CBC Archives

The Innu, whose name means “human being,” and their ancestors have lived in the eastern portion of the Quebec-Labrador peninsula for over 2000 years. More than 16 000 Innu live in 11 communities in Quebec and in the communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish in Labrador. The Natuashish Innu were relocated from Davis Inlet in 2002.

Write the word “sedentarization” on the board. Ask students to suggest what they think it means. Explain that sedentarization is a word often used to describe the Innu experience in Davis Inlet. It is the process where tribes cease their seasonal or nomadic lifestyle and live in year-round homes.

Direct students to the topic Davis Inlet: Innu Community in Crisis on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. In small groups, have students browse Clip #1 and read the text for the clip. They may wish to browse other clips if they have time. Point out that there are also links to other sites that contain more information on the Innu of Davis Inlet. Have each group complete the comparison chart on the download sheet Consequences of Relocation based on what they learned from the clip. Have students present and discuss their charts.

Following the presentations, discuss with the class what new information students have found. What issues do they think are important? What questions do they have? Make a list of questions that students might want to investigate further.

Assessment Tip
Look for students to identify, describe, and clearly explain their charts.

Students can research the effects on the Innu of diseases introduced by Europeans in the early 1900s.