Hydro Quebec says they have suspended a planned geotechnical analysis at Gull Island following a protest at the site.
Earlier this week, Hydro Quebec announced $15-million in preliminary work at the Gull Island site ahead of the Churchill Falls agreement being formally signed.
Last night, a group of people from the Innu community gathered at the site with signs and what appears to be an old, beat up vehicle blocking access.
In a statement to VOCM News, the company says they recognize the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of Gull Island to Innu Communities, and are fully committed to better understanding the concerns of the demonstrators.
They say they will continue speaking with community representatives to better understand the concerns and determine next steps.
(Submitted)
One of the issues at the heart of the protest appears to be an agreement in principle signed last month between the Innu Nation and Hydro Quebec to settle issues, including a legal challenge, related to Churchill Falls. The deal includes the power utility paying $87-million to the Innu of Labrador through a Reconciliation fund over the course of 16 years.
Protestor Jerome Jack points to a myriad of issues relating to the Innu Nation and its leadership, believing they have not been transparent throughout the process.
Jack says a ratification vote will be held in October on the agreement, and people are being encouraged to vote yes.
He says protestors will be remaining on site and fighting the situation as much as they can. Jack says he applauds the protestors, agrees with them, and stands with them.
Ultimately, Jack says money is not what is most important in the deal – land preservation is the main issue.
He believes leadership at the Innu Nation is trying to decide what the future should look like for young people, but says those youth are pushing back and saying no.
VOCM News has reached out to the Innu Nation for comment.
