The Netshucktoke (Sandwich Bay) region, where the modern town of Cartwright is located, was a centre of Inuit habitation long before Europeans set foot on its soil. Archaeologists have recently discovered in this area some of the oldest Inuit sod houses on the coast of Labrador. The Inuit referred to this settlement as Netcetumit.

In 1775 Captain George Cartwright chose the area as the site of his trading post. It offered an excellent sheltered harbour, and a lookout on Flagstaff Hill to watch for hostile American privateers. It remained his main post until he returned to England. During his relatively brief stay, Captain Cartwright proved to be a very enlightened man. He favorably interacted and traded with the local

Inuit population. Some of his workers married and were integrated into the local Inuit population; their descendants still live in the area today. The business first established by Cartwright was sold to the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1837, and this business still operates in the town today.

Many Inuit communities were resettled into Cartwright during the 1960s, and many other communities such as Seal Islands, Bateau and Spotted Islands were completely abandoned. This makes the town of Cartwright a dynamic centre of Inuit culture in southern Labrador.

The community boasts a view of the Mealy Mountains, the site of a proposed future national park. Ten miles to the north is a 56km stretch of golden sand, so striking the Vikings called it the "Wonderstrands". To the east lies the Atlantic Ocean and the Gannet Islands Seabird Ecological Reserve - a combination of spectacular landscape and fascinating history, home to the largest razorbill colony in North America, 50,000 common murres, 35,000 puffins and 8,000 other birds. Eighteen miles east of the community lies Table Bay, which is home to the largest colony for breeding eiders in Labrador.

The research team conducted oral health surveys at Henry Gordon Academy in Cartwright, NL (May 2012).

Barbara Campbell and Michelle Clarke coordinated oral health surveys in Cartwright, NL (May 2012).

The research team set up a portable dental chair to conduct oral health surveys at Henry Gordon Academy in Cartwright, NL (May 2012).

Community Advisor - Judy Pardy

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