Category Archives: Tradition
Seals on the Ice
Last Sunday, I had left my home to drive to grandmother’s house in Nameless Cove for a big turkey dinner on Easter Sunday. Driving through the community, I saw a black spot on the ice.
The seal is at the edge of the beach.
Another seal is close to shore, as pack ice had blocked the Strait of Belle Isle. The land in the background, well that’s “The Big Land” – Labrador. I’m not sure people believe me when I saw, “I can see Labrador from my window,” but it is true. Just a short 15 kilometres between us and still no plan to connect us by a fixed-link. Advancing transportation and telecommunication networks will be key to Southern Labrador and the Great Northern Peninsula‘s future long-term sustainability. Quebec is completing Route 138 (Lower North Shore Highway), this means Montreal will be just 13 hours drive from this province. It will transform the shipping of goods and services. The current administration promised a feasibility study – a link has not yet materialized. Instead it has opted to build a multi-billion dollar energy project, laying cables on the ocean floor that will interfere with our way of life, the fishery – our mainstay, versus going underground with a tunnel. It was noted in a pre-feasibility study that if both projects were paired, savings of nearly $400 million would be realized. More work is needed exploring a fixed-link, but advancing transportation networks is imminent, we can not continue to be plagued with annual increased rates at Marine Atlantic and an unreliable schedule for shipment of goods and services. These costs are ultimately passed on to the consumer. We need to be more strategic and consider where we need to go over the long-term, but not forget our roots – our beginnings.
Seals played a critical role in the development of our as a permanent settlement. In the early 1800′s they were a major food source, as the island had only 9 types of mammalia. Additionally, as a British Colony, we shipped both whale and seal oil to the homeland. This oil was used in lamps and correlated with the Industrial Revolution. Today, this product is banned in the United Kingdom.
It will be another couple of days before the sealers take to the ice. I wish much success in this years hunt, as the seal provides valuable meat, oils and pelts that are harvested in a humane and sustainable way. Sealing is part of our tradition, and will continue to remain that way well into the future.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- Mitchelmore questions commitment to rural job creation (liveruralnl.com)
- What a view today on the Great Northern Peninsula… (liveruralnl.com)
- Fishing Remains Our Mainstay (liveruralnl.com)
Budget devastating for tourism industry: Mitchelmore
NDP Tourism, Culture and Recreation Critic Christopher Mitchelmore (MHA The Straits-White Bay North) is appalled by government’s lack of vision for generating additional revenues from International tourists, demonstrated by the backwards step taken with slashes to its award-winning marketing budget by nearly $4 Million, wiping out years of successive gains.
“At Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador’s Annual Conference, Tourism Minister Terry French touted the $1 Billion dollars in revenue the industry contributes to the economy,” said Mitchelmore. “This feel-good speech did not highlight that most of this revenue is generated from the domestic market and that we are failing make gains in high-yield international markets to reach our goal of $1.6 Billion by 2020.”
Mitchelmore attended a Tourism Town Hall and listened to a presentation by Tourism Industry Association of Canada highlighting the public policy challenges inhibiting tourism growth: marketing, access and product.
Hospitality NL is adapting its Assurance Program to elevate standards of programs and service. They are doing their role to develop product, while the government is pulling back on marketing and even access. The Department of Innovation, Business & Rural Development has completely eliminated the budgetary line item of $4 million in funding for the province’s Air Access Strategy.
“Increases to ferry rates, $500 fees for new business start-ups and 20% increases in out-patients rates for health services to non-residents will all hurt the growth of an industry that impacts every region of Newfoundland & Labrador, particularly rural areas,” said Mitchelmore.
“It is clear to me the Ministers of Tourism and IBRD are taking the same approach as the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture to rural communities — ensuring there is no viability and sustainability.”
http://www.nlndpcaucus.ca/nr032713TourismSlashes
Related articles
- Mitchelmore questions commitment to rural job creation (liveruralnl.com)
- Mitchelmore speaks to Interim Supply (Budget 2013) (liveruralnl.com)
- Report reflects how government is mismanaging fishery (christophermitchelmore.com)
- Mitchelmore Presses Dire Water Situations Question Period (03.20.2013) (christophermitchelmore.com)
Community Spirit Soars in Town of Main Brook
The Town of Main Brook may have a small population of about 250 people, but it soars with community spirit. The Come Home Year Celebration brought hundreds of people back home in 2012 and it was evident that residents and those with a connection to the community are there to support it. It is quite exciting to see the Town, Recreation Committee, Development Association, Come Home Year Committee, businesses, residents and others are pooling together to raise the roof to building a community centre. Working together, sharing resources is the best way to reach a common goal! All the volunteers deserve a big round of applause. The workers are doing a wonderful job in putting together the building in bone chilling temperatures.
It is important for any community to have a meeting place for friends and family to gather. This will piece of infrastructure will certainly help attract more families and retirees to this tiny town that has a K-12 school, service station, meat shop, wilderness resort, accommodations, food services, sawmill, grocery store, fire department, fish plant, post office, liquor store, development association, Town council (water & sewer services), high speed Internet, cell coverage, near airport and larger business centres of Roddickton-Bide Arm and St. Anthony.
Main Brook is a part of the French Shore, with a presence of French before the English settlers. People came to Main Brook because of the rich forest resources. Bowater‘s created a company town in the 1940′s. The population grew to more than 300 and Government appointed a town council prior to confederation. The economy thrived for decades with several expansions, until a downturn in markets and new technologies would devastate this one-industry Town in the late 60′s, early 70′s.
There appears to be such a rich history around the Bowater lumber camps. I remember my grandfather telling me stories of his days with Bowaters. It would be an interesting economic development to re-create the Bowater lumber camps as a new economic driver. One could learn about the forest industry of years gone by, get fed at the cookhouse, sleep in the bunkhouse and also spend some time learning to saw a cord of wood. This would pair well with the outdoor hunting, fishing and recreational experiences this town offers locals and tourists. It may be time to create an open-air museum and re-visit our roots.
The Town has not been sitting idle with an active sawmill that has been in the Coates’ family for generations. In addition, it has transitioned to be an inclusive fishing community, where a number of residents and those from surrounding area maintain seasonal employment at a local fish plant.
There are many unique photo opportunities when you drive around this planned community. Bring your camera!
You will find no homes for sale, but land is available and there are planned sub-divisions. Get yourself a view of Hare Bay, bring your ideas and be a part of a community that has a lot of spirit.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
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Conche, Newfoundland & Labrador on a Winter’s Day
Conche, Newfoundland & Labrador is a Town of the Great Northern Peninsula that is tagged as “The Beauty Spot of the North”. It like Fogo Island, should be one of the Top 10 Destinations to visit in the World – rich in culture, vernacular architecture, French history and overflowing with local knowledge. This place does exist, so add it to your vacation in 2013!
The view from the cove on a winter’s day can be enchanting…
Conche is also a vibrant fishing community, with a number of small boat fishers and those harvesting shellfish. An active fish plant still is seeking employees based on advertisements in the local paper. What a wonderful community to be able to earn a living. Why not consider putting in an application at Conche Seafoods Ltd?
What a great view of Lar’s Place in the photo below:
This wharf depicted below is a pleasure to view. It has since been updated with new lines as it continued to survive elements. The Newfoundland Flag has nearly been weathered away. Don’t despair though, from walking trails, snowmobiling and interactions with local Conchers will make the visit in winter well-worth the trip.
If you cannot make a winter’s visit to Conche, NL, then drop by in summer. This Town is at the Heart of the French Shore (www.frenchshore.com) and 2013 is 300 years after the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht. It has North America’s only 222 ft tapestry on Jacobian-linen, make by local women depicting the culture, heritage and history on the French Shore and was designed by artist J.C. Roy. As well, July 25 -August 1, 2013 is Conche Come Home Year Celebration. It is not to be missed!
Newfoundland & Labrador Government must commit, develop a plan to pave Route 434 to Conche. It is a 17.6 KM gravel road that has received millions in realignment a few years ago. Without the hardtop, that invest is eroding down to the bedrock.
Despite a gravel road, this Town is a destination – a must visit! While on the Great Northern Peninsula East, check out communities of Englee, Roddickton, Bide Arm, Main Brook, Croque & St. Julien’s-Grandois – you simply could not be disappointed. Experience the many wonders the Great Northern Peninsula has to offer.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
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- There’s Giant Cod Fish Out There… (liveruralnl.com)
Family Time – Remember when the capelin rolled in…..
I remember the excitement in Green Island Cove when the capelin rolled in the beach one summer around 1991. It was the year my father made my little dip net. With all the fuss we rushed to the shore to join other members of the community with our buckets and started filling them with our dip nets. You had to be quick, because it was only a matter of time and they would be gone.
My great-great-aunt Lavinia, who turns 98 years-young this year was on the beach that day. She arrived a bit later and didn’t quite have her bucket full, so we helped her top up her catch. She remembers that day and we have talked about it on occasion in my past visits. She’s a lady full of energy and she has a remarkable way of telling a story. I know from our conversations she was always up for a good joke or a bit of fun.
If you ever get the opportunity to see the capelin roll, it’s one of natures wonders. As they rolled around Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove this past summer on the Avalon, it brought droves of locals and tourists alike, creating much traffic congestion.
The capelin – a small forage fish is often the lunch of cod. It is good to see them a plenty. I certainly saw much capelin coming ashore in Englee this past summer. The cod are back and there are giant cod-fish out there.
I have a capelin that was made locally, which I hang on my Christmas tree each year.
There are many opportunities to show off your talents. The College of the North Atlantic, St. Anthony Campus has a glass art studio and Norstead – Viking Village and Port of Trade, L’Anse Aux Meadows has a pottery studio available for us to make unique product. Why not carve and create a capelin mug, bowl, jewelry, Christmas ornament, glass coaster or pendant? We have so many opportunities, potential markets from local shops, craft outlets, on-line, Come Home Year celebrations and a number of cruise ships that visit the area. Now is the time to start marking product, be ready for those who visit and experience The Great Northern Peninsula.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
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Mummer’s Dance & Old Christmas Day Party
The Mummer’s Dance at the Flower’s Cove Lion’s Centre kicked off on Saturday – the eve of Old Christmas Day. We decided to dress up and kick up our heels as we celebrated tradition and the joys of the holidays.
We’ve pulled out boxes of old dress-up clothes, former Halloween costume gear and lots of accessories. Some of the greatest fun with mummering is getting ready with your friends and family, as you dig through the mixture of colorful clothing to find the perfect ensemble. We had quite the band of merry mummers!
We were the first group of mummer’s to arrive and opened the floor. Just minutes after our arrive we were joined by a dozen or so more mysterious mummers. The DJ then played the Mummer’s Song. I don’t think there were many people in attendance that left the floor for very long. A time to be had by all! There is not doubt in my mind, the spirit of mummering is quite strong and really experiencing a true revival on the Great Northern Peninsula.
Old Christmas Day has passed and the mummer costumes are put away for another season. I encourage you all to plan with friends during Christmas 2013 to plan an event or an evening of mummering in your community.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
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- The Jannies were here… (liveruralnl.com)
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- The Mummer’s, Granny & MHA join Christmas Parades (christophermitchelmore.com)
A Scoff at the Cabin…
I woke up at 5 AM today, the wind was howling and the weather temperature rang in at -20 degrees. The windchill made it feel like -37 degrees outside. It is on days like these I think of the warmth of the old wood stove, a nice cup of tea and fond memories at the cabin.
Every Christmas we draw family names on my Dad’s side where 7 families exchange presents with one another. This year, my Aunt Linda gave us presents. She gave my mother a lovely print our cousin originally painted of “A Scoff at the Cabin” in February 2008. Depicted below are many of Newfoundland & Labrador‘s favourites, from Purity Hard Bread, Lemon Cream Biscuits served up with some Eversweet Margarine, Purity Jam, Homemade Bread, “Newfie” steak (bologna), a cup of tea with Carnation Milk, a shot of Newfoundland Screech and for dessert some Purity spearmint knobs.
A cup of Tetley tea in the woods simply can not be topped! There must be something about the purity of the water flowing from the brook and then boiled in a cast iron kettle over an open fire. While thinking about the cabin, I was able to enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate from one of the mugs my aunt also gave me for the holidays. A wonderful glimpse of another Newfoundland tradition of Christmas Mumming! I had the pleasure to dress up for the 3rd Annual Mummer’s Walk, spent a night mummering in my home community and attended the Mummer’s Dance in Flower’s Cove dressed up with the gang (a post to follow).
I like many Newfoundlanders & Labradorians enjoy our foodstuffs and traditions that are quintessentially ours. I thank my thoughtful aunt for the presents as she knows how much I love consuming culture.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- 3rd Annual Mummer`s Walk – December 28th (liveruralnl.com)
- The Jannies were here… (liveruralnl.com)
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- The Mummer’s, Granny & MHA join Christmas Parades (christophermitchelmore.com)
- 3rd Annual Mummer’s Walk Continues to Break Local Record (liveruralnl.com)
The Jannies were here…
Growing up we always referred to concept of mummering as jannying. I am not sure how it came about that we adopted the term “Mummer”. It may have had something to do with Simini’s iconic tune, “The Mummer’s Song” produced in 1984. It became a mega-hit and helped revive a dying tradition. One can hear the tune and watch a video of mummering that has more than 200,000 views.
Musicians and local artists have significant influence on popular culture and the way in which communities consume culture and local lore. Although the tradition of mummering is not as vibrant as it once was, I think it is one of those traditions that is here to stay in rural Newfoundland & Labrador, especially on the Great Northern Peninsula.
This Christmas we saw the jannies going around visiting at Christmas night! I have also seen multiple postings on Facebook highlighting janny visits, videos of people stepping ‘er down and enjoying the tradition. We have the opportunity to utilize the social media to share and encourage more active participation in a tradition that was once common for all ruralites to do during the holidays.
The jannies were here last night…
If you are interested in jannying this Christmas, there is still time! Tonight marks a couple of mummer’s dances at Thirsty’s Lounge and Flower’s Cove Lion’s Centre. As well, there are still two nights left to Christmas – so get your bed sheets, rubber boots and pillow cases ready! Keep up the tradition right up to Old Christmas Night.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
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- It’s not Christmas without the Mummers Show (cbc.ca)
- My Newfoundland & Labrador themed Christmas Tree (liveruralnl.com)
- 3rd Annual Mummer`s Walk – December 28th (liveruralnl.com)
My Newfoundland & Labrador themed Christmas Tree
Every decorated Christmas tree is like a snowflake in design, as each one is truly unique. I like to add a flavour of Newfoundland & Labrador to my tree. it seems each year, I manage to add something handmade that relates to local lore and culture.
There are specialty stores that pop-up during the holidays and there are those that are open year round selling Christmas items. Imagine the opportunity we have on the Great Northern Peninsula to put our talents to use and make a variety of Christmas ornaments. An informal group, development organization or craft co-op can be formed to get this moving.
I got the seal skin boots depicted above as a gift from the late Aunt Stella Hoddinott. They hung from the mirror of my car for years. It certainly makes them easy to find in a parking lot.
My sister has been a modest entrepreneur throughout the years and made several handmade Christmas ornaments. I am pretty sure my mom and I helped her some 13 years ago and I proudly display the scallop shell angel on the tree.
I have a passion for the mummer’s and look forward to going around visiting before Old Christmas day. I’ve participated in all three Mummer’s Walks and there is a Mummer’s Dance on Saturday! I picked up the accordion ornament at a Christmas store on my first visit to Montreal in 2011. There is another pair of seal skin boots (came from Iqaluit), an Inukshuk (purchased at Grenfell Heritage Shoppe) and a set of snowshoes made by the late Tom Newcombe. I remember giving him a number of wire hangers to make several pairs.
The Newfoundland Boil-up is a tradition that many practise, especially at this time of year. A good ol’ cup of tea in the woods and a small scoff of roasted Newfie Steak (balogna) on a stick or sausages, canned beans and a slice of homemade bread- nothing like it! Also in the picture is “Little Sheila” an Inuk, I made in 2010, while on a cultural exchange in Labrador.
The gallery below depicts a few others: I’ve bought a lobster claw at the Craft Council’s Fall Fair, I have a matching capelin from Grenfell Heritage Shoppe. The amigurumi grey fish came from the Guardian gift shop at the French Shore Interpretation Centre in Conche, the Puffin was a gift from Amanda. The homemade ball with candy canes were made by the group from Community Readiness for People with Disabilities. The wooden ornament came from the Wind & Waves Artisan Shop in Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island as part of the Shorefast Foundation. The killick is an old-fashioned anchor made by Frank Elliott of Main Brook, I purchased from him when I owned and operated Flower’s Island Museum & Mini-golf; in that same picture is my most recent addition of a hand painted ornament of Prague, Czech Republic (where I studied in Europe) and a pair of knitted mittens, made by the late Aunt Dora White. Also, a photo depicts hockey skates, which reminded me of the ones my Dad always wore when he played hockey and another pair of Uncle Tom’s snowshoes are on display next to the reindeer.
I enjoy adding more traditional ornaments to my Christmas tree. There is a real opportunity for hobbyists, crafters and those with an interest to start-up a home-based business, craft co-op or other enterprise to learn new skills and make an income. Let’s not let your talents pass up such an opportunity that can serve as a year-round business.
Live Rural NL -
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North
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- Marketing Rural Newfoundland & Labrador & the VTTA (liveruralnl.com)
- A Cod Jigger Coat Hook (liveruralnl.com)
Giving the Gift of something Handmade cannot be Beat
As we celebrate the season of giving, I still believe the best presents are not the ones that can be bought on-line or at some retail outlet but those gifts without price tags attached – but the gifts one makes by hand.
How wonderful are the holidays when grandma comes with a deliciously handmade apple pie, just ready to put in the oven? How often do we look forward to Aunt’s fruitcake, cousin’s cookies or a friend’s cinnamon rolls? There are those that always make an ornament or holiday wreath. We have knitters and quilters that do it their way, knit and sew stitches with ultimate care. We all have those crafty friends and family members that take the time out to show they care. These types of presents are the gifts that simply can not be replaced.
I’d like to share with you some of the handmade items, I received this year for Christmas:
1.Hooked Rug: It is certainly not every day someone will give you a hooked rug. It takes many hours of time and dedication to end up with a finished product. I remember making my first and only hooked rug to date in Winter 2011. It took 50 hours to complete. Hooked rugs represent a time of economic development, especially for women, as Dr. Wilfred Grenfell encouraged women to make hooked rugs to help supplement family incomes. They still sell Grenfell rugs at the Grenfell Centre in St. Anthony today. I love this rug and everything it represents as it depicts a shrimp at sea – the lifeblood for many communities of the Straits-White Bay North. Without such fishing activity and processing our region would face much difficulty. It now hangs in my bedroom near the window, which boasts a view of the water. I can not thank the giver enough for what it means to be presented with such a gift! Please do keep up your efforts, as this hooked rug inspires me to push harder for the fishers and those who make their living from the sea.
2. Knitted Socks: My grandmother had included in her present a pair of knitted socks. I love them – a pair of knitted socks is to be coveted. I’ve already placed one on my feet when I attended the 3rd Annual Mummer’s Walk. The other foot had a striped knitted sock done by my Aunt Christina. These socks like others will find a home when I wear my seal skin boots or want to ensure my feet remain nice and cozy. These have been a tradition of Newfoundland & Labrador for centuries.
3. Sealskin Business Card Holder: A traditional-bark tanned sealskin has been designed to hold my braille business cards. I will use it proudly. We have such a history on the Great Northern Peninsula when it comes to sealing. For instance, St. Barnabas Church, Flower’s Cove is known locally as “sealskin boot church” because the building fund was provided by sales of women making and selling sealskin boots. This product will go nicely with my bark-tan wallet. Thank you SabrinaLisa for another incredible gift.
4. Handmade Quilt: My 81-year-old grandmother has given me a beautiful handmade quilt for Christmas that she made herself this year. She has always made lots of quilts throughout the years, but never one to call my own. Christmas 2012 is very special to have the gift of a handmade quilt from Nan. I’m not sure how many more she’ll make, but I hope she continues the tradition. I’m quite pleased to see at least a couple of her daughters have picked up the skill, keeping quilt-making in the family alive and well.
Traditions, culture and local knowledge should be passed on. I hope my liveruralnl.com blog continues to help document some of the many traditions, culture, heritage, history, landscapes and people of the Great Northern Peninsula.
Happy Holidays & New Year to All -
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North
Related articles
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3rd Annual Mummer’s Walk Continues to Break Local Record
The 3rd Annual Mummer’s Walk was the most successful to date, seeing increasing numbers across all age ranges from the two walks held in Flower’s Cove and Anchor Point, respectively. A total of 40 mummers or jannies participated in this year’s walk, with a wide range of ages from toddler to adult. There were so many, not all could fit in the photos. We even picked up a couple during the parade.
Can you guess which one I am?
At 3 PM the residents of the Straits congregated at the Savage Cove church basement and paraded around the community. The band of merry mummers waved at vehicles and those looking on from their windows. It was quite the sight!
There were big ones,
and small ones…
At the end, we all returned to the Church basement listened to the Mummer’s Song and other Christmas tunes. Everyone sat around enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, Purity syrup and other goodies. Special thanks to organizers Trudy C. and co-founder, Sabrina G. for continuing to ensure the mummer’s walk continues on the Great Northern Peninsula. As well, big thanks for all those who helped in any way and getting involved. It was great to see many families and youth interested in keeping a tradition that was so vibrant in rural Newfoundland & Labrador. Also, the Straits Food Sharing Association benefited from non-perishable food items.
We look forward to continued growth next year as the fourth annual will be set during the Christmas season. Please take the time this Christmas to go door to door, visit your friends and neighbours – find those old sheets, ugly sticks and pillow sacks. Happy jannying!
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- 3rd Annual Mummer`s Walk – December 28th (liveruralnl.com)
- The Mummer’s, Granny & MHA join Christmas Parades (christophermitchelmore.com)
Rabbit with Sunday’s Dinner
Newfoundland & Labrador has a traditional Sunday’s Dinner with some form of meat, potatoes, turnip, carrot, cabbage (greens when available), peas pudding, salt meat, puddings and gravy.
Sunday’s Dinner is a meal that us rural Newfoundlanders & Labradorians look forward to, especially if grandmother is cooking it. A near mornings work with many pots, pans and hands in the kitchen serves up a delicious meal.
The rabbit was snared during last season. I look forward to getting a fresh one as this past weekend a light powder of snow fell on the Great Northern Peninsula. My father would spend a week or two after Christmas with his buddies in what we referred to as the rabbit camp, as it was located way inside the country. Each year, he always brought back a good bounty of rabbits for our family and his parents. I remember when I was younger, going in the woods with him to check his slips. He showed me how he set up the snares and how to increase your chances of catching a rabbit.
I do not eat rabbit that often, and still today only enjoy the legs. So there will be no fighting for the head when I sit at your table, as is in most cases. One memory that comes to mind when I eat rabbit, is off my late Uncle Douglas. He spent many hours in the countryside, trapping, snaring and berry picking. He would always supply me with a rabbit, either bringing it to my house or I would be equally as happy to go to his small trailer to pick it up. He may have been hard to understand at times, despite at times calling me or others a “Frenchman”. I believe this was his ironic sense of humour and whenever he was around he was a mountain of local knowledge as he knew the daily catch of local fishers and other happenings in the community. He would always ask if I spotted a moose or caribou on my drive from work and listening attentively for the answer with details. Uncle Douglas was a gentle man, who loved children and gave freely of what he had to the benefit of others. I miss sharing those conversations with you, but still enjoy a feed of rabbit whenever I get the opportunity.
RIP Uncle Doug.
I hope when traditional food is placed on your table, you can think of a memory, occasion or person that brings a smile to your face.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
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A Cod Jigger Coat Hook
A couple of weekends ago I visited the St. John’s Arts & Culture Centre as the Craft Council had hosted their annual Christmas Fair. There were many artisans, artists and authors – all exhibiting their wares. A wide selection of textiles, stain glass, sculptures, Newfoundland & Labrador publishers, chocolates, ornaments, jewelry, photos, prints, sealskin and more.
I had made many purchases that day but I wanted to highlight my cod jigger coat hook in the photo below, which was handcrafted at the Green Family Forge.
The Green Family Forge has been a fixture in Trinity for more than 250 years in this province. The Trinity Historical Society proudly operates an active forge and has its handcrafted products for retail online. If you would like a custom-made product or purchase directly on-line to support one of our heritage industries their website is: http://www.trinityhistoricalsociety.com/shop_online.htm. The Historical Society realizes the importance of product development and gift shop sales to a non-profit. They have gotten creative by hammering out letter openers, coat hooks, fire pokers, key chains and more.
I am encouraged they are encompassing an important element of our culture, the “cod jigger” in a modern coat hook design that can be placed in the home or office. It is a conversation piece, a fixture – a realization that the cod fishery was the reason for the established permanent settlement in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Thirteen summers ago, I spent some time fishing cod with my father and had the opportunity to try my hand with the cod jigger. It will be a cherished memory, until I can take to the water and jig for cod again. This cod jigger coat hanger will be proudly placed in my home as a reminder of the importance of the cod jigger to our culture, heritage and history.
Live Rural NL -
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North
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Taking to the Ice at Straits Arena, St. Barbe, NL
It’s that time of year again when many rural Newfoundlanders & Labradorians take to their local stadiums, whether for Minor Hockey, Figure Skating, Broomball, Curling, Recreational Hockey Leagues, General Skating and other special events.
The Straits Arena serves 26 communities of the Straits region on the Great Northern Peninsula. I visited it earlier this week, as the General Manager told me they were gearing up for a busy season with close to 175 registrants for Minor Hockey. It should be a stadium that is filled by many parents, grandparents and local fans as they watch the flurry of activity on the ice.
Earlier this year, I participated in the Follow the Leader Challenge (www.followtheleadernl.ca) to promote a month of healthy living. The final week was a community physical activity that involved children. I’m a very novice skater, in fact, I really don’t know how to stop but I decided to rent the ice for an hour for anyone who wanted to join the fun. It was nice to see nearly 50 people including many youth, so taking to the ice for the very first time in years.
I remember the excitement as a child when winter came when all the kids and adults of Green Island Cove would take to Louie‘s Pond across the road from the local Lion’s Club and a local hockey game would take place. I’d love to see a revival of tradition, let’s take to the ice this winter at the local pond or your local arena.
There are incredible opportunities in and around our rural communities to live active lifestyles. The St. Barbe arena is one of the many places to do just that!
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthShow Your Support for the Canadian Seal Hunt
Seals are a valuable natural resource, and the seal harvest is an economic mainstay for numerous rural communities in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and the North. As a time-honoured tradition, Canada’s seal harvest supports many coastal families who can derive as much as 35% of their annual income from this practice. (Department of Fisheries & Oceans, http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/seal-phoque/index-eng.htm).
My father was a sealer, his father before him, his father’s father on down the family line since the early 1800′s. Like many rural Newfoundlanders & Labradorian’s the commercial seal hunt added to the viability of rural living, providing an additional source of income as the meat and pelts were sold to merchants to be shipped to the European marketplace.
The seal was a way of life for us. The meat was eaten, sometimes preserved. The flipper is still considered a seasonal delicacy today. Seal fat was rendered for oil to provide light for lamps. It’s interesting how the seal hunt correlated with the Industrial Revolution in Europe to provide much-needed oils, yet today the product is being banned. The seal skin was also used for clothing. I still have my seal skin boots from 14 Christmas’ ago. It was the last pair my father bark-tanned before his passing. I continue to wear them proudly.
We have a history that must be shared as we made and continue to make our “Home from the Sea”. This past winter I attended the Seal of Approval Dinner, where 5 of Newfoundland and Labrador‘s Top Chefs served up a menu of seal dishes, including seal oil ice-cream. Look out Ben & Jerry’s, as my mouth still waters at the thought of getting another scoop. The Home from the Sea Campaign is raising money to build a Sealer’s Memorial and Interpretation Centre in Elliston, NL (root cellar capital of the world). If you would like to read more or donate visit: http://www.homefromthesea.ca/
Home from the Sea: Seal of Approval Dinner
I believe seal meat should be available as a specialty item at our grocery stores and served at local restaurants, especially in tourist season. Whenever I travel to other countries I try localize food as much as possible. Last month in Iceland I tried Puffin with blueberry sauce. Moose burgers, stews, soups and poutine is a big hit, why not seal?
I’ve purchased a seal skin tie, multiple pairs of slippers, gloves, purse and a belt at GNP Craft Producers, visit www.gnpcraft.com to view their on-line store. As well, own a bark tanned wallet designed by Sabrina Lisa and bark tanned business card holder given as a gift too. While on Fogo Island at the Wind & Waves Artisan’s Guild, Joe Batt’s Arm, I bought a sealskin compact and seal skin cufflinks. The product possibilities are near endless.
On October 20th, 2o12 I visited NaturaL Boutique, which is operated by two locals from Rocky Harbour on the Great Northern Peninsula. They have a variety of what I would consider to be more modern seal apparel. You can visit their store at 152 Water Street, St. John’s, NL. They also have a booth set-up at the Avalon Mall in preparation for the Christmas Season. Their website is www.naturalboutique.ca.
I purchased a seal skin jacket from NaturaL Boutique, shown below with co-owner, Kerry Shears.
I will wear it proudly as I continue to support the Canadian Seal Hunt, the sealers who risks their lives each year as they take to the ice as well as the local artisans and crafters. We have a history and a future of sealing in rural Newfoundland & Labrador. Let’s continue to show our support for the industry.
Live Rural NL - Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
Halloween Parties at local Lion’s Clubs in Rural NL
Halloween ranks way up there as a favourite holiday from the days of making paper chains, bobbing for apples, going trick-or-treating, participating at our high school Spook Trail, carving pumpkins or joining the crowd at George Street’s Mardi Gras.
These past three years I’ve taken a liking to staying in rural Newfoundland & Labrador and celebrating Halloween at the local Lion’s Club. In 2010, I dressed as a Mountie accompanying Mary Poppins & Bert the Chimney Sweep. Last year, at the last-minute I joined the Roper’s making a Where’s Waldo costume by coloring red stripes on a white long sleeve shirt.
To me making your own homemade costume is the fun of Halloween. I remember when I made an Elvis Presley costume from plastic white banquet roll, stapling together parts for Marge Simpson or finding the perfect shirt to be Stewart from MadTV. This year’s group costume really wasn’t in the cards. I guess sometimes the last-minute costumes are the ones that bring the most fun.
Many who know me, know that I collect board games, so being the characters from Milton Bradley’s CLUE was a real treat. After digging through our boxes of dress-up clothes we found a maid costume, red dress and purple trench coat, green pants and tan jacket. A lightbulb moment happened and we thought let’s be the characters of the CLUE board game for Halloween. I was originally supposed to be Mr. Green because of my green suit but that had to change after I visited the Salvation Army in St. Anthony the day of the party and found the perfect plum velvet jacket that fit me to a tee, as well as short purple pants, a large green jacket and bright yellow blazer and a blue dress for Mrs. Peacock. After shuffling some characters we are as follows:
Mr. Green with the wrench, Miss Scarlet with the candlestick, Mrs. Peacock with the knife, Col. Mustard with the revolver, Mrs. White with the rope and myself as Professor Plum with a lead pipe. The Mystery remains…Who Killed Mr. Body?
Who Killed Mr. Body? Mr. Green, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Col. Mustard, Mrs. White & Professor Plum.
The Sandy Cove Lion’s Club on Friday Night filled with characters including Willie Wonka Nerds, Anne of Green Gables, Fred & Wilma Flintstone, Al Capone, devils, pirates, cats, wizards, dead cheerleaders, scarecrows, witches, police officers, Grime Reaper, Indians, Spiderlady and many other ghouls and goblins. Everyone broke out when the Monster Mash played and we all danced long into the night.
Young and old alike, we continue to have much spirit in rural Newfoundland & Labrador – especially during occasions like Halloween.
Be sure to join us some time!
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthBring Rural NL to Life on MHA’s 2012 Christmas Card
The Straits-White Bay North
Beauty by the Sea – Deep Cove, NL
Scenic Deep Cove – could there be a place that grabs ones attention? This photo earned its place as the header for the Live Rural NL blog banner and is my current screen saver. Deep Cove may be one of the areas well-kept secrets, as it has so much unrealized potential. The local development association continues to pursue funding to bring the site up to par so one can be educated about “Winter Housing” and also experience what life was like having to move from the summer home to a winter site.
Along the trail I have capture the broken ice pans that have filled the mouth of the cove. The wooden structure in the bottom of the photo above was used by two men and a long pit saw to produce lumber to build homes, boats and other necessities. People worked with what they had, and certainly used common sense, building on a hill to reduce the workload.
A boardwalk takes you along the valley nestled between the trees, which provided the protection from the elements. Along the way are panels explaining the people who lived here and what their life was like. All that remains are a couple of fallen houses. They should be erected and the winter housing site developed as a working village.
Imagine in summer the rein-actors could be planting a garden, drying fish on flakes and maintaining the homestead as they would throughout the years. The opportunity for winter tourism is even greater with dog sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, ice-fishing and more. There could be lessons provided, accommodations and food in an experiential package. Location is ideal, as there is an adjacent ski hut and trail system. During summer, why not have campsites and offer a nature park?
In the meantime, I will enjoy some childhood fun and slide down the hill! Be sure to visit Deep Cove, just a few kilometres from the Town of Anchor Point.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
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Sealskin Snowshoes – Perfect for the Great Outdoors
Snowshoeing in the great outdoors on the Great Northern Peninsula is a favourite pastime for many residents. I decided that this is an activity my two visiting friends must also experience. I took my three pairs and off we went.
The woods is the perfect place to get-a-way from it all!
The powdery white stuff is quite magical stuff. After walking several kilometres, we say footprints of rabbits, snow on trees and could breathe the clean pristine air on the Great Northern Peninsula.
When one turns around to look back at the road just traveled, one may find the journey was not easy getting to this point, but the experience worth the push. We certainly made a detour, but that was part of the fun.
At my office I have a plaque that reads:
“Don’t worry about the destination, even if you stray, the most important thing is what you have learned along the way” – All roads lead to success, even detours. - Anon.
So grab your sealskin snowshoes and experience the great outdoors. Don’t worry if you get lost, the detour will be worth it.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- Sealskin Slippers for Christmas? (liveruralnl.com)
- A Royal Screech-In from the woods (liveruralnl.com)
- MHA visits GNP Crafts – Purchases Seal Skin Products (liveruralnl.com)
The Newfoundland Squeezebox – Accordion
There are many long-lived traditions in Newfoundland – one of them is our love for the music. We have embraced the accordion as a means to get those feet stepping. My friend from Switzerland is giving my Grandfather’s Hohner Squeezebox a try. For those of you that know me, you all know I do not have a musical bone in my body, despite my attempts to sing karaoke or play an instrument. I’ll continue my musical fortunes as the drummer of K’s Kitt on Rockband.
I hope you enjoy the sounds of the accordion, as I do. It is powerful how the music can just lift your feet up and down, getting you in the mood to dance a jig!
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- A Royal Screech-In from the woods (liveruralnl.com)
- Is that Donny Dunphy or a Christmas Mummer? (liveruralnl.com)
Traditional Newfoundland Cuisine – Rabbit
A visit to my Grandmother from Nameless Cove after being in the cabin was quite the treat. A wonderful meal of wild rabbit, stuffing, peas, carrots, turnip and potatoes – all topped off with gravy. I enjoy this traditional meal as it brings back memories.
As a young boy, I would go with my father to check his slips (or rabbit snares). We would go on his Yamaha Bravo! He had the skill to well place a slip, adding twigs or tree limbs to ensure the rabbit would have to hop through the hole. Sometimes we would take our snowshoes to prevent us from sinking too deep into the snow.
My uncle Douglas, who has since passed. He would spend a significant amount of time in the woods, whether it would be trapping, rabbit catching or berry picking. I would be assured that there would be a rabbit or two for me each season.
For me it is important to now learn the process of rabbit catching from my uncles who continue this tradition. I must learn these skills to pass on to future generations. As well learn how to skin a rabbit and prepare the meal.
For me it is important to learn the ways of the land, that has enabled people to survive for thousands of years – well before the Vikings came more than 1,000 years ago to this Peninsula.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North
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The Old Wood Stove
The old wood stove has provided heat to Newfoundland & Labrador homes for hundreds of years. Like many rural homes, the primary source of heat is wood – which helps to keep demand for electricity low.
At the cabin – one simply can not miss out on the experience of enjoying a cup of tea made from the pristine pond water and boiled on the stove. We enjoyed a lovely breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast with Tetley tea.
I remember as a child making toast bread using an old wire coat hanger. Those hangers are getting harder and harder to come by. So if you have one, keep it for the cabin so you too can make toast over the heat of the old wood stove.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthGet Your Own Sealskin Slippers at www.gnpcraft.com
I am the proud owner of two pairs of sealskin moccasins or slippers as well as other sealskin products. Some people have seen me wearing the slippers at the Confederation Building over the past number of weeks. Santa did bring me a pair.
If you would like to get your own pair, GNP Craft Producers in Shoal Cove East on the Great Northern Peninsula can take your order over the telephone and ship your product. Visit their site at http://www.gnpcraft.com. Their prices range from $115-130 a pair depending on size. They also have children’s sizes and a variety of other products.
All items are locally made, by local people. This social enterprise continues to train and pass on the long-lived traditional skills of making sealskin clothing and boots. They have their own tannery, workshop and storefront.
Support local business, local traditions – let’s create larger local demand for sealskin products!
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- Sealskin Slippers for Christmas? (liveruralnl.com)
- MHA visits GNP Crafts – Purchases Seal Skin Products (liveruralnl.com)
A Cabin in the Countryside
One of the many wonders of living in Rural Newfoundland & Labrador is the ability to get away from it all by venturing across the highway on a snowmobile and heading to the cabin – even if it is only 5 or 10 minutes away and still has access to cell coverage.
I am grateful to my aunt and uncle for letting me stay at their cabin. It was my first time in the woods and on snowmobile in years. There is something wonderful about being surrounded by trees, snow, the old wood stove crackling and pond water boiling to have a spot of tea.
This was my two friends first experience in a Newfoundland cabin and on snowmobile. I hope they enjoyed riding around the pond and trail that evening. I did not realize how the snow on the trees were something that one had not seen before, as in Switzerland the snow would blow away from the limbs. My friend had taken several images.
The woods is the perfect get-a-way. I understand why many ruralites go to the cabin for the weekend to really enjoy the beauty of nature. The warmth from the wood stove made for great conversation as we planned out a supper of moose meat and a Screech-in.
If you have the opportunity, spend some time in nature and truly appreciate the peacefulness and wonder of it all.
Stay tuned for more tales from the forest.
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Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North
Related articles
- A Swiss, German and Rural Newfoundlander Re-united for the Holidays. (liveruralnl.com)
