Second port of call - Makkovik

The modern community of Makkovik is thanks to the efforts of a Norwegian immigrant who came to Labrador to work with the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1850s.  The town of Makkovik flourished due to the rich fishing grounds nearby, attracting settlers, Moravian and Inuit populations. Makkovik quickly became a popular supply and service centre.

During the late 1800s the Inuit population of the area increased, and in 1896 the Moravians chose Makkovik as the site of their most southerly mission station.  They built a church and mission house and, in 1915, a boarding school.

In the 1950s, Inuit people from Nutak and Hebron were re-settled to Makkovik (over 150 in all).  Some of them later moved back up north, to Nain and Hopedale.

Today Makkovik, population 400, is a town with a rich combination of Inuit and settler traditions.  Icebergs, snow crab and wildflowers compliment the cultural heritage of the Moravian Missionary history.

Welcome to Makkovik

 Also in the port at Makkovik

The Moravian Church in Makkovik

Wild rhubarb - lots of it, but unfortunately not edible

Here too - a soulmate

Gotta keep that wood dry - it's essential

Fireweed

The local radio station

Located in the centre of Makkovik, behind the Moravian Church, is a walking trail called Poet's Path.  Its nature inspires poetry - and Poet's Path is a walking path with a series of hand-made poems, sayings and scripture, printed on small, white plaques and placed along a narrow forest trail.  It was a lovely, peaceful trail!

Makkovik also has a lovely boardwalk taking you along the top of a hill, providing views down onto the town.  It was a bit cloudy and overcast when I was walking the boardwalk, but still very enjoyable.

Lots of qamutik from the town, waiting for the first snowfall

Eventually it was time to leave, and as happened in all the ports, many members of the local community were there to see the boat, and their friends and family, off.

Closing the door to the cargo hold