Established in 1771 by Moravian missionaries, Nain, at 56º 30', is the northernmost municipality in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is approximately 230 air miles north of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a major centre and stop-over for people traveling south, west and north.

Estimates revised in 2003 from 2001 census data indicate that Nain has a population of 1160 persons, most of whom are Inuit and Kablunângajuit (persons of combined European and Inuit descent).

Economic Activity and Potential

The community of Nain is currently an administrative centre for Inuit organizations and coastal activities. It has been identified as a base for developments associated with Voisey's Bay, and as a springboard for the north - Hebron and the Torngat Mountains. Key future developments include businesses created to supply Voisey's Bay mine/mill operations, office space, artisan industries, tourism facilities and alternative fisheries such as the weir fishery. TMNP Headquarters will be located in Nain.

Currently the commercial fishing season operates from July to October. The main species of fish processed at the Nain plant (operated by the Torngat Fish Producers Co-operative) are arctic char, Atlantic salmon, turbot, grenadier and scallop. The fish plant provides employment for local men and women who fish as far north as Hebron.

Nain has a wide variety of businesses including: a 26-room hotel with dining room and bar; a bakery; souvenir shop; diving company; bulk fuel storage facility; two snack bars; several boarding houses; three retail stores; and numerous small contracting companies offering home office services, construction, heavy equipment, heating, plumbing, electrical, trucking, longliner charters and other services.

The Labrador Inuit Development Corporation operates an anorthrosite quarry at Ten Mile Bay, a short distance from Nain.

Municipal Services & Infrastructure

The affairs of the municipality are administered by a seven-member elected Town Council. Various federal and provincial government departments are also represented in the town.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) provides the town with AM radio and there is also a community FM station which broadcasts approximately 36 hours a week in English and Inuktitut. The Bank of Montreal has established a sub-branch in Nain following an arrangement with the post office operated by Canada Post.

There is a one-room museum, pre-school/daycare centre and a K-12 school that meets the needs of approximately 400 students under the supervision of the Labrador School Board.

Health services are provided by the seven nurses, five aids and a physician located at the Health Labrador Corporation Clinic. The Labrador Inuit Health Commission also provides various health services.

Numerous service groups and community associations are active in Nain.