Impacts for the future

The potential for year-round shipping from the mine site raises significant concerns regarding its impact on ice conditions crucial for local hunting, trapping, and fishing, which in turn could diminish the quantity and availability of wild foods. This is compounded by a perceived lack of meaningful participation for local residents in the project's processes. Traditional knowledge risks being undervalued, and younger generations face potential limitations in accessing traditional hunting and fishing grounds, with lasting impacts across generations. The anticipated transformation of the land could further alter local wildlife habitats. Experiences with similar development projects, like highways and industrial zones, suggest potential community displacement, damage to local economies, and exposure to pollution with long-term health implications, while benefits often do not reach the most vulnerable. 

Issues with public hearings, such as poor advertising and accessibility, alongside language barriers, hinder effective engagement. Therefore, transparent and inclusive stakeholder engagement, especially with Indigenous groups, and the integration of climate change resilience and biodiversity conservation across all impacted lands are essential. Considering the long-term ecological effects, alongside the impacts of air and noise pollution, the movement of toxins via southern ice flow, and the effects on wildlife and traditional food sources, demands careful attention. 

Regarding the decommissioning phase, questions arise about the plans to restore the existing dock and surrounding land to its natural state, particularly considering the potential for long-term impacts. Past projects in Labrador have reportedly lacked transparency and inclusion of Indigenous peoples, raising concerns about whether all Indigenous communities in Labrador will be fully informed throughout this project. Consultation with local residents is sought both on the land's restoration post-project and on the long-term effects after the project's closure, including accountability for any unrectified damages. Furthermore, there are inquiries about how residents can track the generational environmental impacts and who will be responsible for ongoing testing of traditional foods.

Achieving sovereignty while striving for improved environmental, social, and economic outcomes necessitates the ability for communities to have a say in the land and its resources to offset social impacts. When “making meaning” and connection to our culture and land, we as indigenous people look to the seven generations ahead and how our choices today impacts their future.