All the way north - to Nain

Nain is the most northern and largest (population approx. 1100) community in Nunatsiavut.  Founded in 1771 by Moravian Missionaries, Nain was an important outpost for the missionizing efforts of the Moravians.  Beautiful artifacts and buildings built by the Moravians remain in the community to this day.

Nain has always been a hub of activity.  Acting as the administrative capital for the Nunatsiavut Government, Nain is home to many important initiatives in Nunatsiavut - including the OKalaKatiget Society (the Nunatsiavut based news agency), the Torngat Fish Producers Cooperative (local arctic char industry), the Voisey's Bay Nickel Mine, and acting as the gateway to the Torngat Mountains National Park.  Nain is surrounded by an ancient geology and an ancient history.

At the dock in Nain when we were there

 The airport in Nain is located in an amazing location - right at the shoreline!

 The Moravian Church in Nain - established in 1771

Around town:

And again here - how wonderful!

 I had been reading a copy of the local paper, The Labradorian, on the boat and I read an article about a man from Nain who, for several years now, has been fixing up discarded bikes and giving them to children in the community whose family may not have the means to buy their child a bike.  And then when I was walking around the town I came upon his place.

 Designed by internationally-renown architect Todd Saunders (known for designing the luxurious Fogo Island Inn), the Illusuak Cultural Centre is scheduled to open later this year.  Illusuak will be a place to host exhibits which tell the story of the Labrador Inuit.  Programs will be offered that engage Inuit, Kablunangajuit (mixed ancestry), and non-Inuit in the history of the Labrador Inuit culture, language, values and traditions.  A focus on cultural programming will make Illusuak a multi-generational gathering and sharing space.

Our time in Nain was longer than in any of the other ports so I had some time to take a look in the grocery store here.  Although some of the selection was limited, overall I found it to be quite well stocked. Unfortunately some items though really did reflect the reality of northern, remote living.

 Unloaded the new stove for someone, and now part of our cargo is a boat

I loved my time in Nain, but eventually it was time to go, so back to the boat I went.  And again, there were many community members on hand to see us off.