Media Statement: NunatuKavut Community Council says the Muskrat Falls rate mitigation plan needs to consider reconciliation with NunatuKavut Inuit
HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, July 29, 2021 – NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) President Todd Russell today issued the following statement in response to a recent announcement about Muskrat Falls rate mitigation:
“We understand that yesterday’s announcement by Premier Furey and Prime Minister Trudeau to mitigate the high electricity rates caused by the Muskrat Falls project was a substantive and important financial commitment. It, however, lacked consideration of Indigenous reconciliation and the impact on those most affected by this project.
NunatuKavut Inuit have a deeply rooted and longstanding relationship with the lands and waters of the Churchill River and Lake Melville. We have always expressed our grave concerns around the Muskrat Falls project. Over the years, our rights have been infringed, our way of life disrupted, our lands and waters destroyed and our traditional food ways impacted. And yet our communities have no access to the power coming out of the Muskrat Falls and our people continue to struggle with the impacts of this project and inadequate mitigation measures.
NCC will be pursuing further conversations with both the provincial and federal governments regarding possible mitigation measures for NunatuKavut Inuit. We are encouraged by the strengthened relationship we have with Premier Furey and his government. We look forward to tangible action that will further reconciliation and ensure the health and well-being of our people for now and for future generations.”
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NCC Media Contact:
Kelly Broomfield
Director of Communications
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca