The Assembly of First Nations is defending the right of Innu hunters involved in a dispute with the Newfoundland and Labrador government.
Newfoundland is upset with the activities of about 150 Quebec Innu that it says are camped out in a closed hunting site.
The government says the endangered Red Wine caribou herd intermingles in the area with the healthier George River herd.
In a news release Wednesday, assembly Chief Shawn Atleo said the Innu are exercising their inherent right to hunt in ancestral lands spread over parts of Quebec and Labrador.
Mr. Atleo says aboriginals and governments should work together to develop solutions that include consultation, accommodation and consent.
He adds that a reduction of the Labrador caribou herd can be blamed on factors including development and resource extraction - not the Innu.