September 14, 2022 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Innu CFS Capital Project – Natuashish is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures and;
• public comments.

The project is being funded as part of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal 41 (CHRT 41) order which funds the purchase and construction of capital assets for the delivery of First Nations child and family services or for the delivery of services under Jordan's Principle.  This project includes the purchase of three residential trailers to be located within the Mushuau Innu First Nation Reserve lands (55.920097, -61.118664) and is an expansion of an existing trailer park within the community.

The project will address a shortage in housing and rental space in the community of Natuashish for Innu Round Table agents as well as space required for programing.  The office facility is intended to be used for office function among community users as well as serve as a space for cultural programming activities involving youth and families from the community.

An area of approximately 2,400 m2 area is being disturbed adjacent to already developed land. No impacts to species at risk were identified and clearing and grubbing will occur outside of migratory bird nesting season. Potential environmental effects will be mitigated using standard construction mitigation measures.

Indigenous Services Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.