Natuashish: A Hidden Gem in Newfoundland-Labrador
Natuashish is a small community located in the northern part of Newfoundland-Labrador, Canada. It is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique experience of nature, culture, and history. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Natuashish, including its attractions, natural wonders, parks, lakes, trails, roadside attractions, and festivals.
Attractions
Natuashish has several attractions that are worth visiting. These include:
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The Natuashish Heritage Centre: This centre showcases the history and culture of the Innu people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Visitors can learn about the traditional way of life, hunting and fishing practices, and the impact of colonization on the Innu community.
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The Natuashish Airport: This airport is the main gateway to the community. Visitors can enjoy the scenic flight from Goose Bay to Natuashish, which offers stunning views of the Labrador coast.
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The Natuashish River: This river is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Visitors can catch salmon, trout, and other species of fish in the river.
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The Natuashish Beach: This beach is a beautiful spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy the pristine waters and the sandy beach.
Natural Wonders
Natuashish is surrounded by natural wonders that are breathtakingly beautiful. These include:
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The Torngat Mountains: These mountains are a part of the Canadian Shield and are home to some of the oldest rocks on Earth. Visitors can hike the mountains and enjoy the stunning views of the Labrador coast.
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The George River: This river is one of the largest rivers in Labrador and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Visitors can catch salmon, trout, and other species of fish in the river.
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The Mealy Mountains: These mountains are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and are home to some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world. Visitors can hike the mountains and enjoy the stunning views of the Labrador coast.
Parks
Natuashish has several parks that offer visitors a chance to enjoy nature and wildlife. These include:
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The Torngat Mountains National Park: This park is a part of the Canadian National Parks system and is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. Visitors can see polar bears, caribou, and other species of animals in the park.
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The Mealy Mountains National Park: This park is a part of the Canadian National Parks system and is home to some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world. Visitors can hike the mountains and enjoy the stunning views of the Labrador coast.
Lakes
Natuashish has several lakes that offer visitors a chance to enjoy fishing and boating. These include:
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The Smallwood Reservoir: This reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Visitors can catch salmon, trout, and other species of fish in the reservoir.
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The Churchill River: This river is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Visitors can catch salmon, trout, and other species of fish in the river.
Trails
Natuashish has several trails that offer visitors a chance to enjoy hiking and nature. These include:
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The Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station: This trail is a part of the Torngat Mountains National Park and offers visitors a chance to hike the mountains and enjoy the stunning views of the Labrador coast.
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The Mealy Mountains Trail: This trail is a part of the Mealy Mountains National Park and offers visitors a chance to hike the mountains and enjoy the stunning views of the Labrador coast.
Roadside Attractions
Natuashish has several roadside attractions that offer visitors a chance to enjoy the local culture and history. These include:
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The Innu Tea House: This tea house offers visitors a chance to enjoy traditional Innu tea and bannock.
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The Innu Craft Shop: This craft shop offers visitors a chance to buy traditional Innu crafts, such as moccasins, mittens, and baskets.
Festivals
Natuashish has several festivals that celebrate the local culture and history. These include:
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The Innu Nation Annual General Assembly: This assembly is a gathering of the Innu people from across Labrador and Quebec. Visitors can enjoy traditional Innu food, music, and dance.
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The Natuashish Powwow: This powwow is a celebration of the Innu culture and history. Visitors can enjoy traditional Innu drumming, singing, and dancing.
History
Natuashish was established in 2002 as a result of the relocation of the Innu community of Davis Inlet. The community was incorporated in 2003 and is governed by a chief and council. The community was named after the Natuashish River, which flows through the area. The person who started the community was Chief Simeon Tshakapesh, who led the relocation of the Innu people from Davis Inlet to Natuashish.
Conclusion
Natuashish is a hidden gem in Newfoundland-Labrador that offers visitors a unique experience of nature, culture, and history. Visitors can enjoy the attractions, natural wonders, parks, lakes, trails, roadside attractions, and festivals that are only located within the community limits of Natuashish. The community is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Innu people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Sources
- Parks Canada. (n.d.). Torngat Mountains National Park. Retrieved from https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/torngats
- Parks Canada. (n.d.). Mealy Mountains National Park. Retrieved from https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/mealy
- Innu Nation. (n.d.). Annual General Assembly. Retrieved from https://www.innunation.ca/annual-general-assembly
- Natuashish Powwow. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/NatuashishPowwow/
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. (n.d.). Natuashish. Retrieved from https://www.gov.nl.ca/natuashish/
- Innu Tea House. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/Innu-Tea-House-102947771496/