Conscious choice of convenience : the relocation of the Mushuau Innu of Davis Inlet, Labrador

Abstract

"Conscious Choice of Convenience" examines the rationale for the decision to relocate the Mushuau Innu of Davis Inlet, Labrador to Sango Pond. Relocation is viewed as an ill-conceived response to a difficult situation. The thesis probes into the world of public policy decision making on the Native-Government paradigm in Canada utilizing the situation of the Davis Inlet Innu as the case study.

An interesting combination of research material and personal experiences are utilized to tell this fascinating story of how the Mushuau Innu achieved a displacement decision. Extensive primary sources such as government briefing documents, Innu reports and private correspondence are placed together for the first time to capture this important historical event.

The Davis Inlet Innu relocation choice of Sango Pond became a convenient way for themselves and the governments of Canada and Newfoundland to address the serious problems of this northern community. The tenacity and conviction of the Innu in their crusade to achieve a healthy homeland was unmatched. The legitimacy of the Innu choice of Sango Pond is vigorously challenged because of the lack of proper scrutiny that the option received.

The paramountcy of economic development as exemplified by the Voisey's Bay development and the importance of Canadian international economic relationships, were the factors that influenced the relocation decision. Capital enhancement rather than physical and social rejuvenation of the Innu superseded a sound relocation strategy. The future of the Mushuau Innu could be hanging in the balance.