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Add 50 Centuries Interpretation Centre to Your List
For 5,000 years aboriginal cultures have hunted, gathered and made Bird Cove home. From the Maritime Archaic Indians, Paleo-Eskimo, Groswater Eskimo and recent Indians, an exhibit outlines a timeline of 50 centuries of history to recent day residents. The Interpretation centre has undergone significant renovations to their display rooms, the addition of a tea room and an upgraded gift shop has created new experiences for those wishing to learn about the past, present and share conversation about the future over a mug up!
An artistic display by the talented Pam Hall illustrates an Encyclopedia of Local Knowledge. There are dozens of images that explain activities of craft and everyday living on the Great Northern Peninsula.
50 Centuries has hosted a Heritage Festival, currently in its 9th year. I was honoured to bring remarks at the official opening and get to share in the Norpen Aboriginal Women’s Circle’s drumming, song and actually participate in my first ever circle dance.
These women continue the cultural activities of their ancestors. I encourage others of Aboriginal descent to connect with this group of women. You can find them on their Facebook Page.
50 Centuries Interpretation Centre is all about time, drop by and get a guided tour, enjoy a pot of tea and home-style Newfoundland baked goods, and take away a handmade craft at their gift shop made by local people. Directions are easy, just 5 KM off Route 430, take 2nd exit to Plum Point on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland & Labrador. It is nestled between Port au Choix National Historic Site and L’anse aux Meadows World UNESCO site, as well as 15 minutes from St. Barbe (Strait of Belle Isle Ferry Service), which takes you to Red Bay Labrador, another World UNESCO site.
The Great Northern Peninsula has so much to offer visitors, it’s about time to experience our many wonders.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA (The Straits-White Bay North)
Local Conche Artist has Talent
I love art that comes from the local region. These past few days I have been able to visit gift shops and talk with some local artists about their wares. I have purchased a hodgepodge of Newfoundlandia, including sealskin miniatures, snowshoes, Labradorite, prints, shells, rocks, pottery and more. The region has so much to offer! Including Conche, NL – the new venue for the Centre for Textile Art at the French Shore Culture Centre.
I have purchased artwork in the past by this local Conche artist, but was greatly impressed by her newest additions displayed in the photo below:
Her work brings to life in vibrant colours the icebergs and outports. These miniature pieces of art have their own easels and can be put on display. They may remind you of a time when you saw these icebergs in person on a past visit to Rural Newfoundland & Labrador.
One can purchase these products at Stage Cove B&B and Bits-n-Pieces Cafe, Conche, NL. This business is a wonderful place to grab a cup of joe, many mouth-watering appetizers, excellent soup de jour or my favourite – a sweet dessert.
If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in Conche – please do not pass up a meal at the cafe and you too can fall in love with the talent of a local artist.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Twitter/LiveRuralNL
Related articles
- Caring for the Birds – Conche, NL (liveruralnl.com)
- Trekking the French Shore with the Swiss – Conche, NL (liveruralnl.com)
- Massive Icebergs on the Loose in Goose Cove, NL – Draw Crowds (liveruralnl.com)
- News Release: The French Shore Historical Society To Launch The Centre For Textile Art (liveruralnl.com)
- Icebergs Again in Goose Cove, NL (liveruralnl.com)
Christmas Mumming? – The Jannies are coming to Town
Any Mummer’s ‘lowed in?, will be the questioned asked as these two jannies approach the door of a neighbour at Christmastime in Rural Newfoundland & Labrador.
Any Mummer's 'lowed in?
The exquisite detail and skill by the local crafter belongs on a wall at The Rooms (www.therooms.ca), which hosts the Provincial Art Gallery. The product should be sold at their gift shop and other high-end outlets.
We have an abundance of local talent when it comes to craft producers on the Great Northern Peninsula. Many are hobbyists with few selling into commercial markets. However, there is untapped opportunity for product development and to sell culturally significant items at local, regional, provincial, national and international outlets obtaining a Fair Trade price.
If you produce an art form or a craft and would want to be like the mummer’s hoping to be let in – post a comment, share your story or drop us a line at liveruralnl@gmail.com. The world can be your marketplace!
Live Rural NL –
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
