Our work

Magpie river


The Magpie River is one of the most important rivers of the Côte-Nord. It boasts magnificent wilderness scenery, and its international reputation stems from its immense recreational potential for whitewater expeditions.


Why protect this place?

Ranked among the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world, according to the National Geographic, the Magpie River (Mutehekau Shipu) is a true playground for thrill seekers. At 280 km in length, it is one of the last great wild rivers of Quebec. It is located on the Nitassinan (ancestral territory) of two Innu communities, Ekuanitshit and Uashat mak Mani-utenam.

According to a study conducted by the Laboratoire d’expertise et de recherche en plein air at the Université du Québec in Chicoutimi, the Magpie River compares favourably to large, world-class rivers such as the Colorado River and the Middle Fork River, which receive several thousand visitors per year.

Key information

The Magpie River is one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world

Over 11,000 people have signed our petition to protect the Magpie River

The Magpie River is the first river in Canada to be recognized as a "legal entity"


CPAWS Quebec’s work

CPAWS Quebec has been working for more than a decade to protect the Magpie River, so that it can be developed for the benefit of local communities and saved from hydroelectric development. CPAWS Quebec is one of the founding members of the Muteshekau-shipu Alliance, which also includes the Ekuanitshit Innu Council, the Minganie RCM and the Association Eaux-Vives Minganie. This alliance of First Nations, municipalities, environmental groups and citizens aims to protect and develop the Magpie River, while also recognizing its rights.

Thanks to the support of our partners and supporters, we have submitted a petition with 11 600 signatures to the Premier of Quebec. We also presented our campaign at several whitewater festivals in Quebec, where we witnessed the passion that sports enthusiasts have for this river. In May 2018, CPAWS Quebec organized an international forum for the protection of whitewater rivers in Sept-Îles. This event further mobilized local stakeholders to support the creation of a protected area.

Links : National Geographic: Top 10 White-Water Rafting - LERPA study : La rivière Magpie, une rivière de classe mondiale à protéger (2013) 

© Boreal River

 

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Protect the Magpie river

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