N.L. First Nations calling for halt to non-essential travel within province

First Nations in Newfoundland and Labrador are trying to limit the spread of COVID-19 by halting travel.

The Innu Nation has written the premier and prime minister with itsrequest, while the Miawpukek First Nation has implemented special measures restricting entrance to their reserve.

At 8a.m. Sunday, the Miawpukek First Nation erected a checkpoint, with 24-hour security, at the entrance of their reserve on the south coast of the island.

Chief Mi'sel Joe says the checkpoint is about limiting or even preventingCOVID-19 on the reserve of about 1,000 people.

"This checkpoint is not to be mean or nasty, by any means. It istrying to protect us and maybe even protect people from the outside," said Joe. "That's all we're trying to do."

Joe said all non-members of the First Nation have to obtain a permit before entering the area.In a statement posted online, the band said only people providing essential goods and services will be issued permits to enter.

Band members will be allowed through the checkpoint upon presentation of their Miawpukek First Nation status card. Non-band members living or working on the reserve will be asked to provide their name and be exempt from the permitting process.

"Our biggest problem we might have is people going outside of reserve and coming back," said Joe.

The statement also said those not adhering to the permitting process will be deemed in contravention of Section 30 of the Indian Act, which states that anyone who trespasses on a reserve can be fined up to $50, be imprisoned for up to a month, or both.

Innu Nation writes premier, prime minister

Meanwhile, the Innu Nation has called for all non-essential travel in Labrador to be halted.

Grand Chief Gregory Rich, Chief Eugene Hart of Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and Chief John Nui of Mushuau First Nation wrote premier Dwight Ball and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday.

They asked for ferry services, intraprovincial flightsand travel across the Quebec border over the Trans-Labrador Highway to be stopped.

However, Rich wants exemptions for essential workers, emergenciesand delivery of essential goods,like food, fuel and medication.

Ball says the province is monitoring the Quebec border and flights into Labrador, but on Saturday he said it's important to find a balance to provide essential services.

"It could have a major impact on other services, sowe're working with the Indigenous groups to make sure that we can provide a safe service, as an example to children in care," he said.

Rich saidhe's disappointed by the premier's comments.

Richsaidwhile members of the Innu Nation have beenfollowing public health advice like physical distancing and handwashing, their ability to protect vulnerable populations from COVID-19 is limited.

"Many of us live in overcrowded housing, with many children and youth who will inevitably come into contact with our elders as we live in houses where, frequently, multiple generations live together under one roof. Self-isolation is virtually impossible for most of us," he wrote in the letter.

He said there are many elders in their communities with chronic diseases, on dialysis, or with addictions.

"It makes me worried if there's an outbreak in Labrador, would Labrador-Grenfell Health be able to handle it?" said Rich.

"That's one of the concerns that I have. And that's why we send a letter to both levels of government, to try to minimize the spread and slow down the process."

The Innu Nation represents about 3,000 Innu, living primarily in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish.

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