Natuashish is an Innu community in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The community is inhabited by the Mushuau Innu First Nation. Natuashish became a federal Indian reserve in 2003.[2][3]
Natuashish | |
|---|---|
| Natuashish Indian Reserve No. 2 | |
  Natuashish Location in Newfoundland and Labrador. | |
| Coordinates: 55°55′00″N 61°07′30″W / 55.91667°N 61.12500°W | |
| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Settled | 2002 [1] |
| Government | |
| • Chief | John Nui |
| • Federal MP | Yvonne Jones (L) |
| • Provincial MHA | Lela Evans (NDP) |
| Population (2021) | |
| • Total | 856 |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (AST) |
| Area code | 709 |
Natuashish (Little Sango Pond)[4] was established in 2002 as a planned community in the hopes of resolving the social problems that had plagued the prior community of Davis Inlet, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) away.[5] The population of Natuashish at the 2021 Census was 856, down from 938 in 2016.[6]
Initial reports suggested that the Canadian government's plan of renewal and healing had been a failure, as the community was still plagued with alcohol and drug abuse. The government was accused of creating a system overburdened with bureaucracy, and not adequately addressing the issue. The local tribal band was accused of corruption, as was shown in a 2005 CBC report in which it was shown that the leadership was trafficking drugs and other illicit substances to maintain power.[7][8][9][10][11]
The community's attempt to resolve its problem with alcoholism led to a ban on the sale, purchase, and possession of alcohol within the reserve. The bylaw was originally passed in 2008 by a margin of two votes.[12][13] The prohibition bylaw was upheld in a subsequent referendum held in the community in March 2010.[14]
The community continues to struggle with drug abuse and youth boredom.[15][16] As recently as 2017 gas sniffing by youths has been a notable issue.[17]
Natuashish is inaccessible by road and may be reached only by air or sea.[18] The community is served by the Natuashish Airport.[19]