Chief Mi’sel Joe is apologizing for his hasty choice of a Mi’kmaq name for Red Indian Lake.
The leader of the Miawpukik First Nation tells VOCM it was he who brought it to the Premier, but he meant no ill-intent.
He says he takes full responsibility for “pushing this forward” to the Premier, adding he didn’t mean to insult or discredit anyone. The Chief believes his enthusiasm for the project likely clouded his judgment. But he says he apologizes to anyone “who took it the wrong way.”
Earlier today, the government and province’s five Indigenous leaders announced they were “pausing” the renaming of Red Indian Lake.
Last week the government announced a new name had been proposed by the leaders. But there was almost immediate controversy over the decision to choose a phrase in the Mi’kmaq language instead of Beothuk.
The land had been the resting place of Beothuk remains which were removed almost 200 years ago, but will soon be returned to the site.
Meanwhile, the minister responsible for Indigenous affairs and reconciliation, Lisa Dempster says she doesn’t necessarily agree that the Chief needs to apologize, saying there has been a lot of good discussion about the issue over the last number of days.
Dempster explains that in choosing the name their heart’s “were in the right place.” However, Dempster notes they have received a “high volume” of feedback regarding the new name choice which prompted them to pause the process.
She stresses that it is important to listen to the people, noting that through feedback received both to date and through the consultation process she believes there will be a number of names considered.
Dempster says they have already begun to process of setting up consultations. She may have more information to release about that in the coming days but does reveal consultations will take place over a three-week period sometime within the next month.
The following is a joint statement from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Nunatsiavut Government, Innu Nation, NunatuKavut Community Council, Miawpukek First Nation, and Qalipu First Nation.
Joint Statement on Consultations on Renaming Red Indian Lake
The Provincial Government introduced notice last week in the House of Assembly to bring forth a Bill to rename Red Indian Lake. This occurred after discussions with the above-noted Indigenous Governments and Organizations in the Province facilitated by the Premier and the Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.
We strongly believe that Indigenous place names contribute to the Reconciliation, diversity, inclusion, revitalization and strengthening of Indigenous histories, languages and cultures.
Renaming Red Indian Lake is but one of several topics in our discussions on the journey we have embarked upon towards Reconciliation. The Provincial Government, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, is engaged in establishing a relationship that is founded upon respect, listening, and mutual understanding.
The proposal to rename Red Indian Lake has generated considerable comment. We believe that conversations about history, places, discrimination, and injustices will contribute to a greater understanding and awareness for everyone of the need for Reconciliation.
The road to Reconciliation is not always smooth. As Murray Sinclair, who served as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, said: “Achieving Reconciliation is like climbing a mountain — we must proceed a step at a time. It will not always be easy. There will be storms, there will be obstacles, but we cannot allow ourselves to be daunted by the task because our goal is just and it is also necessary for our children.”
We have reached the conclusion that it is necessary to pause and reflect on the name of Red Indian Lake. The Provincial Government and Indigenous Leadership have heard the desire of residents for consultation and Reconciliation.
Therefore, the Provincial Government and the Indigenous Leaders have agreed that the Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, will organize the means by which residents may have their views heard on this issue. These views will then be considered with respect to the renaming of Red Indian Lake.
The Provincial Government and the Indigenous Leaders are committed to honouring the Beothuk and actioning Reconciliation.
Signed:
Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister, Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
President Johannes Lampe, Nunatsiavut Government
Grand Chief Etienne Rich, Innu Nation
President Todd Russell, NunatuKavut Community Council
Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation
Chief Brendan Mitchell, Qalipu First Nation
