As part of the process to further develop the protected area network, the Cree Nation Government hosted a series of community engagement sessions across Eeyou Istchee during the summer of 2025. In collaboration with the Quebec government’s Ministry of the Environment, the CNG held community visits in order to speak with tallymen and land stewards about the protected area network.
The purpose of the visits was to validate the boundaries of the existing protected area network and to develop additional proposals for expansion areas. Each visit formed part of a larger, iterative process to gather insights, confirm community conservation priorities, and explore potential models for the long-term stewardship of the protected area network.
Summer 2025 - Community visits
- Validate fine boundaries of proposed protected areas.
- Explore potential expansion areas and community priorities not yet captured.
- Begin discussions on governance and management including what roles communities envision.
Fall 2025/Winter 2026 – Upcoming visits
- Confirm conservation priorities.
- Validate the proposals for boundary refinement for the 20% target areas.
- Review and analyze input from Engagement sessions during the summer of 2025 for the 30% target (expansion areas).
- Continue refining management objectives and explore potential roles for communities to play in long-term stewardship.
