"Innu Nation President Calls for Canadian Support"
Utshimassit (Davis Inlet) - Innu gathered in Utshimassit this weekend to
resist attempts by Newfoundland Justice Minister Ed Roberts to force the
return of the Provincial Court and RCMP. Over 60 people, mostly families
with children, from the community of Sheshatshiu traveled by float plane to
the island community of Utshimassit after the Provincial Government and
RCMP closed the airstrip and imposed a 5 mile restriction on incoming
aircraft.
Roberts announced today that he was "delaying" tomorrow's anticipated
invasion by RCMP and military forces. "I believe that he didn't have the
support he thought he did", said Innu Nation President Peter Penashue. "I
think that people recognize that the Innu are fundamentally right in trying
to take responsibility for justice and healing in their own communities. We
have rights, including the right to self-determination, that need to be
respected, even by the Government of Newfoundland. I think that the
Canadian government recognizes these rights, and perhaps they put some
pressure on Roberts to back down."
At a community meeting held shortly after Roberts' announcement, Penashue
called for "Canadians to stand behind the Innu. Our communities are
struggling for justice, and our people are beginning to heal themselves.
This weekend, our communities took a stand against oppression by force. I
think that we succeeded. But we still face an uphill battle, and we need
the support of other communities in order to succeed."
Penashue joined Utshimassit Chief Simeon Tshakapesh in calling for Roberts'
resignation. "It is clear to me that he has badly abused his position as
Minister of Justice. His refusal to meet with us precipitated this whole
situation. I'm certain that when the costs are added up, the crisis that he
has created will have cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars=F3mone=
y
that could have gone towards implementing a meaningful system of Innu
justice in our communities."
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Innu Nation President Peter Penashue
(709) 478-8827/8902
Larry Innes internet: es051322@orion.yorku.ca
Environmental Advisor
Innu Nation phone: (709) 497-8398
PO Box 119 fax: (709) 497-8396
Sheshatshiu, Nitassinan
via Canada A0P 1M0