There are two Innu First Nations in Labrador, the Mushuau Innu First Nation located in Natuashish and the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation located in Sheshatshiu.

In 2001, the Labrador Innu Comprehensive Healing Strategy was developed. This is a joint holistic approach, between the Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador and the Labrador Innu, moving beyond dealing only with symptoms to addressing root causes. This Healing Strategy seeks to develop new ways of looking at health services, social programs, governance, education and policing. The primary goals are to restore health and hope, create strong communities and focus on building a future for the Innu communities. Federal government funding for this strategy amounted to $65.3 million over three years. INAC was provided a total of $45.2 million for registration and reserve creation and on-reserve programs and services. For community health, Health Canada was provided $20.1 million. The Solicitor General was provided with $2 million for policing, police detachments and evaluation.

Some specifics on the two Innu communities...

Mushuau Innu First Nation
Chief:
Simon Pokue
Councillors:
Mary Anne Nui
Jerry Gregoire
Henry Pastiwet
Rose Mary Poker
Marie Pokue
Cajetan Rich

• The population of Natuashish is approximately 700, of which about 50% are under the age of 16. The population registered as status Indians as of October 31, 2003 is 580.
  
  
• The community is governed under a custom election code.
  
  
• The traditional language spoken is Innueimun.
  
  
• In 1967 the Mushuau Innu were moved to Davis Inlet on the eastern side of the Island of Iluikoyak off the coast of Labrador.
  
  
• The Mushuau Innu were relocated to Natuashish, Labrador from Davis Inlet during the winter of 2002/2003. The cost of construction of this new community and the relocation of community members is estimated at $152 million.
  
  
• The new community includes 133 houses, sewage and water systems, streets and service roads, a wharf, and an airstrip. Community buildings include a school, band council office, fire hall, police station, community garage and nursing station. The community is undertaking the construction of a store, hotel and recreation centre.
  
  
• Natuashish is approximately 4267 hectares, or 10544 acres, in size. The size of the old community of Davis Inlet is unknown as there were no established boundaries.
  
  
• Natuashish is approximately 295 kilometres north of Goose Bay and approximately 80 kilometres southeast of Nain. The community is accessible by air only out of Goose Bay.
  
  
• The federal Member of Parliament is Lawrence O'Brien (L) from the riding of Labrador. The provincial Member of the House of Assembly is Wally Andersen (L) from the riding of Torngat Mountains.

Sheshatshui Innu First Nation
Chief:
Anastasia Qupee
Councillors:
Etienne Rich
Edmond Benuen
Sam Nui
Mary Jane Nui
Mary Ann Montagne
Christine Nuna

• The population of Sheshatshiu is approximately 1,400, of which about 35% are under the age of 16. The population registered as status Indians as of October 31, 2003 is 902.
  
  
• The community is governed under a custom election code.
  
  
• The traditional language spoken is Innueimun.
  
  
• Sheshatshiu is located 40 km southwest of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. To drive to this community take highway 570 north from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Sheshatshiu. Neighbour to Sheshatshiu is the town of North West River.
  
  
• The proposed reserve land base for Sheshatshiu remains to be finalized.
  
  
• The federal Member of Parliament is Lawrence O'Brien (L) from the riding of Labrador. The provincial Member of the House of Assembly is John Hickey (PC) from the riding of Lake Melville.

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