Natuashish

Natuashish
This article is about the town. For the ethnic group, see Natuashish Innu First Nation.

Natuashish is an Naskapi community in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The community is inhabited by the Mushuau Innu First Nation.

Natuashish (Little Sango Pond)[1] was established in 2002 as a planned community in the hopes of resolving the social problems that had plagued the prior community of Davis Inlet, 15 km away.[2]

Initially, reports suggested that the Canadian government's plan of renewal and healing had been a failure. The community was still plagued with alcohol and drug abuse. The government was accused of creating a system overburdened with bureaucracy, and not adequately addressing the issue. The local tribal band was accused of corruption, as was shown in a 2005 CBC report in which it was shown that the leadership was trafficking drugs and other illicit substances to maintain power.[3]

The community's attempt to resolve its problem with alcoholism has led to a ban on the sale, purchase, and possession of alcohol within the community. The bylaw was originally passed in 2008 by a margin of only two votes[4]. The prohibition bylaw was upheld in a subsequent referendum held in the community in March of 2010[5].

The community is served by the Natuashish Airport.

References

  1. ^ Claude Rocheleau, Heritage Study for Utshimassit Community Relocation Project, Sango Bay, Labrador, Phase 2
  2. ^ "Davis Inlet Innu get new home."
  3. ^ CBC, "From Davis Inlet to Natuashish", February 14, 2005
  4. ^ CBC, "Labrador Innu village votes for booze ban", February 1, 2008
  5. ^ CBC, "Natuashish votes to keep alcohol ban", March 26, 2010

Coordinates: 55°55′1.8″N 61°7′31″W / 55.917167°N 61.12528°W / 55.917167; -61.12528

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