GOVERNMENT

This section is updated as new information is received and adapted to the content.

HISTORY

Labrador’s Innu became status Indians under the Indian Act in 2002 and Sheshatshiu became a reserve in 2006. The Indian Act was introduced in 1876 and with it, the federal government became financially responsible for the delivery of health, education and other social services to its Aboriginal population. However, Newfoundland and Labrador did not join Confederation until 1949 and did not extend the Indian Act to their aboriginal people. Instead, the federal government gave funds to the new province for the delivery of education, health and other services to the aboriginal communities. The Innu had to conform to the new standards that included mandatory education that meant they had to give up their migratory way of life and connection to the land.

In 1973, the Innu joined with the MiKmaq and Inuit people to form the Native Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (NANL). The Innu broke away in 1976 to form the Naskapi Montagnais Innu Association which changed its name to Innu Nation in 1990.

The Innu Nation has its own president and board of directors who oversee the political and business affairs of the organization and support its mandate to protect the land, resources and culture of the Innu people. As a unified force, they are active in land claims negotiations and the delivery of programs such as education, health care and social services. www.innu.ca

The Innu Round Table was born from Innu Nation in 2014 as an incorporated entity, independently staffed with the mandate to coordinate the administration of common priorities between the Mushuau First Nation in Natuashish, the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and the Innu Nation. This includes capacity development, devolution of programs and managing the tripartite process with Canada and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. www.irtsec.ca

LEADERSHIP

The election term is three years and elections take place in late August. SIFN has its own Custom Election Code that was ratified by the community in February of 2024. The Election Code can be found under POLICIES.

CHIEF AND COUNCIL

The Chief and Council were elected at the general election that took place August 21, 2024. They will serve a three year term.

Elder Councillor, Mary Rose Selma. Photo to come.

GREG PASTITSHI, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS gpastitshi@sifn.ca

MANDATE, VISION AND VALUES

MANDATE

Chief and Council work for and with community members to deliver effective programs and services to support a healthy Innu culture and to represent and advocate for the best interests of the community; locally and abroad.

VISION

Our vision is of a strong, stable and self-sustaining community that provides housing, education, employment and economic opportunity to our members while respecting and preserving our traditions, language, values and history as a distinct and honourable people.

VALUES

The Chief and Council share common values to:

• Support and promote the involvement of all members in the strategic planning and advancement of the community.

• Show respect at all times for each other and our traditions, history and culture.

• Live and let live by promoting openness and tolerance towards the perspectives and beliefs of all members.

• Work collectively together with trust, respect and open and honest communication.

• Ensure fairness and justice for all.

• Be transparent and accountable to the people.