Quebec launches forestry partnership with Atikamekw Nation on shared land management
Innovative pilot project Notcimik aims to establish participatory forest management. Quebec funding $470,000 for initial mapping and territorial structure.
Sources · Quebec Nouvelles
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Quebec and the Atikamekw Nation announced Monday that an innovative pilot project aimed at shared forest management is officially underway.
The Projet pilote innovant Notcimik seeks to establish participatory forestry management with the Atikamekw across their territories. The two parties have developed a roadmap for the pilot, which follows an intention agreement signed March 13, 2026.
Quebec is providing $470,000 in financial support to fund an initial phase that includes mapping sites of interest on the territory and consolidating structures among the three Atikamekw communities' territorial leaders. The funding allows the work to proceed during the 2026-2027 financial year.
During this period, proposals will be made regarding forest management practices adapted to Atikamekw values and sites of interest; organizational structures to enable participatory forest management between the Atikamekw Nehirowisiw, the forest industry and regional actors; the territory for experimentation; consultation methods for the communities and territorial leaders; and potential wood pricing models.
The announcement was made by Quebec's Minister of Natural Resources and Forests Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Vice-Premier and Minister responsible for Indigenous Relations Ian Lafrenière, and Atikamekw Nation Grand Chief Constant Awashish. The initiative reflects a commitment to nation-to-nation relationships and sustainable forest management in a region facing significant sectoral challenges.
By the numbers
How much is Quebec funding the Notcimik pilot project?
$470,000 in financial support from Quebec will fund the initial phase of Projet pilote innovant Notcimik, which includes mapping sites of interest and consolidating structures among the three Atikamekw communities during the 2026-2027 financial year.
When was the intention agreement for this forest management partnership signed?
The intention agreement between Quebec and the Atikamekw Nation was signed on March 13, 2026, ahead of the official announcement on Monday, July 13, 2026.
