St. John’s, NL, December 12, 2024 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today issued the following statement on the Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec historic announcement on a Churchill Falls hydroelectric agreement:
“NCC was honoured to be personally invited by Premier Furey to the announcement. While President Russell could not be in attendance due to a family loss, NCC’s Governing Councillor Jeanette Russell will be in attendance along with other delegates. NCC will also be attending the follow-up announcement in Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow.
NCC has built good, strong working relationships with the Province and NL Hydro over the past two decades. We been part of previous discussion and talks on the future Churchill River developments. We have also received commitments from the Province and NL Hydro on early engagement and negotiations with NunatuKavut Inuit. This approach is consistent with a previous mandate passed by NunatuKavut Inuit at our Annual Assembly earlier this year. The mandate outlined advancing negotiations with the Provincial government to address outstanding issues with respect to development on the Churchill River. It also spoke to the recognition and accommodation of NunatuKavut Inuit rights and interests, which will ensure positive and meaningful development can occur.”
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About: The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is a governing organization that represents the rights and interests of Inuit who come from south and central Labrador. NCC is committed to advancing section 35 rights, and the 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.
The Churchill River, formerly Eskimo River, and what many of our people still refer to as the Grand River, is of utmost importance to NunatuKavut Inuit. Our people have a very long, irrefutable and continuing connection to these waters and surrounding lands.
NCC has made many significant steps in achieving recognition with the Courts and various commissions, federal and provincial governments, and the United Nations. NCC has also signed two previous relationship agreements with NL Hydro.
To learn more about NCC and NunatuKavut Inuit, please visit our website at www.nunatukavut.ca and we invite you to check out our “Our Story” page which helps tell our story. Please also join in the conversation at facebook.com/nunatukavut, X/Twitter @nunatukavut and Instagram @nunatukavutinuit.
NCC Media Contact:
Kelly Broomfield
Chief Communications Officer
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca