The great expeditions of Louis Babel and Albert Peter Low paved the way for mapping the North and future mining.
For many generations, the Naskapi nation travelled through the region of Labrador and Ungava. Nomads, their life style led them from Fort Chimo (Kuujjuaq) to Fort Nascopie (Petatstekupau sector) a few kilometers from present-day Schefferville.
The Innus travelled the same territory, living off the earth. Leaving the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence around Sept-Iles, going up the Moisie River, through Lake Ashuanipi, then traveling until they reached to present-day Schefferville.
In 1866, a Swiss missionary, Father Louis Babel, started his first expedition guided by First Nations members. A scientific explorer, he was the first to establish geographical maps, showing the presence of red earth in the Quebec/Labrador area.
round trip
including 37 in two parts;
43 days of walking including 27 in the rain;
in total
In 1892 to 1895, geologist Albert Peter Low explored this territory, guided by First Nations people. Following a river system east of James Bay, his expedition went down to Fort Chimo. Later on, using Father Babel’s maps, his team ventured inland via Labrador shores. Perfecting his own maps, he noted possible mineral deposits (iron, hematite, magnetite, etc.).
Considered as an important gathering place for Naskapis and Innus, Fort Nascopie became a trading post (growing rhubarb and other plants), and remained operational until 1869, when it was abandoned for non-profitability. Remnants of the original camp were discovered by a McGill University team based in Schefferville in the 1960s.
