Backgrounder - Labrador Innu Registration and Band Creation

When Newfoundland became part of Canada in 1949, the Innu were not recognized as Indians under the Indian Act, nor were they provided with reserves. At that time, First Nations people registered under the Indian Act (status Indians) did not have the right to vote in federal or provincial elections. Consequently, registration of First Nations people in Newfoundland and Labrador was seen as undesirable. As a result, Canada and Newfoundland established a shared responsibility for the Innu.

Registration and band creation under the Indian Act are seen as important steps in the Innu's and Canada's progress on the Labrador Innu Healing Strategy. The Innu believe that registration and band creation will empower them to improve conditions in their communities and to take more community control over their affairs.

The Innu have approached registration and band creation from a number of fronts. In recent years, one issue that was a motivation to be registered under the Indian Act was the communities' desires to pass their own by-laws, including alcohol-bans which can be enforced by the RCMP. In March 1999 the Innu Nation voted in a referendum in favour of requesting full First Nations equivalency from the Government of Canada.

Registration and band creation are part of a long term strategy – The Labrador Innu Comprehensive Healing Strategy – to address the challenges facing both communities. They are pieces of the strategy that will foster the Innu's ability to build capacity for governance, and over time, undertake the training necessary to effectively administer their own affairs. In the meanwhile, the Government of Canada will be able to provide a more supportive role in helping the Innu heal their communities.

On November 26, 2000, the Government in Canada signed a communiqué with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the President of the Innu Nation, and the Chiefs of the Mushuau Innu and Sheshatshiu Innu Band Councils committing Canada to register the Innu of Labrador as Indians under the Indian Act and to declare these two groups to be bands.

Based on agreed upon criteria, members of both communities were asked to complete signed statements of consent if they wished to be recognized as founding members and become registered as Indians under the Indian Act. Signed consent was received from the majority of the Mushuau Innu and the Innu of Sheshatshiu. In the case of minors, consent was obtained from their parents or legal guardians. Based on the documentary evidence received, the Registrar of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has confirmed the eligibility of each listed individual under the criteria for founding members.

In November 2002, both the Mushuau and the Sheshatshiu Innu were recognized as bands under the Indian Act and registration of their members as status Indians began.

Band creation is the step to formally designate the land being provided to the Mushuau Innu and Sheshatshiu Innu, as reserve land.

On November 23, 2006 the community of Sheshatshiu was set apart as reserve land for the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation.

The Innu want the authority to make decisions that affect their community and the lives of their people. The Innu request for registration and band creation under the Indian Act is rooted in their strong desire to bring healing to their communities.

Last update November, 2007