Essipiunnu-Meshkanau means “the path, the way of the Innu of Essipit” in the Innu language. Since 2022, the Essipit Innu First Nation has been working to create an Indigenous protected area on its Nitassinan to help protect biodiversity and maintain the practice of Innu-aitun, in line with government commitments to conserve 30% of ecosystems by 2030.
Why protect this area?
The Essipiunnu-Meshkanau project aims to create a network of connected and protected natural habitats covering more than 1,200 km² of Nitassinan of the Essipit Innu First Nation, for the benefit of biodiversity, the Essipiunnuat, and users of the territory.
The main assets to be protected in this territory are cultural values (particularly areas where traditional activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering are held ), the biodiversity of the boreal forest specificaly species such as the Barrow's goldeneye, the Bicknell's thrush, the woodland caribou, and the brook trout, as well as the mountainous boreal forest.
Essipiunnu-Meshkanau demonstrates the community's commitment and aspirations toward protecting biodiversity and maintaining the practice of Innu-aitun on its Nitassinan.
Key information
Protecting the cultural heritage and contemporary values of the region, as well as its ecological values
Creating a network of connected and protected natural habitats covering more than 1,200 km² of Nitassinan
Supporting the Essipit Innu First Nation Council in establishing an Indigenous protected area
SNAP Québec's work
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