Wemindji and Eastern James Bay
Several of our projects are done in partnership with the Cree Nation of Wemindji, an indigenous community located along the eastern shore of James Bay, in Northern Québec.
Short History
The town was established at its present location at the mouth of the Maquatua River in 1958, . Prior to that, families would gather during the summer months in Paakumshumwaashtiwk (also known as Old Factory Bay or Baie du Vieux Comptoir), some 40 kilometers south of Wemindji. They would spent the remaining months out on their respective family-based hunting territories, hunting, trapping and fishing. From approximately 300 inhabitants in 1958, the population has increased to 1300 people and is still growing. Today, Wemindji is characterized by a mixed economy. A portion of the community still traps, hunt and fish as their principal occupation. Most people work in the local service economy, or in local businesses such as restaurants or coffeeshop. A growing number of community members are also employed at Eléonore gold mine curently being built within their territory.
Our partnership
Our lab is part of a partnership also involving the Cree Nation of Wemindji and McGill University. We have been working in collaboration on the establishment of a network of locally managed, culturally appropriate protected areas on their customary territory. To date, this project has led to the creation of a 'Réserve de Biodiversité Projetée' (Projected Biodiversity Reserve) encompassing the watersheds of the Paakumshumwaau and Maatuskaau rivers. We have also proposed the establishement of a National Marine Conservation Area encompassing 20 000 km2 in eastern James Bay, and involving the neighbouring Cree Nations of Chisasibi, to the north, and Eastmain, to the south.
These endeavours are part of Wemindji's larger strategy to balance development, environmental conservation and cultural protection within its territory. Our lab's contribution have included documenting coastal changes and adaptation, exploring connection between the community and its coastal and marine territory, documentation of stories, legends and placenames along the coast, of fishing practices, and of local aspirations and concerns with regards to conservation and local development.
Please go to the current and graduated members' pages to learn more about our individual implications with this community.
You can also visit the Wemindji Nation's website for more information.
Short History
The town was established at its present location at the mouth of the Maquatua River in 1958, . Prior to that, families would gather during the summer months in Paakumshumwaashtiwk (also known as Old Factory Bay or Baie du Vieux Comptoir), some 40 kilometers south of Wemindji. They would spent the remaining months out on their respective family-based hunting territories, hunting, trapping and fishing. From approximately 300 inhabitants in 1958, the population has increased to 1300 people and is still growing. Today, Wemindji is characterized by a mixed economy. A portion of the community still traps, hunt and fish as their principal occupation. Most people work in the local service economy, or in local businesses such as restaurants or coffeeshop. A growing number of community members are also employed at Eléonore gold mine curently being built within their territory.
Our partnership
Our lab is part of a partnership also involving the Cree Nation of Wemindji and McGill University. We have been working in collaboration on the establishment of a network of locally managed, culturally appropriate protected areas on their customary territory. To date, this project has led to the creation of a 'Réserve de Biodiversité Projetée' (Projected Biodiversity Reserve) encompassing the watersheds of the Paakumshumwaau and Maatuskaau rivers. We have also proposed the establishement of a National Marine Conservation Area encompassing 20 000 km2 in eastern James Bay, and involving the neighbouring Cree Nations of Chisasibi, to the north, and Eastmain, to the south.
These endeavours are part of Wemindji's larger strategy to balance development, environmental conservation and cultural protection within its territory. Our lab's contribution have included documenting coastal changes and adaptation, exploring connection between the community and its coastal and marine territory, documentation of stories, legends and placenames along the coast, of fishing practices, and of local aspirations and concerns with regards to conservation and local development.
Please go to the current and graduated members' pages to learn more about our individual implications with this community.
You can also visit the Wemindji Nation's website for more information.