Executive Council
August 17, 2017

Premier Ball and Parliamentary Assistant Edmunds Congratulate New Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief of Innu Nation

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Randy Edmunds, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous Affairs, extended congratulations to Gregory Rich for being elected the new Grand Chief of Innu Nation in Labrador, and Etienne Rich for being elected Deputy Grand Chief.

Grand Chief Rich, a former chief of Mushuau Innu First Nation in Natuashish, won the election for Grand Chief with 413 votes and Deputy Grand Chief Rich won the election for Deputy Grand Chief with 412 votes. The new Leaders succeed former Grand Chief Anastasia Qupee and former Deputy Grand Chief Simeon Tshakapesh, who had led Innu Nation in their respective roles since August 2014. 

Quotes
“I congratulate Greg Rich on his election as Grand Chief of Innu Nation and Etienne Rich on his election as Deputy Grand Chief.  Both bring considerable and valuable experience to their new roles, and I look forward to working with them to advance matters of importance to the Innu Nation, and to promoting the well-being of residents in Innu Communities.  I also want to thank Anastasia Qupee and Simeon Tshakapesh for the leadership they have provided, and for their collaboration on key initiatives, which included the negotiation of a land claim and self-government agreement, pursuing an Inquiry into the Treatment of Innu Children in Care, enhancing the design and delivery of programs and services, and informing the ongoing implementation of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Their partnership, dedication, and contributions are greatly appreciated.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“As Grand Chief Rich and Deputy Grand Chief Rich begin their new roles I am sure they have great ambition to make progress on diverse issues for the Innu Nation and see improvements for the communities and residents they represent.  As the newly announced Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous Affairs, I share that ambition, and look forward to working closely with them and other Indigenous Leaders in ways that benefit the people we all serve. I also thank Anastasia Qupee and Simeon Tshakapesh for the tremendous work they did, and commit to upholding that high standard of work.”
Randy Edmunds
Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous Affairs

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Jason Card
Office of the Premier
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2017 08 17                                                    3:30 p.m.