1912, In Northern Labrador, William Brooks Cabot

In Northern Labrador (1912) by William Brooks Cabot is a firsthand account of his extensive travels in the remote regions of northern Labrador between 1903 and 1910. Cabot, an American engineer and explorer, dedicated several summers to living among the Montagnais (now known as the Innu) people, immersing himself in their culture, language, and way of life.

📖 Book Overview

Published by Richard G. Badger at The Gorham Press in Boston, In Northern Labrador provides detailed observations of Cabot's experiences in the Labrador wilderness. The book is enriched with 76 photographic plates and maps, offering readers a visual insight into the landscapes and communities he encountered. Cabot's narrative delves into the daily activities of the Montagnais, including hunting, fishing, and their interactions with the environment. His work is considered a valuable anthropological record of the region's indigenous peoples during the early 20th century.

🧭 Significance

Cabot's explorations contributed to the mapping and understanding of northern Labrador, a region that was largely uncharted at the time. His detailed accounts and photographs serve as historical documents, preserving the cultural practices and landscapes of the Montagnais before significant changes occurred in the following decades. In recognition of his contributions, Cabot's name was given to a prominent lake along the Indian route from the George River to the Labrador coast, as well as to the subspecies of caribou from northern Labrador.