The ongoing dispute between the provincial government and the Innu Nation led Question Period in the House of Assembly today.
The Grand Chief of the Innu Nation confronted Premier Tony Wakeham following his remarks to the Mining Review at the Delta Hotel this morning, warning the Premier that Churchill Falls will not go ahead unless he meets with them to discuss their concerns.
The Innu are concerned with government’s contention that the Innu presence in Labrador dates back only 300 years – contrary to their own understanding, and significant in light of future development in the region.
Wakeham met with the Innu Nation for nearly two hours, and committed to more talks to take place in Sheshatshiu.
He says the 300-year claim is not up for discussion.
“I have not spoken about 300 years, nor do I intend to,” he told reporters today.
“What I’m interested in learning is to find out exactly and listen to what the Innu had to say, listen to their concerns, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Premier Wakeham speaks at a mining event at the Delta Hotel (VOCM News)
Opposition Leader John Hogan asked the Premier why it took a confrontation to secure a meeting with the Innu.
“Why has the Premier allowed the relationship with the Innu Nation to deteriorate to this point, and why did they have to protest just to get a meeting?” Hogan asked.
Premier Wakeham says government received a request from the Innu on Monday, indicating that they would be at the mining conference, and requested a meeting.
“We agreed, were delighted to agree to that meeting. We met this morning right after I spoke at the conference and we had a discussion. It gave me an opportunity…to talk about our plan for fast-tracking their land claims agreements.”
Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini (VOCM News)
Innu Grand Chief says ‘Little Closure’ Following Meeting with Premier
Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini reiterated her contention that the Innu cannot be an afterthought.
Ashini told reporters this morning that no projects will move forward if they don’t get the respect they deserve.
She met with the premier today and reiterated that the Innu deserve to be at the table.
“There needs to be respect. We need a place at the table. We are not an afterthought. The Innu are not an afterthought,” she told reporters.
“After you have gone out and made discussions, made the final deal, and then you bring us in. That’s not how a partnership works. We deserve to be at the table. We haven’t been at the table. You see these meetings happening. We don’t get the call to come. It’s got to change.”
