Implementing Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Eeyou Istchee
The uranium project Matoush by Ressources Strateco was promoted by the Charest government, notably in the Plan Nord. However, it was not acceptable to the Cree community of Mistissini, which obtained the support of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee. This article documents the mobilization of the FPIC (Free, Prior and Informed Consent) standard by the Crees in their opposition to the project. The authors show that by blocking the Matoush Project, the Crees were able to create a political context favourable to the respect of their consent on the management of extractive activities as the Cree mining policy clearly indicates. They are thus implementing the FPIC provided for in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, even though Canada has not yet implemented it in its legislation.