Last July, the Mi’gmaq First Nation of Gesgapegiag submitted its Muj’ga Pitaw protected area project to the Quebec government for possible recognition on the protected areas register. Muj’ga Pitaw is a unifying project that aims to protect the Cascapedia and Petite Cascapedia rivers and their main tributaries in order to preserve their biodiversity, as well as the Mi’gmaq culture and way of life. It could become one of the first Indigenous-led Protected Areas (IPAs) in Quebec.
Our team had the privilege of supporting the Gesgapegiag First Nation through the various stages of their project, always under their leadership. Our contribution has focused on a number of areas, including scientific support, valorization of Indigenous knowledge, planning and consultation, as well as communication and outreach.
Together, we made a documentary that offers an authentic look at this initiative. Thanks to Gary-Luc Martin, Muj’ga Pitaw Project Manager, and Sarah Jerome, Lands Agent, both Mi’gmaq from Gesgapegiag, for their involvement and hospitality.
In addition to the Muj’ga Pitaw project, the documentary highlights projects by the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk and W8banaki First Nations. These First Nations are developing their own protected area initiatives that could contribute to achieving the international conservation targets set by the provincial and federal governments, i.e. 30% by 2030. In so doing, they are demonstrating the leading role they must play in conserving the land for future generations.
To find out more and watch the documentary, visit the project page.
