Hebron restoration project nabs heritage award for Nunatsiavut Government
The Nunatsiavut government has been honoured with a provincial heritage award for its efforts to preserve and restore the Hebron National Historic Site, at the southern tip of Torngat Mountains National Park.
“Hebron, after so many years of ongoing excellent work by our ambassadors and our restorers, is being recognized,” Sean Lyall, Nunatsiavut’s culture and tourism minister, told CBC Radio’s Labrador Morning.
“I’m very proud of the people who worked on this project.”
Lyall was one of those representing Nunatsiavut at the ceremony in St. John’s on March 17, for the Manning Awards for Excellence in the Presentation of Historic Places, a provincial body that recognizes effort to preserve the province’s history.
In 2004, the Nunatsiavut government, aided with funds from the province, embarked on a major restoration of the church in the resettled community, a project that continues to the present day.
“So, despite the remoteness and challenges of the logistics, and of course the cost of the massive effort, we have a stabilized structure,” said Lyall.
Resettled, then restored
When the Moravian mission in Hebron — first established in 1830, the oldest mission in North America — shut down in 1959, its residents were forcibly resettled.
“I think the forced relocation has had lasting impacts today on many who have lost their roots, and a way to make a living,” said Lyall.
“Despite being closed in ’59, it still remains one of our most culturally important and significant [sites].”
Major repairs took place between 2004 and 2008 to stabilize the foundations of the church, with smaller projects continuing since then, thanks to two on-site carpenter-restorers.
“It’s definitely ongoing. We plan to go again this year. Every summer it’s usually from July to September, and of course that’s totally funded by Nunatsiavut government,” said Lyall.
