SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement

Honourable senators, I am privileged to rise today to recognize and congratulate the Nunatsiavut Government on the twentieth anniversary of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. This modern treaty remains one of the most significant achievements in the history of Indigenous rights in Canada and a remarkable accomplishment for the Inuit of Labrador.

For thousands of years, Labrador Inuit lived, thrived and cared for the lands and waters of northern Labrador. Colonization brought profound disruption, including the forced relocations of the 1950s, and tore families from their homes and caused lasting harm. It was in the face of these injustices that Labrador Inuit organized and began a long and determined effort to have their rights recognized.

After decades of advocacy, the Labrador Inuit Association reached a final agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador and with Canada. The treaty was signed in Nain on January 22, 2005, and came into effect on December 1, creating the Nunatsiavut Government. It affirmed Inuit ownership of their lands, their harvesting rights and their shared responsibility for managing the region known as Nunatsiavut, which means “Our Beautiful Land.”

This anniversary is a tribute to the leaders and community members who carried this vision forward for generations. Modern treaties like this one are not symbolic. They are constitutional commitments that define our relationships, guide our responsibilities and represent reconciliation through action.

But anniversaries also remind us of the work that remains.

Twenty years later, Labrador Inuit continue to experience some of the worst housing conditions in the country. The Federal Housing Advocate has reported that many homes lack safe water and sanitation, are filled with mould and are overcrowded. Seventy-eight per cent require major repairs. These conditions exist because of long-lasting federal and provincial inaction.

Labrador Inuit also face the highest costs of food and fuel, inadequate airport infrastructure and environmental threats, such as the decline of the caribou herd. At the same time, Nunatsiavut must contend with illegitimate groups falsely claiming Indigenous identity, diverting resources from recognized Indigenous governments. This undermines the integrity of Canada’s treaty relationships and is a serious barrier to reconciliation.

In the words of President Johannes Lampe:

For thousands of years, Labrador Inuit have thrived with deep connections to the land, the sea, the animals, and to one another. These relationships have shaped our identity and strengthened our sense of community – making us vibrant, resourceful, determined, and proud.

We believe in the wisdom of our Elders and the creativity of our youth. We cherish our unique culture, language, and traditions, and we find strength in sharing our stories with each other and with the world.

These words speak to the heart of Nunatsiavut and to the enduring promise of this treaty. They honour the deep relationships that have sustained Labrador Inuit since time immemorial and carry the resilience, vision and hope that will guide the generations who follow.

On this twentieth anniversary, may this celebration honour all who carried this treaty forward, and may it also strengthen the resolve to see its full implementation and to support the continued growth of Inuit self-determination for generations to come. Quyanainni, mahsi, koana, thank you.