The Innu demand respect for “territorial rights” and the agreement with them in 2008, before the start of construction work of $ 8 billion.
The message could not be clearer since Wednesday. The Innu Nutashkuan not emerge the only path leading to La Romaine megacomplex unless a meeting “face to face” between their leader and Philippe Couillard.
“It is a condition sine qua non for a possible lifting of the barricades, “insisted the Innu chief, Rodrigo Wapistan. “We have lost enough time discussing with officials of Hydro-Québec and the government on issues that affect and on which we should have full authority,” he continued.
The Innu demand respect for “territorial rights” and the agreement with them in 2008, before the start of construction work of $ 8 billion. According to them, the government and its Crown corporation “violate” their rights and “jeopardize” the environment, especially in ennoyant the forest resource.
This morning, “some” demonstrators were still on the dam site, according to the Sûreté du Québec, which oversees the premises. Hydro-Québec indicated Thursday morning following the situation closely but did not return calls from. The corporation holds an injunction issued by the Superior Court ordering any person to move any form of obstruction on the road leading to the site La Romaine.
What legal recourse does not frighten the Wapistan leader. “It would be perceived as a provocation and would only worsen the situation. We are on our land and will defend our rights until the end. An injunction Hydro-Québec would inflame our anger and determination. This case is political, not legal. ”
Supports
The claims of the Innu of particular Nutashkuan get the support of the prefect of the Minganie RCM, Luc Noel, which explains found similar concerns to his own among those demonstrators.”I think the question of manpower, economic impact and the environment,” he said.
“They are citizens of the RCM of Minganie as well as any North Coastal living on our territory,” said the prefect, who went back to the site of the barricade at the interview. “We do not want to leave them alone, they are helped to walk in there.”
The mayor of Havre-Saint-Pierre, Berchmans Boudreau, also moved to the site, like the Innu chief community of Ekuanitshit (Mingan), Jean-Charles Piétacho. The Association of the Mingan business people also gave its support to the Innu, saying their actions are a “logical consequence of the government’s laxity” in the folder La Romaine.
The event takes place in calm since Wednesday and not impeding traffic on Highway 138, provides the SQ.
RED POWER MEDIA 