Saying it’s “past due,” the Innu Nation has filed a $4-billion lawsuit against Hydro-Québec for the destruction of Innu land over half a century ago during the development of the Churchill Falls hydro project.

Innu Grand Chief Etienne Riche says gravesites and significant areas of cultural, historic, and spiritual significance were flooded during the creation of the Smallwood Reservoir—an area the size of Prince Edward Island.

The Innu Nation contends that Churchill Falls would not have been possible without Hydro-Québec.

Deputy Grand Chief Mary Ann Nui says the flooding caused irreparable damage to the ecosystem, traditions, and the livelihood of the Innu.

She says people lost their belongings and use of the land, beaver in the headwater ponds froze to death because of reduced water levels, salmon lost spawning grounds, and fish in the reservoir were poisoned.

Grand Chief Riche says they already reached an agreement with Nalcor for partial compensation, now it’s Hydro-Québec’s turn.

He says Hydro-Québec is entitled to almost all of the power that comes from Churchill Falls, thanks to a contract that doesn’t expire until 2041. He says the Innu are angry about that contract, as are many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.