Rigolet
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Rigolet |
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Rigolet is a small community nestled in a sheltered cove close to the entrance to Lake Melville. Existing for over 200 years, it was first settled by French and native fur traders and boasts the first Hudson Bay Trading Post in Labrador. Although isolated, Rigolet has always been important to the region. In World War II, armed forces were stationed here to protect Goose Bay. Today the community has expanded to a population of approximately 350. The rich Inuit heritage of the people offers the newcomer an opportunity for immersion into a traditional northern lifestyle involving a closeness to the land and it's resources. Rigolet's economic base has taken a blow with the decline of the cod and salmon fishery. A cruise ship occasionally visits in the summer bringing opportunities for tourism development. The whale watching from Rigolet is spectacular.
Power: A hydro plant runs diesel generators to supply electricity to town.
Water: Water is pumped to homes from a local lake. Water samples are tested regularly.
Fuel: Most homes burn wood. Oil can be bought locally but is cheaper if bought yearly in the fall when the oil boat fills school tanks.
Air:
Air Labrador offers twin otter service to Goose Bay and the North Coast every day except
Saturday. Return airfare from Rigolet to Goose Bay is approximately $298.00.
Marine: Coastal boats run from June through
November from Cartwright and Goose Bay . They bring freight and offer a
passenger service to Labrador communities.
Local: There are no road links to other communities but trucks, ATV's, snowmobiles, and speed boats are local methods of transport.
Telephone:
Aliant Telecom - NewTel
where the Simply Unlimited Plan is available; however, no special features can be accessed at
this time. Sympatico dial-up internet is available with a
local dial-up number.
Radio/TV: Radio - there is a local channel and CBC. TV-CBC and APTN are available to all
and subscriptions to cable service is available at a cost of approximately
$37.00 per month.
Mail: The post office is located in the local Northern Store. People receive mail via post office boxes. Mail is delivered to the community by plane Monday through Friday, weather permitting.
Medical: Health Labrador operates a Nursing Station staffed by 2 RN's. Doctor, dentist, and
some specialists visit periodically. The Labrador Inuit Health
Commission (LIHC) runs public health programs, addictions services,
counseling, youth groups, day care and many other programs.
Religion: St. Timothy's Anglican Church provides a
minister who visits every 6 weeks.
RCMP: There is a resident
RCMP officer and 2 special constables.
Retail Outlet:
1.Northern Store is open 6 days a week and carries food and a limited selection of
dry goods. 2.Blake's Convenience.
Accommodations: Blake's Efficiency Units - 4 units equipped with cooking facilities are available for visitors by reservation.
Sports, Recreation & Leisure: The possibilities depend on your imagination. Hunting, fishing, BINGO, darts, ball
hockey, volleyball, line dancing, cross country skiing, Inuit Games, square dancing, snow-mobiling, whale-watching, camping, hiking, spectacular scenery for photos, painting, or just
viewing...
Many staff members enjoy the outdoors by snowmobile and purchase machines on arrival. If you
like nature, scenery, hunting and fishing or, are generally adaptable in the things you can enjoy,
you will probably do well.
Education: Northern Lights Academy is a K-12 school
with multi-grade classrooms. There are on average 65 students. Inuktitut is taught in grades
K-5 and there is a
Life Skills program. We offer a full High School
program supplemented by Distance Education courses
in a variety of subjects. The school was built in 1999. It has a gymnasium that is loved by students
and is also a focal point for community sports. Our computer room/resource room houses
many computers that are internet accessible and each classroom has a computer that is also linked to
the internet network. After school activities include a drama club, intramural sports, computer
club, Tutoring for Tuition, a recycling depot, periodic soapstone carving workshops and
yahtzee tournaments.
Teacher Housing:
Housing varies from year to year. Check with the Board
Office for updated information.
Banking: The nearest bank is in Goose Bay. There you will find a Royal Bank and Scotiabank. Direct deposit or mail-in deposit of paychecks is possible. Interac cards can be used at the local Northern Store and there is an ATM.
Household:
Depending on
the accommodations provided, you may need your own kitchenware (dishes, pots and pans, cutlery etc.), and a TV, radio,
and/or VCR if desired.
Groceries:
All of the basics are available at the local Northern
store. However, many choose to buy groceries in bulk for the
year and have them shipped in by coastal boat in early fall.
Clothing: Warm clothing is needed for winter. We suggest a parka with a fur hood, skidoo boots, ski pants etc. Spring and fall necessitate rubber boots and rain gear. Don't let this discourage you, sunscreen and sunglasses have a definite place in our wardrobe too!
Contact Patricia Hayward the Principal of Northern Lights Academy at 709 947-3350.