Innu families are relocated to Davis Inlet

May 10, 2017

Steamash, an Innu man and family

Steamash, an Innu man and family before relocation, F. W. Waugh. Canadian Museum of History Photo Archives, 54583

1967

In 1967, with the encouragement of the Catholic Church and the Newfoundland provincial government, the Innu (Naskapi) People of Labrador surrendered their nomadic way of life and were relocated to Davis Inlet. The Innu were among the last Canadian Aboriginal groups to move into permanent communities, but have since struggled to adapt to a settled existence. Chronic substance abuse and poverty have plagued the Davis Inlet Innu, along with inadequate housing, unemployment and the gradual loss of their traditional culture.

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