Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Lela Evans, emphasized the government’s commitment to genuine reconciliation with the Innu people. However, Evans refrained from endorsing Innu history beyond 300 years in the region.
In an exclusive interview with CBC’s Leila Beaudoin on Thursday, Evans addressed the controversy surrounding the cancellation of an Innu-led cultural exhibit at the Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River. The decision to cancel the exhibit was announced by the Innu Nation on June 17 following concerns raised by Innu cultural guardian Jodie Ashini about limiting Innu history to 300 years.
The Rooms, a provincial Crown corporation that manages the Labrador Interpretation Centre, was at the center of the dispute. Premier Tony Wakeham and Evans had previously issued statements on the matter but had not directly tackled the issue of the historical timeline. They have also held private meetings with Innu leadership.
Evans stressed in the interview that Indigenous presence in Labrador predates 300 years, acknowledging the longstanding history of the Innu people in the region. While she expressed support for showcasing the Innu heritage that extends beyond 300 years, she did not explicitly confirm their presence for more than three centuries.
The controversy has drawn the attention of experts in the field, with a group of eight anthropologists and archaeologists advocating for an Innu-led narrative of history. Evans emphasized the importance of reviewing any disputes regarding the historical timeline put forth by The Rooms and the Provincial Archaeology Office.
Despite the ongoing debate over the historical timeline, Evans assured that the discussions would not impact the Innu land claim negotiations. She reiterated her dedication to supporting the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and Mushuau Innu First Nation communities, emphasizing the need for transparent investigations to foster true reconciliation efforts.
Jodie Ashini, the Innu cultural guardian, expressed disappointment over the situation, highlighting the significance of recognizing the Innu presence prior to European arrival. She underscored the role of heritage in the land claim negotiations and called for an unbiased approach to investigating the historical facts.
The Rooms, under the jurisdiction of Minister Andrea Barbour, has deferred all inquiries to the province amidst the ongoing discussions. Ashini’s reaction to Evans’ statements suggested a need for a more comprehensive examination of the historical narrative to ensure accuracy and respect for Innu heritage.