Executive Council
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
August 10, 2009
Memorial to Former Residents of Hebron
Unveiled
The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier
of Newfoundland and Labrador, travelled to Hebron today
to take part in the unveiling of a memorial erected for
residents relocated from the northern Labrador Inuit
community in 1959. Joining Premier Williams were the
Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs;
the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador
Affairs; and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of
Tourism, Culture and Recreation. Also present were
Nunatsiavut Government President Jim Lyall, Minister of
Culture, Recreation and Tourism Ben Ponniuk, and former
Hebron residents.
"We have come here today to pay
tribute to the Inuit families who once stood here and
proudly called Hebron home," said Premier Williams. "One
of the most humbling experiences I have had as Premier
was delivering the official apology in 2005. That
apology was generously and graciously accepted. At that
time, we also committed to assist in the construction of
a memorial to those who had been relocated and I am
extremely pleased to see this commitment realized today.
Our government has provided $20,000 towards the
completion of three bronze plaques containing the names
of those relocated from Hebron along with the texts of
the apology and its acceptance. On this historic day, we
witness the dedication of a monument that will serve as
a memorial to those individuals. This monument is also a
poignant reminder that what happened here 50 years ago
must never be allowed to happen again."
On January 22, 2005, Premier Williams
delivered a statement of apology to the Inuit of the
former communities of Nutak and Hebron, closed in 1956
and 1959 respectively. The apology was issued for the
manner in which the decision to close those communities
was made and for the difficulties experienced by former
residents and their descendents as a result of the
closures.
"While the forced relocation has
resulted in hardship and pain for those affected, we
cannot change the past," said President Lyall. "We must
move forward, but we must not forget the past. The
monument erected at Hebron, and the names inscribed on
the plaque, will serve as a reminder of this sad time in
our history."
The monument unveiled today has the
texts of that apology in both English and Inuktitut. The
Nunatsiavut Government intends to eventually hold a
similar event at Nutak.
"It is deeply moving to stand here
today and see the faces of the people who once called
Hebron home," said Minister Pottle. "We gather here now,
as former residents, Inuit leaders, and representatives
of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, to
acknowledge what happened here fifty years ago. This
memorial will help ensure future generations will know
what happened here and to whom, that an apology was made
and accepted, and that we will all endeavour to see to
it that this tragedy is not repeated."
Minister Jackman commented on the
value of Aboriginal culture to the province.
"Newfoundlanders and Labradorians recognize today, as
perhaps we did not 50 years ago, the importance of
Aboriginal history and culture," said Minister Jackman.
"We also understand how important it is that we support
efforts to safeguard both tangible and intangible
Aboriginal heritage, and the spirit of the people � both
past and present � who embody it."
Minister Hickey noted that this
memorial, constructed of Labradorite, will assist in the
telling of a tragic but important story in the history
of Labrador. "The relocation of the people who lived
here has caused profound hardship and suffering that is
felt to this day," said Minister Hickey. "The story of
Hebron serves as a powerful lesson that we must always
be mindful of how our actions � as governments and as
individuals � can impact others. We must never forget
what the experience of the men, women and children who
lived here has taught us."
"This is a historic day for Labrador
Inuit as it represents the end of a sad chapter in the
history of those who were forced to relocate from the
community of Hebron," said Minister Ponniuk. "The pain
and suffering experienced by those who were forced to
move, and the hardships they and their descendents have
endured over the past 50 years cannot simply be
forgotten. This monument will serve as a reminder that
we must never again allow tragic events such as this to
occur."
The text of the apology to former
residents of Hebron and Nutak can be found at
www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2005/exec/0122n03.htm
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