Latest news with #Innu
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Innu open detox centre in Labrador
Surrounded by frame tents and new buildings on the land outside of Sheshatshiu, Gabriel Rich says he feels peace — one he would like to share with others. 'It's the best feeling ever,' the 41-year-old from Sheshatshiu says of being at the new Kuishpitshu site. 'And I think it's going to go great. I think we need to do our part in this place, and our communities need to do their part, encouraging people to get help.' Kuishpitshu is Innu-aimun for 'a return to the land' or 'a return to one's self.' It's the name of a new pre-treatment and aftercare program launched by the Mary May Healing Center to offer Innu a local, land-based option for detoxification with professional support. The Kuishpitshu Pre-treatment and Aftercare Program is officially welcoming clients as of July 18 to help Innu seeking support in detoxing from drugs in a culturally-appropriate environment. The program will immerse Innu in their culture, traditions and language, explains Rich, who is the the project team lead for the program. Growing up, he spent several months each year in nutshimit and understands the healing powers of the land. 'When I was just a teenager, one elder said we need to go back before it's really too late,' he recalls. 'It's very, very important to go back to our roots to combat addictions. I think sometimes we need to find that Innu person again, within the Innu.' Women and men who enter the program will stay in separate tents and have different buildings for day sessions. Rich says the days will feature a mix of traditional skills, life skills, individual therapy sessions, and group therapy. Innu have been calling for a detox centre in Labrador for a long time since detoxing without local, culturally-appropriate support has failed many trying to end addictions. Rich has been sober for seven years. He experienced the challenges firsthand. Detoxing alone and without proper support can lead to depression, relapses, and even suicide, he says. But with support, detoxification can change people's lives. 'You'll never have to be alone again,' he says. 'This is a place where you can ask for help.' Rich is continuing to rebuild his life, and it's the experience of having a loving wife who listens to and accepts him that led him to realize how vital love and acceptance are to the healing process. George Pastitshi, Rich's friend and cousin, is also involved in the program. He's hopeful it will help fathers like him become more present in their children's lives. Pastitshi says he's in recovery and is trying to become the parent his daughter needs. 'The land is the best therapy in the world,' he says. 'To connect, and knowing that our ancestors used to walk through these trails, and still seeing these trails.' The program was launched just four months after Innu parents and grandparents in Sheshatshiu called for action on the drug crisis gripping their community. Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation (SIFN) erected blockades at entrances to the reserve, brought a curfew into effect, and escorted drug dealers out of the community. Adults and youth have been calling for further action by SIFN and the RCMP to end drug use and trafficking. Rich estimates that in the past three years, more than two dozen Innu in Labrador have died drug-related deaths. In June, the RCMP told The Independent that the police force is not seeing a large number of overdoses and its information shows only a low number of incidents at this time. Rich says the loss of friends and family members was a wake-up call for the entire community. 'There's a lot of grief, and people are still stuck on that grief,' he says. 'And this is the place that we want to show you—that there are ways we can move forward from these things in a healthier way, instead of using alcohol and drugs drowning your pain.' During a series of community meetings last winter and spring, Innu called for a land-based detox centre for when people are ready to begin treatment but need to wean off the substances that they are using and be supported while on the wait list for a treatment program. There are often long waitlists for admission to detox centres in Newfoundland or in other provinces, and no local options, Rich explains. There are currently two treatment centres in the area, with the Charles J. Andrew Treatment Centre and Apanam's Camp operated by the Mary May Healing Centre. Following the calls for a detox centre, last winter Rich, his wife and other volunteers began clearing land on what they call the '3 Mile site' about five kilometres outside Sheshatshiu. The area was once used for sweat lodge ceremonies and traditional Innu practices. It's important to have the program established and waiting, as you can't help a person overcome addiction until they are ready, Pastitshi says. 'Even the most important person we love in the world, in our hearts—still that person won't make us change because we're not ready,' he says. 'It starts with you.' When a person is in the two-week-long pre-treatment program, they will have the option to apply to the Mary May Healing Centre's 90-day Apanam Camp, or apply to another treatment program outside Labrador. After a person completes a treatment program, they can attend the after-care program for assistance transitioning back into their daily life, while also learning more traditional skills they can practice into the future. Having pre-treatment, then after care, creates 'one powerful cycle in our community, and we're taking a lead on it. And this will be the first one in Labrador,' Rich says. Innu can apply to the program through the Mary May Healing Centre, and their time in the program can last up to four weeks, depending on individual needs. 'I want my kids to do better than me,' Rich says. 'My dream is to have a healthy community across Labrador, wherever. I want that person to walk around with peace, and then they have a set of skills they have learned through here, and they'll never forget.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBC
17-07-2025
- CBC
Step inside the first hearing circle of the Innu Inquiry into the child protection system
The first hearing circle of the public inquiry into Innu in the child protection system began last week in Natuashish. The first investigation focuses on James Poker, who froze to death when he was just 17 years old. The CBC's Heather Gillis brings us inside the hearing.
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Sheshatshiu youth walking to Gull Island to join Innu land defenders
Two Innu youth have begun a 125-kilometre walk from Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation to Gull Island in Labrador. Angel Jourdain McKay and Percey Montague are walking to highlight historical Innu connections to the region and advocate for the rejection of a proposed agreement between Innu leadership and Hydro-Quebec. The two began their walk from Sheshatshiu Monday and will be joined by supporters at different times throughout the walk. 'I believe that this is very important, as it draws roots to our culture. Someone I know personally was born in Gull Island,' Montague said Monday after starting the walk. 'I believe that this walk is a way for me to connect to my ancestors, who would have been trekking into and out of Sheshatshiu.' The pair was inspired to coordinate the walk after spending hours researching a proposed deal between Innu Nation and Hydro-Quebec. On June 20, Innu Nation—which advocates for the rights of Innu in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish—and Hydro-Québec announced what they are calling a 'Reconciliation and Collaboration Agreement'. In a media release, Innu Nation said the parties signed an agreement-in-principle to settle past grievances and ongoing litigation by Innu Nation surrounding the construction, operation and maintenance of the Churchill Falls Hydroelectric Complex — and to set out new principles for future developments. 'Innu negotiators were able to reach a fair agreement to address the damage this project has done to our culture, our way of life and our lands and we will be pleased to bring this to our members,' Innu Nation Grand Chief Simon Pokue said in the release. Under the agreement, Hydro-Québec would contribute $87 million over 16 years to Innu Nation, and provide the Innu with three per cent of the dividends that Hydro-Québec receives from Churchill Falls Corporation into the future. 'The agreement in principle also sets out terms for Hydro-Québec's collaboration with Innu Nation in the development of future facilities in the region, such as the Gull Island Power Generating Station,' the Innu Nation media release states. The agreement will be presented to the Innu of Labrador for ratification this fall. But before the potential ratification, Hydro-Québec spent millions of dollars to start geotechnical and environmental studies at Gull Island, a culturally important site Innu use throughout the year, including each fall when members of Innu communities in Quebec and Labrador unite for a gathering. Hydro-Québec halted work at Gull Island last week after a group of land defenders blockaded a road into the site. In a statement to The Independent, Hydro-Québec said it is closely monitoring this situation with openness and a full commitment to better understanding the concerns of the demonstrators and suspended the planned geotechnical work out of respect for the concerns raised. The power utility said it will continue dialogue with community representatives to understand their concerns and discuss next steps in a spirit of mutual respect. Innu Nation did not respond to an interview request from The Independent. After the deal was publicly announced, Jourdain McKay and Montague began sharing their thoughts on the matter via social media and their community radio station; they encouraged others to do the same. Montague said money is not as important as Innu culture, traditions and lands. 'I personally believe that the deal is not beneficial to the Innu people; I believe that our land should be more important than making money right now,' Montague said. 'I do believe that money could help both Innu communities, but I also believe that our culture is much more important. I'm worried that we'll keep losing our values and trading them for money.' Montague said the potential reservoir could destroy Innu hunting and gathering lands, and the history the land holds. As well, the deal only lasts for 16 years and will have long expired when Montague's own children have grown up, he said. 'A future where our governments don't sell our land for money is certainly a better future,' he added. Montague and Jourdain McKay will join the land defenders already at Gull Island. They represent a growing number of Innu speaking out against the proposed agreement. Jerome Jack of Sheshatshiu calls the proposed deal a 'slap in the face for the Innu people of Labrador.' He attended the Innu Nation Annual General Meeting in Natuashish on July 1, and the parallel event in Sheshatshiu on July 3. At both meetings, leadership discussed the proposed agreement with rights holders. Jack said two months isn't long enough to have consultations and study the proposed agreement. 'It's a really, really low ball—the deal that [Hydro-Québec] is trying to present to the Innu people. And what is more concerning to me is they're only giving Innu people two months to consider this deal, which is a very, very short amount of time.' Jack says the deal is being pushed through because members of Innu Nation's negotiating team are involved in businesses that wish to bid on the work that would happen at Gull Island — so the project would benefit some Innu far more than others. The Independent asked Innu Nation specifically about this allegation but did not receive a response. Jack said the meeting in Sheshatshiu ended when Innu Nation leadership and negotiators 'got up and walked out' prior to the traditional closing prayer at the end of government meetings. Jack said that disrespect is why he refuses to let them display the photograph of his late father Bart Jack at the Innu Nation office, and why he will be requesting to remove his grandparents' photographs as well. 'The way these individuals are behaving is like they have no moral respect for the people they're representing,' Jack said. 'They want us to make them look like they're knights in shiny armor, but they treat us like dirt. How can we have them represent us when they treat us like dirt?' Jack is calling for an immediate election for Innu Nation leadership prior to Innu voting on the agreement. At the AGM in Sheshatshiu earlier this month, Jack said a motion to call an election was put on the floor three times, and each time was ignored by leadership. Innu Nation has not responded to the allegation. 'All these negotiators—elected members—are going to be collecting money, raking in the money for themselves, and don't even care for the people that they represent,' Jack said. He hopes the Gull Island project waits a few more years so it can be done in the right way, and that Hydro-Quebec officials will visit Labrador to hold direct consultations with Innu community members. Chenille Rich, a 22-year-old mother from Natuashish, also hopes a vote on the proposed deal will be pushed back to allow Innu time to consider the terms and fully discuss the future with Elders. 'This deal, it happened all of a sudden. It was like a big smack in the face for every Innu, every Elder. They don't even talk to the Elders either,' she said. 'I don't get why they just want a quick paycheck and just destroy the land.' Ancestral burial sites were with the creation of the Upper Churchill Falls project in the 1960s, and Rich is worried a potential reservoir at Gull Island would flood more burial and other traditional sites. Rich grew up going out on the land with her grandmother and fears this would limit Innu children learning on the land in the future. She wants to see open communication about the proposed development, the inclusion of more Innu community representatives—including youth—and for agreements to take the form of ongoing treaties instead of strictly financial agreements. Rich said Innu Nation leaders were elected to do better for both communities, but 'this is not better.' She said it's more important to think about the land than the money. 'It makes you feel mad for the Elders, for the future children,' she said. Innu Nation did not grant The Independent an interview on Montague, Jourdain McKay, Jack and Rich's concerns. Montague said it has been disappointing to see Innu Nation not respond to media requests, and that he and Jourdain McKay's group of youth have also been trying to get a response from Innu Nation leadership without success. 'I believe that they should be more mature about the situation and actually try to respond to us,' Montague said. 'It's very telling of the type of leadership that we have. It's really disappointing as a young person to have to experience this. It feels like we're being ignored. It feels like we don't matter.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
500 issues in 44 years, a testament to a tiny magazine's resilience, literary excellence
In a heartwarming celebration, a small yet stalwart Malayalam magazine from Malappuram marked a remarkable milestone — its 500th issue — by hosting a gathering of writers and readers on Saturday (July 12, 2025) afternoon. With a rich history spanning 44 years, this tiny inland magazine named Innu has carved a niche for itself. The celebration on Saturday afternoon was a testament to its enduring legacy. The afternoon was filled with emotion as dozens of readers and writers came together to celebrate the monthly publication's unique capsule format, which had earned it a place in the Limca Book of Records in 2017 as the country's longest running little magazine. Inaugurating the celebrations, poet Alankode Leelakrishnan asserted that Innu magazine served as a powerful catalyst, imbuing readers with the resilience, passion, and motivation to triumph over adversity and forge ahead. Releasing the 500th issue of the magazine along with poet P.K. Gopi, Mr. Leelakrishnan praised his fellow poet and the magazine's founder-editor Manambur Rajanbabu for his remarkable tenacity in publishing the magazine uninterrupted for 44 years. Mr. Gopi and Mr. Leelakrishnan launched the 500th issue by giving a copy to Jahan Joby and Nived Nitant. They felicitated Mr. Rajanbabu on the occasion. Mr. Leelakrishnan also marked the occasion by taking out a lifetime subscription to the magazine. Since December 1981, thousands of Malayalis across the country have been receiving the magazine every month, almost free of cost. Nearly every prominent Malayalam writer of the past four decades has contributed to it, making the publication a true reflection of the Malayalam literary firmament in a compact format. 'Every writer who made a name in Malayalam began by contributing to the Innu magazine,' said Mr. Leelakrishnan. The magazine passed several milestones in the past. Four years ago, its 40th anniversary issue titled 'Innu Ormakkudanna' had capsule articles and poems by 1,062 writers. 'With 1,062 articles and poems by as many writers, I firmly believe no other magazine, big or small, has matched this feat. It is a badge of honour for the Malayalam language,' Mr. Rajanbabu had told The Hindu in 2021. The magazine boasts an impressive collection of accolades, including the Limca Book of Records Award in 2017 and the Malayalam Book Development Council Award for printing and designing in 1988. Its special issues, such as Kavitha Pathippu, Pirannal Pathippu, Onakkazhcha, Kathakkudanna, and Kavithakkudanna, are highly sought after by collectors. The Saturday celebration of the 500th issue featured an exhibition showcasing 11 special issues of the magazine and 10 books published by it. The event featured writer K. Shyama reciting a poem by O.N.V. Kurup and writer-psychiatrist T.M. Raghuram playing three popular Malayalam songs on the flute. Mr. Rajanbabu credited Malappuram for the magazine's success, saying that Innu would not have reached this milestone if it were based anywhere else in the State.
Hamilton Spectator
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Hydro-Québec suspends work at planned hydro plant in Labrador amid blockades
ST. JOHN'S - Protesters have blockaded a Hydro-Québec work site at a proposed hydroelectric project in traditional Innu territory in Labrador, prompting the utility to suspend its operations in the area. Jerome Jack was among the demonstrators gathered at the site at Gull Island on Thursday afternoon. Innu people in Labrador, he said, were not properly consulted by the Innu Nation nor Hydro-Québec about the proposed power plant. He also said Hydro-Québec is offering the Innu too little to make amends for past harms. 'They're surveying trees, monitoring the river, taking samples and everything, and we didn't even give a go-ahead about it yet,' Jack said in an interview Thursday about the preliminary work going on at the site. '(Hydro-Québec) should come to the Innu communities in Labrador and discuss this, man to man, and say, 'people, how can we help you? How can we fix this problem?'' Hydro-Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent said the utility is monitoring the situation with a commitment to understanding the demonstrators' concerns. 'We recognize the cultural, historical, and spiritual importance of the Gull Island territory for Innu communities,' St-Laurent said in an email. 'We respect the right of community members to express their concerns.' Meanwhile, the Innu Nation says there have been public meetings with communities and elders, and there are more to come. 'Innu Nation wants to assure the Innu public that there will be no final agreement without a ratification vote, their consent is required,' said an emailed statement emailed from Grand Chief Simon Pokue. 'Innu Nation also welcomes all Innu members to attend the sessions and ask questions.' Hydro-Québec said earlier this week it was set to begin geotechnical and environmental studies in the area, in preparation for future construction work. The utility announced a tentative agreement last year with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro that includes plans to build a hydroelectric generating station at Gull Island, along the Churchill River in Labrador. The power companies are still hammering out binding deals, and Hydro-Québec said in a news release that the studies are 'necessary for the signing of the final agreement.' The Churchill River cuts through the traditional Innu region of Nitassinan, which includes parts of eastern Quebec and much of southern Labrador. Innu from Quebec and Labrador gather each year in September in the Gull Island area, Jack said. They set up hundreds of tents and live there together for about a week. 'There's games, there's eating, there's contests,' he said. 'We connect, we bond together and we stay strong.' Hydro-Québec said last month it had signed an agreement in principle to end a lawsuit launched in 2020 by the Innu Nation in Labrador seeking compensation from the utility for its involvement in building and operating the Churchill Falls hydroelectric station on the Churchill River. The Churchill Falls power plant is jointly owned and operated by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec. As part of the draft agreement, Hydro-Québec said it would make annual payments over 16 years totalling $87 million to a reconciliation fund for the Innu in Labrador, according to a press release. The instalments work out to about $5.4 million a year, split between the two Innu communities in Sheshatshiu, in central Labrador, and Natuashish, along Labrador's northeast coast. The reconciliation deal also lays out the terms of Hydro-Québec's collaboration with Innu Nation on future developments, including the proposed power station at Gull Island. Jack said the money is not enough to cover such things as health expenses for his people. 'It wouldn't cover anything in the community,' he said. And he accused the Innu Nation of trying to rush the tentative deal through to a final agreement without properly consulting people in the communities. Hydro-Québec did not say Thursday when work at Gull Island might resume. 'We will continue the dialogue initiated with community representatives to better understand their concerns and to discuss next steps in a spirit of mutual respect,' St-Laurent said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
