The Innu Nation is progressing with showcasing a timeline of its history in a provincial exhibition, maintaining its stance on the longstanding dispute with the provincial government regarding the depth of that history.
Grand Chief Jodie Ashini revealed plans to feature the Innu Pakassiun exhibit at the Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River on Sept. 30, coinciding with National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Ashini emphasized the significance of unveiling the exhibit to shed light on the Innu people’s heritage and roots.
The dispute between the Innu Nation and the province intensified following the cancellation of the exhibit in June, centered on differing perspectives on the timeline of Innu history in Labrador. While the Innu Nation asserts a presence on the land for thousands of years, the province’s archaeology office limits their history to 300 years, sparking a prolonged public disagreement.
Premier Tony Wakeham and the provincial government have committed to an independent audit of Innu records held by the archaeology office, despite the Innu Nation’s non-agreement. The Labrador Interpretation Centre, under provincial ownership and managed by The Rooms, will extend its operations until Oct. 18 to accommodate the exhibit.
In a subsequent interview, Ashini reiterated the unchanged dynamics between the Innu Nation and the province, emphasizing that no permissions were sought from the government or The Rooms to proceed with the exhibit. Ashini stressed the importance of the exhibit for Innu youth to connect with their cultural heritage.
While Ashini had hoped to inaugurate the exhibit alongside Premier Wakeham after receiving a public apology, she expressed doubts that it would materialize. Wakeham acknowledged dialogue with Ashini on the exhibit and expressed readiness for further discussions with the Innu Nation to address their concerns.
When questioned about the timeline of Innu presence in Labrador, Premier Wakeham deferred to his previous stance of not being an archaeologist or historian, reiterating his willingness to engage with the Innu to address their grievances. He confirmed ongoing efforts to initiate the audit process as part of the resolution process.
