Archeologists accuse N.L. government of ‘colonial logic’ in dispute with Innu
Seven Memorial University researchers say the exhibit dispute undermines trust and harms Innu people, and they want the province to explain its historical claims.
- Seven Memorial University anthropologists and archaeologists released a letter Thursday supporting the Innu Nation, criticizing the provincial government for promoting a "fringe theory" that limits Innu history in Labrador to about 300 years.
- Last week, the Innu Nation cancelled the "Innu Pakassiun" cultural exhibit after provincial officials allegedly requested changes to references regarding Innu presence before the 1700s, which leadership rejected as erasure of their history.
- In their letter, the signatories argued the government's stance employs "colonial logic," stating the theory rests on "methodologically flawed" assumptions that dismiss Indigenous oral history and knowledge as "secondary or inadmissible forms of evidence."
- Premier Tony Wakeham apologized Tuesday for exhibit-related matters, committing to free Indigenous cultural expression, though provincial officials have not yet addressed the specific 300-year theory raised by the group.
- Indigenous Relations Minister Lela Evans expressed hope earlier this week for a "respectful resolution," as the academics' letter urges the government to acknowledge Innu occupancy extends well beyond 300 years.
7 Articles
7 Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
Archeologists accuse N.L. government of 'colonial logic' in dispute with Innu
ST. JOHN'S - A group of archeologists at Memorial University have voiced their support for the Innu Nation, saying the Newfoundland and Labrador government has undermined public trust and harmed Innu people.
MUN Archaeology Department Voices Support for Innu Nation Following Dispute with Province Over History
Anthropologists and archaeologists at Memorial University have come out in support of the Innu Nation regarding the cancellation of the Innu exhibit. The controversy has also resulted in the cancellation of Expo Labrador 2026. The Innu Nation was instructed to remove or alter references to their presence in Labrador prior to the 1700s, and that stone tools and other materials from Innu lands could not be presented as connected to Innu ancestors.…
Archaeology, anthropology professors ask government to show their work on Innu history
A letter signed by eight anthropologists and archaeologists at Memorial University expresses support for Innu in the ongoing dispute with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, relating to declarations on Innu history. The academics are calling on the provincial government to "clarify the evidentiary basis for any claims" about history of the modern Innu people in Labrador.
Archeologists accuse N.L. government of ‘colonial logic’ in dispute with Innu
ST. JOHN’S — A group of archeologists at Memorial University have voiced their support for the Innu Nation, saying the Newfoundland and Labrador government has undermined public trust and harmed Innu people. The comments were made in a letter signed by seven professors from Memorial’s archeology department and shared publicly by the Innu Nation on Thursday. The letter is the latest development in a dispute between the Indigenous group in Labrado…
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