In 1967, the Mushuau Innu - the Aboriginal people of Labrador - were resettled on Davis Inlet by the Canadian government. Originally a land-based people, this move to the coast created cultural, economic and spiritual upheaval, and Davis Inlet became synonymous with shocking substance abuse and suicide rates. In this work, Gerry Steele offers the reader a participant observer's perspective on Davis Inlet. An employee of the federal government working with the Mushuau Innu since 1993, Steele explores their oral history of the resettlement process, substance abuse and deaths, and argues that these problems are a direct result of the government's lack of respect for Aboriginal peoples. In 1992, the Innu tried to regain responsibility for their future, focusing on the traditions and strengths of their own community, but government bureaucracy would not support this partnership. Steele urges the government to engage in respectful partnerships with Aboriginal communities in order to achieve positive change.

The People of the Barrens -- The Three Pillars -- Discovering a People -- Government Errors, Innu Deterioration -- Losing Control, Governments' Responsibility -- Getting Attention -- Mushuau Innu Vision -- Reaching Out -- Healing the Children -- Chief Katie Rich -- Ottawa's Mixed Agenda -- Conflict of Interest? -- The Innu in Control -- Time Heals What Reason Cannot -- Innu Wisdom Ignored -- A Fading Dream -- Ottawa's Dilemma-Failure -- A Growing Track Record -- Let the Innu Lead -- Going Forward, Overcoming Conceit.