A group of young Sheshatshiu residents completed a 130-kilometre journey in protest over a proposed hydroelectric project at Gull Island — and one says it’s a sign that youth are ready to take on leadership roles to protect the land.
Angel Jourdain, Percey Montague and Patrick Jourdain began the long walk earlier this month from Sheshatshui to Gull Island to to join several people who have been protesting Hydro-Québec’s preliminary site survey work.
Angel Jourdain said land is a place where Innu have gathered for years and said the walk holds a lot of significance for her.
“I hope it shows them that we’re peaceful, that we love our land but we won’t step down when it comes to it, that we’ll be here to protest it, if any bad decisions are made upon the land,” Jourdain told CBC.
“We’re the protectors now. Now that most of the elders are gone, we were ready to step in.”
She said the group, which included Percey Montague and Patrick Jourdain, began their journey on July 13 and arrived in Gull Island on July 20.
Jourdain is pleased they did this and she’s feeling well, even though she’s tired and sore from the long walk.
“Emotionally I’m still strong and I’m ready to do whatever is next,” she said, adding Montague and Patrick Jourdain are excited for any future challenges.
Throughout the week-long walk, community members dropped off drinks to keep them hydrated as well as equipment like walking sticks and even junk food, to help “keep our spirits up.”
“We had people stop to give us hugs and to talk to us and tell us we’re doing great and just giving us words of encouragement,” said Jourdain.
Innu Elder Elizabeth Penashue also joined the trio for a 12-kilometre portion of their walk, which Jourdain called a “big motivator to keep going.”
Jourdain said many elders Penashue’s age are dying, so “it’s really important to hear her say that, and that she trusts us to protect the land and to appreciate it the way they have done for so many years.”
When the group arrived at Gull Island, she said they were greeted by a crowd, from community leaders to young children.
“It’s not just the walk, it’s an achievement for the youth of Sheshatshiu. Something like this has never been done, so seeing the support from it will definitely encourage others to do more,” she said.
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