People & Places

Locate Innu communities on a map, meet a couple of Innu artists and read stories from elders and youth.

Natuashish boys Oliver Piwas, Sam Tshakapesh, Evan Rich and Sylvester Rich on walking expedition. 2023. Photo by Nachelle Poker

People and Places

Numbering more than 30,000, the Innu – formerly known as Montagnais or Naskapi Indians – inhabit Nitassinan (Labrador and eastern Quebec).  They live in 13 communities.  Many Innu continue to speak Innu-aimun.

In this section, check out the map of Innu communities and a couple of Innu artists with samples of their work. Read stories about Innu Elders, many of whom have passed away, as well as stories shared by youth in 2005 about their time in nutshimit (the bush, the country).

The Innu people have undergone great changes over the last 50 years, since settlement and as they have become increasingly integrated into the global economy.

 

The late Sam Napeo and Greg Penashue, at an international gathering at Uhu-neiau, regarding the Innu campaign against NATO military flight training over Nitassinan. 1985. Photo by Camille Fouillard

Innu Communities

There are 13 Innu communities in Nitassinan, 2 on the Labrador side of the border and 11 in Québec.

Innu Artists

Meet visual artist  Mary Ann Penashue and filmmaker Christine Poker.

Stories from Youth (2005)

Sheshatshiu Innu youth share nutshimiu stories, 2005

Stories from elders (2005)

Read stories from 2005 shared by Sheshatshiu and Natuashish Elders, many who have passed away