Robbie Tapiatic was born on the Fort-George Island during negotiations for the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement in 1974.  Raised by parents with a close relationship with Cree Culture and Lands, today he is the Director of Remedial Works for Niskamoon Corporation, an entity that manages various Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) for the Crees of Eeyou Istchee. He was involved in the implementation of the Boumhounan Agreement for the Rupert River Diversion Project, which involved continuous consultation with impacted Cree communities. This was a first for the Crees to have continuous collaboration between Tallymen, land users and the project proponent. Since 2002, he has been involved in the implementation of various IBA’s, applying an open door policy for working with land users to make sure benefits reach communities and there is continued use of altered lands and waters impacted by hydroelectric development.

Robbie was also named as representative for the Cree Nation of Chisasibi to the James Bay Comprehensive Coastal Research Program Steering Committee.

Following High School, Robbie successfully completed training as a Licensed Commercial Aircraft Pilot. However, while working as a pilot, an incident involving a house fire forced him to change career, which led to a diploma in Business Administration. After his studies he was hired by the Cree Nation of Chisasibi to learn and study the IBAs that were signed in 2002 during the “Paix des Braves”.  

Robbie also serves as Vice-President of the Chisasibi Business Service Center, an organization dedicated to assisting up and coming local entrepreneurs in achieving their endeavours.

Robbie is a firm believer in Cree use of the land, especially those lands altered by development, as well as helping Crees to pass on Cree Traditional Practices and Knowledge. “If we protect Mother Earth, then it will prosper with wildlife and good health so we can benefit from it for generations to come.”