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The Mushuau Innu have lived in Labrador, Canada
as independent hunters for several thousand years.
Today's leaders are the first generation
that speak, read, and write English.
At the same time they respect and wish to maintain
the
traditional religion and rituals.
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The transition from nomadic,
to "modern" life as a small people
has caused severe problems
includng alcohol abuse and a dramatic increase in suicide
attempts.
A major goal of today's young leaders is to
initiate programs to prevent alcohol abuse and violence.
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These leaders, with their female chieftain, also
work to obtain increased self-government and rights to their territories.
They have gained support from the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs
(IWGIA) and have lodged a complaint to the UN Committee of Human Rights in Geneva.
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