“The Naskapi have lived in harmony with nature and wildlife for centuries. The survival of our people depends on it. The Naskapi Nation is very pleased that Naskapi wildlife officers can continue to collaborate with Québec to monitor the territory and the animals that live there. It is also an opportunity to connect with our ancestors and Nuchimiyuschiiy, our traditional territory.”
Theresa Chemaganish, Chief of the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach
The Naskapi nation of Kawawachikamach will continue its efforts to protect northern fauna over the next few years, thanks in particular to a subsidy of just over $ 1.4 million in the context of the Partnership Agreement on Economic and Community Development between the Naskapis and Quebec.
This grant, which will run over three years, will ensure the sustainability of the service of wildlife assistants in the Naskapi community, located 15 kilometers from the municipality of Schefferville.
The service of wildlife assistants has also emerged due to the Partnership Agreement on Economic and Community Development between the Naskapi and Quebec, which aims to solidify the links between the Naskapi Nation and the provincial government, mainly concerning the protection of wildlife.
The Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Fauna and Parks, Benoit Charette, and the Minister responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit, Ian Lafrenière announced this new financial aid on Thursday.
Since 2018, two agreements have already been signed between the community of Kawawachikamach and the provincial government to support the training, recruitment and maintenance of the services of wildlife protection assistants.
“Indigenous nations such as the Naskapi are natural allies of wildlife and they contribute to the development and vitality of several regions, including the Côte-Nord and the Nord-du-Québec. Our government is proud to renew this partnership with the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, which plays a key role in protecting wildlife, especially by monitoring hunting, fishing and trapping activities in the territory. This mandate is essential for preserving the abundance of Québec’s wildlife heritage!”
Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Laurentides Region
“This announcement is excellent news for the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, the Côte-Nord and the Nord-du-Québec, but also for all of Québec. We benefit from building on the leadership, knowledge and traditional skills of Indigenous communities concerning wildlife issues and more. This grant represents the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that underpins this partnership between the Québec government and Naskapis.”
Ian Lafrenière, Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and Inuit