In a recent press conference held in Ottawa, leaders from the Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) united to address growing concerns over what they described as non-Indigenous groups falsely claiming Indigenous identities. Representatives from each organization voiced their apprehensions regarding the implications of such false claims, particularly in light of recent agreements and legal challenges.
The conference commenced with Simon Pokue, Grand Chief of the Innu Nation, highlighting the historical and ongoing struggles faced by the Innu people. Chief Pokue emphasized the deep-rooted connection of the Innu to their lands in Labrador, known as Nitasinan, which they have inhabited for millennia. He recounted the challenges imposed by colonial violence, forced resettlement, and resource exploitation, stressing that despite these adversities, the Innu have preserved their language, culture, and ties to the land.
Central to the discussion was the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the federal government with the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC), a group claiming to represent Inuit interests in central and southern Labrador. Chief Pokue criticized the MOU as a threat to Innu rights and lands, alleging that the NCC includes individuals without Indigenous ancestry and lacks legitimate Indigenous status. He condemned the federal government’s support of the NCC, accusing it of neglecting the rights of the Innu Nation.
Following Chief Pokue’s remarks, Johannes Lampe, President of the Nunatsiavut Government, underscored the shared history and identities of the Inuit and Innu peoples. President Lampe expressed solidarity with the Innu Nation, condemning the false claims propagated by the NCC and warning of the detrimental impact on Indigenous rights and reconciliation efforts. He called for the nullification of the agreement between the federal government and the NCC, urging Canada to uphold its commitments to Indigenous peoples.
Natan Obed, President of ITK, echoed the concerns raised by Chief Pokue and President Lampe, emphasizing the need for Canada to recognize and support legitimate Indigenous organizations. President Obed denounced the federal government’s collaboration with the NCC, emphasizing that such alliances undermine the rights of true Indigenous communities and hinder reconciliation efforts. He urged Canadians to stand against fraudulent claims and support Indigenous-led initiatives.
Ghislain Picard, Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec and Labrador, reiterated the message of solidarity with the Innu Nation and the Nunatsiavut Government. Chief Picard condemned the government’s failure to heed Indigenous voices and called for an end to the legitimization of non-Indigenous groups claiming Indigenous rights. He emphasized the importance of self-determination and Indigenous sovereignty in safeguarding the rights and interests of First Nations peoples.
In closing, the leaders emphasized the urgency of addressing false Indigenous identity claims and called on the federal government to respect Indigenous rights and sovereignty. They emphasized the need for collaboration and solidarity among Indigenous peoples to confront this pressing issue and safeguard their lands, cultures, and futures.