Sheshatshiu Innu protest against chief

More than a hundred residents of the Labrador Innu community of Sheshatshiu gathered Wednesday night at the band council office, protesting over spending decisions by the chief and council.

"It's really, really going downhill. It's really, really bad," said resident Max Penashue, who is leading the challenge.

Right now, they're taking monies from the trust fund to do whatever they feel like, you know, it seems like … So we really need answers right now."

Chief Sebastien Benuen is not commenting on the matter.

The group has hired a lawyer to force a general meeting. Demonstrators said their questions about spending have not been answered.

Michael Rossignol said Wednesday night's meeting is an important step toward getting answers.

"It's the first of its kind in terms of the people coming together without chief and council, you know, making those decisions," Rossignol told CBC News.

"Never done before, so it's historical."

Rossignol said he was temporarily suspended from his job when he asked for an audit, and has been threatened with termination.