[a] Although future Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa was convinced of the viability and economic importance of a massive hydroelectric project on Inuit and Cree traditional lands, since his first meeting on December 16, 1969, with then Hydro-Québec president Roland Giroux, it was only when Bourassa became Premier of Quebec on April 29, 1970, that the project was officially introduced in the provincial cabinet in March 1971,[6][7] and announced to the public on April 30, 1971.
"[9] The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), signed in November 1975, was one of three landmark court decisions that brought about "an important shift in the recognition of the rights of First Nations in Canada.
"[10] He has also been active with a number of aboriginal businesses including the Makivik Corporation, Air Inuit, Seaku Fisheries, Uttuulik Leasing, and Kigaq Travel.
He is most notable for championing Inuit rights in Canada and for speaking his language (Inuktitut) in the Senate Chamber and at committee meetings.
He was instrumental in changing Senate rules to allow the use of his mother tongue and for producing the first materials in Inuktitut on the Canadian Parliamentary System.
Although the bill did not make it to the House of Commons, it brought northerners to Ottawa to discuss their unique living situation and the high costs of goods and services.
Their work is continuing under the leadership of Senators Patterson and Bovey[15] Watt was educated at schools in: Kuujjuaq (Fort Chimo), Quebec; Yellowknife, NWT; Kingston, Ontario; Ottawa, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Brandon, Manitoba.