Hebron, Labrador

19 July 2012.

Hebron was the most northerly Moravian mission, founded in 1831 and closed down in 1959 because of overcrowding and TB. Half of the 59 families moved on their own and the other half were relocated further south in Nain and Hopedale. Many starved because the best hunting, fishing and trapping spots were already claimed. The site is a National Historic Site. In 2005, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams apologized to people affected by the relocations. In August 2009, the provincial government unveiled a monument next to the church at Hebron, with an inscribed apology for the site closure.

My first polar bear! (Click to enlarge.) We first saw it
swimming along the shore, then climbing the hill.

We went ashore around 8:40 am and left at 11 am.

The Moravian church and mission. The outside has been
renovated by Parks Canada within the last 10 years. 

Perhaps this is why the polar bear was around - arctic char drying.
A family of 4 from Nain are here for the summer with two dogs.
 The family chased off the polar bear before we landed.

Split arctic char drying.

The family from Nain made us feel welcome.

"The summer season marks the beginning of the Hebron Ambassador Program. The Merkuratsuk family, Joseph and Jenny Merkuratsuk of Nain, along with their sons Simeonie and Julius, travelled via long liner from Nain to Hebron on July 12."

Last decaying houses

Ropes attached to heavy rocks hold down the shed
against strong winds. The boys sleep in the tent.

Cold sky.

Cupola on the church.

A gumboot hike - wet underfoot. 

Polar bear guard on duty.

As well as a Moravian cemetery there are a few traditional
Inuit graves, a bit like stone igloos. These have openings to
allow access for small animals.

My photo of the two boys and their mother.

Kerry and Patricia made a fuss of the two dogs,
although we were told they are not pets.

Patricia (from Pangnirtung, NU) and dog.

Hebron dog.

Iceberg in the mist as we sail up to Torngat.