Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones is congratulating the Innu Nation on negotiating a land claims agreement and benefits from the Upper and Lower Churchill projects. Jones is now encouraging government to address and recognize the Metis Nation claims in Labrador.

“The Innu Nation has worked very hard to negotiate a land claims agreement for their people,” said Ms. Jones. “I congratulate them on reaching this deal and recognize the hardship they have encountered over the past several decades. The impacts of the Upper Churchill project are still felt amongst the people and in the communities, and elders still have bad memories about the process used in taking their lands. I am hopeful that this agreement provides some sort of compensation for what was taken in the past, and will be taken in the future through the Lower Churchill development.”

Meanwhile, Jones is also calling on government to recognize the claims of the Metis Nation and establish the necessary provisions to allow for overlapping claims and benefits from the Lower Churchill for that aboriginal group in Labrador.

“This government has been reluctant to enter into any negotiation or discussion with the Metis Nation as it relates to land claims and the Lower Churchill development. The rights of the Metis people must be recognized and addressed in a timely manner and I would encourage provisions be made for overlapping claims before this process begins.

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