Davis Inlet negotiations suspended

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Tripartite land claim negotiations for Davis Inlet have been suspended until the Innu allow the provincial court to operate in their community again.

This was the edict of Newfoundland Minister of Justice Edward Roberts when the military and RCMP-backed attempt to restore the court by force failed earlier this month.

Land claim, relocation and healing program negotiations between the federal and provincial governments and the Innu would not continue as a result of the Innu's insistence that the court not operate in Davis Inlet, said Roberts. The federal government has agreed to the freeze on talks.

But Roberts has also written the Innu of Davis Inlet, asking to talk to them about the administration of justice. He suggested an interim police force be put in place and said he's willing to discuss the use of special constables or any other suggestions the Innu may have. The community blockaded the lone airstrip into Davis Inlet Sept. 6 when the provincial government threatened to fly in court officials despite Innu protests. Court has not operated in the community since December when former chief Katie Rich questioned the quality of the justice that was being dispensed and ousted the judge.

Meanwhile, Davis Inlet residents are preparing for another winter in the remote Northern community, said current chief Simeon Tshakapesh. Houses are being repaired and five new houses have been built to shelter Elders over the coming year, he said.

He's worried about what the government will do next to force the Innu hand. They have shut off the phones and electricity, Tshakapesh said.

He's disappointed in Newfoundland's response, but not surprised. He suspects the province had little heart for the negotiations in the first place.

There has been nothing done on the land claim, and the provincial government is opposed to the relocation of the Innu to Sango Bay, said Tshakapesh.

Promises for better housing, water and sewage lines have been made and broken, Tshakapesh lamented.

"Nothing has changed."