2025 Funding Approved for Rebuilding Cabins in Quebec's James Bay

The Cree Trappers Association (CTA), the Cree Hunters Economic Security Board (CHESB), and sixteen mining and exploration companies have agreed to continue funding the reconstruction of cabins destroyed by the 2023 forest fires in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec. This initiative follows a 2024 voluntary contribution of $750,000 to the Reconstruction Initiative Forest Fires Fund (RIFFF).

The 2024 collaborative cabin replacement program, initiated by the CTA with various partners, successfully rebuilt 50 cabins. For 2025, the CHESB will contribute $400,000, while the companies will add $200,000 to further this effort. Additional funding is planned for 2026.

Allan House of the CTA and Serge Larivière of CHESB emphasized the importance of these efforts in aiding Cree hunters, whose traditional activities rely on stable infrastructure. Companies, led by Quebec Precious Metals Corporation, also expressed their commitment to ongoing support.