The Silencing of First Nations and Independent Science in Québec's New Forestry Plan

Facing a wave of criticism, the CAQ Government in Québec announced it was pausing Bill 97 over the summer, to study possible “minor” revisions to the new forestry management plan. Since its release in April 2025, the bill sparked a string of open letters and public statements in the media, expressing worry for the content of the bill as much as dismay for the process of drafting it hand in hand with the logging industry. This push back comes from multiple voices including scientists, environmental groups, unions, and First Nation leaders. Meanwhile, Innu and Atikamekw land defenders have started to erect blockades on roads and railways, to halt the ongoing clear cutting on their territory. In this context of growing tensions and uncertain outcome in the months ahead, this presentation aims to foster more discussions by providing an overview of the bill and explaining the Indigenous perspective on it.

In partnership with the Loyola Sustainability Research Centre, Prof. Nicolas Renaud, of First Peoples Studies, proposes a critical analysis of the communication campaign and consultation process orchestrated by the government about the forest in recent years, along with observations on the changing ecosystem and declining biodiversity of the boreal forest. He also invites us to situate the issue in a broader context, shaped by historical relations between Québec and Indigenous people, common patterns of settler-colonial ideology, and a current global drive of radical capitalism seeking deregulated access to natural resources.

It will be followed by a Q&A and an exchange with Dr. Rebecca Tittler of the Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability.

How can you participate? Join us in person or online by registering for the Zoom Meeting or watching live on YouTube.

Have questions? Send them to info.4@concordia.ca

Nicolas Renaud

Nicolas Renaud is an Assistant Professor and the Program Director of First Peoples Studies at Concordia University. He is also a filmmaker and visual artist, and is a member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation of Wendake.