Why Vote for Us? | Pourquoi voter pour nous ?
The Dove Brook Church is more than just a church, it is a significant structure filled with a rich history and heritage that embodies the determination and devotion of Inuit living in Sandwich Bay, Labrador. Traditionally, Sandwich Bay was known as natsitok (Inuttitut for the place of many ringed seals). Many families, who still live in nearby Cartwright, are descended from these Inuit, and continue to maintain their deep connections to the land, waters, and ice all year round.
The story of the Dove Brook Church speaks to spirit of community, collaboration, ingenuity and the longing to have a central place to gather in Sandwich Bay. Those who made this a reality used the traditional skills developed from living off the harsh lands and waters of the many small coves and bays located in the area now known as the Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve.
Hudson’s Bay Company records show that construction of Dove Brook Church began in March of 1890 and came together due to the effort of men and women of small settlements like Dove Brook, Muddy Brook, White Bear River and Separation Point. Local wood was cut and transported to Dove Brook by men of the area who were fishing their traditional berths at the same time to support their families.
Between May and December of 1890, women from the area completed the church by placing sawdust on the floor and papering the walls. On the 28th of December 1890, the first service was held, making the time from construction to completion a mere 10 months!
Over the years, Dove Brook Church was used for church services but also served as a one-room schoolhouse. This space was utilized quite frequently until the early 1960s, when government forced relocation of Dove Brook. This move meant families had to relocate to Cartwright, which at that time had mainly been a trading post. Many families were deeply emotionally impacted by the forced relocation from their homes. Dove Brook remained home to them, long after their move.
One hundred and thirty-five years later, the church still stands. This is due to the quality of materials and the skill of the hands that built it. To this day, the Dove Brook Church continues to be a significant place for families to return to. They want to honour those who came before them by ensuring that the memories of Dove Brook are carried on by the next generation, our youth.
The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is the governing body for Inuit of south and central Labrador. In Inuttitut, NunatuKavut translates to “Our Ancient Land” and refers to our territory. It is a mandate of NCC to preserve and share our history. Part of this includes leading the charge to secure funding to restore important places in NunatuKavut like the Dove Brook Church.
Our Project's Impact | Les effets de notre projet
Dove Brook is located 25 kilometers southwest from the nearby community of Cartwright. The church is located very close to the boundary of Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve and, as this Park progresses, visits by locals and tourists will increase substantially. The church has always been a profoundly special place and a draw to the people of Sandwich Bay, who visit the site year-round by boat or snowmobile because of their deep family connections. The structure and its rich history have always been a source of pride to many in the area.
There have been recent efforts by NCC, in partnership with the local community, to bring youth and Elders to traditional places in NunatuKavut like Dove Brook so youth have an opportunity to be on the land and learn about the history of the area through the eyes of the Elders. These activities help keep youth interested in living and thriving in their home communities, helping to contribute to community sustainability.
By starting to repair Dove Brook Church, it will ignite a renewed commitment from local families in ensuring its longevity. It will also help in promoting the area as a visitor experience for those who are traversing to Cartwright, which is a gateway community for those wishing to visit the Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve.
The church tells the story of resilience and innovation among Inuit living in this area and their commitment to holding fast to their lands and culture. Preserving the church will help realize the uphold the dream that our ancestors had years ago to maintain this church as a significant gathering place.
During the Summer of 2024, a tourism survey was completed in Cartwright. During the survey, participants identified an increased demand for tourism experiences in proximity to the Park. Dove Brook, once restored, has high potential to be developed into a visitor experience site with interpretive paneling nearby. This would add economic benefit to businesses in the Town of Cartwright, as visitors seek to stay longer and explore more in the area.
We cannot think of a better example of a heritage structure that deserves recognition, respect and restoration. What was once a group effort to create, will become a group effort to maintain. Cartwright is ready, from its Town Council to its families to its youth. Help us #SaveTheLittleChurch.
About This Place | À propos du lieu
Dove Brook church was built by local residents with assistance from the Hudson's Bay Company in 1890. While it is still standing, time and climate change has significantly affected the structure. Without restoration efforts, it will soon be beyond repair.
Working in collaboration with diverse communities, NCC represents Inuit living in southern and central Labrador. Cartwright is one of 23 communities represented in our territory. Dove Brook Church is a well-known and loved heritage structure profoundly important to Sandwich Bay as a whole.
During community consultations in Cartwright, both adults and youth identified the significance of Dove Brook Church to their community and to them personally as their families were those involved in the building of the church. They clearly identified that Dove Brook Church is an important piece of local history and pride – built and brought to life by the ancestors of Inuit living in Cartwright.
This historical Church inspires youth throughout NunatuKavut to be proud of their heritage and the obstacles their ancestors overcame to build a solid structure using limited tools and tons of ingenuity. It is a testament to collaboration and community - everyone worked together to make the church a reality to make this a special gathering place.
By championing heritage restoration and traditional craftsmanship, the locals who created the church ensured its longevity to date. The interior of the church is in remarkably good condition considering its age of 135 years. Logs that were used in the making of this church were all cut by hand using traditional manual tools and towed to the area by boat or dog team. The timber all came from local sources such as, White Bear River, Separation Point, Barrow Brook, Joys Brook (Bob n Joyce Brook) and was milled on site by locals as well.
The records of who participated in the building of the church were all captured by Hudson’s Bay Company staff and was located in their archives. Family surnames included Heard, Painter, Pardy, Cole, Lethbridge, Payne, Martin, Brown, Learning, Saunders, Bird and Davis.
Respect for traditional craftsmanship will be uplifted as descendants of those who originally built the structure will be directly involved in restoration efforts.
With money from the Next Great Save, we aim to do immediate repairs to prevent further damage from weather and climate change. These funds will provide materials and a small crew of locals to raise the church from its foundation, replace rotted wood, replace the soil beneath, and patch a hole in the roof. This is a starting point as we seek additional funds to fully restore the church. We are committed to working with community to seek funding beyond this to complete the restoration process.
Once the church reaches its full restoration stage, we aim to install interpretative panelling nearby and within Cartwright so we can ensure the story of the church is documented and upheld, and that travellers who may stop in during their visit to the Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve can learn of the church and its vital importance to the people of this area and to the history of NunatuKaut Inuit.
