Racism common at Muskrat Falls site, say Innu workers

Aboriginals working at the Muskrat Falls construction site say they’re facing racism, harassment and unethical hiring practices on the job.

Current and former employees voiced their concerns at a meeting with Innu leaders Thursday in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"I really hope that what comes out of it is that we get treated with dignity," said Jodie Ashini, who used to work on the site.

"It's not just one person – everyone has a complaint about someone saying something, someone treating them differently. Every Innu person has this complaint," she said.

Many others who came forward said they have either been wrongly kept from jobs or treated disrespectfully by non-aboriginal colleagues.

In a statement to Innu leaders, Nalcor Energy, the company that runs the hydroelectric project, says it strictly prohibits discrimination and will not tolerate workplace harassment.

Natuashish chief Simeon Tshakapesh said he doesn't buy it.

"It's fine to put it in words, but let's do it in an action plan, let's do what Nalcor's suggesting," he said.

Innu leaders took notes while people spoke at the meeting Thursday.

They are holding a second meeting Friday.

The Innu leaders plan to bring their concerns to Nalcor Energy officials when the two groups meet at a later date.