Torngat Mountains Expedition 2023: Day 6
Approaching a peaceful Hebron harbour, we could see the clear water, mountains, and Mission station from afar. We were feeling various emotions at the same time – happy, calm, somber, and curious.
In the 1830’s, the German Moravian church established missions in several Inuit communities. They later made the decision to close the missions in Hebron, Okak, and Nutak, forcing the Inuit people who lived there to relocate into larger communities.
During our morning briefing, SOI Team Member Jenna shared a historical overview of the Nunatsiavummiut who were relocated from Hebron to other places. SOI Team Member Mary shared how her parents were forcefully relocated, and guest SOI Team Member Simeonie shared that his family spent nine summers in Hebron and that he felt happy to be going home.
“Hebron is home. It feels like a long time away. I am home.” – Simeonie Merkuratsuk
The morning briefing concluded with Tienne sharing guidelines on how to behave at an archaeological site. The briefing helped set the tone as we approached Hebron.
“Take only photos, leave only footprints.” — Tienne
Once we disembarked at the shoreline of Hebron we were welcomed by Maria, from Parks Canada Torngat Mountains Base Camp. As part of the welcome, we were treated to a performance by drum dancers – we even got an opportunity to try drum dancing ourselves.
We then entered the Mission Station which had two separate entrances; one for girls and the other for boys. Emily, a cook and family member of a relocatee, shared the history of the church and her connection to both the place and religion. We sang ‘God Be With You Until We Meet again’ in Inuktitut then concluded with the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ also in Inuktitut.
“Take what is good.” – Emily, (a descendent of a Hebron relocatee)
We took our time touring the mission building which housed the jail, medical hospital, dormitory, school, and other services. After, we visited the memorial plaque that named all the relocatees, and took a moment for reflection.
Some of us even climbed up the steeple to take in the beautiful views. A highlight during our hike up the mountain that overlooks Hebron were the scents from the Labrador tea and berries along the route. The hike gave us an opportunity for reflection and conversation. Mid-hike, SOI Team Member Aaron had an impromptu geology class when he identified various cliff gneiss.
That afternoon was the perfect summer day to have our first swim off the ship. We had so much fun cheering each other on, and were in disbelief of how cold it was to swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
It was an incredible privilege to spend the day in Hebron. We felt grateful to have been able to visit this special place. As we set sail at sunset, the excitement built as we headed North to our next stop, Torngat Mountains Base Camp.