The development of Lac-John, Schefferville and social infrastructure illustrates the birth of the first structured northern villages.
This mining operation brought on major changes for First Nations people. The Innus had to abandon their camp near Knob lake, and settled at Lac-John. The Naskapis did the same, and this new village numbered about 500 people in the early 1950s. Houses replaced tents, then a dispensary was added, a small schoolhouse with kindergarten classes, a chapel, and 2 grocery stores: Chez Papune and Chez Paul Arthur.
The Lac-John church opened its doors in December 1961, welcoming Reverend Father Joseph Cyr as an integral part of the communities. He actively participated in biblical text translations. Combining in common their own resources, a traditional native art cooperative was created. Three village ladies, Philomene McKenzie president, Marie St-Onge secretary, and Anne-Marie Andre vice president, dedicated themselves to sustaining this promising project.
Education was for everyone, so night classes started at Knob Lake School, an English establishment. So about 50 members of the Naskapi community were introduced to science, mathematics, and more: people like the Chescappio, Einish, Nattawappio, Shecanapish, to name a few families. Many people use up to 3 languages: the Innus speak french and naskapi; and the Naskapis speak english and innu.
The mining company took on the construction costs of this boomtown, the IOCC was building its largest project that would make its reputation, and that of Schefferville, operating year-round. With an outside temperature fluctuating between -30°F and -40°F (-34.4°C at -40°C), and an inside temperature of 70°F (21°C), upon exiting, the sudden drop in temperature constricted our lungs to stick our nostrils together!
These new Nordic citizens adopted a lifestyle of their own, forging lifelong bonds with 22 different ethnic groups. Like an islet in the forest, Schefferville was, and still is, a so-called closed city. But so accessible… By 1955, the postal service recorded 2,156 bags received during the year. The supply of goods increased with the establishment of private companies, providing food and supplies.
In addition to the Lac-John church, there was St. Paul United Church, and the St. Peter chapel. That of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was the one who received the title of Cathedral upon the arrival of a Bishop.
On May 20, 1955, the mining company Iron Ore began the construction of this religious temple, and fully assumed the costs, and has been offered to the Catholic authorities. The church received the title of Cathedral when a Bishop came. Closed in 1984 during the ore crisis, this building was abandoned and then demolished in 1990.
The decade of the 1960’s saw a 4th church being built. Intended for the Anglican religious community, it suffered the same fate as its peers and did not escape the great demolition.
In November 1961, the blessing of this new prayer temple located in the village of Lac John took place. Built by the First Nations with the help of the Oblate Brothers, the church was destroyed by fire in 1985.
In December 1962, the construction of this church was completed, thus allowing the faithful of the Protestant religion to come together in their prayers. Abandoned during the ore crisis that began in 1982, this building was destroyed during the major demolition.
Built by the IOC mining company, this establishment start his operation in 1955. With a communal vocation, the Knob Lake school replace an educational facility established on the Burnt Creek site. Subsequently becoming an Anglophone Protestant institution, it added students from the Naskapi nation. Abandoned during the ore crisis that began in 1982, this building was destroyed during the major demolition that took place between 1989 and 1991.
In 1956, the mining company began construction of a second school, serving the English-speaking Catholic community. Attached to the building, there was a residence for the Oblate sisters teachers. Also abandoned for lack of students, the school was destroyed during the big demolition.
In 1959, the IOC began the construction of a third establishment. Serving the French-speaking Catholic community, there were also students from the Innu community. In 1972, an extension was added, connecting with the JR Timmins school.
This institution was the only one to survive the big demolition, and is now fully owned by the Innus of Matimekush-Lac-John
The name of the school means: “In search of our rights”.
The Health Centre, entirely built and paid by the Iron Ore Company, opens its doors. Equipped with an operating room, delivery room, nursery and other services, it replaced the building located directly on the site
The mining company offered this important establishment, linking 3 communities (white, Innu and Naskapi), to the Ministry of Health;
The hospital was renovated for 3.5 million dollars;
The Ministry of Health announces the closure of this small hospital, throwing a wave of panic on the population, all communities combined. Despite the demands of the 3 communities, the building was condemned. The purpose of this closure was the deportation of nations; was aimed at the pure and simple closure of the territory, like what had happened for the town of Gagnon, razed from the map.
The Health Center did not escape the major demolition and the building gave way under the blows of the crane equipped with a mass. The Innu and Naskapi communities have taken over with their own dispensary. Since 1986, women can no longer give birth on the territory of the 55ᵗʰ parallel, having to expatriate!
From Burnt Creek to Knob Lake, the first town of New Quebec appeared at latitude 54° 48 ’North and longitude 66° 50’ West; christened Schefferville in honor of Bishop Lionel Scheffer, a churchman. The town Charter was in forced on July 14, 1955, and the Coat of Arms was created with a listel A Ferro Vinces, meaning Iron is your strength. With a population of 4 500 by decade1960, the municipal services were organized rapidly, a rush toward the north!
