswanipi Tallymen and land users, with the support of the Chief and Council of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi.
Waswanipi Lake Aquatic Reserve
The Waswanipi Lake aquatic reserve is located in the administrative region of Nord-du-Québec. Covering an area of 577.4 km², it lies about 35 km southwest of the Cree community of Waswanipi and 50 km northeast of the municipality of Lebel-sur-Quévillon, between 49° 27’ and 49° 43’ north latitude and between 76° 17’ and 76° 42’ west longitude.
Wetetnagami Lake Biodiversity Reserve
The Wetetnagami lake biodiversity reserve is located in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue administrative region, between 48°35’ and 49°00’ north latitude and 76°11’ and 76°23’ west longitude.. The reserve covers an area of 234.3 km² and lies within the territory of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi.