Innu Nation members are currently engaged in a crucial vote that will determine the acceptance or rejection of a potentially groundbreaking deal with Hydro-Québec. The Tsheuatishiun Agreement, also known as the Reconciliation and Collaboration Agreement, involves Hydro-Québec making $87 million in annual payments to Sheshatshiu and Natuashish over 16 years, as well as a three percent share of Hydro-Québec’s Churchill Falls dividends.
This financial compensation stems from a proposed settlement between Innu Nation and Hydro-Québec in June, aiming to address ecological and cultural harm caused by the Churchill Falls project. In a similar vein, a previous agreement, the New Dawn agreement, was ratified in 2011 with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, now known as Energy Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador, providing compensation for Innu Nation regarding the Churchill Falls project.
Following a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against Hydro-Québec in 2020, alleging significant cultural and lifestyle disruptions due to dam construction, Innu Nation recently announced a preliminary agreement with the utility. The successful ratification of this agreement requires a participation threshold, with at least 50 percent of eligible voters in both Sheshatshiu and Natuashish casting their votes, and a minimum of 60 percent approval in each community.
In preparation for the vote, consultations have been held by Innu Nation and Hydro-Québec in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish to provide necessary information to the community members. Prote Poker, Innu Nation’s senior advisor and negotiator, emphasized that the decision-making process is well-informed.
The settlement funds are intended to be divided among Innu Nation, the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation Band Council, and the Mushuau Innu First Nation Band Council in Natuashish. However, the exact distribution plan remains pending until the agreement is officially ratified.
While the agreement outlines cooperative terms for potential future endeavors, such as the Gull Island project, the impact of a rejection on these plans remains uncertain. Previous statements from Innu Nation representatives suggested that progress on Gull Island hinges on addressing past grievances.
To facilitate the voting process, advanced polls are available at respective Innu Nation buildings, with call-in votes permitted during specific hours. Eligible voters must be at least 18 years old as of October 27. The voting period extends from Saturday to Monday, with different polling locations and times specified.
Overall, the decision on the Tsheuatishiun Agreement holds significant implications for Innu Nation members and their future collaborations with Hydro-Québec.