The Nunatsiavut Government is offended and disappointed that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to include the NunatuKavut Community Council in the consultation process for the pre-feasibility study on establishing a road link connecting Labrador’s north coast with the Trans-Labrador Highway.
“The NCC is not a collective entitled to Indigenous rights and, therefore, should not have any say whatsoever when it comes to developments within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area,” says Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe. “We are insulted that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to dismiss our concerns by insisting an outside settler group, claiming to be Indigenous, be consulted on matters that have nothing at all to do with them.”
A media release issued by the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure on Thursday notes that “Indigenous land use, harvesting, and cultural and ecological values will be considered in all aspects” of the pre-feasibility study. Allnorth Consultants Limited, a partner with NCC’s economic development arm, Nunacor, has been contracted to complete the pre-feasibility study.
“While we are pleased to finally see this work begin, we are upset that NCC and Nunacor will be involved,” says President Lampe. “This is wrong, immoral and a step back for reconciliation on the part of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Media Contact:
Bert Pomeroy, Director of Communications, (709) 896-8582