Quebec Innu say Newfoundland and Labrador's proposed Lower Churchill hydro development won't be built unless the province agrees to negotiate a settlement.

"Enough is enough. We can no longer tolerate the denial of our Innu rights and title in Labrador," said a group of Quebec Innu chiefs in a news release Wednesday. "The Innu People we represent have the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess in Labrador."

The chiefs are members of a group called the Strategic Alliance representing five Quebec-based Innu bands.

"If the Newfoundland and Labrador authorities want to use our lands and our natural resources for hydro-development purposes, they shall obtain our free and informed consent … particularly in connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources," said their release.

"Furthermore, they shall provide effective mechanisms for just and fair redress for any such activities, and appropriate measures shall be taken to mitigate adverse environmental, economic, social, cultural or spiritual impact."

Reacting to premier's comments

Their release was written in reaction to comments made by Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams.

On Wednesday, Williams accused Quebec Innu leaders of inciting violence with a recent Caribou hunt in western Labrador. He said Innu hunters killed hundreds of caribou in an area closed to hunting because animals in a protected herd are known to live there.

Williams also reacted to reports that Real McKenzie, chief of the Matimekush-Lac-John Quebec Innu community, said Monday: "This is a war that begins as of now."

Wednesday, the Quebec Innu chiefs said they want to open negotiations with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We do not condone violence, but we cannot stand still and watch the Newfoundland and Labrador government threaten our people with arrests, and legal procedures for something that they are legitimately and legally authorized to do by the Canadian Constitution."