An important step towards the unity of the Innu Nation

UASHAT MAK MANI-UTENAM, QC, Dec. 18, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Chiefs of the nine communities of the Innu Nation signed a declaration on the strengthened unity of the Innu Nation, December 16, at a political meeting held in Uashat mak Mani-Utenam.

All the Chiefs agree on the objective of working together to develop an Innu governance, to achieve recognition of the nation and the autonomy of its members. This work will be guided by a shared desire for the development and protection of Innu aboriginal title and rights. Four principles will govern the work of the Chiefs:

• Respect for the diversity of the communities that are member of the Innu Nation;
• Respect for the ancestral land of each community and the sharing of the land, related to the ongoing use by the families;
• Respect for the process undertaken by each community;
• Respect for the will of the population in each community
  
  

The Chiefs also pledged to hold a summit of the Innu Nation in spring 2014, where all the Innu communities will be invited. A working committee consisting of resources of each community will be set up quickly to see to the organization of the summit and identify common issues to be discussed

The text of the Declaration on the Strengthened Unity of the Innu Nation can be consulted at the following web address: http://files.newswire.ca/1287/Declaration.pdf

About the Innu Nation
The Innu Nation is formed of the communities of Pakua Shipi, Unamen Shipu, Nutashkuan, Ekuanitshit, Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Matimekush-Lac John, Pessamit, Essipit and Mashteuiatsh. It represents nearly 20,000 Innus. The territory of the Innu Nation (Nitassinan) covers a large part of the provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland-Labrador.

PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2013/12/18/20131218_C5495_DOC_EN_35114.pdf

SOURCE: Political Coalition to Protect the Gulf of St. Lawrence - Innu, Maliseet and Mi'gmaq

Serge Ashini Goupil
Phone : [phone]
E-mail : [email protected]