This is part one of a three-part series from Radio-Canada about the 50th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
In April 1971, Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa announced a major hydroelectric project to build 11 dams in Northern Quebec, which would flood vast forests and significantly impact Cree and Inuit territories without prior consultation. The project, completed over 40 years, now generates half of Quebec’s electricity. Inuit leader Charlie Watt recalls the shock and disruption felt by his community upon learning of the project, leading to the formation of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association for local representation.
