If Quebec doesn’t stop handing out clearcutting permits to forestry companies, Crees in Waswanipi and other southern communities will take action themselves to save their traplines, says Sam Gull, a Cree youth from Waswanipi. “People are ready to take it into their own hands,” says Sam.
Sam was involved in a meeting this month of trappers from all the southern communities to discuss an alarming fall in moose numbers. Many trappers called for a ban on forestry operations and sports hunting by non-natives until moose numbers recover.
“At this stage I don’t think the federal or Quebec government respect Cree rights,” said Sam, the director of personnel at the Waswanipi Band. “People to my mind have clearly stated they don’t want forestry on their traplines. I think the Cree Nation as a whole has to take action to protect their rights.” Waswanipi and Ouje-Bougoumou trappers are already reeling from the effects of clearcutting on their forests and wildlife. Since the James Bay Agreement was signed, 15 traplines have been completely razed. Many more are on the chopping block. Forestry companies have also expanded into the Waskaganish and Mistissini territories.
“It’s really heartbreaking,” said Sam. “They’re destroying our culture as a whole. That’s the ultimate issue. It’s the integrity of a people that’s at stake.” Complicating the issue is the fact that Crees themselves own companies that exploit the forests, said Sam. For at least six years, the Waswanipi Band-owned Mishtuk Corporation has been cutting trees on the trapline that belongs to Sam’s uncle and grandfather. “They only consulted them after they started cutting,” said Sam. After the consultations, Mishtuk agreed to build the Gulls a new cabin as compensation. “It was forced on them. They never agreed to the cutting,” said Sam. “We contradict ourselves when we fight against forestry but do the same thing.”
He said concern is growing about Mishtuk because it wants to build a new $6-million sawmill, which will lead to more tree-cutting. The sawmill will be discussed at the Waswanipi Band’s general assembly July 11-13.
