Four respected Innu leaders were remembered and recognized in a special ceremony in Labrador this morning.
Four bridges spanning the Trans-Labrador Highway were named in memory of four well-known members of the Innu Nation.
The bridges have been named after Penote Michel, Tanien Ashini, Kanikuen Penashue and Munik Pone.
Innu Nation Grand Chief Gregory Rich calls it an important day for the Innu, the province and all of Canada.
Each of the Innu recognized this morning played important leadership roles, making a lasting impact on the lives of their people.
The Kanukuen Penashue Memorial Bridge – The late Kanikuen Penashue was president of the Naskapi Montagnais Innu Association for 10 years before the change of name to the Innu Nation. Kanikuen was the first president of the Innu Nation. Much of the first 17 years of his life was spent with his family in the Mealy Mountains area, and he used the Tshenuamius-shipu (Kenamu River) to travel between the region and the Hudson’s Bay Company trading post at Sheshatshiu/North West River.
The Tanien Ashini Memorial Bridge – The late Tenien Ashini was a former president of the Innu Nation and a land claims negotiator, credited as a tireless defender of Indigenous issues. The bridge crossing at Manatueu-shipiss (Traverspine River) borders the Labrador Innu Settlement Area under the terms of the Tshash Petapen (New Dawn) Agreement.
The Penote Michel Memorial Bridge – The late Penote Michel was a former Innu Nation president who did much to advance issues and educate the public about Indigenous affairs throughout Labrador, the province, nationally and internationally. The bridge crossing at Manatueu-shipiss (Traverspine tributary) borders the Labrador Innu Settlement area under the terms of the Tshash Petapen (New Dawn) Agreement.
The Munik Pone Memorial Bridge – Munik Pone was a prominent figure for the Innu women of Labrador and Quebec, and is credited as a social advocate and encouraging voice to many. Her ashes were placed in the Uapushkakamau-shipu (Pinus River) at the bridge crossing, and a memorial was erected in her memory.
