Ottawa Ends Indigenous-Rights Recognition Talks With Labrador Group

The federal government has ended talks aimed at determining whether the NunatuKavut Community Council qualifies for Indigenous and treaty-rights recognition under Section 35 of the Constitution Act.

Crown-Indigenous Relations said the council’s documentation did not meet the legal tests established by Canadian courts. The department said it reviewed updated submissions, historical and legal analysis, expert reports and discussions with the organization.

The council says it represents about 6,000 Inuit in southern and central Labrador. It accused Ottawa of treating it unfairly and said it would consider all available options, including legal action.

The Nunatsiavut Government, which represents Inuit in northern Labrador, supported Ottawa’s decision. The Innu Nation also backed the federal conclusion.

Canada began discussions with NunatuKavut in 2018 and signed a memorandum of understanding with the council the following year. The federal government says both the discussions and memorandum will now end.

The organizations disagree sharply over NunatuKavut’s identity and legal status. Coverage should clearly attribute each position and avoid presenting any party’s claim as an independently settled fact.