SHESHATSHIU, N.L. - Members of the Labrador Innu Nation are voting today on an agreement that could help clear the way for the proposed hydroelectric project at Muskrat Falls.
The so-called New Dawn agreement with the Newfoundland and Labrador government offers the Innu hunting rights within 34,000 square kilometres of land.
The deal would also provide $2 million annually in compensation for flooding caused by construction of the Churchill Falls hydroelectric dam 40 years ago.
Innu leaders signed the 600-page agreement in principle with the province more than a year ago.
There are about 2,400 Innu in Labrador living in Sheshatshiu (SHESH'-ah-shee) and Natuashish (Nat-wah-sheesh).
Peter Penashue (Pen-ASH'-way), a former Innu chief who's now the province's only Tory MP, says he believes the agreement will pass.
Innu Nation Grand Chief Joe Riche said in an email that the results may be known tonight.
To be accepted, the Innu must vote at least 60 per cent in favour.
The Innu Nation and Ottawa also reached an agreement in principle on land claims earlier this year.
