S-181 conventionDeclaration detailLevel http://ica-atom.org/doc/RS-2#5.4 Partial Non-IRSSA School Non-Denominational Image: [The Rooms Archives, Item Number **IGA 1-27**](http://gencat.eloquent-systems.com/therooms_permalink.html?key=42892) History: Procter, Andrea. 2020. [A Long Journey: Residential Schools in Labrador and Newfoundland](https://memorialuniversitypress.ca/Books/A/A-Long-Journey). St. John’s: ISER/Memorial University Press. St. Mary’s River Boarding School conventionDeclaration 1931-1938 Mary’s Harbour, Labrador

School history courtesy of [A Long Journey: Residential Schools in Labrador and Newfoundland](https://memorialuniversitypress.ca/Books/A/A-Long-Journey) *

A boarding school at St. Mary’s River (Mary’s Harbour) was established in 1931 by the International Grenfell Association (IGA), an American and British charity involved in medical and social services in southern Labrador and northern Newfoundland. The IGA had just closed its medical station at Battle Harbour and had appointed the Swiss doctor Herman Moret to open a new station at St. Mary’s River (today called Mary’s Harbour) on the southeastern Labrador coast. Dr. Moret enlisted the help of Princeton University volunteers to build the boarding school and hospital, and his wife, Charlotte Moret, was one of the first teachers.

Between twenty and forty students aged six to sixteen attended the school each year. Approximately half lived in the dormitory, while the others lived with their families in the community. Children came from St. Lewis Bay and as far north as Seal Islands. Their families paid for their room and board through cash or, more commonly, through donations of country food such as salt cod, berries, and wild meat.

In 1938, the IGA decided to close the boarding school because of financial and staffing difficulties. Some of the students and staff moved to the Lockwood boarding school near Cartwright (see Lockwood School). Because the boarding school at Mary’s Harbour closed before 1949, it was not included in the federal government’s apology to Labrador residential school survivors.

This non-denominational school was closed before Confederation with Canada so not included in Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools Settlement Agreement.

Newfoundland and Labrador