Executive Council
July 6, 2017

Provincial Government Supports the Innu Leadership�s Call for Inquiry into Treatment of Innu Children in Care

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Innu Leadership have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines their mutual intent to pursue an inquiry into the treatment, experiences and outcomes of Innu in the child protection system.

The MOU was signed by the Innu Leadership and the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador during a meeting in St. John�s on July 5, which addressed critical issues of importance to both the Innu Leadership and the province. It can be viewed online here.

The MOU describes the agreement and next steps towards an inquiry under either the Public Inquiries Act, 2006 or through another mutually agreed mechanism to identify recommendations for change. The province and the Innu Leadership will seek to reach an agreement by July 31, 2017 on the Terms of Reference specifying the process and objectives of the inquiry. The persons or body to lead the inquiry will also be identified by this date.

Premier Ball and Grand Chief Anastasia Qupee will act jointly to approach the Federal Government to seek their participation in the inquiry and will make every effort to have the inquiry initiated by September 30, 2017.

Both parties agree that the Innu Leadership, Provincial Government and Federal Government all have vital roles and responsibilities to honour in the advancement of the well-being of Innu children in care and all must engage in the process of improving outcomes for these children.

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Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca 

Donna Paddon
Innu Nation Communications
709-899-5799
Donna.Paddon@Kaskuan.ca

2017 07 06                             12:00 p.m.