Progress on the implementation of the Labrador Innu Comprehensive Healing Strategy

In June 2001 the Government of Canada, represented by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Health Canada and the Solicitor General, initiated the Labrador Innu Comprehensive Healing Strategy, often referred to as the Healing Strategy. The Labrador Innu Comprehensive Healing Strategy is a joint holistic approach that moves beyond dealing with symptoms to addressing root causes. Seeking to develop new ways of looking at health services, social programs, governance, education and policing, the primary goals of the strategy are to restore health and hope, create strong communities and focus on building a future for the Innu communities.

Progress to date on the implementation of the Healing Strategy includes:

• The construction of a new community in Natuashish and the relocation of the Mushuau Innu to this new community.
• Band creation for both the Mushuau Innu First Nation and the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and the registration of their members.
• Reserve creation at both Natuashish and Sheshatshiu.
• Social programs are in place to help the Innu adjust to their new community and begin addressing social healing within their communities.
• Establishment by Health Canada of the Labrador Health Secretariate.
• The development and implementation of country treatment and aftercare programs in both Innu communities.
• Implementation of new community-based health programming.
• Increased attendance in schools.
• Capacity development co-ordinators have been hired and are working in both Natuashish and Sheshatshiu.
• Delivery of crime prevention projects in both Innu communities.
• Progress continues on land claim negotiations.
• Construction completed on the new combined RCMP detachment and health facility in Sheshatshiu.
• Improved police services.
• Funding acquired for new school at Sheshatshiu.
• Implementation of recommendations from Phillpot education study underway.
• Additional housing completed for Mushuau Innu at Natuashish.
• Safe Houses constructed at both Innu communities.
• Wellness Center constructed for Mushuau Innu.
• Church being constructed at Natuashish.
• Mushuau Innu Cultural Center being built.
• School nutrition program established.
• Innu teacher's assistants in place.
• Home-school liaison in place.
• Health and Healing Committee in place.
• Increased Innu skills and knowledge to deliver community-based health programming.
• Capacity Development Committee in place.
• Child, Youth and Family Committee in place.

It is important to remember that there are no quick solutions to the challenges facing the Innu and the Government of Canada is committed to providing sustained support over time. The long-term goal is to help the Innu build capacity within their communities to deliver and manage their own community programs and services.

Last updated November, 2007