The St. Lawrence River recognized as a legal person
The St. Lawrence River was granted legal personality status on April 19 by the chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL).
This decision is intended to mark the intention of the leaders of the Quebec-Labrador First Nations to be important players in the political, legislative and legal decisions that affect the river.
“The links between the St. Lawrence River and the history of our Nations are inscribed on every centimeter of the banks of this majestic waterway. This relationship, which transcends time, has remained etched in our collective memory for several millennia. We have an obligation to see to its protection and sustainability,” explains APNQ chief Ghislain Picard.
The decision was presented today to the United Nations, as part of an interactive dialogue with different global players in New York.
Mr. Picard is also mandated to explore the establishment of an Aboriginal alliance aimed at protecting the basin of the Great Lakes up to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The Magpie River had, in 2021, it was also recognized as a legal person following the work of Ekuanitshit, the regional committee municipality of Minganie, the Quebec branch of the Society for Nature and Parks of Canada (CPAWS) and the Association Eaux-Vives Minganie.< /p>
