Tipatshimuna The Innu
Now numbering more than 30,000, the Innu – formerly known as Montagnais or Naskapi Indians – have inhabited Nitassinan (Labrador and eastern Quebec) for thousands of years.
The Innu today
Numbering more than 30,000, the Innu – formerly known as Montagnais or Naskapi Indians – inhabit Nitassinan (Labrador and eastern Quebec). They are based in 12 different communities: Natuashish (formerly Utshimassits or Davis Inlet), Sheshatshiu, Pakut-shipu, Unamen-shipu, Nutashkuan, Ekuanitshu, Uashau-Mani-utenam, Pessamu, Essipit, Mashteuiatsh, Matimekush, and Kauauatshikamatsh. Many Innu continue to speak their own language called Innu-aimun.
The Innu people have undergone great changes over the last 60 years, as they have become increasingly integrated into the global economy. Formal education and employment are priorities for the younger generations while the Tshishennuat (Elders) stress the importance of maintaining ties to the land and Innu traditions.
Casen Tshakapesh partridge hunting. 2023. Photo courtesy of Nachelle Poker
Boy hunting partridge. 1927-8 The second Rawson-Macmillan Subarctic Expedition. Courtesy of Field Museum of Natural History (Anthropology) CSA61565
Some Innu communities have suffered from serious social problems, and spending time on the land is seen as one way that people can heal and find solutions to these problems. Regaining control over their territory through the negotiation of land rights is important to Innu people. Sharing in the benefits of resource developments in their territory is a priority. Certainly, significant challenges have yet to be overcome, but the Innu have encountered many difficulties in the past and have proven to be a very resilient people. They will continue to fight for their rights.
Michel (Giant) Andrew leading a group of Sheshatshiu walkers into Pakut-shipu from Sheshatshiu to raise money for diabetes research. 2010. Photo by Alex Andrew