"Economic development is believed critical to improving quality of life in the Innu communities of Sheshatshiu and Utshimassit, where substance abuse, low literacy rates, and living conditions far below national standards persist. The establishment of Innu Development Limited Partnership in 1998 was a decisive move by the Innu to generate business ventures. An impact benefit agreement associated with the Voisey Bay mine project and compensation from a land claim settlement will result in needed resources and business opportunities for the Innu.
The Central Labrador community of North West River has been used as a congregational meeting place by nomadic fur traders for the past 3000 years(documented). The village was established as a community in 1743 by Louis Fornel when the fur trade between the Innu, Métis, Inuit and European explorers became a commercial entity. History has seen French Revillion and Freres and the Hudson's Bay Company establish North West River as an isolated center of commerce. This commerce also brought with it the International Grenfell Association’s center of health care and educational services.
Sivunivut was successful in obtaining funding to complete an Economic Leakage Study. The goal is to complete an economic leakage study that will help reverse the current trend of outflow of spending from North West River into the neighbouring central Labrador community of Happy Valley – Goose Bay. This study will identify specific business opportunities for North West River that would bring new businesses, jobs and wealth back into the community.
Since the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement (LILCA) was approved, members of the former Labrador Inuit Association are now referred to as "Beneficiaries". Beneficiaries in North West River and Sheshatshiu, are represented in the Nunatsiavut Assembly by Sivunivut Inuit Community Corporation Incorporated (formerly North West River ICC). Sivunivut Corporation is headed by a Chairperson and a Board of Directors. Mina Campbell-Hibbs was elected as the first Chairperson of the NWR ICC on September 19, 2006.
Jointly-owned by Ocean Choice International and IDLP. Innu Development’s fishing venture proved to be an excellent opportunity for Innu fishers interested in the offshore fishery to receive hands-on training
Background of how the Innu Development Limited Partnership (IDLP) was created to satisfy a need for Innu economic activity for both Labrador Innu communities.
