"Tension Remains in Davis Inlet"
Utshimassit (Davis Inlet) - Tension and unease remains in the Innu
community of Utshimassit due to the continued presence of RCMP officers on
alert in Goose Bay. Yesterday, the Innu tabled a formal proposal for the
resumption of negotiations with the Newfoundland government. Justice
Minister Ed Roberts has acknowledged the Innu proposal, but indicated that
while it is under consideration, the RCMP would remain on standby.
Last night, Canada's Minister of Indian Affairs Ron Irwin called Innu
Nation President Peter Penashue and Utshimassit Chief Simeon Tshakapesh.
Irwin stated that he would intervene personally in the crisis, and that
"Canada would take its fiduciary responsibility seriously."
"We feel that Irwin's intervention is a positive development. He indicated
that he would speak to Roberts personally on the issue, and that if the
situation took a turn for the worse, he was only a phone call away.", said
Penashue. "We take some comfort in Ottawa's involvement, but we are still
unsure about which way Roberts will choose to go. Until we hear that the
RCMP have left Goose Bay, our community remains under siege."
Today, the Innu Nation announced that it has invited observers from Peace
Brigades International to the community. The observers will remain in the
community until the threat of an RCMP invasion has been lifted. "We hope
that the presence of Peace Brigades volunteers will provide some protection
to the community. They will be here to report any human rights violations
or threats to our people that occur if the RCMP move in", said Chief
Tshakapesh. "Through Peace Brigades, we will be able to bring international
attention to our situation."
"We feel that the ball is now in Roberts court. We are trying to resolve
the situation through constructive proposals for negotiations. But it is
difficult to deal with someone who remains ready to invade our community.",
concluded Tshakapesh.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Chief Simeon Tshakapesh
(709) 478-8827/8902/8867
President Peter Penashue
(709) 478-8943/8919