Premier Offers Condolences on Passing of Joseph Riche

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today expressed her condolences to the family of former Innu Nation Grand Chief Joseph Riche.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic accident that claimed Joseph Riche’s life. On behalf of the government and people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Riche’s family and many friends and, in particular, to the Innu people of Labrador, whose lives have been forever enriched by Joseph’s exemplary service,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Mr. Riche was one of the finest people I ever met – thoughtful, sincere, down-to-earth and at the same time visionary and absolutely unwavering in his commitment to the best interests of the Innu people of Labrador. Mr. Riche’s legacy as the former Innu Nation Grand Chief cannot be overstated. For all that he strived to achieve, he will be remembered with tremendous pride. Indeed, he was an example to all of us as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

Mr. Riche was instrumental in negotiating the Tshash Petapen/New Dawn Agreement – a monumental achievement which included the Land Claim and Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle, the Upper Churchill Redress Agreement and the Lower Churchill Innu Impact and Benefits Agreement. Together, they paved the way for the development of Muskrat Falls under terms that will ensure the Innu people reap enormous benefits from this historic project.

At the New Dawn Agreement signing ceremony in 2011, Mr. Riche said: “Today as we celebrate this moment in our history, I want to recognize and acknowledge the courage and wisdom of the elders and the leaders who went before us. Many of them did not live long enough to see this day, but it is their vision that we will carry forth as the foundation for future generations of Labrador Innu.”

“As a past Grand Chief and former land claim negotiator for the Innu Nation, Joseph Riche made a tremendous contribution to the Innu of Labrador,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. “His dedication to his people was truly to be admired and his hard work will continue to bring benefits and opportunities to the Innu of Labrador. I wish to express my sadness at the passing of Joseph Riche and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and, the entire Innu Nation.”

“I am very proud to have known Joseph Riche personally and call him a friend,” said Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville. “He was a leader who understood that it was possible to embrace new things and yet hold onto the teachings of the elders. Through his leadership, knowledge, wisdom and cultural identity were passed down from elders to youth despite changing times

Mr. Riche was also deeply concerned for the well-being of children and, in 2010, participated in the Labrador steering committee established by the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services to tailor the department’s programs to Labrador’s unique circumstances.

“Just as Mr. Riche carried the torch for those who passed away before the historic achievements he made possible in Labrador, so others will carry Mr. Riche’s torch as they witness the fulfillment of the vision that he worked so hard to achieve for them,” added Premier Dunderdale.

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2013 05 09             5:35 p.m.