A letter to Port Hope Simpson

August 21, 2026

Ryan Subject, AVC 2027, travelled to Port Hope Simpson as one of the student participants on the Chinook Project. As part of the experience, the students craft various pieces of writing.

I would like to start this post by thanking the incredible people of Port Hope Simpson, Labrador, for their hospitality. Not only did they welcome us with open arms, but they made us feel as if we were a part of the community. Every single person accepted us and made us feel at home. This community made it possible for us to experience an opportunity of a lifetime; an opportunity that I will never forget. They helped us pursue our passion by letting us care for over 160 loved pets. It takes a lot of trust to allow complete strangers into your community and provide veterinary care for your pets, which most consider loving family members, and I felt this trust with every single person I met. By the end of our trip I felt we were no longer strangers, but apart of a strong, loving family.

As someone from the east coast of Newfoundland who has never been to Labrador, I have always wondered what the culture was like. Is the lifestyle in Labrador the same as it is in Newfoundland or is it different? From my experience, I found that Labrador's culture was very much the same with subtle differences. It’s a tradition that is strongly grounded to the roots of its heritage. Port Hope Simpson reminded me of many small outport communities throughout Newfoundland. A tight knit community united by pride, dialect, food, and having a laugh. I find that most outport communities in Newfoundland and Labrador are built from a foundation of love, openness and acceptance, but it’s these subtle differences and quirks that make every place unique in their own way.

Chinook Team 2026

It’s hard to justify what I experienced during this trip into one post. This journey didn’t merely help me advance my skills as a veterinarian, but it gave me endless stories to be told and friendships that will last forever. The bond I made with the Chinook Project team is something that can never be broken and I am incredibly thankful for it. We laughed, we cried (mostly tears of joy), and we laughed some more. I built a special relationship with each member of this amazing group. They’ve been a shoulder to cry on in times of stress but kept things light with optimism too. I felt love and support from each one of you and I thank you for that; I can always rely on you.

I would like to thank our volunteers, and everyone that was so involved during clinics; you did not go unnoticed. One of the biggest things I will be taking away from this experience is 5 extra pounds. We had a constant flow of delicious home cooked meals brought to us throughout the day. From fresh seafood, to delectable baked apple cheesecake and more, each meal was as good as the next. The organization and engagement from the volunteers is what made the Chinook project possible. Everyone gave 110% every single day and treated everyone with respect. We could not have functioned with out you.

In the end, my love and appreciation for the people of Port Hope Simpson will always remain. I will always hold a special place in my heart for this beautiful community. I promise to cherish these memories and take everything I have learned to improve the health and wellness of my future patients. To the people of Port Hope Simpson, it’s not 'goodbye', but instead 'I’ll see you later'; I can’t wait to go back one day.

Sincerely, Ryan Subject