Muj’ga Pitaw – A Protected Area Project by the Mi’gmaq First Nation of Gesgapegiag
Joint project with the Mi’gmaq First Nation of Gesgapegiag
Muj’ga Pitaw is much more than a conservation project: it is a Mi’gmaq vision that unites biodiversity protection and cultural preservation. Led by the Gesgapegiag First Nation, this project aims to protect the Cascapedia and Little Cascapedia rivers as well as their main tributaries, thereby preserving a vital ecosystem and the ancestral Mi’gmaq way of life.
In July 2025, Gesgapegiag reached a historic milestone by presenting Muj’ga Pitaw to the Quebec government for official recognition. This project could become one of the first Indigenous-led Protected Areas (IPAs) in Quebec, marking a turning point in the collaborative approach to conservation.
A Unifying Project With Deep Roots
The Gesgapegiag First Nation seeks a harmonious relationship with neighbouring Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, one that respects the cultural, political and linguistic rights of each community. To this end, the First Nation is working with local stakeholders to gather their comments on the protected area.
The Documentary, a Window into Pioneer Initiatives
The documentary Muj’ga Pitaw offers an authentic look at these Indigenous initiatives. Directed by Marie Côté with the collaboration of Antoine Caron as director of photography, Pascal Larose on sound recording, and Olivier Mainguy on editing, this film gives voice to the true architects of these projects.
Gary-Luc Martin, Muj’ga Pitaw project manager, and Sarah Jerome, lands officer, both Mi’gmaq from Gesgapegiag, were kind and generous enough to welcome us onto their territory. Their hospitality allowed us to meet their community. We had the privilege of meeting Aline, Gary-Luc’s mother, a woman who left a profound impression on us during our time in Gesgapegiag through her wisdom and powerful voice.
In the documentary, Gary-Luc shares the Gesgapegiag community’s motivations behind the Muj’ga Pitaw project and opens up about the importance of connection to ancestral territory. Sarah, for her part, immerses us in several of her family memories on the land, particularly near the Cascapedia River. She also shares her motivations for conserving the territory in perpetuity. Isaak Lachapelle-Gill, W8banaki from Odanak and guardian of Ndakina, as well as Caroline Morais from the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation and chief guardian of Wolastokuk, were invited to share their vision of protecting their ancestral territory.
This film brought together people from different Nations, yet revealed a powerful common thread: the importance of land conservation in protecting culture.
These Indigenous projects naturally align with international conservation goals. By targeting 30% protected territory by 2030, the provincial and federal governments recognize the importance of these community-led initiatives within the framework of Nature Plan 2030.
Our Support, a Respectful Partnership
Our team had the privilege of supporting Gesgapegiag through various stages of their project, always under their leadership. Our contribution was structured around several technical components:
Geomatics and Scientific Support
• Support for forest inventories and identification of special-status species
Recognition of Indigenous Knowledge
• Documentation of traditional land uses
• Documentation des utilisations traditionnelles du territoire
Planning and Collaboration
• Assistance in producing consultation documents with regional stakeholders
• Assistance dans la recherche de financement
Communication and Outreach
We’re here for you
Does your community have a protected area project? We offer respectful support tailored to your needs.
