Innu Demands Quick Answer On Village Move
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland (AP) -- Frustrated Innu leaders say they'll
give the federal government just two weeks to commit in writing to move
their tragic village from Davis Inlet and offer long-term help for
drastic social problems.
After that, the Innu will be willing to go to jail to make their
point -- by setting up a squatters' camp on Parliament Hill or
conducting other protests, says Peter Penashue, head of the Innu
Nation.
The Davis Inlet Innu, devastated by poverty, addiction, violence and
sexual abuse, want to move their village to Sango, a pristine mainland
site about 15 kilometres west of their present island home.
It is believed Ottawa will reply to the Innu once leaders have set
out the issues in writing.
His mandate -- handed to him in February after six Innu youths were
found sniffing gas in an apparent suicide attempt -- involved
discussing the multi-million-dollar move with Newfoundland officials as
well.