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Innu Nation Uinipekᵁ Expedition 2024
Overview
The 2024 Innu Nation Uinipekᵁ Expedition was an initiative of Innu Nation that brought together traditional Innu knowledge and Western marine science to better understand the Labrador Innu marine zones in the Labrador Sea. This will further enhance skills development and capacity building in Innu communities.
The specific focus for 2024 was on young Innu coming together with a vibrant group of ocean leaders, researchers, and environmental stewards to forge a deeper relationship with each other and the lands and waters of Nitassinan (the Innu homeland). The expedition exposed Innu youth to the field of ocean science, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to pursue future career opportunities in marine and land stewardship.
The expedition used the Mi’kmaq-owned icebreaker Oqwatnukewey Eleke’wi’ji’jit (MV Polar Prince) as the platform for the Innu Nation’s inshore monitoring and stewardship efforts in the marine zones near the communities of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu. The activities on board and on the land helped equip the community with the data to make evidence-based decisions about management of Innu waters.
Key Information
Route / Location
Leg 1: Sheshatshiu, Lake Melville, Innu Marine Zones, proceeding North to Natuashish. Leg 2: Natuashish, Davis Inlet, Iluikoyak and Ukasiksalik islands, and surrounding islands like Voisey’s Bay before returning to Natuashish.
Dates
Leg 1: July 1 - July 10 Leg 2: July 10 - July 19
Theme / Focus
Capacity and skills building, data collection, strengthened collaboration
Number of Participants
60 participants, staff, and crew
The Journey
Leg 1
The first leg of the expedition departed from Sheshatshiu through Lake Melville. We travelled to Innu Marine Zones and wove our way along the coast to Natuashish. Along the way, we visited the Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountain National Park Reserve, remote islands, bays, and beaches. Each day was filled with zodiac landings, hikes, workshops, research activities, data collection, storytelling, and much more.
Leg 2
The second leg of our journey took us through the Innu Nation Marine Zones. Departing from Natuashish and travelling to the relocated community of Davis Inlet, we visited sites on Iluikoyak and Ukasiksalik islands and Voisey’s Bay before returning to Natuashish. Likewise, our days were filled with zodiac landings, hikes, workshops, research activities, data collection, storytelling, and much more.
Purpose
- Build capacity and skills within the Innu communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, with a specific focus on youth
- Increase understanding of the the Labrador Innu marine zones in the Labrador Sea by combining traditional Innu knowledge and western marine science
- Gather local knowledge from community members and conduct field studies to inform future marine management and guardianship efforts
- Strengthening collaboration between Innu communities, researchers, educators, and stakeholders
Impact
- Empowerment through active participation in marine stewardship
- Skill development in data collection, research, and environmental monitoring
- Enhanced understanding of Indigenous-led resource guardianship and management efforts
- Exposure to collaborative partnerships and potential career pathways
Expedition Updates
Expedition Recap
Expedition Partners
About Innu Nation:
The Innu Nation is the organization that formally represents the Innu of Labrador, approximately 3,200 people, most of whom live in the two Innu communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish. The Innu Nation’s mandate is to speak as one voice to protect the interests of the Innu people and to oversee all its political and business affairs. It is a fundamental principle that Innu Nation will work toward sovereignty and self-government and also the physical, emotional, and spiritual healing of its membership.