Mushkegowuk signs historic agreement with the Canadian government
It was a historic day in Moose Factory, Ont., as the Mushkegowuk Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canadian government.
The MOU will launch a feasibility study for a proposed National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the western James Bay and southwestern Hudson Bay shorelines within Ontario.
The agreement involved a visit from Canada's environment minister, Jonathan Wilkinson, who was also given a tour of the community.
"It's an enormous area. It's about 92,000 square kilometres and an incredibly important area from an ecosystem perspective," Wilkinson said. "From polar bears and beluga whales and a whole range of other species, but I think really the most important thing about this is that this is about the assertion of Indigenous leadership."
The idea was community-led and it was the Mushkegowuk Council who approached Parks Canada to make this become a reality.
A steering committee will be established to guide a feasibility assessment which includes representatives from both Parks Canada and Mushkegowuk Council.
Dialogue and consultations will take place within communities, interim funding from the government will also allow for a traditional knowledge study on marine and coastal use, traditional place names, and important species.
The process will also aim to quantify the large amounts of carbon sequestered in the marine ecosystem, which could exacerbate climate change.
"It's quite the historic day, a milestone I'll call it to where we're at today to study the bays' waters, out on the James and Hudson Bay and also to study the vegetation, the fish, the birds and also the protection part of it is quite surmountable," Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon said.
Solomon said he's excited about the project and how it'll look at protecting their way of life and their livelihoods.
Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon. Aug. 9/21 (Ian Campbell/CTV Northern Ontario)
"We're very fortunate for Parks Canada and the minister of environment came to our table and they were very supportive of the idea of protecting the waters of the bays," the chief said.
Part of the project will be finding a socio-economic balance to ensure the quality of life isn't negatively impacted.
"Trying to find a balance in regards to looking at eco-friendly, economic opportunities, but the most important part, is protecting it," Solomon said.
"Hopefully we can find ways to make life more affordable for people who live there. There are ways for us to make environmental contributions even in those kinds of spaces like requiring low-carbon fuels," Wilkinson said.
The whole process is expected to be finished within the next three years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.