Move closer for Davis Inlet

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The relocation of the Davis Inlet Innu moved a step closer to realization April 27, when Innu leaders accepted a federal statement of political commitments and funding contributions totalling $4.3 million.

The 14-pooint statement was accepted by Mushuau Innu Council Chief Simeon Tshakapesh, Sheshatshiu Innu Council Chief Gregory Andrew and Innu Nation president Peter Penashue.

The Minister of Indian Affairs, Health, Justice, and the Solicitor General all signed the agreement. It outlines the responsibilities of the federal government to the Mushuau Innu and its support of relocating the community.

The contribution agreements will provide funding for emergency services, the development of a community plan, technical studies to assess the relocation site of Little Sango Pond and outpost activities.

Penashue said the Innu accepted the federal document despite some concerns. He said it's a message to the federal government to begin to try and implement the relocation process. Any concerns the Innu have can be dealt with in negotiations.

We would have preferred strong wording in the document, Penashue said. As it stands, there is no legal document that binds the federal government to relocating the Innu to Little Sango Pond. By accepting the statement the Innu have effectively given the nod for more feasibility studies on the relocation site, he added.

Still, relocation is a long way off, said Tshakapesh, who believes it will be the year 2000 before the move is made. He said people in the community want to take time to avoid the mistakes that we made the last time the community was moved.