Julie Fortin is a PhD candidate in public communication. She is interested in the influence of Cree and Inuit communities in the assessment and authorization processes for mining projects in northern Quebec, as well as their ability to provide free, prior and informed consent. She is also interested in the cumulative social impacts of natural resource development projects, in relation to the concept of intergenerational trauma and the resilience capacity of Aboriginal and Inuit communities. Julie holds a master's degree in public communication from Laval University. Her thesis focuses on communication between Hydro-Québec and the Innu communities as part of the Romaine project, and addresses concerns about consultations, negotiations and impacts of the hydroelectric project.