Newly-elected Grand Chief of the Innu Nation in Labrador Greg Rich says his first priority is the inquiry into the treatment of Innu children in the child protection system.

Rich, former chief of Natuashish, won Wednesday's general election with 413 votes while Etienne Riche of Sheshatshiu was elected Deputy Grand Chief with 412 votes. The two are not closely related.

He will now work with the Newfoundland and Labrador government on an inquiry into the treatment of Innu children in the child protection system, which is expected to start in the fall.

"People in both communities have been having problems with this department for many, many years and it causes a lot of negative effects on the kids and also the parents," Rich told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning on Thursday.

"So I think the Innu Nation needs to present a strong submission to the inquiry, and also with the parents that are affected and the children as well."

Greg Rich has long condemned the use of alcohol, drugs or money in exchange for election support – an issue raised in this election as well, with youth marching in Sheshatshiu on Monday to express their concerns about the matter.

Anastasia Qupee had been Grand Chief, since the election in 2014, with Simeon Tshakapesh serving as deputy.