History, tradition & aboriginal rights : a harvesters' support programme for the Mushuau Innu of Utshimassits

• Main Author: Salsberg, Jonathan S.
• Other Authors: Scott, Colin H. (advisor)
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: McGill University 2001
• Subjects: Naskapi Indians > Newfoundland and Labrador > Labrador > Social conditions; Naskapi Indians > Relocation > Newfoundland and Labrador > Labrador; Forced migration > Newfoundland and Labrador > Labrador; Indians of North America > Newfoundland and Labrador > Labrador > Social conditions; Indians of North America > Relocation > Newfoundland and Labrador > Labrador; Davis Inlet (Labrador) > Social conditions; Davis Inlet; Natuashish; Newfoundland; naskapi
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=32940

The Mushuau Innu of Utshimassits (Davis Inlet), Nitassinan (Labrador), are at present in the midst of several key shifts in their political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental relations. Involuntarily settled at the coast since 1967, the Mushuau Innu have been removed from their traditional way of life through the circumstances of sedentarisation, while concurrently being marginalised with respect to mainstream Canadian and global economies. Currently, they are in the late stages of settling a comprehensive land claim agreement, near completion of a new village settlement in Natuashish at Shango Pond, and involved in Impact Benefit negotiations over the Voisey's Bay mine. This thesis explores the potential for implementing a Harvesters' Support Programme for Innu hunters as a tool within the Mushuau Innu's emerging development contexts. It is concluded, based on considerations of tradition, social organisation, sensitivity to contemporary gender realities, and emerging social and economic realities, that a programme differing from any currently extant could be appropriately implemented.