HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, May 19, 2026 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) welcomes the report “Creating Long-Term Value from the Churchill River for the People of Newfoundland and Labrador,” authored by the Independent Churchill River Review Committee that was convened by Premier Wakeham in late 2025. NCC is not surprised that the Committee has outlined a number of fundamental issues with the Churchill River Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
“NCC had expressed to the previous government our concerns with the MOU and particularly the process, or lack thereof, around consultation and engagement with us,” said Todd Russell, President of NCC. “It was beginning to look like a repeat of the upper Churchill and Muskrat Falls fiascos, with very limited engagement with those most impacted. Unfortunately, we were just not seeing a lot of positive movement from the previous administration.”
The committee concluded that the MOU, in its current form, is not in the Province’s public interest and raised concerns regarding long-term economic benefits, future development considerations and the path forward for projects associated with the Churchill River.
“The report highlights why NCC and our people must be involved from the earliest stages of decision-making,” said Todd Russell. “Projects of this scale significantly impact our lands, waters and communities for generations to come. Our people must not simply be informed of decisions — they must help shape them.”
NCC looks forward to building a strong relationship with the Province and moving forward with negotiations that will ensure the health and well-being of NunatuKavut Inuit and our communities. This includes the protection of our lands and resources.
“Our rights and interests must be respected, addressed and accommodated before reaching any final agreement,” said President Russell. “The recommendations in this report present an opportunity to do a reset and to finally get it right.”
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ABOUT
The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is a governing organization that represents Inuit who come from south and central Labrador. NCC is committed to advocating for section 35 rights, interests, and priorities of NunatuKavut Inuit. Rooted in the rich traditions and culture of NunatuKavut Inuit, NCC works diligently towards self-government and self-determination, while fostering community growth and sustainability.
ASSOCIATED LINKS
- Further information on NCC can be found at www.nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at Facebook.com/nunatukavut, instagram.com/nunatukavutinuit, Twitter @nunatukavut and YouTube by searching NunatuKavut.
CONTACT
Kelly Broomfield
Chief Communications Officer
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca