The Innu community of Pessamit recently held a referendum where they decisively voted against an agreement proposed by Hydro-Québec and the Quebec government. By a significant 63% majority, the community rejected the deal, which aimed to resolve long-standing legal disputes and pave the way for energy projects in the region. A total of 1,287 community members participated in the voting process.
In a statement following the ballot counting, referendum chair Alexis Wawanoloath announced, “The Innu of Pessamit have spoken. They are not authorizing Chief René Simon to sign the agreement. Democracy has spoken loud and clear.”
The proposed agreement, known as the Aishkat Agreement, outlined a payment of over $2.535 billion over 50 years to the Innu community of around 4,000 residents situated southwest of Baie-Comeau on the North Shore. However, the agreement also included clauses that would have restricted the community from legally challenging future energy projects and allowed state-owned corporations to undertake developments in their territory, leading to internal disagreements within the community.
Following the referendum result, Ian Lafrenière, the minister responsible for relations with First Nations and Inuit, expressed understanding, stating, “We acknowledge the decision of the Pessamit community members. We will reassess the situation in the coming days.”
Hydro-Québec spokesperson Jonathan Côté also responded, emphasizing, “We acknowledge the result of the referendum and respect the democratic choice of the Pessamit community. The next steps are in their hands, and we will honor their decisions.”
