Why the Innu Nation asked NL politicians to vote ‘no’ on Churchill Falls

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNewfoundland & LabradorNews Why the Innu Nation asked NL politicians to vote ‘no’ on Churchill Falls The new Churchill Falls agreement passed on Sept. 17 Author of the article: By Nicholas Mercer Published Sep 21, 2026 6 minute read Prime Minister Mark Carney greets Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini in St. John's, NL on Aug. 17, 2026, during the announcement of a new deal for Churchill Falls. PHOTO BY THE TELEGRAM/FILE PHOTO Article content As the Churchill Falls special debate wound down at the House of Assembly, the Innu Nation made one more plea to government officials. Article content In a letter addressed to the province’s politicians on Sept. 17, Grand Chief Jodie Ashini implored all of them to vote against the Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement (DCIA) for the development of the Churchill River and Gull Island. Article content Article content Article content “Since the DCIA was announced, Innu Nation has continued to examine what the proposed agreement will mean for our people and our lands,” wrote Ashini. Article content “Our financial analysis has identified serious concerns about the financial payments Innu stand to receive from developments that will take place at Gull Island.” Article content The Innu’s displeasure with the deal was evident all week at the hearings, as they sought to draw attention to their concerns about the deal. Article content It didn’t amount to much in the legislature, as the DCIA passed its latest hurdle with a 21-18 vote to continue progressing towards a final agreement with Quebec. Article content Article content Here’s how it got here and where the DCIA stands now with the Innu. Article content A twin brother, a stranger at Costco: NL heroes save lives using CPR PHOTO BY KEITH GOSSE/THE TELEGRAM Article content Read More A House not united: How the Churchill Falls vote went down Lack of Indigenous consultation, merits of new Churchill Falls deal debated Day 2 of special sitting Advertisement 1 Article content What is in the DCIA that’s concerning the Innu? Article content In the new agreement, there are several items that pertain to consulting with Indigenous groups. Article content Namely, respecting the Impacts and Benefits Agreement (IBA), making sure they regularly update the Innu’s advisors and negotiating team, potential opportunities for…