Knowledge gap on mining development frustrates tallymen, Quebec Cree Nation

Frustration ran high as Cree tallymen voiced concerns about natural resource extraction regulations and their rights under the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement during recent meetings with the Cree Nation Government. 

The meetings, organized by the Cree Nation Government (CNG) and held in both Mistissini and Chisasibi, Quebec, came after tallymen demanded better consultation about development projects in the fall. 

More than 200 people attended the meeting in Chisasibi. Both gatherings were intended to be an initial step toward improving communication between the Cree Nation Government, land-users and tallymen – people who manage traditional hunting territories and pass their deep knowledge of the land down through their family. 

Tommy Matthew, a tallyman from the coastal region of Eeyou Istchee, said he spoke about a critical knowledge gap at one of the meetings. He admitted to not fully understanding governmental regulations while also emphasizing that decision-makers often lack knowledge of traditional land stewardship. 

"I was given the traditional hunting territory to take care of. People who do not have this responsibility will not have the same understanding," said Matthew.

Despite these challenges, Matthew said he appreciated community discussions facilitated by the CNG and Cree Trappers Association (CTA). He said tallymen have a responsibility to protect their land and should have the right to say no to development.

Under the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement of 1975, the Cree of Eeyou Istchee have rights over their traditional territory, particularly in environmental and social decision-making. The agreement gives them exclusive rights to hunting, fishing and trapping in certain areas.

Mandy Gull-Masty, the grand chief of the Eeyou Istchee, says that although the Cree cannot reject exploration projects outright, they do hold significant influence over whether projects proceed. 

Through environmental assessment committees, the Cree help shape development decisions and negotiate terms that protect their land and traditions. Over time, the Cree have used this power to block, modify or negotiate resource projects that impact their land, rights and way of life. 

Gull-Masty said these moves are more prominent inland of Eeyou Istchee, where the mining industry seeks to take advantage of existing logging roads because building new ones is expensive.

The meeting also served to inform people about the current exploration companies that are active right now in Eeyou Istchee, and to explain new rules and regulations for the Quebec mining industry. 

Gull-Masty also noted the growing presence of large-scale mining companies, particularly for lithium, on the coastal side of Eeyou Istchee. She said having hard conversations about the impact of mining is part of her job. 

"Trying to find sustainable development is difficult, the best way to do it is listening to the people and trying to meet their needs." said Gull-Masty. "There are people who absolutely do not want any mining activities and others work for the mining industry and some want to start their own companies." 

CTA representatives also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting hunters and land-users in navigating policies and understanding their rights. 

"We need to work together as a nation, to better understand the policies of mining and forestry, and us, from CTA, to help bring more understanding of the Eeyou hunting law," said Thomas Stevens, the association's special projects coordinator. 

A regional report, expected in July, will document the impact of mining on Cree traplines and traditional activities, and provide recommendations for local and regional governments.