The Innu community of Pessamit made a significant decision on Sunday as they voted in a referendum, ultimately rejecting an agreement with Hydro-Québec and the Quebec government by a substantial 63% majority. This agreement, known as the Aishkat Agreement, aimed to settle longstanding legal disputes and pave the way for energy development projects. A total of 1,287 Innu community members participated in the voting process.
Following the referendum, Alexis Wawanoloath, the chair of the referendum, declared, “The Innu of Pessamit have spoken. They are not authorizing Chief René Simon to sign the agreement,” emphasizing the democratic nature of the decision-making process.
The Aishkat Agreement proposed a substantial monetary compensation of over $2.535 billion over 50 years to the Innu community, along with other financial provisions. However, concerns arose due to certain clauses in the 42-page document that would have restricted the community’s ability to legally challenge future energy projects and allowed state-owned entities to undertake projects on their territory, leading to internal community controversies.
In response to the rejection, Ian Lafrenière, the minister responsible for relations with First Nations and Inuit, expressed understanding, stating, “We acknowledge the decision of the members of the Pessamit community,” and indicated a plan to reassess the situation moving forward.
Hydro-Québec also acknowledged the outcome of the referendum, with spokesperson Jonathan Côté affirming, “We respect the democratic decision of the members of the Pessamit community, and the next steps they choose to take will be honored.”
