Months after a sudden cancellation and a disagreement with Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham’s administration, the Innu Pakassiun exhibit finally opened to the public. Approximately 250 individuals attended the exhibit’s unveiling at the Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River on Wednesday, a stark contrast to its cancellation by Innu Nation leadership in June.
In a pre-opening interview with CBC News, Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini described the journey to the exhibit’s opening as arduous yet fulfilling. Emphasizing the significance of the day, which coincided with Canada’s fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Ashini highlighted the importance of showcasing Indigenous resilience and heritage spanning over 9,000 years.
The dispute between the Innu Nation and the provincial government revolves around differing historical timelines. While the Innu Nation asserts thousands of years of existence on the land, the province’s archaeology office traces their history back only 300 years. This disagreement led to a public spat, culminating in Ashini walking out of a meeting with Premier Wakeham in September.
Despite commitments from Wakeham and the government for an independent audit of Innu records, tensions persist. Ashini, now serving as the newly elected grand chief, remains resolute in preserving Innu heritage and challenging the government’s imposed historical narrative.
The exhibit opening drew emotional responses from attendees, with Florence Milley expressing pride and nostalgia at seeing familiar artifacts on display. Milley underscored the cultural significance of the exhibit, stressing the importance of preserving Innu traditions and history for future generations.
Ashini described the exhibit as a labor of love aimed at showcasing Innu culture and history, including traditional tools and crafts. She highlighted a baby coat made from black bear fur as a poignant symbol of resourcefulness and resilience within Innu communities.
While the provincial government expressed eagerness to engage with Innu leadership, Ashini noted a lack of communication from Wakeham, reflecting ongoing tensions. The exhibit is set to run at the Labrador Interpretation Centre until October 18, with plans to potentially travel to other locations in the future.
