Programs designed to inspire, support, and empower every step of the way.
Remedial Works
Niskamoon Corporation is responsible for designing, developing, approving, managing, and implementing remedial works projects in close collaboration with land users and beneficiaries. The objectives of these projects are to alleviate the long-term impacts of hydro-electric development in Eeyou Istchee, promote traditional Cree land-use practices, encourage the transfer of traditional knowledge to younger generations, and help communities adapt to the ongoing impacts of development.
Niskamoon Corporation has made many adjustments to the Remedial Works Program to ensure that it addresses the needs of trappers and land users. Funds have to be rationalized to ensure they produce expected benefits in the years ahead.
Project selection criteria
Projects target Cree youths or trappers and their family who are directly affected by the La Grande Complex and Rupert Diversion Project. The criteria applied to the selection of projects also take into account the technical feasibility of the proposed works. In addition, a selection of projects addressing the indirect impact of this development on all Crees are funded each year, provided funds are available and projects comply with Niskamoon Corporation’s policies.
Scope of the projects
Priority projects are to: (1) improve access to the territory; (2) improve shelters for traditional activities; and (3) enhance harvesting conditions (hunting territory and wildlife habitats). The following lists identify the different types of projects included in each of the categories.
Improvement of access to the territory
Multi-purpose Trans-Eeyou Istchee Trail
Portages
Upgrading access roads
Building parking areas
Building hauling ramps and canoe racks
Cleaning and marking navigation corridors
Cleaning streams for navigation
Snowploughing on secondary access roads
Improvements to shelters
Building new trapper cabins
Building individual storing facilities (sheds)
Building community storing facilities (warehouses)
Enhancement of harvesting conditions
Creating goose ponds, flyways, and goose-feeding areas
Shore-cleaning on hydro-electric reservoirs
Funds
Hydro-Québec and Eeyou Fund (LaGrande Complex)
The Fund is designed to provide long-term funding in response to the impact of the La Grande Complex on the activities, economy, environment, and social well being of the Crees. The Fund will continue to exist as long as the La Grande Complex is in operation. Accessible to all communities.
Opimiscow Funds (LaGrande Phase 2 Eastern traplines & LG1)
It was established through the Opimiscow Agreement and is designed to support various types of activities and programs, including: Trappers’ cabins, Communications infrastructure, Trapline management, Self-insurance plans, Transportation, and Traditional practices. The Funds ($15,000,000, initially and indexed) are in three parts. Funds for Chisasibi and Wemindji traplines (Indoho Fund) and the Cree Nation Community Fund according to a prescribed formula (Community Funds are paid out directly to Wemindji and Chisasibi).
Nadoshtin Remedial Measures Fund (Eastmain-1 Project)
Established to address the negative impacts of the Eastmain-1 Project. The Fund is designed to enable Crees living in the impacted area to pursue traditional activities and enhance the quality and productivity of environmental and biological resources. Accessible to Waskaganish, Nemaska, Mistissini, and Eastmain.
Nadoshtin Eenou Indohoun Fund (Eastmain-1 Project)
It was created to foster opportunities for the trappers of Eastmain, Mistissini, and Nemaska directly affected by the Eastmain-1 Project. The Fund promotes traditional activities and provides the means to mitigate the effects of the Project.
Boumhounan Eenou Indohoun Fund (Eastmain-1 Project)
The Boumhounan Eenou Indohoun Fund is similar to the Nadoshtin Eenou Indohoun Fund in that it is designed to create opportunities for the trappers of Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemaska, Waskaganish, and Wemindji directly affected by the Eastmain 1-A Rupert River Partial Diversion and La Sarcelle Project.
Continued Use and Re-appropriation Funds
(EM-1A/Sarcelle/Rupert Agreement Project )
It is for projects, works, studies, programs, and remedial and enhancement measures within the affected territory in accordance with the following principles:- Allow for the continued use and re-appropriation of the territory
- Promote and facilitate the pursuit of traditional activities by Cree land users
- Direct funds to projects that promote traditional fisheries, the passing on of traditional knowledge about fishing, and the adaptation of traditional fishing methods
- Contribute to the regeneration and a better understanding of wildlife habitat Promote sustainability
Accessible to Waskaganish, Nemaska and Mistissini.
For more information regarding Fisheries & Culture please refer to our Annual Reports.
Fisheries & Culture
In 2013, Niskamoon Corporation undertook a major review of its programs and policies with the goal of creating, the Board of Directors reviewed future financial support for culture and fishing. Consequently, the Fisheries and Health Program was replaced by two similar initiatives: (1) Traditional and cultural activities and (2) Fisheries Development and Enhancement.
Traditional and Cultural Activities
Traditional and cultural activities encompass any non-denominational activity during the year that promotes Cree culture and the teaching of traditional and cultural customs. They may include but are not be limited to canoe brigades, winter journeys, summer gatherings, and Aboriginal Day festivities. Niskamoon Corporation will fund traditional and cultural activities by providing 50% of the total cost per project for a maximum of $100,000 for one year for each community.
At its discretion, Niskamoon Corporation funds special project initiatives that promote Cree cultural activities. Please note that these projects are funded for one time only and, as such, are not included in the maximum annual funding of $100,000. Funding for these projects is derived from the Hydro-Québec-Eeyou Funds.
Fisheries Development and Enhancement
While the funds earmarked for fishing projects have, for the most part, been depleted, Niskamoon Corporation considered that it would be best to continue to support the development of Cree traditional fisheries due to their considerable health and cultural benefits. To be considered for funding, fishery projects must include a strong commitment to the training of youths and passing on of traditional Cree fishing knowledge.
The new program is designed to:
Ensure the sustainable, long-term use of aquatic resources valued by the Crees.
Restore fishing practices through the development of fishing installations and methods traditionally used by the Crees.
Strengthen Cree fisheries through initiatives that foster long-term and self-sufficient activities and pursuits.
The following priorities were identified for funding:
Self-sustainability
Community involvement
Respect and promotion of traditional values
Increasing health benefits through fish consumption
Involvement of youth
Funds
Hydro-Québec and Eeyou Fund (LaGrande Complex)
The Fund is designed to provide long-term funding in response to the impact of the La Grande Complex on the activities, economy, environment, and social well being of the Crees. The Fund will continue to exist as long as the La Grande Complex is in operation. Accessible to all communities.
Opimiscow Funds (LaGrande Phase 2 Eastern traplines & LG1)
It was established through the Opimiscow Agreement and is designed to support various types of activities and programs, including: Trappers’ cabins, Communications infrastructure, Trapline management, Self-insurance plans, Transportation, and Traditional practices. The Funds ($15,000,000, initially and indexed) are in three parts. Funds for Chisasibi and Wemindji traplines (Indoho Fund) and the Cree Nation Community Fund according to a prescribed formula (Community Funds are paid out directly to Wemindji and Chisasibi).
Nadoshtin Remedial Measures Fund (Eastmain-1 Project)
Established to address the negative impacts of the Eastmain-1 Project. The Fund is designed to enable Crees living in the impacted area to pursue traditional activities and enhance the quality and productivity of environmental and biological resources. Accessible to Waskaganish, Nemaska, Mistissini, and Eastmain.
Nadoshtin Eenou Indohoun Fund (Eastmain-1 Project)
It was created to foster opportunities for the trappers of Eastmain, Mistissini, and Nemaska directly affected by the Eastmain-1 Project. The Fund promotes traditional activities and provides the means to mitigate the effects of the Project.
Boumhounan Eenou Indohoun Fund (Eastmain-1 Project)
The Boumhounan Eenou Indohoun Fund is similar to the Nadoshtin Eenou Indohoun Fund in that it is designed to create opportunities for the trappers of Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemaska, Waskaganish, and Wemindji directly affected by the Eastmain 1-A Rupert River Partial Diversion and La Sarcelle Project.
Continued Use and Re-appropriation Funds
(EM-1A/Sarcelle/Rupert Agreement Project )
It is for projects, works, studies, programs, and remedial and enhancement measures within the affected territory in accordance with the following principles:- Allow for the continued use and re-appropriation of the territory
- Promote and facilitate the pursuit of traditional activities by Cree land users
- Direct funds to projects that promote traditional fisheries, the passing on of traditional knowledge about fishing, and the adaptation of traditional fishing methods
- Contribute to the regeneration and a better understanding of wildlife habitat
Promote sustainability
Accessible to Waskaganish, Nemaska and Mistissini.
For more information regarding Fisheries & Culture please refer to our Annual Report.
Local Coordinators
Each Cree community has a Niskamoon Local Coordinator to represent it and serve as a liaison between the community and Niskamoon Corporation. They are assigned the following tasks and responsibilities:
To report regularly to the Chief, Council and members of the community on the progress of activities of the Niskamoon Corporation. For example, Local Coordinators will report the status of specific projects and funds available for projects. The Niskamoon Board of Directors requires the assistance of the Local Coordinators in ensuring that information reaches the community when necessary.
To inform the Chief, Council and members of the community on the nature of the projects that may be eligible from the different funds managed by Niskamoon through reports, information sessions and/or community workshops.
To assist project proponents in the preparation of proposals and reports required under project approval agreements or conditions. They help draft proposal requests and complete necessary administrative tasks when required.
To act as a liaison. Local Coordinators require the assistance of Niskamoon Directors to process project applications. Directors require Local Coordinators’ assistance to ensure implementation of programs and benefits locally.
To direct proposals for projects to the appropriate Niskamoon Director for approval by the Niskamoon Board of Directors. This includes ensuring that the proposals respect the guidelines for a specific program and that the required information is included in the submission.
To coordinate and organize all communication between individual communities and Niskamoon Corporation, including communication with other Local Coordinators working for Niskamoon Corporation.
To facilitate the participation of people from his or her community in the activities of Niskamoon Corporation.
To monitor approved projects for reporting to the Niskamoon
Board of Directors.To carry out all duties and tasks as directed by the Niskamoon Board of Directors.
Your Local Coordinators are as follows:
| Whapmagoostui | Allan George |
| Chisasibi | Samuel Cox |
| Wemindji | Geraldine Mark |
| Eastmain | Gregory Mayappo |
| Waskaganish | Ernest Moses |
| Nemaska | Stella Jolly |
| Waswanipi | Johnny Awashish |
| Oujé-Bougoumou | Tommy Rabbitskin |
| Mistissini | Matthew Longchap |
All the Niskamoon Local Coordinators’ contact information
can be found on our contact page.
Upcoming Deadlines
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