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Natural Resources

 Upholding sustainable development and conservation principles in forestry, mining, energy projects, wildlife, and protected areas.

Mission & Mandate

The Natural Resources Department (NRD) is dedicated to upholding sustainable development and conservation principles in forestry, mining, energy projects, wildlife, and protected areas. The NRD is responsible for the application of Section 22 of the JBNQA, CQRA, Harmonization Agreement, and Governance concerning natural resources and land management within category I, II, and III Lands of the Ouje-Bougoumou Cree Territory.

Main Responsibilities

Forestry:

  • The Paix des Braves Agreement (2002) involves the Ouje-Bougoumou in the coordination of forestry activities and operations-planning on category II and III Lands.
  • Implementation of consultation process.

Mining:

  • Oversight of exploration and mining activities on category III Lands.
  • Implementation of a consultation process.

Land Environment Administration:

  • Environmental management including the Eco Center, landfill operations, drinking water sampling, and monitoring of safe handling of hazardous contaminants on category I, II, and III Lands.

Wildlife:

  • Management of the Assinica Wildlife Reserve that is scheduled to begin in 2025.
  • Monitoring of wildlife activities within the Ouje-Bougoumou territory and addressing the moose moratorium on Zone 17.  Implementing the guildelines set out by local and regional Cree governments.
  • Protection of endangered species.

Protected Area:

  • The creation and protection of Assinica National Park (3,193 km²) through a 2011 agreement, benefitting traplines and land users by safeguarding against industrial activities.

Niskamoon:

  • Support for traplines affected by hydro electric powerlines.  Community projects, including snow removal, firewood cutting, trail cutting projects, goose corridors, fire barriers, and GIS/ArcGIS mapping services are available.

Forestry Programs:

  • Funding and resources for eligible traplines impacted by forestry in the last five years, including capital purchases, cabin construction lumber, and goose corridors. 

Other Services/Programs:

  • Large format map printing, GPS coordination with pictures, public training sessions, and environmental presentations.
Director

Arthur Bosum