MNN. JULY 24, 2026. The Innu of Pessamit Labrador rejected a proposed $2.5 billion agreement with Hydro-Québec and the colonial Quebec government in a July 2026 referendum, with 63% of Innu voters opposing the deal. The Innu of Pessamit have spoken. They are authorizing band council Chief René Simon to not sign the agreement.” 
The multi-billion dollar pact was intended to settle longstanding land and legal disputes over historical infrastructure in the Côte-Nord region. “The Innu of Pessamit rejected the more than $2.5 billion agreement with Hydro-Québec and the Quebec government.”, according to CTV News. However, the Innu voted it down because they were suppose to agree to never legally stopping future energy projects on their ancestral territory “The agreement included the payment of more than $2.535 billion to the community over 50 years.”, as reported by CTV News. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Following the vote, Hydro-Québec stated they respect the democratic decision and remain open to further dialogue “The people have said no, and there are other ways to develop energy in Quebec without breaking up Innu land.”, according to The Canadian Press. [1, 2]
Creation made us to live forever. So we partnered with the great spud. Hey Innu of Pessimit, we are proud of what you did. You could set a trend right from the east of onowarekeh turtle island to the west of our land, just like Tom Connors did when he sang about the almighty spud.
French language detailed background.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/info/videos/1-10712442/une-entente-avec-hydro-quebec-rejetee-par-communautee-innue-pessamit?liste=28-23005
English Press article with a 5-minute audio backgrounder.
