Crew Change and The Capitol

1945, Friday, July 28 2023

Today was a crew change day for Tazzarin here in Hopedale. Charlie Newhall (left in photo above) has been my stalwart crew for the past two weeks since leaving St. Anthony. He has been a joy in every way. He is a competent crew member and also has a thirst for the history and culture of this region, which I deeply appreciate. Another feature of Charlie is that he is always in a good mood. My journey north was made possible in part by his participation. I am thankful. Charlie flew out on a small Twin Otter plane this morning. The plane is pictured below.

That same plane, pictured below, delivered my good friend, JJ Jaques. JJ (right in photo above) has been a lifelong sailor; he also did a Newport Bermuda Race aboard Tazzarin some years back. He will be with me back down the coasts of Nunatsiavut and Labrador, across the Strait of Belle Isle and back to St. Anthony in Newfoundland. JJ spent three days traveling to reach Hopedale, not the easiest place to reach. I am lucky to have friends who make this voyage possible!

Read below the plane photo for a little peak inside the capitol of Nunatsiavut.

Because of its central location, Hopedale was chosen to be the assembly point of the Nunatsiavut Assembly when Canada ceded management of these lands back to the Inuit in 2005. A beautiful new building was erected with an assembly hall where representatives from all the region's communities gather to govern.

The entrance to the building resembles an igloo. Atop the building is a sculpture of an inukshuk, the traditional stone cairn structure in the likeness of a human used to guide travelers and welcome people. Inside, local stone is used. In the assembly hall the huge, oval table is lined with elegant chairs with blue dyed seal skin backs. In the center of the floor is a huge polar bear rug. These touches all hold meaning and reverence to the Inuit. A few photos of this building are below.

JJ and I will begin the long, 1,700 mile voyage home tomorrow morning.

Bill