In an historic first, the Naskapi of Kawawachikamach and the Innu of Matimekush and Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam have purchased a 217-kilometre portion of the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway.
The group, called Tshiuetin Rail Transportation Inc., bought the 50-year-old rail service from The Iron Ore Co. of Canada for a dollar.
“I am pleased that the essential rail service between Sept-Îles and Schefferville will be maintained and will also create about 40 jobs and numerous business opportunities for members of our three First Nations people,” Tshiuetin President Elie-Jacques Jourdain told the Montreal Gazette.
The line is used by the local Native population to reach their traditional hunting and trapping territory.
