Innu Nation files class-action lawsuit against the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Penticton Herald

January 22, 2024

Grand Chief Etienne Rich speaks at a press conference discussing the follow-up report to the Canadian Human Rights Commission on the Human Rights of the Innu of Labrado Keith Gosse/The Telegram Innu Nation Grand Chief Etienne Rich

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — The Innu Nation in Labrador has filed a class-action lawsuit against the Canadian and Newfoundland and Labrador governments for alleged abuse suffered at what were known as non-residential Innu Day schools in existence between 1949 and 2009.

The schools were run by the province, with the support of the federal government, in Sheshatshiu, Old Davis Inlet, Davis Inlet, and Natuashish.

According to a statement of claim filed in Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court, Innu children “were regularly and frequently subjected to abuse while under the control and supervision of those who were responsible for their safety and care.”

The abuse is alleged to have included “systematic abuse including but not limited to misconduct of a sexual nature, neglect, maltreatment, and generally deprived of the essential components of a healthy childhood.”

“Innu children who attended Innu Day Schools were beaten and in constant fear of being assaulted, both physically and sexually. They were generally unable to tell their parents of the abuse they were suffering, out of intimidation, fear and threat of reprisal and further abuse.”

Read More: https://www.pentictonherald.ca/spare_news/article_bfb48a33-4ad9-5958-aee3-98e834bbc8ae.html