Events on February 1 in history

The Hamilton River in Labrador, Canada is renamed the Churchill River in honour of Winston Churchill.

Labrador, often pronounced LAB-rə-dor, is a distinctive geographic and cultural region that forms an integral part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. As the primarily continental segment of the province, Labrador stands in stark contrast to the island of Newfoundland. It encompasses a vast 71% of the province's total land area, yet it is home to only approximately 6% of its population, highlighting its expansive, untamed wilderness and sparsely populated communities.

Geographical Context and Borders

Labrador is physically separated from the island of Newfoundland by the historic Strait of Belle Isle, a significant marine passage that connects the Gulf of St. Lawrence with the Atlantic Ocean. This separation defines Labrador's unique character as the largest and northernmost geographical region within Atlantic Canada.

Geographically, Labrador occupies the majority of the eastern portion of the larger Labrador Peninsula. This peninsula is a vast physiographic region that extends across much of eastern Canada. To its west and south, Labrador shares extensive land borders with the Canadian province of Quebec, leading to a shared history and sometimes complex interactions, particularly concerning resource development and transportation links.

In a unique geographical footnote, Labrador also maintains a small, distinct land border with the Canadian territory of Nunavut. This boundary is located on Killiniq Island, an island divided between Labrador and Nunavut, situated at the extreme northeastern tip of the Labrador Peninsula, near the entrance to Hudson Strait. This tri-jurisdictional point underscores Labrador's far-reaching northern extent.

Indigenous Peoples of Labrador

Labrador's rich cultural tapestry is profoundly shaped by its diverse Indigenous populations, who have inhabited these lands for millennia and maintain deep ancestral connections. The principal aboriginal peoples of Labrador include:

• The **Northern Inuit of Nunatsiavut**: Residing primarily along the northern coast, these Inuit communities achieved a significant milestone with the establishment of the Nunatsiavut Government in 2005. This self-governing region, the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada, manages its own lands, resources, and cultural affairs, representing a modern expression of ancient rights.
• The **Southern Inuit-Métis of NunatuKavut**: Located in southern and central Labrador, the NunatuKavut Community Council represents the Southern Inuit of Labrador, often referred to as Inuit-Métis, who have a distinct history and culture blending Inuit and European heritage. Their territory, NunatuKavut, encompasses a vast traditional homeland with a rich history of hunting, trapping, and fishing.
• The **Innu of Nitassinan**: The Innu Nation represents the Innu people of Labrador, whose ancestral territory, Nitassinan, spans parts of both Labrador and Quebec. They are traditionally nomadic hunters and gatherers, and their communities in Labrador, such as Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, continue to uphold their distinct language (Innu-aimun) and cultural practices, advocating for their rights and self-determination concerning land use and resource development.

The Churchill River: A Lifeline and Powerhouse

Flowing through the heart of Labrador, the Churchill River is a monumental waterway of immense historical and economic significance. Formerly known by various names, including the Hamilton River, it is the longest river in Atlantic Canada.

Its journey begins in the vast Smallwood Reservoir, one of the world's largest hydroelectric reservoirs, created to harness the immense power of the river. From there, the Churchill River flows eastward, traversing hundreds of kilometers of pristine wilderness before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean via Lake Melville. Lake Melville is an extensive estuarial system and deep fjord, serving as a critical connection between the river and the open sea.

With an impressive length of 856 kilometers (532 miles), the Churchill River drains an expansive area of 79,800 square kilometers (30,800 square miles). This vast drainage basin is comparable in size to countries such as the Republic of Ireland or the US state of West Virginia. The river is most renowned for the Churchill Falls Generating Station, a massive hydroelectric power plant that has been harnessing the river's tremendous energy since the 1970s, supplying clean electricity to much of Atlantic Canada and parts of the northeastern United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Labrador and the Churchill River

Where is Labrador located?

Labrador is the continental portion of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, situated on the eastern part of the Labrador Peninsula in Atlantic Canada. It is separated from the island of Newfoundland by the Strait of Belle Isle.

How large is Labrador compared to Newfoundland?

Labrador constitutes approximately 71% of the total land area of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, making it significantly larger than the island of Newfoundland, despite having a much smaller population.

What are the main Indigenous groups in Labrador?

The primary Indigenous peoples of Labrador are the Northern Inuit of Nunatsiavut, the Southern Inuit-Métis of NunatuKavut, and the Innu of Nitassinan, each with their distinct cultures, languages, and traditional territories.

What is the Churchill River known for?

The Churchill River, formerly known as the Hamilton River, is famous for being the longest river in Atlantic Canada and for hosting the Churchill Falls Generating Station, a major hydroelectric power facility that harnesses the river's significant energy potential.

How long is the Churchill River?

The Churchill River measures 856 kilometers (532 miles) in length, making it the longest river within the Atlantic provinces of Canada.