WILLIAM’S HARBOUR, LABRADOR, July 1, 2026 — NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) President Todd Russell issued the following statement on Canada Day:
“Today, Canadians come together to celebrate Canada Day. Here in NunatuKavut, our people are commemorating this day with mixed emotions. On a day that is meant to instill a sense of pride in our Nation, NCC and NunatuKavut Inuit view the recent actions of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) as disgraceful.
Earlier this week, the CCG had a vessel docked in Charlottetown, Labrador. They refused to help tow a stranded fishing boat that was broken down in the early hours of the morning, just a couple of hours away. It is incredibly concerning that the CCG was either unable or unwilling to help a boat and crew in a situation that could easily have turned into a tragedy. This is especially so as the CCG’s primary mandate is to “ensure the safety of mariners in Canadian waters…” It is an egregious example of the neglect we receive from the CCG.
Instead, the CCG is using its capacity, including helicopter support, to assist DFO with excessive presence and enforcement around the opening of an NCC-led and managed communal food fishery. In the meantime, DFO fisheries officers were out in full force the last couple of days intimidating our Elders and stealing salmon and nets from our people. Taking traditional foods from Indigenous people is hurtful and damaging to our people and culture.
NunatuKavut Inuit have always relied on the sea for our survival, livelihoods, and way of life. Our fishery is built on centuries of practice and tradition and has, for the last 25 years, been authorized by DFO. While we want to celebrate Canada, the actions of CCG and DFO are shameful and we demand better treatment.
On this Canada Day, NCC calls on CCG and DFO to immediately stop their enforcement action against our people and do their jobs. We call on Canada to honour its commitment to Indigenous reconciliation so we, too, can celebrate fully.”
Media Contact:
Kelly Broomfield
Chief Communications Officer
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca
About the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC): NCC is the governing organization that represents the rights and interests of Inuit from south and central Labrador. Rooted in the rich traditions and culture of NunatuKavut Inuit, NCC is advancing section 35 rights, working diligently toward self-government and self-determination, and fostering sustainable communities for the future.
Learn more at www.nunatukavut.ca. Join the conversation at facebook.com/nunatukavut, X/Twitter @nunatukavut and Instagram @nunatukavutinuit.