Community needs more info about Hydro-Québec agreement, says Innu Nation advisor

An advisor with the Innu Nation says they "need to do more" to inform people about the tentative agreement with Hydro-Québec, as community members protest the proposed hydroelectric project at Gull Island.

"We feel that we need to put more information out to the people," Innu Nation advisor Prote Poker told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning.

Poker said they've had public meetings, sessions with elders and a radio announcement to share information, but "it wasn't enough."

"We need to have more sessions," he said, "so people will understand what's involved in the agreement."

In a statement, Hydro-Québec told CBC News discussions are ongoing between the company, Innu Nation and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

"As a reminder, an Impact and Benefits Agreement (Lower Churchill IBA 2011) is in place between the Labrador Innu (Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and Mushuau Innu First Nation) and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. This agreement outlines the support of the Innu parties for the Gull Island project," the statement reads.

"Hydro-Québec fully respects the intent of this agreement and remains fully committed to upholding its principles, particularly regarding consultation and collaboration."

Youth continue 130 km walk

Hydro-Québec suspended its site survey work at Gull Island last week after several members of Labrador's Innu community blockaded the area.

Meanwhile, some youths from Sheshatshiu are on their third day of walking 130 kilometres to Gull Island to raise their own concerns.

"I just want people to know that we're not giving up. We're still in great spirits,"  Percey Montague, 17, told CBC News on Wednesday.

"We're going to continue this walk and hopefully finish it."

Angel Jourdain said there's been unexpected support from people donating food, drinks and gas.

Others have also joined in the walk, which Montague says is "one of the biggest motivators."

"It just shows that more people are engaged than we thought," he said.

Innu leadership trying to be transparent, says Poker

The Innu Nation reached an agreement in principle with Hydro-Québec in late June, which will see the corporation pay $87 million to a reconciliation fund over 16 years.

The agreement also provides a framework for Gull Island development, the potential next hydroelectric megaproject on the Churchill River.

LISTEN | CBC's Regan Burden speaks with Innu Nation advisor Prote Poker: 

Labrador Morning9:09What does Innu Nation say about the protests?

For the past week, Innu protesters have been blocking access to Gull Island — raising concerns about the proposed hydro project and how their leadership is handling it. Hydro-Québec has since paused survey work at the site. We hear how the Innu Nation is responding.

The agreement can only be finalized after a community vote in the fall.

Poker says Innu Nation leadership are trying to be transparent and they want to have smaller information sessions broken down by age.

"Ultimately it will be up to the people to ratify it," said Poker.

Labrador's Innu communities traditionally have an annual gathering on Gull Island during the third week of September, known as the Manishan Nui. 

Protesters have said the loss of land is not worth the money.

Poker said they are trying not to disrupt the gathering site at Gull Island. He says there will be a meeting "soon" with Hydro-Québec, where they will discuss the protest and what can be done.

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