L
ight shining off the windows of the white church beckoned us forth like a welcoming invitation as we sailed into Nain Harbour. By now – after a week of cruising aboard Adventure Canada’s Ocean Endeavour – I’d come to anticipate the warm and genuinely embracing welcome of the people scattered in coastal communities of Newfoundland and Labrador. And I’d come to realize that, although I’d gifted myself with this cruise to experience new adventures, scenery, wildlife, and a braggers’ list of sites to cross off my list, the true gift had turned out to be my mind-awakening admiration for First Nations people, along with a deep sense of humility I feel to this day. As a former elementary school teacher, I had taught students about Canada’s Indigenous people, and how throughout 9,000 years of history, they have tamed the environment, lived off rivers and lands, and foraged for food. As intelligent
© MICHELLE VALBERG
© MARCEL RENE GROSSMANN
PUFFIN
ZODIAC EXCURSION
as my words seemed back then, I realized how shallow they were once the ship’s daily lecture series began. In Miawpukek, we met Mi’kmaq First Nation Chief Saquamaw Mi’sel Joe, a spiritual leader in his community. He spoke about the importance of preserving his people’s language, culture and traditions. He spoke about their connection to the land: “We must believe two eyes see – see the past and see the future.” The Chief explained how Miawpukek became a model community by ensuring education for its youngsters, reviving their heritage, and helping people get jobs as guides and workers in the area’s growing tourism infrastructure. Every day, as Ocean Endeavour navigated its way to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Red Bay, L’Anse aux Meadows, and the remote Torngat Mountains – onboard
© NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR TOURISM
L’ANSE AUX MEADOWS
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