Lab West high school grads not used to uncertainty
Downturn in area's iron ore industry has shaken the confidence of next generation
They have ambitions to become a nurse, an electrical engineer and an automotive technician, but three graduating students from Menihek high in Labrador City say it's becoming less likely they'll be working and living in their hometowns once their education is completed.
They are among the 120 students who will graduate from the school this spring, beginning a new chapter in their lives in an era of great uncertainty in Labrador West where a downturn in the iron ore industry has hit hard over the past year.
They shared their feelings recently during an interview with CBC News.
While expressing a deep hope that the economic situation will rebound, they also fear the worst scenario is very likely.
"It's just been really hard on everybody," said Barry, who would like to return to Labrador West to work as a nurse, but acknowledged, "It's not looking so good."
"I don't think there's going to be much of a future here, honestly," added Barbour, who will begin engineering studies at a university in New Brunswick this fall.
I wish we could all say we're coming back to live and make money and do well, but as it is right now it's not looking good for us.- Brady Slade
"It's only a matter of time before it all shuts down."
Slade plans to study at a college in Gander or Prince Edward Island this fall, and admits he won't be returning unless the situation improves.
"I don't think anyone's really going to bother to come back," Slade stated.
"As sad as it is to say, I wish we could all say we're coming back to live and make money and do well, but as it is right now it's not looking good for us."
An area on edge
The neighbouring communities are located in an isolated area of western Labrador, and depend entirely on the iron ore industry.
The area is accustomed to great prosperity, and it's common to hear stories of several generations of family members working at one of the mines.
But the boom has nearly turned to bust.
The iron ore mine in Wabush closed in 2014, displacing nearly 500 workers, while 150 unionized workers at the Iron Ore Company of Canada mine in Labrador City will lose their jobs in June as a cost-cutting measure.
The entire area is on edge, wondering how far the situation will deteriorate, and whether the IOC operation, which employs hundreds of people in good-paying jobs, will suffer the same fate as the mine in Wabush.
Enduring hardship and uncertainty
Many families have been affected by the job cuts and resulting slowdown in the business community.
Barry said her father is one of just four people still working at Wabush Mines. Many of her friends have had to endure hardship and uncertainty because their parents have lost their jobs or were forced to leave the area for work elsewhere.
Barry said she loved growing up in Lab West, and is saddened that its future so so much in doubt.
"I know I want to come back because I love it here," she said, adding, "If there's nothing here, than what's the point, really."
Barbour has dreams of returning to work at IOC as an engineer, and raising his own family in the area.
"We grew up hunting and fishing around here and I always seen myself growing old here and teaching my kid to hunt and fish," he said.
"You'd never think you'd have to leave your hometown. You think you could be here for as long as you wanted to."
A difficult adjustment for many
Opportunities like summer jobs with the mine companies have also dried up, putting added financial pressure on students and their families as they prepare for post-secondary education.
In one sense, the Menihik high grads of 2015 are lucky, said Slade, because they can more easily change career paths and pursue opportunities wherever they emerge.
It's not so easy for those have invested so much of their lives into careers, homes and other commitments in Lab West, he added.
"It's going to be hard for them to adjust if something happens. It's not like they can just pack up and start all over again if they have families and responsibilities here," he said.
All three say the future for Lab West is largely out of their hands, but if it's a bright one, they would like to be part of it.
"We'll find out in a few years, I guess," said Barbour.