Inquiry into treatment of Innu children in care resumes in Sheshatshiu for 2 weeks 

An inquiry into the treatment of Innu children in government care is resuming in Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation on Monday, with two weeks of community meetings planned.

Innu community members are welcome to speak at the Sheshatshiu Youth Centre. Innu from outside the community are also invited to address the commissioners. 

The Inquiry Respecting the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System formally started in February, five years after it was announced by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Commissioners James Igloliorte, Anastasia Qupee and Mike Devine are looking at the history of Innu in Labrador, the child protection system run by the province and church organizations, and the intergenerational trauma that followed. 

About one-third of children in Newfoundland and Labrador's foster-care system are Indigenous, despite Indigenous people making up only about nine per cent of the province's overall population, according to Statistics Canada.

Qupee told CBC News this week her mother's generation was the first to be settled into the Sheshatshiu reserve. Growing up there was chaotic, she said, and a lot was taken away from the Innu. 

"It was very hard and she talked about having governments, the priests coming in and make decisions for her," Qupee said.

"To me, that's a big loss and that's something that was taken away from her. And I see it in other families as well. The intergenerational trauma goes back generations."

Following the Sheshatshiu meetings, the inquiry will be in Natuashish for two weeks in November. Qupee said the inquiry will then start formal hearings in early 2024 into the child protection systems and investigate the deaths of children in care.

"We have a high population of young people here in both communities and to see a healthy future, we have to pave that way," said Qupee. 

The community meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. AT with a prayer. People can choose to speak publicly or privately. The meetings are recorded but not livestreamed online.

Mental health supports will be on site to help anyone speaking or listening who may need support. 

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