Kawawachikamach, Quebec – [June 12, 2026] – The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach is moving forward with the first phase of the Naskapi Nuuhchiimiiu Maaskinuw Project, a Nation-led initiative to assess potential multi-user access corridor options within Nuchimiyuschiiy and better understand their environmental, cultural, social, and economic implications through community engagement and regional collaboration.
The project comes at a time when several critical mineral and rare earth element projects are being advanced within and around Nuchimiyuschiiy. As discussions regarding future transportation infrastructure continue, the Naskapi Nation believes Indigenous Nations should have the opportunity to understand, evaluate, and help shape decisions that may affect their lands, communities, and traditional activities.
A potential access corridor could provide important long-term benefits for the Naskapi Nation, including improved access to Nuchimiyuschiiy for land users, families, and future generations, while strengthening connections to traditional territory and cultural practices. The Nuuhchiimiiu Maaskinuw Project will also explore creating pathways for the Nation to play a meaningful role in the ownership and management of infrastructure affecting its territory.
To better understand these opportunities and their implications, the assessment will examine potential corridor options with particular attention to environmental stewardship, traditional land use, Indigenous governance, and opportunities for collaboration among Indigenous Nations. The work will include community engagement, traditional knowledge gathering, preliminary technical and environmental reviews, and an assessment of potential governance and ownership models.
The Naskapi Nation wishes to emphasize that this initiative does not constitute approval of any road construction project or mining development. Rather, it is a community-driven assessment intended to gather information, conduct due diligence, and support informed decision-making regarding future infrastructure options.
The assessment will be carried out through ongoing engagement with community members, Elders, land users, neighbouring Nations, and regional partners. Their knowledge, perspectives, and concerns will help inform the discussions and future direction of the project.
Further information about consultation activities and opportunities for participation will be shared as the project progresses.
For more information, please contact:
Nathan Uniam
Deputy Chief
nuniam@naskapi.ca
Louise Mameanskum
Councillor
lmameanskum1@naskapi.ca
Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach