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In 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic slowed mineral exploration activities in Eeyou Istchee. One of the important activities carried out by the CMEB in this context was the posting on its website of detailed recommendations specifically addressed to the mineral exploration industry active in Eeyou Istchee. In collaboration with the Cree Health Board and the CNG these recommendations had a dual purpose: firstly, to protect Eeyou Istchee’s communities from the spreading of the virus and secondly to facilitate the carrying out of the field mineral exploration campaign in Eeyou Istchee.
The CMEB established collaborations with various entities. Among these is the Cree Nation Government with its different sectors (environment, natural resources, and geo-information) with which the CMEB maintains continuous communication for exchange of information and development of common projects.
The CMEB works closely with the MENR and its mining sector. Among others, the MENR undertook to promote the mission of the CMEB by directly informing all companies holding mining titles in the territory and by adding a link on its website to CMEB’s website. The MENR also implemented a follow-up on the hiring of Eeyou people in the mining sector. Moreover, the MENR intends to take an active part in a discussion table between the industry and the CMEB. The MENR also established a mechanism of consultation with the CMEB concerning its cartography programs on the territory and the development of new strategies for mines.
The ongoing collaboration with the CNG’s Apatisiiwin Skills Development (ASD) (previously the Cree Human Resources Development) and the CSB allows the possibility to subsidize long-term training programs and to promote funding programs accessible to the Eeyouch in the field of mineral resources. In this respect, the CMEB holds discussions with the CSB to develop a technical training program adapted to the young Eeyouch. This program, developed in close cooperation with the ASD, the MENR, regional colleges and the mineral industry consists of collegial technical training in natural resources which will give access to the employment connected to the fields of mining, hydrology and the environment. This program should meet the aspirations of the Eeyouch and the needs of the industry. In 2012, the CMEB became partners with the ASD on the Eeyou Mining Skills Enhancement Program (EMSEP).
The CMEB collaborates with CEGEPs and Universities. This year CMEB collaborates with the UQAC, UQAT and the MERN on the Geological Impact Study of new deposits found by CMEB’s prospector in the Ouje-Bougoumou area.
Since its creation, the CMEB established close links with The Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA) with the objective of informing the trappers and to protect their interests. The CMEB took the initiative to inform the trappers concerning the mining activity in their traplines, and to give them the training they need to take an active part in mineral exploration in Eeyou Istchee. This initiative is strongly appreciated by the CTA, which actively collaborates in the delivery of these courses.
The CMEB has also worked in close collaboration with local Eeyou Nations Chiefs and Councils, the CTA, the Cree Nation Government, mineral exploration companies and Hydro-Québec for the production of the No-Fly Zone during the 2021 Goose Break. This initiative is to ensure that the traditional goose harvesting activities held between April 22 and May 13 are minimally impacted by helicopter flight within Eeyou Istchee. This map was accessible on CMEB website (cmeb.org).
The CMEB has established, during the past 20 years, collaboration with the Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Temiscamingue for the planning and delivering of its annual conference, more precisely concerning topics related to the mineral industry. CMEB’s contacts in this field greatly contributed securing the participation of reputable and passionate speakers at this event. It is a great opportunity to provide information about the development of mineral activities in Eeyou Istchee and sensitize attendees to the deep attachment of Eeyou people to their land and traditional activities within their culture.