We must react to such racist assumptions. There must not be a discriminatory position. We have a language, a common history, relationships with other Nations (Indigenous Treaties), definite territory. We have to oppose Quebec separatists who demand self-determination but not for the First Nations Peoples. The right to self-determination is the right to decide your own political future. There are rules that stem from international law that must be respected.
The Parti Quebecois released its National Commission Report on April 19, 1995. The First Nations did not participate in these Public Hearings. Parizeau says he wants political association with Canada. What about this right for First Nation People? The PQ cannot even have a decent relationship with their own neighbours. Quebec wants to secede and take lands that do not belong to them. Preexisting territorial rights have been recognized by Canadian courts. I believe that we have never given our territorial rights to Quebec nor Canada. Quebec cannot claim territorial integrity. They are trying to make the public believe this. They claim extinguishment of Native peoples but these are but "legal fantasies" not consistent with international law and norms. For indigenous peoples, Parliamentary supremacy is "we're going to make a law and you must obey it".
This will not be the case. First Nations in Quebec will oppose any unilateral declaration of independence imposed on us. Innu have had discussions with Mohawk and Cree leaders. We are looking at peaceful ways to prevent Quebec occupation of our lands and QuebecUs passing of unilateral laws. We will have an operational strategy. We are calling upon you to react to this propaganda in Quebec versus indigenous peoples in Quebec and oppose the double standard rule.
For Quebec Innu, there are two fundamental issues:low level military flight training and hydro projects. There is a link here with Quebec separation being the law enforcement agencies. The separatists are ready to send the army. Recall that the Bloc Quebecois called for using the army versus the Mohawks. In the past, there have been fundamental violations of our human rights. People have been put in jail - mothers, elders and leaders. This is what we experience. Regarding the low level military flight training, Innu have often occupied the runways at the Canadian Forces Base at Goose Bay, Labrador. We were jailed for having the courage to exercise our constitutional rights. The Canadian government has allowed foreign air forces use of Indian territories for military purposes. Now, Canada wants to renew its obligations to NATO. The Department of National Defence (DND) plans to sign new agreements with Belgium, Italy and France and extend the current agreement with Britain, Germany and the Netherlands for another ten years. They want an increase in Innu lands used, an increase in the number of flights from 7000 to 15,000 a year, and an increase in the military presence.
All should be concerned about rights and liberties. Elizabeth Penashue, who has led the resistance on the runways, is not a criminal. They are occupying our land that we cherish a lot. Resources that stem from our territory have permitted our people to survive. We have met DND, the Environment Ministry and Native Affairs. They say they are concerned about their relations with NATO and not at all about Innu rights. We consider this position as a message that Innu are enemies to them.
Regarding hydro dams and particularly Hydro Quebec, our struggle has not been well publicized because of the attention given the Great Whale dam project. Quebec Hydro developed the 800 megawatt dam at Maliotenam. For lack of support to our calls, people have been put in jail again for protesting peacefully. The only thing they did was disrupt the economic benefits of these dams. Support for the dam came from the courts, union leaders, MNAUs, people of that region, and even one of our Indian Chiefs under the Indian Act. We will need the support of our indigenous brothers and sisters and other people concerned about our rights.
I thank you on behalf of the Innu Chiefs, leaders and Innu community. Innu means "human being".
Return to The People's Paths
Return to The People's Home Page