Origin of the Cree Regional Conservation Strategy

The Cree Regional Conservation Strategy is a Cree Nation-led framework to protect the lands, waters, and cultural values of Eeyou Istchee.

Developed in 2014 by the Eeyou Protected Areas Committee—with representatives from all 10 Cree communities, the Cree Trappers Association, the Cree Nation Youth Council, and the Cree Nation Government—the Strategy ensures Cree leadership in conservation.

Published in 2015, this strategic document was created in response to Quebec’s Plan Nord. The purpose of this framework is to ensure that large-scale development planning projects respect Cree values, knowledge, and priorities.

The Strategy set a goal to protect at least 20 percent of Eeyou Istchee. This vision continues to support global biodiversity goals, including Canada’s 30×30 target for biodiversity conservation and the conservation commitment stated in Quebec’s Plan Nord with the intention to reach 50 percent by 2035. At its core, the Strategy protects both the Cree territory and way of life.

2025 Update to the Strategy

The 2025 update to the Cree Regional Conservation Strategy, led by the Eeyou Planning Commission (EPC), builds on the original vision while addressing new challenges, such as climate change, increased development pressures, and expanded Cree authority through recent agreements and legislation.

The updated Strategy continues to guide the creation of conservation and protected areas across Eeyou Istchee, supporting both legislated protections and community-driven approaches. The primary goal remains the same: to protect the lands and waters and the Cree way of life for future generations.

Related documents

Updated Cree Conservation Strategy (2025) *Cree Regional Conservation Strategy (2015)

* Updated Cree Conservation Strategy (2025) will be available to download soon.

Our Vision

Our vision for the Eeyouch of Eeyou Istchee is to reinforce and pass down to future generations strong ties to the Eeyou Way of Life and support stewardship of the territory according to Cree standards while adapting to the climate crisis and sustaining biodiversity.

Guiding Principles

The following principles reflect Cree ways of understanding and relating to the land. They represent the moral foundation of the conservation approach across Eeyou Istchee.

nuuchaayihtimuwin – respecting the hunting areas entrusted to each family / trapline

aah minaachishtaakiniwich aschii kiyaah nipii – how to preserve the lands and waters, ensuring that reproduction of the wildlife and protection of their habitat is respected

maatinimaatuwin – how to share

miyunaakitiwaayihtaakun aschii – stewardship; taking care of the land

Strategic Orientations

These strategic orientations guide the overall direction of the Strategy. They reflect the key themes that connect Cree values with long-term conservation outcomes.

  1. Enhancing Ecosystem Health and Climate Resilience
  2. Supporting Cree Well-being through Conservation
  3. Sustaining Cree Heritage through the Protection of Cultural Landscapes
  4. Advancing Cree Leadership in Conservation

Goals

Intended Outcomes
from Conservation Efforts

  1. Safeguard the Cree way of life and biodiversity through the expansion of a network of protected and conserved areas, of land and sea, that hold cultural and ecological importance.
  2. Conserve wildlife populations, promote food sovereignty, and enhance food security for present and future generations.
  3. Ensure full Cree participation in conservation planning and management by building capacity.
  4. Prioritize Cree knowledge, culture and land management systems as integral to conservation initiatives.
  5. Engage Cree Youth throughout the planning and implementation of conservation initiatives.
  6. Implement a Two-Eyed Seeing approach by integrating both Western science and Cree traditional knowledge into conservation planning.
  7. Strive toward resilience to the impacts of the climate crisis through adaptive measures.