NationTalk: As part of a proposed out-of-court settlement with the Nunatsiavut Government, representatives from Big River Camps (2012) Ltd. issued a public apology today in Makkovik for trespassing on Labrador Inuit Lands.

In December 2017, the Nunatsiavut Government filed a lawsuit against the company – which owns and operates a sports-fishing camp on the Big River near Makkovik – after it began work, without proper authorization, to expand and improve a route for vehicle access on Labrador Inuit Lands.

“Ensuring adherence to the Constitutionally-protected Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement will always be a priority of the Nunatsiavut Government, and we appreciate the acknowledgement by Big River Camps of the harm that was done,” says Lands and Natural Resources Minister Terry Vincent. “The Nunatsiavut Government has always maintained an apology to Inuit is essential to resolve this matter, as it serves to recognize that Labrador Inuit Lands are just that – lands owned collectively by Inuit, and that Inuit must be afforded the same respect as any other land holder.

“By agreeing to offer an apology, and subject to the conditions of the settlement, we hope to begin a process of reconciliation between Labrador Inuit and Big River Camps,” adds the Minister. “We are hopeful that, by pursuing this process with Big River Camps, other operators and non-Inuit will have a deeper understanding of the sanctity and cultural significance of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and the protection it is afforded under Inuit, provincial and federal law.”

Details of the settlement will not be released.

Media Contact:

Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
(709) 896-8582
pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com