The Mushuau Innu have been twice relocated by governments against their will, the last time to the island of Davis Inlet, where despite government promises, conditions did not improve while the physical limitations of living on an island caused even more suffering and strife. Our problems are significant. Despite community-based efforts and the pleas of generations of leaders for the means to deal with the many issues facing our communities, fundamental healing for the Sheshatshiu and Mushuau Innu has not taken place. Gas sniffing is epidemic among the youth and alcoholism is a significant problem for many adults. Abuse of many kinds exists in both communities.
Housing is inadequate, with as many as three or four families sharing single-family dwellings.
The education offered to our children is culturally and socially inappropriate with absolutely dismal completion rates. Classes are literally held in broom closets, and conditions have deteriorated to the point where the school in Sheshatshiu was recently condemned by a federal inspector and closed by concerned parents. Policing services are provided by the RCMP, with only limited involvement on the part of Innu people. We have made various efforts to arrange alternative sentencing arrangements and alternatives to prison, as the justice system has proven to be incapable of dealing with the social problems that lie at the root of many of the situations that lead to criminal charges for our people. However, the efforts of the Innu are being met with resistance at many levels.