I’ve lived in Ontario most of my life, and it wasn’t until I started working at Wildlands League that I learned that Ontario is an “ocean province”. In other words, the murky waters off the northern shore of Ontario— known as Hudson Bay and James Bay — along with other water bodies make up one of the largest inland seas in the world!
When we do outreach in the GTA, many people are surprised to hear there’s a thriving subarctic and arctic ecosystem in the north, complete with polar bears, seals, belugas and more. Less surprising to people is that there are several First Nations communities along the coast of these bays and a handful of people even mention having traveled up to places like Moosonee for sport fishing.
“I was in Fort Severn for a couple days in early August. And it was like a big playground when they took me out to the coast. It’s a way of life. The homelands that they have are so important. It was so exciting because I got to see polar bears during my visit. I got to see the whales, and I got to see seals…the Hudson Bay coast is just amazing”. – Sol Mamakwa
There are nine First Nation communities involved in the proposed Mushkegowuk National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA)–an initiative to safeguard a good chunk of this unique, globally significant area. I’ve been lucky to visit seven of these communities and make a few trips out to the bays.
In the process, I’ve been inspired by the expansive mudflats, the wide rivers leading into the bays and the strength and ambition of the Mushkegowuk (Cree) that are leading the charge.
The conservation vision for the area includes the entire northern coast of Ontario—which is longer than Hawaii’s coast at almost 1,300 km!—along with rich offshore waters that support:
- a unique resident population of belugas in James Bay
- the most southern, year-round population of polar bears in the world
- Millions of migratory birds—including endangered species like red knots
- Freshwater fish that foray into saltier bays to feed—this is one of the only areas in the world where this happens
… and much more!
Earlier this year, the Mushkegowuk Council and Parks Canada announced the completion of the feasibility assessment marking a huge milestone towards establishment. But there’s a key piece missing—Ontario’s involvement.
A lot hinges on the province coming on board. First, they have jurisdiction over the coastal strip and nearshore waters. And with $125 million of federal and private philanthropic funding on the line, 115 jobs, six monitoring stations and community infrastructure, everyone is holding their breath for Ontario to come to the table.
Just last week, we did our part by co-hosting an event called Tawich in Queen’s Park with Mushkegowuk Council. Tawich is a Cree term for the coast and offshore waters of James Bay and Hudson Bay. The room was packed with Members of Provincial Parliament from all parties and included media and funders. Everyone left with a program (with key messages inside) and bellies full of arctic char tacos, bannock and other delicious bites. If anything can bring us together and move the needle, it might be food.
And earlier in September, the Wildlands team helped set up a bird-tracking tower on the southern Hudson Bay coast with Peawanuck (Weenusk) First Nation leader Sam Hunter and the National Audubon Society—read the National Audubon story here.
As we look to a new year with federal and provincial elections on the horizon, we will continue to work with communities, governments, and opposition parties to make sure coastal and ocean protection is priority. And we will continue standing with the Mushkegowuk (Cree) and all Canadians to safeguard nature, including our global ocean for future generations.
If you want to show your support, you can send a letter telling Premier Ford to protect the coast – every letter helps!
Megan Chen, Ocean & Freshwater Conservation Manager
