The superior court ruled in favor of the Innu council of Uashat mak Maliotenam. She recognizes the bad faith of Hydro-Québec in the implementation of an agreement in principle reached in 2014 concerning the Romaine project. “This judgment is a great victory for the recognition of the governance of our people,” proclaims Chief Mike Mckenzie.
The government of Uashat mak Mani-utenam (ITUM) expresses in a press release its satisfaction with a historic judgment rendered on January 8, 2025, which declares that Hydro-Québec violated its obligation to act with the honor of the Crown and demonstrates institutional bad faith. The Superior Court ruled in favor of the Innu of Uashat mak Mani-utenam across the board.
$5,000,000 to the Innu
According to the ITUM council, Hydro-Québec refused to follow up on the 2014 agreement in principle and conclude a final agreement. The court orders Hydro-Québec to pay the sum of $5,000,000 to the Innu of Uashat mak Maniutenam with interest and legal costs. It also allows the Innu of Uashat mak Mani-utenam to resume procedures concerning the La Romaine Project and cancels the 2014 Agreement in Principle.
In 2014, following a long legal battle, the Innus of Uashat mak Mani-utenam and Hydro-Québec concluded this agreement in order to put certain disputes behind them. It was accepted by the majority of the community by referendum.
“This judgment is a great victory for us. Governments and their state corporations cannot act with impunity. As the Innus Government of Uashat mak Mani-utenam, ITUM will always defend the rights of its members to obtain apologies and reparations for any past developments in our Nitassinan,” says Chief Mike McKenzie.
No development without consent
ITUM reaffirms its intention to intervene so that no development can take place on its territory without the consent of the Innu. For its part, Hydro-Québec recently presented its desire to transform its relationship with the First Nations and its adherence to the principle of reconciliation.
“When Hydro-Québec and the provincial and federal governments act in good faith with openness and recognition of our rights, the Innu of Uashat mak Mani-utenam will know that we will begin a true reconciliation in a balanced partnership between respect, protection of Nitassinan and equitable sharing of benefits,” reads the ITUM government press release.
