Caribou antlers hung from a radio antenna at Border
Beacon on the Labrador Quebec border. Traditionally caribou antlers were hung
in
trees near the kill, as a sign of respect to the animal’s spirit. In
the tundra
at Border beacon, where trees are scarce the radio antennas provide
a modern alternative.
Every bit as remote as Davis, the Natuashish is nevertheless
a model of modernity. It has a new school, with better facilities than any
other in the province, and a new health centre, police station and store.
Despite the dramatic improvement in living conditions few Innu believe that
the move to Natuashish alone will solve the community's social problems. Some
even fear
that this show town, filled with the paraphernalia of the modern
world may distance the community further from its cultural heritage, its
self-respect and self-reliance.The Innu have made a new beginning with the
move to Natuashish, but unless the underlying causes of problems that made
Davis Inlet a place
of misery and tragedy are addressed, they will become a part
of life in Natuashish as well.
A streetlight in the new town of Natuashish illuminates
surrounding spruce trees in a snowstorm.
.