The Naskapi Nation is taking part in an important project to help create Québec’s first Northern Conservation Area (NCA).
A Northern Conservation Area is a new way for Québec to protect the land north of the 49th parallel. These areas are set aside to make sure nature, animals, and culture are cared for, while still allowing some activities. Any activity in these areas has to follow clear rules so that the land stays healthy.
The Project
This project is a test to see how Québec can create these special conservation areas. It will also look at how community projects and other activities can fit with protecting the land. The Naskapi Nation is working together with Québec’s Ministry of the Environment, the Société du Plan Nord, and the Kativik Regional Government.
Next Step: Flyover of the Land
From September 11 to 13, 2025, a group will fly over the study area by helicopter. Naskapi land users and Elders will join this step to look closely at the land, gather more information, and confirm what has been chosen so far.
The flyover will focus on an area identified with the help of community members during the March 26, 2025, consultation in Kawawachikamach. This area is in the Labrador Trough, a region with deep historical, cultural, and ecological importance.
What Happens After
The next steps will include more community discussions about boundaries and rules, setting goals for the conservation area, and preparing a final recommendation to the government.
By being part of this pilot project, the Naskapi Nation is helping shape how conservation areas will be created in the future. This ensures that the land is cared for in a way that respects both nature and the people who live here.