Forty Atikamekw are preparing to block the road connecting Mont-Laurier to Parent in order to demonstrate against Bill 97 of the Legault Government.
“We will stay the time that it takes, until my death,” said Robert Echaquan, who took the initiative of the blockade scheduled for 3:30 on the night of August 25 at km 106 of the Parent Chemin, in Mauricie.
Mr. Echaquan, uncle of Joyce Echaquan, this native who died in the indifference of medical staff at the Saint-Charles-Borromée de Joliette hospital on September 28, 2020, said that the Quebec government does not consult the First Nations sufficiently when it comes to exploiting their ancestral territory.
Blocus of the parenting path by Atikamekw at km 106, July 10, 2025.
Émily Dubá
Bill 97 proposes to reform how to exploit and manage the boreal forest, which gives almost carte blanche to the industry for the third party.
Stop everything
“We will stop everyone. Wooden trucks, forestry workers, ”adds Mr. Echaquan, determined, at Journal.
The Aboriginal Manawan will be accompanied by sympathizers of the Anichinabée communities of Kitigan Zibi and Mohawk from Kanesatake and nigening. “Many of us want to bring our cause. We are motheran expression in the context of the First Nations which means “ensemble”, resumes Mr. Echaquan, who grew up in the territory where the blockade is located.
With the other demonstrators, they expect a long seat, since they will have tents and wood stoves with them as well as kitchen equipment.
“Possibly violent”
Describing himself as a “head of territory”, Robert Echaquan does not feel properly represented by the band council of his community, which, according to him, “works with the government”.
He expects “possibly violent” clashes with truckers and forestry workers who will not accept heart gaiety to turn back on this strategic route which connects Mauricie and the Hautes-Laurentides.
The parenting path is essential for forest transportation but also access to outpoints.
