Natuashish: History
The Innu community of Natuashish is marking the first anniversary of a ban on alcohol this week. Many people battled substance abuse since their relocation from Davis Inlet. The community made international headlines for disturbing scenes of children sniffing gas. CBC National Radio reporter Vik Adhopia paid a visit to the community last week where there are signs that life is improving.
CBC reporters in Newfoundland and Labrador have told the story of Davis Inlet and Natuashish for many years. We've put together a video timeline, going back in our archive to the early 90s and tracing the community's journey to the present day.
2009-02-02
NATUASHISH ANNIVERSARY
This week marks the first anniversary of an alcohol ban in Natuashish. We've combined an interview that National Radio reporter Vik Adhopia did with the St. John's Morning Show's Jeff Gilhooly about signs of improvement he saw in the community, and the struggle that lies ahead with video scenes that Vik shot.
2008-05-01
NATUASHISH UPDATE
This has people in Natuashish talking about a brighter future. A future where alcohol doesn't define the community. Paul Pigott, reporter.
2008-02-01
NATUASHISH RESULTS
As of now, it's illegal to be in possession of alcohol in Natuashish. Yesterday the Innu reserve voted by the smallest of margins, 76 to 74 to implement an alcohol ban. Tony Dawson, reporter.
2008-01-31
NATUASHISH VOTE
People in the Labrador Innu community of Natuashish have just narrowly voted to ban alcohol from their community. Tony Dawson, reporter.
2008-01-30
NATUASHISH BAN
The people of Natuashish will make a choice tomorrow. The Innu reserve is plagued by alcohol and drug abuse. So the community is voting on whether or not to ban booze. Paul Pigott, reporter.
2004-10-08
NATUASHISH & ALCOHOL
For weeks now we've heard the bad news about suicides and severe social problems linked to booze Through it all some have called for a total ban on alcohol in the Northern Innu community. Peter Walsh, reporter.
2003-12-15
RICH INTERVIEW
One year ago, the community of Davis Inlet moved to Natuashish The relocation was a fresh start, and a costly one, at more than $150 million. It was hoped that new homes, running water and an end to isolation would bring an end to the substance abuse that has plagued the community for years. But some Natuashish Innu, like Goerge Rich are saying the move has not brought an end to the trouble. Lynda Calvert, reporter.
2002-12-16
NATUASHISH ARRIVAL
The lucky ones have arrived in the brand new community of Natuashish. The first 33 families made the trek over the weekend to modern homes with modern conveniences.
2001-01-09
DAVIS INLET ADDICTS
16 children addicted to sniffing gas fumes are in a St. John's hospital tonight They are from Davis Inlet and their chief says they are chronic solvent addicts who could not wait another day for help. Natalie Clancy, reporter.
2000-11-24
DAVIS INLET ACCOUNTABILITY
This is the first anniversary of the day Labrador Innu signed a historic agreement with the federal government. It was supposed to move them closer to self government and further away from chronic problems like gas sniffing. The Innu say it has failed and the gas sniffing crisis is proof But at least one federal department says it is helping. Carolyn Dunn, reporter.
2000-06-29
DAVIS INLET DRINKING
Alcohol abuse is the number one social problem in Labrador Innu communities. Millions of dollars and countless programs have proved to be band aid solutions. Premier Brian Tobin became so frustrated with the problem, he broke protocol condemning Native leaders for their own alcohol abuse. Carolyn Dunn, reporter.
1998-10-13
DAVIS INLET HISTORY
This weekend's goings on again raise the question of what's wrong with the community of Davis Inlet There are hundres of stories in our archives since the mid 80's and now we look back at some of the key moments and events of the past few years. Doug Letto, reporter.
1998-08-17
DAVIS INLET REFERENDUM
The Innu Community of davis Inlet are holding a referendum today on whether to ban alcohol and make it illegal to sniff gasoline Davis inlet has a long history of problems with substance abuse The band leaders dont expect a YES vote to change things overnight. Darrow MacIntyre, reporter.
1995-05-13
DAVIS INLET COURT
For the first time since last summer, a provincial court judge has visited the Innu community of Davis Inlet, it was a turbulent trip, but the meeting yesterday between the judge and the innu leaders is a step forward for both sides. David Zelcer, reporter
1993-12-16
COURT DISRUPTION
There was a tense situation in Davis Inlet this afternoon, a group of Innu distrupted the proceedings of a provincial court judge and then ordered him out of town. David Zelcer, reporter.
1993-02-11
DAVIS INLET MOVE
When six Davis Inlet children were caught sniffing gasoline and apparently threatening suicide, it created much news. Now Ottawa has decided that he community would have to be moved if its problems are to be solved. Reg Sherren, reporter
1993-01-28
DAVIS INLET SNIFFING
Exclusive pictures shot in the community of Davis Inlet last night, taken shortly after six children were found sniffing gasoline in an unheated shack. People say the children were almost comatoise when found. Chris Norman, reporter.
1992-02-17
DAVIS INLET FIRE
A house fire in Davis Inlet killed six children, ages from 10 months to nine years. Five children from one family, the sixth a cousin. Katherine Blair, reporter.