cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/6094797

The Innu Council of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM) and its Chief Jonathan Shetush—on his 100th day in office—announced the establishment of a protected area running the full length of the Moisie River in eastern Quebec.

The project is called the Innu Protected Area of ​​the Mishta-shipu (Moisie River) Watershed.

André Michel, director of ITUM’s Office for the Protection of Rights and Territory, said the Moisie, known in Innu-aimun as “Mishta-shipu,” or “The Great River,” is central to the lives of the community.

“The entire history of the Innus of Uashat mak Mani-utenam is based on this river,” Michel told APTN News. “Our ancestors were nomads who spent 10 months of the year inland. This was the main route of penetration that led inland, where they spent the whole winter searching for caribou.”

“The projects we submitted for protection may not be accepted in their entirety,” Michel said. “But as a government, even if the Quebec government does not agree with the protected area projects, we, as Innu, will protect them and recognize them as Indigenous protected areas. If there is development in that territory, whether it be forestry, hydroelectric, or mining, we will oppose all projects in that protected area.”

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