Government of Canada Supports Preservation of Cultural Heritage Site in Labrador
13 March 2008
Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador
Work on a major project to stabilize the 171-year-old Moravian Mission Complex in Hebron, Labrador will continue this year, thanks to the efforts of the Nunatsiavut Government to preserve the site and an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), through its Innovative Communities Fund program is investing more than $666,000 to stabilize the structure at the landmark site.“The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is pleased to support this project, which preserves an important part of Labrador’s cultural history,” said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA. “This site has both historical and spiritual significance for Labrador Inuit. It also complements existing tourism attractions, and will help generate new economic activity for the area.”
The community of Hebron was settled when the Moravians established a mission there in 1830. In the early 1970s, the Government of Canada recognized that the cultural and built heritage of Hebron, particularly the Moravian Mission Building, held national significance and Hebron was declared a National Historic Site. Several years ago, work was initiated to stabilize different aspects of the structure, which was deteriorating. Through the current project with the Nunatsiavut Government, work will be undertaken to finalize the stabilization, including exterior wall preservation, sill replacement and replacement of the interior floor system.
“Preserving the Moravian Mission will help us to protect an important piece of our heritage,” said Catharyn Andersen, director of the Torngâsok Cultural Centre. “Our region will see a number of benefits from this project, including local employment and the development of an important cultural tourism attraction for the northern coast of Labrador.”
The completion of the project will be enhanced by its proximity to the Torngat Mountain National Park Reserve, which is adjacent to Hebron. The historic, natural and cultural settings provide opportunities to develop learning vacations and eco-adventure tourism, which will help market the region.
The funding for this initiative is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments leading to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Nunatsiavut Government will continue work on a major project to stabilize the 171-year-old Moravian Mission Complex in Hebron, Labrador. As one of the partners involved in the project, the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, has invested more than $666,000 in the initiative. Project work includes exterior wall preservation, sill replacement, window repair and refurbishments and replacing the interior floor system.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Catharyn Andersen
Director
Torngâsok Cultural Centre
709-922-2942
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