Last Updated: Friday, September 26, 2008 | 12:37 PM NT
CBC News
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams announced an agreement Friday with Labrador’s Innu over a proposed hydroelectric megaproject, and compensation for another.
Flanked by Innu Nation leaders, Williams told reporters that the deal will include both an ownership stake in the proposed Lower Churchill hydroelectric project and redress for what the Innu suffered when the existing Upper Churchill project was built in the 1960s.
Williams described the announcement “as an incredibly historic day for both the Innu people of Labrador and the people of this province as a whole.”
The deal, which includes full and partial ownership of large tracts of land, undoubtedly will help the Innu Nation’s ongoing land claims negotiations with the federal government. Williams said the deal also helps his government in moving the Lower Churchill proposal closer to reality.
“Most importantly, in particular for the elders of the Innu Nation, this agreement deals with redress for the Upper Churchill hydroelectric development,” said Williams, adding the agreement settles “the long, outstanding grievance of the Innu Nation with respect to damages suffered to Innu lands and properties as a result of the flooding caused by the Upper Churchill development of the late 1960s.”
Grand chief applauds deal
Mark Nui, grand chief of the Innu Nation, applauded the deal, which will require ratification by Innu Nation members before it takes effect.
“This agreement signals the beginning of a new era of co-operation and understanding between our governments…
READ MORE HERE: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/09/26/innu-hydro.html