"I contact you today as a representative of the Innu People who
have inhabited Nitassinan (Quebec-Labrador Peninsula) for thousands
of years. As you read this, one of our reserves, Maliotenam, is
under siege by the Quebec Provincial Police. The Quebec government
has called for the "elimination" of our Traditional Leadership.
They have placed an injunction upon my people stating that we
cannot leave our land or speak to anyone about our plight.
....
....We held two referendums this year. Eighty percent of our people
rejected Hydro-Quebec's offer. It appears they are prepared to take
what they cannot buy.
I call for your help. My Chief has been shot at. I have been
beaten. Goon squads supported by the Canadian Indian Affairs
government roam our reserve threatening our people.
We call on all good people of conscience to help us., join in the
non-violent resistance to this siege. ....
Let all Native Peoples and Friends of Native Peoples stand together
on this, the 500th year of the invasion of Turtle Island. Together
some good may come of this. Alone, we are all in danger.
M. Tom Dostou
(Nabess Pissum)