Natuashish Labrador

Natuashish is geographically located on the north coast of Labrador, approximately 185 miles north of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Natuashish is the home of the Mushuau Innu First Nations People. The Mushuau Innu relocated to Natuashish in December 2002 from the old community of Davis Inlet. Davis Inlet or Utshimasits is located 15 kms east of Natuashish on Iluikagak Island. Natuashish is a very modern community with a fully functional infrastructure.

Natuashish is only accessible in winter by plane (twin otter) or snowmobile. During the summer months, it is accessible by boat and plane. Provincial Airlines and Air Labrador have one or two commercial flights into the community on a daily basis. The Northern Ranger is a passenger ferry service that travels the north coast of Labrador and comes into Natuashish twice a week. This service usually runs from early July to mid November, depending on the ice conditions.

The population of Natuashish is 725 and the majority of the residents are Innu. There is a small number of Inuit that have married and settled in the community and there are a number of “outsiders” who are mainly professionals and service providers. The local residents speak Innu-Aimun as their first language and English as a second language.

Education

The Mushuau Innu Natuashish School is a K- 12 school. It is very modern and has a gym, multi purpose room, home economics room, woodworking shop, computer lab, science lab, library, and art room. There is a daycare facility within the school and adult basic education classes are taught at the school.

Policing

The RCMP is responsible for the policing of the community with two Tribal Police Officers assisting. There is one Corporal in-charge with five Constables working in the community. It is a modern detachment with four cells, interview room, conference room, and garage. There are two police vehicles, three snowmobiles and two ATV’s for the members to use in the execution of their duties.

Recreation

The Natuashish Recreation Committee runs programs for all ages. The school gym is utilized by the committee to administer various programs to the youth and adults. It is open every day with various programs and activities.

The community has an indoor arena that is open year round. Ice hockey is provided for all ages and genders and a coach runs the ice hockey programs. Also, a Tae Kwon Do instructor has been hired to instruct classes to all ages.

Sports is very important to the youth of Natuashish. They are natural athletics and participate in all types of sports. The youth travel all over Labrador and into Newfoundland to participate in sports meets and tournaments.

The Mushuau Innu General Store is the only store in the community. There is a large selection of various types of food. Dairy products and produce are shipped into the community on a weekly basis via plane from Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Attached to the store is a fast food restaurant which is open nightly. The hotel has seven rooms and is located on the second floor above the store. It is operated by East Coast Catering out of St. John’s.

Shopping and banking is done in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Happy Valley-Goose Bay is the hub of Labrador and banking, shopping, hospital, etc. can be done there.

The community of Natuashish has a health clinic that is operated by Health Labrador. Two nurses are always in the community. A doctor visits the community every month and stays for a week.

Canada Post has an outlet in the community which is open Monday to Friday. Mail is flown into and out of the community on a daily basis.

Police - Community Relations

Policing in Natuashish is done in partnership with the Mushuau Innu Band Council. Natuashish received reserve status in 2004. Although all the legal ramifications of this have yet to be completed, the community is being run within the guidelines of a reserve. All businesses and services are provided in conjunction with Band Council.

Under the policing agreement signed by the RCMP and Chief & Council, a police commission is supposed to be in place to deal with policing issues. At present, the commission has not been formed and all issues and concerns that may arise are resolved by dealing directly with Chief and Council.

RCMP members are very active in the school with the youth. Members teach both the BRAVE and DARE programs. Members actively take part in the breakfast program, give talks, Student for a Day program, and any other activities requested by the teachers. Members take part in sporting events and host a Sunday evening sports night at the school gym.

Inter-agency meetings are held on a monthly basis with representatives from all agencies within the community. Substance abuse is considered an issue in this community and one that the community and its partners constantly seek to find healthy alternatives. Programs directed toward youth in concert with the community and their partners have remained a primary focus in an attempt to bridge this gap.

Partnerships are in place between the Mushuau Innu Health Commission, Labrador Health Corp., Child, Youth and Family Services, and the RCMP. CPO policy in dealing with any youth apprehended for any wrong doing will be dealt with not only by parents but by a representative body of these noted agencies. Restorative Justice is now available to the community and being encouraged.