The Innu Nation and provincial government have reached an agreement which seeks to address concerns of institutional racism in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Innu leaders from Sheshatshiu and Natuashish met with Premier Dwight Ball in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for extensive discussions following an incident last week.

Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper resigned as cabinet minister in light of comments he made after his phone failed to disconnect from a voicemail to an Innu Nation executive assistant. A conversation was recorded between Trimper and an unnamed woman including critical comments about the Innu, which many have accused of being racist.

According to a statement released Monday evening, the Innu Nation brought forward the idea of establishing a long-term working group to address its concerns of institutional racism in the provincial government. The working group, as agreed upon, will set out to ensure Innu people are well-represented, as well as develop measures to ensure elected officials and government employees have an understanding of Innu culture, values and history.

The Premier also committed to expedite land claims and self-government negotiations that fall within the province’s oversight.

The agreement was signed by both Innu Nation Grand Chief Gregory Rich and Premier Dwight Ball.