Quebec Innu threaten to block projects

Innu chiefs from five northern Quebec communities are threatening to block all mining, hydroelectric and forestry projects in their region unless the federal government is willing to hear their demands.

Accompanied by a group of 60 elders, the chiefs travelled 1,200 km to Ottawa Thursday where they held a protest in the offices of Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl.

The communities want the federal government to intervene to block an energy agreement signed between the Newfoundland and Labrador and two Innu communities, which they say encroaches on their land rights.

The chiefs said their land rights extend beyond the border between Quebec and Labrador.

"The provincial boundaries are those of governments, not ours. Our rights in Labrador cannot be denied simply because we live west of an imaginary line that has no meaning to us," said Matimekush-Lac John chief Réal McKenzie.

The chiefs want the Harper government to sit down with Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams to discuss the rights of Quebec Innu.

The groups said they are also concerned about a potential treaty between the two Innu communities — known as the Innu Nation, the federal government and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The communities said they have written to the minister for two years on the issue but did not receive a response.

Their demands to meet with Strahl Thursday were also declined.