“As we get ready to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, and as we continue to work towards genuine truth and reconciliation, it concerns me to hear that The Rooms, run by government, would tell the Innu Nation that their Innu Pakassiun exhibit isn’t suitable because it does not reflect the accurate timeline of Innu history in the region.
“This exhibit, which highlights Innu culture and features cultural artifacts, artwork, and information sharing the story of the Innu people of Nitassinan, deserves to be celebrated for the knowledge and perspectives it brings forward. Indigenous history is not limited to what can be unearthed from the ground; it is carried in language, traditions, oral storytelling, and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples themselves.
“We know that colonialism has continued to erase, diminish, or tidy the narrative of Indigenous peoples and has been a long-standing issue. We do not need archaeological artifacts to validate what Indigenous communities have always known and shared: that Indigenous peoples across our province and our country have lived on these lands for thousands of years. In 2026, I would have hoped we were farther along in our reconciliation journey, but this situation shows just how much work remains to be done.
“I want to thank all those involved with this exhibit, who put in the time, effort, and care to showcase the rich history, culture, and resilience of the Innu people in the province. We know art is how we share stories, preserve culture, and pass knowledge from one generation to the next. Those stories matter, and they deserve to be heard, respected, and given the space they need to educate and inspire all of us.
“I hope government does the right thing by investigating how this decision was made and taking meaningful steps to ensure it never happens again. That work must be done in partnership with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities across the province. Reconciliation requires more than words – it requires listening to Indigenous voices, respecting Indigenous knowledge, and ensuring Indigenous peoples are the ones helping shape how their histories, cultures, and stories are represented in our public institutions.”