Challenges and choices: Exploring the interplay of climate, history, and culture on Canada's Labrador coast

Abstract

The Inuit of late 18th-century Labrador lived in large communal houses, participated in long-distance trade networks, and maintained relatively elaborate economic and political organizations. For 25 yr archaeologists and ethnohistorians have debated the significance of these characteristics. Some propose that these practices are indicators of stress resulting from deteriorated environmental conditions, others see them as signs of economic success due, in part, to exploitation of Europeans visiting the coast. This paper examines the convergence of environment, history, and culture in late 18th-century Labrador. The authors argue that the Inuit experienced generally stable and moderate climatic conditions at this time. They were able to live with a degree of security, even accumulate surpluses, as a result of their flexible social and economic structure and the natural resources available to them. During this same period, Europeans visited Labrador in growing numbers and Moravian missionaries established mission stations amongst the Inuit. The Europeans' presence presented the Inuit with economic opportunities, while also posing significant spiritual and social threats. The Inuit responded by amplifying and elaborating some of their cultural practices in order to secure economic advantages, but also as a form of social resistance. Paleoenvironmental, ethnohistorical, and archaeological data indicate that late 18th-century Labrador Inuit enjoyed economic success while experiencing profound social distress.