Partnerships

Ministère des Ressources naturelles, de la Faune et des Parcs

The CMEB remains committed to the ongoing development of a collaborative and mutually rewarding relationship with the Ministère des Ressources naturelles de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec (MRNFP) and its mining department.

Among other initiatives, the MRNFP has participated in the promotion of the CMEB mission and objectives by informing all companies detaining mining titles in Eeyou Istchee and by including information about the CMEB on its web site. Furthermore, the MRNFP has set up an internal monitoring program of Cree employment in the mining sector, with the goal of setting up a Table of Concertation between the Government, the mining industry and the CMEB. The MRNFP is also consulting with the CMEB regarding its mapping programs in Eeyou Istchee.

As part of efforts to promote the CMEB’s mission, the MRNFP attends national meetings and disseminates information about the organization and the Agreement Concerning Mineral Resources Development in the James Bay Region. For example, the MRNFP’s promotional representation is prominent at the Quebec Annual Symposium on Exploration and meetings of the Developers Association of Canada.

Cree Trappers Association

The Cree Trappers Association (CTA) plays a vital role in the preservation of traditional Cree knowledge and activities. In recognition of this fact, we have made a formal request for the CTA’s active involvement in the Board’s activities. In turn, the CTA has requested that the CMEB act as an intermediary between the mining industry at large and the CTA in order to ensure harmony between hunting and fishing activities and exploration activities.

Currently, the CTA participates in mineral exploration with the CMEB. Trappers know the land well and can use their knowledge to assist prospectors with field work and find mineralized samples that may lead to world-class ore.

Cree Human Resources

The CMEB is exploring ways to develop partnership programs with the Cree Human Resources Development Department (CHRD). Above all, our goal is to promote and initiate on-the-job training programs in collaboration with the Government of Quebec and the mining industry. Another goal is to develop existing training programs established by the Cree Natural Resources Centres (formally known as the Mistissini Geological Centre). Finally, the CMEB remains committed to the ongoing development of long-term prospecting training programs and to applying our expertise to training initiatives in mineral exploration in Eeyou Istchee.

Cree School Board in Cree Communities

The CMEB is committed to promoting geosciences among young Crees by taking part in scientific education in Cree communities in collaboration with the Cree School Board (CSB). Accordingly, the CMEB’s chief geologist gives presentations at different primary and secondary schools as well as in continuing education programs of the CSB. These presentations deal with topics such as earth sciences, the environment, mineralogy, and mining in language that is accessible and interesting to students.