Numerous waterways of the James Bay watershed have been modified with dams or diversion for several major hydroelectric projects. These waterways are also destinations for river-based recreation. Several communities are located near or alongside James Bay, including a number of Aboriginal communities, such as the Kashechewan First Nation and nine communities affiliated with the Cree of northern Quebec.\n', '

As with the rest of Hudson Bay, the waters of James Bay routinely freeze over in winter. It is the last to freeze over in winter, and conversely the first to thaw in summer.\n', '

Human presence along the shores of the bay began after the retreat of the glaciers at the end of the last ice age, around 8,150 years ago. A variety of indigenous cultures have lived in this area. At the time of contact with Europeans, the indigenous peoples along both shores of the bay were ethnically Cree peoples.\n', '

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