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QUÉBEC CITY (July 6, 2000) - A significant step towards the settlement of the Innu comprehensive land claim was announced today in Québec City. Making the announcement were the Chiefs of the three First Nations forming part of the Mamuitun Tribal Council: René Simon of Betsiamites, Denis Ross of Essipit and Clifford Moar of Mashteuiatsh; the Quebec Minister of Transport, Minister for Native Affairs and Minister Responsible for Wildlife and Parks, Guy Chevrette; and the federal Minister of International Trade, Pierre Pettigrew on behalf of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Robert Nault. The Mamuitun Tribal Council represents approximately 60 percent of the Innu population of Quebec.

The parties have agreed upon a Common Approach to reach a general consensus on several contentious issues. The Common Approach sets out guidelines for future negotiations aimed at developing an Agreement-In-Principle on the rights of the Innu in Quebec. The document also addresses settlement lands, self-government, financial transfers and economic development measures.

The Common Approach does not bind the parties legally. It sets out the following guidelines for future negotiations:

Rights and settlement land

In the Nitassinan of Mamuitun (ancestral Innu territory), approximately 535 square kilometres of land, double the current surface area of the existing reserve, will be held in title by the Innu. The Innu governments will exercise legislative jurisdiction within this territory and over their citizens. This jurisdiction, as yet to be determined, will be framed by the Innu Constitutions in accordance with the agreement's future provisions. Specific agreements will also be developed to provide public access to these lands.

On the remaining lands of Nitassinan, the modern treaty rights of the Innu will be recognized, as well as their rights to hunt, fish, trap and harvest for both traditional and ritual purposes. The Innu will also have a right to a share in royalties relating to natural resources, and a right to participate fully in the planning and management of the territory, its natural resources and the environment. Protected heritage sites and parks, administered by the Innu, will be part of these lands.

In addition, the parties agreed to establish a sub-group of independent lawyers who will help to find a mutually acceptable solution to issues relating to Aboriginal rights and title, self-government and the legislative power of the Mamuitun First Nations on the territory. This group could also bring into effect the letter attached to the Common Approach.

Financial aspects

Innu governments will strive for financial autonomy, in the context of the socio-economic objectives agreed upon by the parties. An Innu tax system will also be implemented, enabling the Innu to contribute gradually to their government functions and to funding of their programs and services.

As in all other comprehensive land claim settlements in Canada, financial transfers will form part of the agreement. The Government of Canada will transfer $250 million, and Quebec will provide $90 million in compensation for past developments, including those related to hydroelectric power.

These financial transfers will enable the Innu to participate in the regional development of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean and Haute-Côte-Nord.

Towards an agreement-in-principle

"The recognition of Aboriginal title and ancestral rights, including the general context of the inherent right to self-government, must be the basis for an agreement between the Innu, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada," said the Chiefs of Betsiamites, Essipit and Mashteuiatsh.

Minister Guy Chevrette said he was pleased with the results to date, and is confident the Common Approach will facilitate the conclusion of an agreement. "I think that this is important for the Innu as well as all other Quebecers to clarify the situation and understand each other's rights, stated Mr. Chevrette. Now that we are working on an assumption or reaching a settlement, Québec expects to closely involve the regional communities in this exercise. Finally, I hope the other Innu communities will join this process in the near future."

"The Common Approach is the result of many months of intensive negotiations," said the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Robert Nault. "Negotiators for all the parties should be commended for their hard work and for the positive results they have achieved. This Common Approach establishes clear guidelines and a strong foundation for the negotiations of an Agreement-In-Principle and demonstrates that significant progress is being made toward the resolution of the Innu comprehensive land claim. The settlement of this claim will expand the economic opportunities of the Innu of Mamuitun and encourage the participation of stable and self-sufficient Aboriginal governments in the economic growth of Quebec and Canada."

The three parties are hopeful that this Common Approach will facilitate the progress of negotiations toward a settlement within a reasonable time period.

This news release and the text of the Common Approach and other related documents are also available on the Web sites of the Mamuitun Tribal Council (www.mamuitun.com/), the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones du Québec (www.saa.gouv.qc.ca)

For more information, please contact:

Common Approach (PDF 58 Kb) in PDF format.

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