Labrador Indigenous leaders echo calls of protesters to halt Muskrat Falls dam project

Leaders of the three Labrador Indigenous groups joined hundreds of protesters Monday in Happy Valley-Goose Bay demanding Premier Dwight Ball halt construction of the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.

It marked the first time all three groups have come together in a unified voice on an issue.

“This is a historic event,” shouted Todd Russell, president of NunatuKavut Community Council. “I think that itself speaks to the seriousness and significance of the methyl mercury poisoning which the government and Nalcor is intent on doing to our people.”

The Indigenous groups, and those gathered, believe unless further work is done to mitigate the environmental impacts of the dam before it goes on stream it could contaminate aquatic life in Lake Melville, a major food source of fish, birds and seals for many Labradorians.

Dozens booed as the premier took the stage saying that his Liberal government inherited the problem of Muskrat Falls from the previous Progressive Conservative governments. As Ball suggested that he wants to meet with Indigenous groups to come to an agreement over the project, protesters shouted, “we don’t want your money.”

Cars drove by honking in support of the rally as Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe invited the Indigenous groups at the rally and all Labradorians to take part in fighting against the development.

“We are not interested in compensation, we want to enjoy our way of life, we want our children, grandchildren, and future generations to come to enjoy this way of life. We don’t want them to fear eating the fish, birds and seals in Lake Melville,” said Lampe.

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 NunatuKavut president Todd Russell, Innu Nation Grand Chief Anastasia Qupee and Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe. Ossie Michelin photo