LABRADOR. – A vast (1.3 million sq. km) peninsula in northern America, lying between the Atlantic, Hudson Bay, and the lower course of the St Lawrence River. Probably sighted around the year 1000 by the Vikings, it was discovered in 1497 by Giovanni Caboto.
After the discovery of Canada by Cartier, Labrador came under French sovereignty; by the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which marked the end of French rule in Canada, it passed to British control. From 1763 to 1773 it was dependent on the governor of Newfoundland, and from 1773 to 1800 on that of Canada; in 1800 Labrador reverted to the jurisdiction of the governor of Newfoundland. A dispute over the boundaries of Labrador was submitted to the arbitration of the King’s Privy Council, which in 1927 assigned the territory to Newfoundland. In July 1948 the government of Newfoundland submitted to a referendum of its population whether it wished to enter into union with Canada. The electorate responded affirmatively, and accordingly, from 31 March 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador adopted this new political arrangement.
APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF LABRADOR. – Situated in the eastern regions of Canada, it was erected on 13 July 1945 with territory taken from the dioceses of Harbour Grace and Gulf of St Lawrence and from the Apostolic Vicariate of Hudson Bay. The territory, almost entirely uncultivated, extends over some 500,000 sq. km. Missionaries travel by sled when necessary and, when weather permits, by small boats along the river routes. There are no large towns in the mission; the most populous is Goose Bay, a military base with 500 civilians and 2,500 soldiers.
The population, estimated at about 11,750, is composed of Indians, Eskimos, and whites. The Indians live south of Hudson Bay; they lead a nomadic life and speak the Montagnais dialect; they are difficult to convert, but those few who embrace Catholicism show a firm faith. The Eskimos are found in the northern part of the vicariate, on the eastern coast of Hudson Bay and in Ungava Bay; they number about 2,000; their life is extremely harsh and primitive, they subsist by fishing, and are reluctant to accept evangelization. The whites are scattered along the coasts of the Gulf of St Lawrence and Labrador; intelligent and industrious, they live by fishing and hunting; they speak English and French. This diversity of races makes the spread of Catholicism difficult. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, to whom the mission is entrusted, use every means at their disposal to assist materially in the development of the region and to make life less harsh. Statistical data received by the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda in 1950 may be summarised as follows: native priests 6, foreign priests 8; lay brothers: 3 native and 1 foreign; teachers 19. There are 20 elementary schools with 260 pupils; 10 primary stations and 11 secondary stations. The missionaries are also developing charitable works (hospitals, orphanages, and shelters). The residence of the Ordinary is at Lourdes de Blanc-Sablon (Saguenay county, province of Quebec).