Photo: GG visits Nunatsiavut

David Johnston, Governor-General of Canada, speaks June 12 to the Nunatsiavut Assembly in Hopedale, Labrador-Newfoundland. “Nunatsiavut plays a vital role in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador,” he said. “But more than that, it is an inspirational region to other Inuit communities across the country. Not even a decade old, and the government representing the Labrador Inuit is already making great gains. You are building your communities, ensuring preservation of resources, bringing success to the region. What truly impresses me is the speed with which you have transformed your community. Yours is an experiment in self-reliance and collaboration that is impressive in its success. Yet, it is still an experiment, evolving and changing as it goes.” Johnston also attended a community gathering at Amos Comenius Memorial School where he spoke top community members and elders. His visit to Hopedale ended with a tour of the Hopedale Moravian Mission Complex where he learned more about how Moravians from Europe came to Labrador between 1752 and 1771 to establish missions. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE GG)