The Cree Hunters Economic Security Board, 16 Mining & Exploration Companies Contribute $750,000 For The Reconstruction Initiative Forest Fires Fund 2023,
The Cree Hunters Economic Security Board, 16 Mining &
Exploration Companies Contribute $750,000 For
The Reconstruction Initiative Forest Fires Fund 2023,
James Bay, Quebec
Quebec, QC, October 31, 2024 – The Cree Hunters Economic Security Board (“CHESB”), and 16
mining and exploration companies are pleased to announce their voluntary financial contribution
totalling $750,000 for the Reconstruction Initiative Forest Fires Fund 2023 ( “RIFFF”). The RIFF F
has been created for t he reconstruction of cabins that were burn t in the aftermath of extensive
damage caused by the wildfires in 2 023 in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory of Quebec,
Canada.
The RIFFF is a partnership between the CHESB, the mining industry and the Eeyou Istchee James
Bay communities. The RIFF F will allow, starting in 2025, the reconstruction of burnt cabins and
complement the work underway by the Cree Trappers’ Association on the most impacted traplines.
According to the information collected by CNG Forestry, 11% of the land and nearly 60% of t he
traplines were affected by the 2023 forest fires.
Normand Champigny, Chief Executive Officer of Quebec Precious Metals Corporation says: “After
I flew over the territory where our company explores and saw the devastation caused by the fires,
I realized that something had to be done. I am delighted that t he CHESB and so many companies
have accepted to contribute to this initiative. We hope that many other organizations will contribute.”
Serge Larivière, Director General of the CHESB says all members of the bipartisan Board (Cree-
Quebec) are proud to support this initiative: “The heart of Cree traditional activities is the bush cabin
– and without a place to stay in the bush, it is difficult for Cree hunters to practice traditional
activities. We are proud to join forces and help with the management and funding of this important
initiative!”
Allan House, Chief Financial Officer/Interim Chief Executive Officer at the Cree Trappers ’
Association says: “Eeyou Culture and Language are strongly connected when our people are out
on the lands of Eeyou Istchee. H aving a place/home in the heart of Eeyou Istchee is an essential
need for our people. Our hunting grounds are our home.”
The CHESB will contribute $400,000 and provide administrative support. Newmont Éléonore will
contribute $50,000 and each of the following 15 companies will contribute $20,000.
Bonterra Resources Inc.
Brunswick Exploration Inc.
Champion Electric Metals Inc.
Critical Elements Lithium Corporation
Cygnus Metals Ltd.
Fury Gold Mines Limited
Harfang Exploration Inc.
Midland Exploration Inc.
Patriot Battery Metals
Power Nickel Inc.
Quebec Precious Metals Corporation
Rio Tinto Exploration Canada
Sirios Resources Inc.
Troilus Gold Corporation
Windfall Mining Group (now Gold Fields Limited)
For more information please contact:
Normand Champigny, Chief Executive Officer, Quebec Precious Metals Corporation
514-979-4746
Serge Larivière, Director General, Cree Hunters Economic Security Board
418-643-7300
Allan A. House, Chief Financial Officer/ Interim Chief Executive Officer
Cree Trappers’ Association
819-743-9451