In its unwavering commitment to Reconciliation with the Innu people of Labrador, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has responded to the work of the Innu Nation and the Geographical Names board to install new road and place name signage with dual names in Innu-aimun and English.
This signage recognizes and highlights the significance of Innu culture and history in the province. Twenty-one Innu place names that intersect with the provincial road network in Labrador, as well as several forest access roads, are in the process of being erected.
In 2015, under the Geographical Names Board Act, more than 400 traditional Innu names of features and places of social and economic activity were published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette. Under the Act, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has the authority to officially name all geographical features and places in the province. As such, the province officially adopted a dual-naming system using Innu-aimun and English for these provincial geographical features.
The installation of highway signs which recognize the official place names in both languages is currently underway in Labrador. The signage informs visitors and residents as well as encourages travelers to learn Innu history and language and reaffirm its importance in the cultural fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador.
A complete listing of the signs that will be put in place in both languages is contained in the backgrounder below.
Quotes
“Names are important features of our overall identity, including place names, and I am delighted that this initiative will highlight the Innu culture in our province. As travelers and commuters use these roadways, the appropriate signage in both languages will certainly help place a focus on the significant impact of the Innu cultural history of the area.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“The placement of dual-named road signs in areas of Labrador that have cultural and historical significance for the Innu people is a huge step forward for everyone. The Provincial Government was pleased to work together with the Innu Nation. This work informs the public and makes the appropriate changes to include Innu-aimun in the signage.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“On behalf of Innu Nation, I want to express first and foremost my gratitude to our elders and staff, both past and present, who contributed so significantly to this body of knowledge. Our original toponymy work began in the 1970’s and together with land use research gathered in the 1990’s these signs represent decades of work and negotiations that have led us to a time where we can finally see Innu-aimun recognized on provincial signage. I am very pleased that the province has moved ahead to erect the dual place-name signs, it is an historical moment for Innu Nation.”
Grand Chief Etienne Rich
Innu Nation
“I am very proud to see the important work of our elders and staff, many of whom have passed away, reflected in place name signs along the provincial roads in Labrador. Innu have many placenames for lands and waters that were used by Innu, many of those placenames have much cultural significance to our people and are still in use today. We hope that those traveling the highways will take note of these signs and will be encouraged to learn more about Innu Nation, our history and our culture.”
Deputy Grand Chief Mary Ann Nui
Innu Nation
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Learn more
Innu Placenames: Pepamuteiati Nitassinat – As We Walk Cross Our Land
Geographical Names Board of Newfoundland and Labrador
BACKGROUNDER
Listing of the Signs That Will Be Installed in Innu-aimun and English
The following list identifies the sixteen highway signs along the provincial road network and the forest access roads in Labrador which are being replaced with dual-naming signs:
Highway 520
- Ushatshi-tshinusheu – Gosling Pond
- Uashikanashteu-shipu – Goose River
Highway 500
- Manitu-utshu – Muskrat Falls
- Kamitinishkau-shipiss – Lower Brook
- Etuat-shipiss – Edwards Brook
- Uapushkakamau-shipu – Pinus River
- Tshiashku-paushtik – Gull Island
- Anikutshash-shipiss – Cache River
- Nakapishku-nipi – Wilson River
- Maikan-nipiu-shipiu – East Metchin River
- Tshinusheu-shipiss – West Metchin River
- Patshishetshuanau – Churchill Falls
Highway 510
- Mishta-shipu – Churchill River
- Manatueu-shipiss – Traverspine River
- Tshenuamiu-shipu – Kenamu River
- Pakut-shipu – Saint Augustine River
Forest Access Roads
- Grand Lake/Kakatshu-utshishtun Forest Access Road
- Cape Caribou/Kaneshekat Forest Access Road
- Arrowhead Lake/Amishku-nipi Forest Access Road
- Goose River/Uashikanasteu-shipu Forest Access Road
- Orma Lake/Kakuetipapukunanut Road