On February 15, 2024, the Innu of Pessamit, a First Nation located on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, signed an historic framework agreement with the Province of Québec.
The framework agreement signals a major step forward in relations between the First Nation and the province, and focuses on the establishment of a new future relationship, based on mutual respect and partnership, with regard to the social, economic and community development of the First Nation's ancestral territory, Nitassinan. Specifically, the agreement aims to establish a clear roadmap toward an eventual final Nation-to-Nation agreement for the development of the Nitassinan territory and the exploitation of its natural resources.
The framework agreement also sets out interim measures that lay the groundwork for dialogue during the drafting of the Nation-to-Nation agreement, including the management of the Manicouagan Reservoir, the payment of $45 million to address immediate social and community needs for the community, and the creation of an equal partnership with respect to the development of new wind power projects on the Nitassinan territory.
Marie-Christine Gagnon, a partner in Gowling WLG’s Indigenous Law Group, had the privilege of advising the Innu Council of Pessamit on the negotiations leading up to the framework agreement. Charles Daviault and Catherine Ouellet were also instrumental in bringing the agreement to fruition.
“The framework agreement marks the beginning of a new era in the relationship between the Innu First Nation of Pessamit and the government of Québec,” said Marie-Christine, herself a member of the Innu First Nation of Pessamit. “It bodes well for the establishment of dialogue aimed at resolving their differences over past developments on the Nitassinan, which have marked their relationship for the last 70 years. It also opens up the possibility of a new and prosperous relationship focused on the future."
About Gowling WLG’s Indigenous Law Group
Since the 1950s, Gowling WLG has been at the forefront of Indigenous law in Canada. The firm has worked alongside Canada's First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in landmark self-government agreements, resource development projects and Supreme Court cases. Gowling WLG is one of the only full-service law firms in Canada that acts for Indigenous clients as well as private industry, project proponents and all levels of government. Learn more