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George Rich
George Rich was born in Nain in 1962. His early childhood was spent in the interior of Labrador, primarily in the area around Border Beacon. As a boy, George travelled with his parents throughout the northern areas of the Innu territories inland from Utshimassit. In 1967, his family were settled in the government village of Davis Inlet, but they maintained their hunting lifestyle, travelling frequently to Natuashish (Sango Pond), where the Mushuau Innu were relocated in 2003, and where he now lives. George was educated in the Canadian school system to high school level. Since then he has become a leader in the community and in the Innu Nation, acting as Chief of Davis Inlet, Vice President of Innu Nation, and for almost 30 years as a negotiator and spokesperson for Innu rights in land claims, health, and relocation. George’s involvement in advancing the rights of the Innu has taken him all over Canada and the world, having attended meetings of the UN in Geneva and with support organisations across Europe. He has visited indigenous communities in Australia and the US. His vast experience has made him an important contact for non-Innu visitors, researchers and supporters. He is an enthusiastic reader of fiction, indigenous human rights and world politics and was a speaker at the ‘Beyond the Borders’ literary Festival at Atlantic College, Wales in 2004. George is married to Penash, and has six adult children as well as an adopted son and foster children.