The Cree Nation Government and Parks Canada announced the successful completion of the Feasibility Assessment and signed an agreement to formally work toward establishing a proposed Indigenous Protected Area and National Marine Conservation Area in the offshore waters of the Eeyou Marine Region. This is a major step toward achieving official protection for Wiinipaakw (James Bay), a unique marine environment that represents an essential part of the Cree culture and Eeyou pimaatisiiwin (Cree way of life).

The establishment of a protected area aligns with the treaties and rights of the Eeyouch (Crees) of Eeyou Istchee and their determination to maintain their culture and pimaastisiiwin (way of life). Protecting this hub for migrating geese, ducks, shore birds, and marine mammals would also support food security.

The announcement was made in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Québec, by Grand Chief/Chairperson Mandy Gull-Masty of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/ Cree Nation Government and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.