Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Nain is the northernmost town of any size in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, located about 370 kilometres by air from Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The town was established as a Moravian mission in 1771 by Jens Haven and other missionaries. The current population is more than 1,100, predominantly Inuit and mixed Inuit-White.

Nain, Labrador, Canada, 1966 photo
Nain, Labrador, Canada, 1966 photo

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[edit] Geography

Nain is located on the north side of Unity Bay, a small inlet. The bay is open to the Atlantic Ocean but Nain's harbour is protected by numerous islands, the largest of which is Paul's Island. From Nain to the open Labrador Sea is approximately 50 km east through Strathcona Run. Nain is inaccessible by road and may be reached only by air or sea.

[edit] History

Nain is the administrative capital of autonomous region of Nunatsiavut. Hopedale, further south, is the legislative capital.

Many Inuit from Hebron were relocated to Nain by the provincial government after the Moravian mission at Hebron was closed under government pressure in 1959.

[edit] Industry

Fishing is the main industry in Nain. Traditional hunting and trapping activities continue through the winter months after the fishing season has ended.

[edit] See also

Coordinates: 56°32′32″N, 61°41′34″W