Innu Nation members are currently engaged in a crucial vote that will determine the fate of a potentially groundbreaking agreement with Hydro-Québec. The decision at hand is a simple yes or no on the ratification of the Tsheuatishiun Agreement, also known as the Reconciliation and Collaboration Agreement.
This agreement entails Hydro-Québec making payments totaling $87 million to Sheshatshiu and Natuashish over 16 years. Additionally, Hydro-Québec would allocate three percent of the dividends from the Churchill Falls project to the Indigenous communities, contingent upon power generation.
The financial compensation stems from a proposed settlement between Innu Nation and Hydro-Québec, aimed at addressing ecological and cultural harm caused by the Churchill Falls initiative. Notably, Innu Nation had previously ratified a similar accord, the New Dawn agreement, in 2011 with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
Following a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit filed in 2020 against Hydro-Québec, Innu Nation revealed in late June that they had reached a preliminary agreement with the utility. To validate the agreement, at least half of eligible voters in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish must cast their votes, with a minimum of 60 percent support required in each community.
In preparation for the vote, consultations have been ongoing between Innu Nation and Hydro-Québec, ensuring community members are well-informed. Prote Poker, a senior advisor and negotiator for Innu Nation, emphasized the importance of providing voters with the necessary information.
The settlement funds are intended to benefit Innu Nation, the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation Band Council, and the Mushuau Innu First Nation Band Council in Natuashish. However, the specific distribution of funds will only be determined post ratification of the agreement.
While the agreement outlines future collaboration terms, particularly concerning projects like Gull Island, the potential impact of a negative vote on Gull Island plans remains uncertain. Innu Nation representatives have previously stated that addressing past grievances is a prerequisite for advancing the Gull Island project.
Voting, including advanced polls and call-in options, will take place over the weekend and on Monday at designated Innu Nation locations. Eligible Innu members must be at least 18 years old as of October 27 to participate in the vote.
