News

National marine project announcement expected by end of June

Source: Toronto Star

Date: June 17, 2021

Author: Dariya Baiguzhiyeva, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter TimminsToday.com

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Mushkegowuk chiefs and Parks Canada regarding the National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) project is now in its final stages.

During the first day of the virtual Peoples’ Summit held June 15-17, Mushkegowuk Council’s director of lands and resources Vern Cheechoo and the marine project manager Lawrence Martin gave an update on the NMCA project in the western James Bay and southern Hudson Bay areas.

An announcement regarding the MOU is expected to be made at the end of June, according to Lawrence.

Last October, Mushkegowuk chiefs approved a motion to have nation-to-nation talks with the federal government about establishing the NMCA.

Mushkegowuk Council is working on the project with Oceans North, Wildlands League and Oceans Collaborative. In addition to Mushkegowuk’s seven First Nations, Weenusk First Nation and Fort Severn have also joined the project.

Mushkegowuk and Parks Canada began their deliberations on Mushkegowuk’s proposed budget to conduct feasibility studies over the next three years, Martin said.

It could include a Place Name Mapping initiative and studying blue carbon and species at risk like beluga whales, polar bears and certain shorebirds. It could also include looking at Canada goose and other migratory birds’ dependency on James Bay and Hudson Bay for birthing, feeding and stopover points for their migration.

There is also the need to network with the USA government and bird organizations across the province and all the way down to South America, Martin said.