Monday, December 20, 2010

Mummers Festival a success! Check out the photos and videos


The Second Annual Mummers Parade went off on Saturday without a hitch. The weather cooperated beautifully, with the rain stopping just long enough for everyone to gather, march, dance, and generally act foolish.  We had a fantastic turnout - about 400 mummers and scores more watching along the route and at The Rooms.

There are some fabulous photos up already on the Mummers Festival group page on Facebook, which we encourage people to add to.

There are also some sets up already on flickr. Let me know if you have more. Check out:
And there is some video up on YouTube:
Ashley Fitzpatrick's article Mummers and Murder is online, with a link to The Telegram's photo gallery of the parade. The Telegram also has some video footage up as well.

I'm sure more will be added this week!  Thanks to everyone who participated, and to all our sponsors and helpers!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Mummers Parade, Saturday at 2pm - Weather Update!

People have been asking about the weather for the Mummers Parade.

We're almost certain that the Parade will still happen, as scheduled, at 2:00pm on Saturday, Dec. 18.

Mummers know how to party hardy, so don't let a bit of rain keep you away! You might just want to add some rain gear to your disguise*. If you do get a bit wet, you can get warm and dry at our Mummers Concert and Jam at the Rooms after the Parade, at 3:00pm.

The forecast calls for light rain on both Saturday and Sunday, and we would much prefer not to change the date.

However, we will notify you if we cancel tomorrow. You can check the website for updates, listen to the radio for announcements, and check our Mummers Festival Facebook group.

* I have it on good authority that the Carbonear mummers are "mummerizing" their umbrellas as we speak, in preparation for their drive into St. John's tomorrow! You'll have to show up at the parade to find out what a mummerized umbrella (a mumbershoot? a janneyella?) looks like. Maybe it looks like this.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Mummers Festival T-Shirts - Help support your local Mummers Parade!


Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the Mummer on your list? Well, you can get one of the limited-edition Mummers Festival T-Shirts, featuring the 2010 Mummers Festival poster design by Tara Fleming.

T-Shirts are available in Men's, Women's and Children's sizes. They will be for sale at the Rig Up on Saturday, December 18th, at 1pm at MacPherson Elementary School on Newtown Road.  Shirts are $25 each (cash sales only, please) and all proceeds will go to support the Mummers Festival.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Global ICH Update: Falcons, Gongs, and Three Manly Games


I'm always keeping my eye on what's happening around the world in terms of ICH, and I thought I'd post a note on a couple interesting items that came across my desk today.

First up, UNESCO has added falconry to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Molly Messick with National Public Radio in the US prepared a short radio doc called "An Honored Tradition, Falconry Still Flies". You can check out the transcript, or download the audio postcard as an mp3.

The Central Highlands gong culture of Vietnam was recognised as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2006. But the region is being stripped of its cultural heritage as gongs, drums and other tools are sold to feed a thriving trade in ethnic antiques. Read here about how the provincial People's Committee recently approved a policy to provide an annual stipend to traditional gong owners, in an attempt to keep the antiques in the community.

And for you manly men, or those of you who love them, you can check out Mongolia's Naadam Festival, which showcases the three "manly games" of traditional horse racing, wrestling, and archery. The online Mongolia Travel Guide fills you in on the festival.


Saturday, December 11, 2010

Lost Titanic gravesite in St. John's, Newfoundland: Truth or Myth?


I got an interesting note from Dave Snow at Wildland Tours the other day. Dave writes:

"It is my understanding that in late April, 1912 a body was found floating on the Grand Banks. There was no identification on the body so it was picked up, taken to St. John’s, and buried in the Forest Road cemetery. This was most likely an unnamed Titanic victim."

According to Dave, a Titanic lifejacket in The Rooms came from a body that was shipped to Halifax, which is where the photo above was taken. He wanted to know I knew where this St. John's gravesite is, of I could verify the story.  It is a new one to me, but I'd love to know more.

If you've come across this tidbit of local folklore before, and have an idea if is truth or legend, I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at ich@heritagefoundation.ca.

Any details would be appreciated!!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Mummers, Hobby Horses, The Battle of Foxtrap, and preserving local stories

In this edition of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Update for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador:

  • The mummers festival returns for another year and another mummer's parade; 
  • Melissa Squarey learns how to make her very own hobby horse; 
  • Karen Spencer shares how Conception Bay South is preserving their history with three booklets on the Kelligrew's Soiree, the Battle of Fox Trap, and the Agricultural History of Conception Bay South; 
  • a discussion of "bucking" and Bonfire Night memories on Memorial University's Digital Archive Initiative; and,
  • more on the Baccalieu Trail Public Folklore Project and a need to safeguard the tradition of old time community concerts and times.

Download the pdf here.
or
View it online here.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

How to Make a Tin Can Lantern - The Do-it-yourself Comic!

Back in November, we hosted a tin can lantern making workshop with the Friends of Victoria Park Lantern Festival, as part of our Festival on Fire.

If you missed it, but want to make a tin can lantern of your own, here is a do-it-yourself, how-to comic version of the workshop!

Click the image to open it full size. Have fun!

Hobby Horse Making Workshops - What is a hobby horse, anyway?



When most people today think of a hobby horse, they think of the child's toy - a horse's head on a stick. But in Newfoundland, the hobby horse was, and is, part of a very different Christmas tradition, part of the holiday season house-visiting tradition.

Far from the harmless child's toy, Newfoundland Hobby Horses were something a bit more frightening. A horse's head, with wandering bottle cap eyes and nails for teeth, the janney’s ‘hobby horse’ or ‘horsey-hops’ is an odd creature. Most hobby horses had jaws that would "snock" together loudly as it bumbled around, snapping at other visitors and frightening children.

Not every community in the province had the hobby horse, and many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have never heard of the practise. Read Andrea O'Brien's article on the Hobby Horse tradition here.

As part of the annual Mummers Festival, there will be a series of hobby horse building workshops. People can come, learn how to build a hobby horse, and then gallop to the Mummers Parade on December 18th. The workshops were one of my favourite parts of the festival last year, and I'm glad that they are back.

R.A. Templeton Ltd., a long-time Newfoundland paint distributor, is one of the materials sponsors this year, along with the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the City of St. John's. This allows the workshops to be kept free, but participants are invited to bring along any of the suggested materials on the workshop webpage to help offset our costs. Material and cash donations are welcome (you can email me at ich@heritagefoundation.ca if you have materials to donate).

Details of the workshops can be found here including info on times, location, and parking.

Can't make it, but still want to create a hobby horse? Read Ryan Davis's 2009 DIY article in The Scope, or download the template to make your own horse's head.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Memories of Christmas Past: Story-Sharing, Seniors, and Syrup!

Christmas is coming, and that means lots of holiday memories. But is Christmas today exactly what it was years ago? Some of the older traditions are changing, perhaps, and there is always the danger that the stories of some of our senior population could vanish suddenly.

To help save Christmas stories, we are organizing a memory-sharing event for seniors in Carbonear on December 10th.

"Losing our cultural heritage is tantamount to losing our identity and it can so easily fade from our society," says organizer Florence Button. "I'm hearing all kinds of interesting tidbits from our older population."

At the event, we’ll have a lunch, some Purity syrup and Christmas cake, and I’ll be getting seniors to talk about their memories about Christmases years ago, allowing all the old tales and stories to float to the surface.

Hopefully, we’ll identify some people for follow-up interviews, for the Christmas Traditions section of Memorial University's Digital Archives Project.

The model for the memory-sharing side of the event is the "Mug-Up" program, which was started in Labrador. Folklorist Martha MacDonald, with the Labrador Institute, was one of the key organizers of the Labrador Mug-Ups. Mug-Ups brought people together over lunch to talk informally about stories on various themes. You can listen to an interview I did with Martha about Mug-Ups here.

Memories of Christmas Past
Time: Friday, December 10 @ 10:30 a.m.
Carbonear Pool: Multi Purpose Room
Florence HAS to be notified prior to your attending, due to food ordering and space limitations!!
709-596-7535 or by email: fabutton@yahoo.ca


Absolute last date to book your seat: 8th of December, Wednesday but it is recommended that it be done before that date. Thank you.

Help spread the word about the 2010 Mummers Festival and hashtag #mummerfest

The 2010 Mummers Festival is fast approaching, and we'd like your help in spreading the word as much as possible. In particular, we want to make sure people know about the Mummers Parade on December 18th, so we get many mummers madly marching!

You can help online in a couple ways:

Facebook
There is a Mummers Parade Event Listing at:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=104152442989371
RSVP and invite your friends

Twitter
If you tweet anything about the festival or the workshops, use the new twitter hashtag #mummerfest

Website
Looking for info on the festival workshops, films, and lectures? Visit the website for full info at http://www.mummersfestival.ca

Friday, November 26, 2010

STEP Fiddlers release new CD of traditional Newfoundland and Labrador tunes

The STEP Fiddlers are proud to present a FREE concert of selections from their new CD Fiddling in the Fog on Saturday December 4th, from 3 to 5 pm, at Aula Maxima Hall in St. Bonaventure's College, 2 Bonaventure Avenue. Admission is free, but a donation of non-perishable food, or cash, is requested for the Emmaus food bank.

The STEP Fiddlers are a group of 20 talented young musicians aged 9 to 19 who specialize in the traditional dance music of Newfoundland and Labrador. The group, a subset of the Suzuki Talent Education Program, has existed for 28 years under the direction of legendary St. John’s fiddler Christina Smith, with over 200 members over its lifetime. Fiddling in the Fog is their second CD, a delightful collection of rare jigs, reels, and waltzes. The tunes have been passed down to the group from old-style Newfoundland musicians, and arranged for fiddle, bodhran, dobro, cello and guitar. Accompanying the Fiddlers are stars of the local folk-music scene, Dave Panting, Jean Hewson, Rick West and John Clarke. The CD is now available at Fred's Records and O'Brien's Music Store.

web: http://suzukinl.ca/stepfiddlers

Help provide ideas for a new exhibit at The Rooms

When The Rooms opened, there were some comments that the Museum component did not do enough to tell the stories of 19th to 21st century Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Since then, the facility has made an attempt to fix that problem, creating new displays and developing temporary exhibits.

Now, The Rooms has announced that in Spring 2013, the Elinor Gill Ratcliffe Gallery will open an exhibition which will tell Newfoundland and Labrador's "Social History" through stories of significant events, people, industries and traditions.

The museum will be selecting themes which reflect times of disappointment and loss, as well as celebration and pride. To do so, they are looking for public input.

"I am hoping that people will help us with ideas for the big stories, traditions, events, figures, and cultural stories of the province from the late 1700s to the present," says Mark Ferguson, Manager of Collections and Exhibitions for The Rooms Corporation, Provincial Museum Division.

You can have your say online at:

http://www.therooms.ca/information.html

On the page, there is a basic form to submit ideas. Deadline for submissions is December 1st, 2010, so send The Rooms your ideas quickly.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Newfoundland expression for "chat" or "conversation"? Thoughts?

I'm looking for a Newfoundland expression to mean "having a conversation" or "having a chat" or "sharing stories." Do you have a memory of something like "having a yarn" or a similiar expression? Coming out of the Baccalieu Trail Public Folklore workshop, we're going to be developing a series of community gatherings where people can share informal knowledge about the places they live, and I need a name for the series!

Let me know what you think! Email me at ich@heritagefoundation.ca.  I'll post people's suggestions below. If you have something, let me know what community you heard it in, as well.

Some suggestions so far:

chewing the fat
having a natter
a gab
yarnin'
a natter
chaw
a jaw
guff
yacking
a chin wag
"goin' fishin' and tellin' lies"

"My papa says 'we had a good ole yarn' to mean chat, not story. He also calls someone overly talkative - 'ole yawmouth'" - Alison Aylward

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Now playing: Mummervision!

The updated 2010 Mummers Festival website is up and running, and one of the features for this year is Mummervision!

Mummervision is a YouTube page where festival organizers have posted video clips of last year's parade, and have included links to other clips taken by parade watchers, and of mummers, janneys, and nalujuit from all over Newfoundland and Labrador.

Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/mummersfestival

If you look closely, you might even seen some of the characters appearing on this year's Mummers Festival poster and website!

The 2010 Mummers Parade is coming up fast! We want you dressed up and IN the parade, December 18th.

Check out www.mummersfestival.ca for more details.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Mummers Festival Returns!

The Mummers Festival is back again with a series of events and workshops all leading up to the Mummers Parade on December 18th. The parade needs you...and not on the sidelines. We want you rigged up and in the parade. Come visit our new website at www.mummersfestival.ca for all the details.

Make a hobby horse at one of our three workshops. Attend a lecture about mummering past and present. Come to our Rig Up, the province’s largest dress-up party. And get your gatch on at the Mummers Parade!

The Mummers Festival is a participant-driven, not-for-profit, community-based folklife festival that promotes the celebration and free expression of tradition. The Mummers Parade is the Festival's crowning event and it's the mummers who make it so memorable.

In our first year more than 300 energetic mummers and 200 spectators came out to the Parade. Our workshops generated close to 30 mischievous hobby horses, bringing light to a less common mummering tradition and a lot of horseplay to the Parade. Our focus is on you, the province's diverse public, whose creative and expressive presence makes the Festival such a success.

The Mummers Festival began as a joint initiative with the Intangible Cultural Heritage division of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University’s Department of Folklore. The research-based initiative began in 2009 and included 16 free community events. This year, the Festival has been organized by a group of enthusiastic volunteers and supporters bringing you a host of exciting and enriching events for people of all ages.

LIST OF EVENTS:
Hobby Horse Workshops
Victoria Park Poolhouse
Sunday, Dec. 5 1:00-5:00pm
Wednesday, Dec. 8 6:00-9:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 12 1:00-5:00pm

Lecture: Mummering Past and Present
The Rooms Theatre
Wednesday, Dec. 15 7:00-8:00pm

Film: Mummers and Masks
The Rooms Theatre
Thursday, Dec. 16 2:30-3:30pm

Rig Up
MacPherson Elementary School (40 Newtown Road)
*Saturday, Dec. 18 1:00-2:00pm

Mummers Parade
MacPherson Elementary School (40 Newtown Road)
*Saturday, Dec. 18 2:00-3:00pm

Mummers Concert and Jam
The Rooms
*Saturday, Dec. 18 3:00-5:00pm

*If weather is REALLY bad, Parade Events will be held on Sunday, Dec. 19

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ryan Davis (Festival Coordinator)
Phone: (w) 739 7870 (c) 697 8722
info@mummersfestival.ca
www.mummersfestival.ca

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Ceilidh Dance on Friday, November 26th - Cancelled


The St. Andrews Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is sponsoring an evening of ceilidh dancing and entertainment, with Corryvreckan providing live music for the dancing at the Bally Haly Curling Club on Friday November 26. Time is 7:30 pm for 8:00 pm Cost will be $10/person at the door.

Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested.

Please confirm your attendance by email dallison@nl.rogers.com or phone 579-6114, so organizers can be sure to lay on sufficient snacks to keep up your energy!

NOTE:  The Ceilidh for Friday Nov 26 has been cancelled. Bally Haly has not completed renovations to the Room so have cancelled any functions until further notice.

Preliminary thoughts on the folklore of the Baccalieu Trail


We had our first meeting for the (yet-to-be-more-sexily-renamed) Baccalieu Trail Public Folklore Project last night. We had about 30 people present, with representation from Bay Roberts, Brigus, Carbonear, Clarke's Beach, New Perlican, Roche's Line, and Winterton! We also had four graduate students from Memorial University Department of Folklore's new Public Folklore program.

Melissa Squarey, our new ICH Programs assistant, gave an introduction to intangible cultural heritage, and then I facilitated a discussion about what elements of folklore existed in the region and in the memories of the participants. Topics ranged from memories of small commercial stores and shops, to local nicknames, rhymes, parades, and the best way to cure warts.

At the end of the session, participants ranked items in terms of what they were most worried about losing. Below is a rough list of the things communities feel are most under threat in the region, with the areas of most concern listed first:

  • Old Time Concerts
  • Yarns, informal tales, and the context of storytelling
  • Location, Fishing Marks, Boatbuilding and Nautical Lore
  • Accents/linguistics
  • Faeries
  • Agriculture/Farming
  • Vocabulary
  • Food Rituals
  • Geographic Names
  • Recitation
  • Fabric Arts
  • Photo Albums

Next up: We'll be developing a series of training workshops for the region (which will be in various communities, and open to people from outside of the region as well). We'll also be putting on our collective thinking caps to come up with some sort of public folklore project based around some of these themes.

Have ideas? Want to get involved? Email your friendly neighbourhood folklorist at ich@heritagefoundation.ca

Riddle Fence calls for Fakelore!

Riddle Fence is a Newfoundland-based journal of arts and culture, published three times yearly. And as we speak, Riddle Fence editors are scouring the land for Fakelore!

Coined in 1950 by American folklorist Richard M. Dorson, the term ‘fakelore’ describes inauthentic, manufactured folklore presenting itself as genuine. The term can refer to folklore that is re-worked and modified for modern tastes. Riddle Fence invites you to send us your Fakelore finds or creations. Submissions will be judged by the Riddle Fence Editorial Board, and some of the best will be published in issue #8. Fakelore visual art format: jpeg or tiff, 300 dpi. Minimum image dimensions: 5 x 7 inches. Deadline: December 10, 2010.

Please submit by email to
fakelore@riddlefence.com
or by post (and include a self-addressed stamped envelope or sufficient IRC postage in the case of submissions from outside Canada):

Riddle Fence
PO Box 7092
St. John’s, NL
A1E 3Y3
Canada
www.riddlefence.com

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

This map is on fire! Google Map of Bonfire Night Interviews

It is no secret I love Google's My Maps feature. I think it is a great little free tool that can allow community museums, archives and historical societies to share their information in fun, easy-to-comprehend ways. You can check out my Fun With Google Maps! Website Examples for some samples from groups that have done this.

The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador just finished up its second annual folklife festival, with this year's theme being the Festival on Fire.  As part of the festival, we've been doing a number of interviews on the topic of Bonfire Night (November 5th).

I've taken what we've archived so far on Memorial's Digital Archive Initiative (DAI), and I've created a simple Google Map: Bonfire Night in Newfoundland and Labrador Map. Check it out!

Click the fire icons on the map, and you'll open a window with either a picture, or a link to an audio interview on the DAI.

I'm always looking for more Bonfire Night memories. If you have a story to share, let me know!



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

All Alone Fair Maid? The stories of Newfoundland tradition bearer Alice Lannon


This past summer, the Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada held their 18th annual conference in St. John's, Newfoundland. As part of that conference, we wanted to feature one aspect of our intangible cultural heritage by showcasing tradition bearer Alice Lannon.

Alice is one of Newfoundland's storytelling gems, telling traditional stories she learned orally, folk tales and legends which have been passed down in her family for generations. We recorded Alice's stories to be included in the ICH inventory we are building as part of Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative, which means you get to listen to her tales as well!

You can listen to Dr. Martin Lovelace's introduction to Alice here.

Or you can select one of Alice's stories:

Image by storyteller and visual artist Karen Gummo, who presented on storytelling and peace at the conference.


Friday, November 12, 2010

Guy Fawkes Night commemorated by Parks Canada... with a bang!

We have a new interview posted online as part of Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative special topic collection on Bonfire Night.

On October 26, 1605 an anonymous letter to the William Parker, 4th Baron of Monteagle warned that on the opening of Parliament the following month, a "terrible blow" would be delivered to King James I and his court.

Investigation revealed 13 conspirators and 36 kegs of gunpowder planted beneath the Parliament's undercroft. Thus, the "Gunpwder Plot" and the conspiracy to assassinate the King and government by Guy Fawkes and others was thwarted.

On November 4th, 2010, Parks Canada Military Animation Specialist Robin Martin fired 12-round rifle salutes at 12pm, 3pm and 7:30pm totalling 36-rounds- one for each gunpowder keg discovered under the Parliament.

Dale Jarvis met up with Robin Martin after his first 12-round salute, and chatted with him about the interpretation program, the history of Guy Fawkes Night, as well as his own person memories about the celebration of Bonfire Night in Newfoundland.

Listen to the interview here.

Details on the Baccalieu Trail Public Folklore Project

In an earlier post, I had mentioned the Baccalieu Trail Public Folklore Project. We got an email this morning from the Oregon Folklife Network, asking about the project, and so I thought I'd give a few more details on the project's origins, and our plans.

Last year, the ICH program received a training grant that allowed us to develop and deliver a whole series of workshops across the province, on a variety of things like planning folklore projects, oral history interviews, digital recording, Google mapping, etc. We were able to cover a lot of ground, geographically.

The issue I have with this sort of shotgun approach to training is that while we reach a lot of people, there is little to no followup. We don't always have a good sense of what people actually DO with the training once we leave, and we rarely see any sort of finished product.

This year, are doing things a little differently as a result. We picked one region to concentrate our work in, and we'll be working with a number of communities over a several month period.

In theory, the project will work like this. We have called a general meeting next week of all the towns and local historical societies. We'll give an overview of the intangible cultural heritage office, and about the training project specifically. Then I'll lead everyone through a brainstorming and focussing session, to pick out 3 or 4 traditions/customs/bodies of traditional knowledge that the communities in general are worried about losing. So, for example, it might be something like a particular aspect of the fishery, or one particular traditional craft, or a folk dance.

After the session in Cupids next week, I'll then go away, and think of a manageable project that we can do in the region around that theme.


So say the theme was bread making. We'll come up with some sort of rough idea of a final project, a festival or museum exhibit around that theme.

Then, we'll adapt the workshops we have and deliver a series of them in different towns throughout in the region, using that theme of "bread" as a focus.

So, if we were doing our project planning workshop, we'd teach communities to plan out the festival or exhibit, based around bread. Then we might do an intro to oral history workshop, and bring in a few breadmakers for them to interview. Or do a festivals workshop, focussing on how to run a folklife festival, and use that workshop to plan a one day event around baking. The idea is that at the end of the workshops, we'll have a real project that the communities will have worked on, as well as a model for doing their own projects down the road.

At the moment, it is somewhat vague, because I'll be responding to the issues and concerns of the communities that come out to the first session next week. I won't know exactly what workshops we'll be offering until we consult with communities.

We'll be documenting the process, and compiling a handbook that community groups will be able to use. I'll make it available to anyone who wants it, when it is finished.

The meeting is open to anyone from the region who wants to attend.

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
7:30p.m.
Cupids Legacy Centre, Seaforest Drive, Cupids

For more info, or to RSVP, contact 1-888-739-1892 ext 3 or email ichprograms@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Parks Canada Celebrates Diwali - Festival of Light!


Bonfire night is over, but we have one more event left in our Festival On Fire!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2:00PM-4:00PM
SIGNAL HILL TATTOO TRAINING FACILITY (ANNEX NEXT TO SIGNAL HILL VISITOR CENTRE)

2:00-2:15 – A musket demonstration by Parks Canada will take place outside the visitor centre. Military Animation specialist, Robin Martin, will explain the significance of the 13 rounds he will fire at its connection to Guy Fawkes. (Listen to an interview with Robin on Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night here.)

2:30-2:45 – The Bollywood Dancers perform three colourful pieces with a mix of traditional and modern ethnic dance.

2:45 – 3:15 – Performances by children of the Indian communityl

3:30-3:45 – Bollywood Dancers encore.

Aruna Ralhan will also present a talk on the special meaning of Diwali, and there will be delicious authentic Indian food for sale on site.

New folklore program, new staff, a new dance, and the return of the mummers!

In this month's edition of the Intangible Cultural Heritage update for Newfoundland and Labrador, we report on a new public folklore initiative along Newfoundland's Baccalieu Trail; we introduce you to our newest staff member, ICH Programs Assistant Melissa Squarey; the Mummers Festival returns for 2010 and is looking for volunteers; and the St. John's English Country Dance Society marches into Cupids with John Guy.

Download the pdf at:
http://www.archive.org/download/IchUpdate020-November2010/ichupdate020.pdf

Monday, November 8, 2010

Baccalieu Trail Public Folklore Project - A meeting November 17th


The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) office of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is starting an ICH project-based training program along the Baccalieu Trail. The program is intended to help local heritage organizations work from start to finish, as they develop and produce an ICH documentation project. The project will be run by provincial folklorist Dale Jarvis, in cooperation with heritage and municipal organizations along the Baccalieu Trail.

"We will be hosting a first meeting in Cupids to present on the overall project," says Jarvis. "We will be talking about different aspects of local culture, and trying to get a sense of what communities are most worried about losing."

The project will serve as a best-practice example for future organizations or communities who wish to implement their own oral history, folklore, folklife festivals, and other ICH projects. The process will be documented by the HFNL staff, and made accessible to other groups digitally as a guide for future projects.

A Baccalieu Trail community meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 17th, 2010 at 7:30p.m. Jarvis will present on the overall program, and will be working with participants to select possible themes or topics for a future workshop series.

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
7:30p.m.
Cupids Legacy Centre, Seaforest Drive, Cupids

For more info, or to RSVP contact:
Melissa Squarey, ICH Programs Assistant
1-888-739-1892 ext 2
ichprograms@gmail.com

2nd Annual Mummers Festival - Community Meeting


The Mummers Festival organizing committee will be holding a general meeting to discuss the ways in which community members can get involved in the 2nd Annual Mummers Festival and Mummers Parade.


Meeting Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Meeting Time: 7:00pm—8:30pm
Place: Newman Wine Vaults (436 Water Street, St. John's, NL)

On the agenda for discussion:

  • Festival overview
  • Schedule of events (Hobby Horse Workshop, Rig Up, Mummers Parade)
  • Volunteer roles
  • Fundraising
  • General discussion and feedback

We are especially interested in filling volunteer roles and there are many ways to get involved. Even the smallest efforts have big effect and we hope volunteers will find their time with us very rewarding. Some volunteer activities include: materials collection for workshops, postering, and fundraising. Anyone interested in getting involved with the Festival should attend this meeting or contact a Festival organizer. If you are planning a mummer-related event, we'd like to know. Finally, we would like to get feedback about last year's Festival as we plan for events this December.

The Mummers Parade is our crowning event and it’s the people who make it so memorable. We saw over 300 energetic mummers and 200 spectators last year. Our free workshops generated close to 30 hobby horses, adding much colour to the parade. We owe a lot to the participants whose creative and expressive presence made the Festival such a success. We hope to generate even more interest this year and will need you, the public, to lend a hand.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ryan Davis
Festival Coordinator
Phone: (w) 739-7870
(c) 697-8722
info@mummersfestival.ca

Dale Jarvis
Intangible Cultural Heritage Officer
Phone: (w) 739-1892 ext. 2
ich@heritagefoundation.ca

Mel Squarey
ICH Programs Assistant
Phone: (w) 739-1892 ext. 3
ichprograms@gmail.com

Friday, November 5, 2010

Fantastic Bonfire Photos from Porterville, Newfoundland

Some great early Bonfire Night photos from Porterville, Newfoundland, courtesy of Barry Porter. The Porterville fire was held earlier than usual this year, as the local weather forecast was predicting bad weather for Bonfire Night itself.

The boat being burned was an old speed boat was built by Barry's brother in 1978. It had been repaired once and was very rotten, so was flipped into the fire. Using Bonfire Night as a way of getting rid of unwanted materials in the community is an oft-mentioned part of the tradition.

Barry writes,

"I love Bonfires, I have many great memories as a young boy growing up in the small farming community of Porterville. After school we would cut boughs for weeks or months with a blunt axe for that big night. It was great fun.... Eventually I got away from Bonfire Night. Then when my kids came along I wanted them to experience the thrill of a Bonfire, so I started the tradition again.... I start my pile right after Old Christmas Day by taking my dead Xmas tree and putting it in place. This year , for the first time, my son missed it because he is attending University, but there is a new crop of young Porters, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who took part in my annual Bonfire."

For a list of bonfires tonight in your region, check out the Bonfire List at:
http://www.festivalonfire.ca





Thursday, November 4, 2010

Bonfire Night Tire Burning In Newfoundland and Labrador


Tomorrow is Bonfire Night in Newfoundland and Labrador, and one aspect of the tradition has been, in the past, the burning of tires. In researching the Festival On Fire, several people shared stories about burning tires, and how tires were particularly prized as bonfire materials.

I'll be doing a Radio Noon Crosstalk tomorrow on the topic of Bonfire Night. Today, host Ramona Deering forwarded on the following press release from OceanNet, on the topic of tire burning. Is it a tradition that deserves to flame out? Comments welcome below, or phone into Radio Noon on November 5th with your thoughts! I've included some links at the bottom to sites talking about eco-friendly Bonfire Night celebrations, as well!

Tire Burning In Newfoundland and Labrador

Ocean Net (www.oceannet.ca) is extremely concerned with the significant negative environmental and health repercussions arising from the burning of tires in the province. Our research indicates that this is an accepted practice in many communities in Newfoundland and Labrador on Guy Fawkes Night (“Bonfire Night”), and we have pictures of just such a fire which took place on Middle Amherst Cove Beach in 2004.

Tire burning in this province is banned under the “Environmental Protection Act – Air Pollution Control Regulations 2004, Schedule E” In fact, of the top 20 “Materials Prohibited from Burning in a Fire” listed in that Act, tire burning is in first place, and fines could reach $100,000. This is obviously not common knowledge throughout this province as is evidenced by the rash of “tire fires” which take place in our communities, especially on the annual “Bonfire Night”. This practice must stop!

A review of documentation on the web related to health and environmental threats associated with tire burning, shows that emissions have been found to contain dioxins and other emissions which cause cancer and severe respiratory problems in humans, and also affect the immune system. Immune systems are also compromised in wildlife including birds, fish, shellfish and mammals, resulting in gross deformities.

One of Ocean Net’s primary programs is the beach, shoreline and harbor site cleanup, and as of May, 2006, this organization has spearheaded 876 such cleanups with an estimated 10,000 volunteers throughout the province. One such cleanup, done several times in 2004, is “Middle Amherst Cove Beach”, which we recorded as being littered with debris from a fire built primarily from hundreds of tires on Bonfire Night 2004. An Ocean Net employee documented this event with photographs following an unsuccessful attempt to stop those involved from burning tires on that beach. It is our understanding that tire burning also happened in Elliston, and that issue has now been reported to the RCMP as directed by the Act.

Ocean Net is currently in the early stages of researching the subject of tire burning, especially as it relates to environmental and health issues, with additional research into government plans (or lack of them) for disposing of huge stockpiles of used tires in the province.

Our plan is to undertake further research, and to develop a public awareness campaign related to the health and environmental repercussions from tire burning.



Eco Friendly Bonfire Night Links




CBC Radio On Fire! Two Radio Events for Festival On Fire

We've got two events this week with CBC Radio One in St. John's.

November 5th
Radio Noon Cross-Talk with Dale Jarvis (12:30p.m.-1:30p.m.)


Tune into CBC Radio Noon Cross-talk with Ramona Dearing as she is joined by her special guest Dale Jarvis who is speaking about Festival On Fire and Bonfire Night in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Join provincial folklorist Dale Jarvis to share your Bonfire Night memories. What nights did you light bonfires in your community? What did you burn? Who was involved? And how has the tradition changed? Phone in with your memories and stories of bonfire nights past and present.

722-7111 (St. John's Area)
1-800-563-8255 (Toll Free)
November 6th
CBC Radio On Fire


Tune into CBC's Weekend Arts Magazine to hear some smokin' tunes that celebrate the Heritage Foundations Festival on Fire! As part of the Heritage Foundation's second annual Folklife Festival, the Festival on Fire, CBC Radio's Weekend Arts Magazine is looking for your fire-related song requests. From a burning ring of fire, to burning down the house, we want to know the songs that raise your temperature.

Heat up the WAM request line at 722-7111, or text your request to 22222. Or you can send your request to your smoking hot Weekend Arts Magazine host, Angela Antle, on Facebook.

Tune into "CBC Radio on Fire" on WAM Saturday morning, November 6th to hear your requests. Your ears will be burning!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

New Event! The Festival On Fire Fusilade! November 4th, Signal Hill


On October 26, 1605 an anonymous letter to the William Parker, 4th Baron of Monteagle warned that on the opening of Parliament the following month, a "terrible blow" would be delivered to King James I and his court.

Investigation revealed 13 conspirators and 36 kegs of gunpowder planted beneath the Parliament's undercroft. Thus, the "Gunpowder Plot" and the conspiracy to assassinate the King and government by Guy Fawkes and others was thwarted... The annual commemoration of the saving of King and Country - "Bonfire Night" as it is known in Canada - is a tradition nearly 400 years old and still widely celebrated throughout the Commonwealth.

Kick off Bonfire night with Military Animation Specialist, Robin Martin, as he fires 12-round rifle salutes at 12pm, 3pm and 7:30pm totalling 36-rounds - one for each gunpowder keg discovered under the Parliament. Each fusilade will take place at different locations around Signal Hill NHSC.

Call for information:

Paula Morgan (709) 772-5367
paula.morgan@pc.gc.ca

Hey families! Tin Can Lantern Making Workshop, 7pm. Free!


Tin Lantern Workshop from 7p.m.-9p.m.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Victoria Park Poolhouse

Join the Friends of Victoria Park and learn how to make your very own tin can lanterns for Festival On Fire. This event will be located in Victoria Park at the Pool House. Parking can be found just off of Sudbury Street (Near the Ball Field). Please bring a Hammer and a possible design idea. If you have some extra time perhaps have the design drawn out on paper before you come down to save some time.

All are welcome and this event is absolutely FREE!

For other Festival On Fire events, visit www.festivalonfire.ca

Monday, November 1, 2010

38 Newfoundland and Labrador communities to participate in Festival On Fire

The Festival On Fire, Newfoundland and Labrador's second annual Folklife Festival, starts this week. To date, 38 communities from all across the province are participating in the festival, with bonfire night celebrations from Channel-Port aux Basques to Rigolet to Pouch Cove!

I'm delighted to see so many communities listing their bonfires, and I'm hoping that a lot of families get out there to support the work being done by town councils and volunteer fire departments to keep this tradition alive.

The events kick off tonight, November 1st, in Labrador City, with most community bonfires happening on November 5th.

To see the full list of communities participating, see:
http://www.festivalonfire.ca

If your community bonfire isn't listed, send an email to ichprograms@gmail.com

Friday, October 29, 2010

Photographers: Get Ready For Bonfire Night!


There is only one week left till Bonfire Night! Photographers, get your cameras ready! We are encouraging people to go out, and take as many pictures of this year's Bonfire Night celebrations in Newfoundland and Labrador as possible, and then to share them online.

To help with that, we've started a "Bonfire Night Newfoundland" Group on Flickr. Post your photos on Flickr (free for a basic account), join the Bonfire Night Group, and tag away!

There is already a growing collection of photos from previous years. Here is one of my favourites, shot by Andrew Draskoy:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adraskoy/290862798/

Where can I find a bonfire to shoot?

We've compiled a full list of official town bonfires from every corner of Newfoundland and Labrador as part of our Festival on Fire. You can find the full list at http://www.festivalonfire.ca

How can I take good fire photos?

There is an ongoing discussion on Flickr itself about taking photos of fire at night:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/olympusesystem/discuss/72157623161622530/

You can also check out these sites:
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/playing-with-fire-how-to-photograph-fire
and
http://www.learnmyshot.com/How+to+Photograph+Fire

Monday, October 25, 2010

Bonfire Night folklore collection on Memorial's Digital Archive Initiative

As part of this year's Festival on Fire, the ICH crew has been working on digitizing and preparing a special topic collection related to Bonfire Night traditions in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The collection is a work in progress, but you can browse the collection on Memorial's Digital Archive Initiative to see what has been added so far at:

http://collections.mun.ca/cdm4/description.php?phpReturn=browse.php&cisoroot=ich_bonfire

One of the exciting pieces digitized is Catherine Schwoeffermann's 1981 short documentary on Bonfire Night in Brigus. You can see the full video (including footage of flaming tires being rolled down the hill into the ocean!) at:

http://collections.mun.ca/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/ich_bonfire&CISOPTR=6&CISOBOX=1&REC=1

Singing Hard: Aesthetics, Sound Production, and Vernacular Notions of Vocal Hygiene and Health in Powwow Music

Tuesday 2nd November
12.30-1.30pm
Room ED-4036, Education Building, MUN

In this presentation, Dr. Janice Tulk (Visiting Assistant Professor in Folklore) explores how notions of vocal hygiene and health are intricately linked with the aesthetics of a particular musical genre or music-culture. As she explains: "I investigate the aesthetics associated with intertribal powwow singing and the ways in which these ideals are communicated between members. I also critically consider how my own training in techniques of western vocal production shaped my participation in a First Nations drum group and how my notions of vocal health contrasted with the emic (insider) perspective."

Colleagues and friends from Memorial University and beyond are welcome to attend. Please feel free to bring your lunch. For more information, contact Joy Fraser (jfraser@mun.ca) or Ian Hayes (ian.hayes@mun.ca).

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Fire, Culture, and Festival: A public talk on world fire traditions


From the woodstove in the kitchen, to the blacksmith’s forge, to the annual lighting of bonfires on November 5th and June 24th, fire has a firm place in the heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. But fire also has meaning and significance in the culture and traditions of other places around the globe.

As part of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Festival on Fire, join provincial folklorist Dale Jarvis for a public talk on fire culture with three special guests.

Ebrahim Monajemi will speak on Iranian fire traditions and share his boyhood memories of New Year festivities in Iran, Meena Acharya will discuss the Indian traditions of Diwali and Holi, while Phillip Hiscock will recount various Newfoundland and Labrador bonfire night traditions.

Join us at the Signal Hill Interpretation Centre Annex Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 8 pm for a cross-cultural celebration of light, fire and tradition.

Sponsored by Parks Canada, and the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Signal Hill Interpretation Centre Annex
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
8 pm
Free event

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Lunchtime Seminar Series Today - Public Folklore Co-op Info Session

The MUN Folklore Department is pleased to announce an upcoming event as part of the Lunchtime Seminar Series today,Tuesday, October 19th from 12.30-1.30pm in ED-4036.

Dale Jarvis (Intangible Cultural Heritage Development Officer for Newfoundland & Labrador) and Laura Chapman (MUN Division of Co-operative Education) will present an information session on MUN's new MA programme in Public Folklore with Co-operative Education. Everyone who's interested in taking the new programme, or in public folklore in general, is encouraged to attend, and of course, feel free to bring your lunch.

If you would like more information, please contact Ian on ian.hayes@mun.ca Joy on jfraser@mun.ca.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

News about the Festival on Fire spreading

It has been a good media week for the Festival on Fire so far! I did three interviews on CBC Radio morning shows (St. John's, Central, and West Coast). You can download the West Coast morning show interview at:

http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/nlwcmornshow_20101014_39590.mp3

I also did a longer interview on VOAR which was broadcast this past Monday. If I get a recording of that, I'll put it online.

Communities have until Friday, October 22nd to register their town bonfires. For more information, and to see a list of communities added so far, visit:

http://www.festivalonfire.ca
or call 1-888-739-1892 ext3

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Register Your Town's Official Bonfire Night Event

As part of this year's Festival on Fire, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is compiling a list of community events surrounding one of the province’s most colourful holidays.

Since 2008, HFNL has been working to safeguard and sustain the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador for present and future. The list of bonfire night celebrations is just one part of the foundation’s new Festival on Fire, to take place at the end of October and beginning of November.

We will be planning a series of events around Bonfire Night traditions. But to start, we want communities to contact us about any Bonfire Night events they already have planned.

Communities or local fire departments wishing to register supervised; official town bonfires should send the following information by Friday, October 22nd, 2010:

1. Name of Community
2. Location of Bonfire in the community
3. Start time and Date
4. Backup bad-weather date if applicable
4. Name/Contact information of official contact person.

Send information to:
ichprograms@gmail.com
www.festivalonfire.ca
Telephone: 1-888-739-1892 ext 3

North River dancers take over the Ship Pub in St. John's!

In 1992, Sheila Power of North River organized a St. Patrick’s Day family concert, with the hope it would become a yearly occurrence for All Hallow’s Parish. Thinking that the traditional Lancers would add to the concert, she went searching for local dancers who would show off their talents.

The dancing was a great hit, and the group continued performing the Lancers for local concerts. Since 2009, the group has been meeting regularly and working on dances, under the guidance and direction of Power, with live music provided by accordionist Web Dawe. In the summer of 2010, the Baccalieu Trotters were one of the groups that took part in a traditional Newfoundland folkdance symposium in Old Perlican, as part of the Cupids 400 celebrations.

“We do this for fun but it is a great way to keep in shape,” says Power. “It also keeps the Newfoundland music and traditional dance alive.”

The Baccalieu Trotters will be the featured performers at the Folk Arts Society’s weekly Folk Night at The Ship Pub on Solomon’s Lane in St. John’s on Wednesday, October 13th. The event starts at 9:30pm, and is $5 at the door. Hosted by Dale Jarvis, and co-sponsored by Dance NL.

http://www.nlfolk.com/folknight.html

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

"Hot" off the Press - The October ICH Update

In this very hot edition of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Update, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador launches its second annual Folklife Festival. This year, the festival is called The Festival On Fire, and celebrates fire and fire-related traditions including the annual November 5th Bonfire Night Celebrations. The Update also features a review of the 2010 Doors Open program, notes from a folklore researcher on textile traditions on the Great Northern Peninsula, and community heritage projects from Pouch Cove and North River.

Download the pdf at:
http://www.archive.org/download/IchUpdate019-October2010/ichupdate019.pdf

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Foundation Compiling List of Bonfire Night Celebrations Across the Province


From the woodstove in the kitchen, to the St. John’s Fire of 1892, to the annual lighting of bonfires on November 5th, fire has a firm place in the heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As part of a plan to explore that history, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is compiling a list of community events surrounding one of the province’s most colourful holidays. The list is part of a new festival celebrating fire and fire traditions in the province.

“We are collecting a list of communities that are holding official Bonfire Night events,” explains Dale Jarvis, the intangible cultural heritage development officer for the province.“We want to know what events are planed for Bonfire Night in communities all across Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Bonfire Night, traditionally held on or near November 5th, is a tradition that has seen a decline in resent years, in part due to worries about illegal fires. “There is an increasing concern about the decrease in Bonfire Night participation in the province,” says Jarvis. “We would hate to see the tradition vanish, so we are looking to promote those communities who celebrate the holiday in a safe fashion.”

What can be done to preserve this tradition?

The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (HFNL) was established in 1984 to preserve the architectural heritage of the province. Since 2008, HFNL has been working to safeguard and sustain the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador for present and future. The list of bonfire night celebrations is just one part of the foundation’s new Festival on Fire, to take place at the end of October and beginning of November.

Many residents of Newfoundland and Labrador associate their earliest fire memories with Bonfire night. Other fire related traditions of interest to the foundation include things like blacksmithing, candle making, boil-ups, cooking and baking traditions, and the oral histories of volunteer and professional fire fighters.

“We will be planning a series of events around these traditions,” says Jarvis. “But to start, we want communities to contact us about any Bonfire Night events they already have planned.”

In coordination with this, HFNL hopes to collect local memories and stories about Bonfire Night and fire-related traditions.

Any persons who have interesting stories or memories associated with Bonfire Night in Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to contact the foundation’s office through their website www.festivalonfire.ca or to call Melissa Squarey at 1-888-739-1892 ext3.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Pouch Cove Community Heritage Night, Tues October 5, 2010


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5th, 2010
7 PM
Anglican Church Hall in Pouch Cove

This Tuesday, come join the Pouch Cove Heritage Committee and help figure out which stories, songs, photos and places could be saved as part of preserving and sharing Pouch Cove’s heritage.

I will be on hand to explain the importance of preserving history and heritage, and to help identify people, places, stories and things that are important for the community to save as part of its local heritage and culture.

People are invited to bring family photos they would like to share. These will be scanned at the event, so you won’t have to give them up! Former ICH Digital Archives Intern Jed Baker will be on hand to help create a Google map of the community, marking places with important stories and photos.

The Pouch Cove Heritage Committee is a non-profit community association founded last year to help residents of Pouch Cove identify and protect local heritage. The Committee works independently from the Pouch Cove Town Council and has been set up as a separate incorporated society.

Bob Brink, a member of the executive, has designed and set up a new website for the group, at www.pouchcoveheritage.org. Check it out!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Lunchtime Seminar Series - Taboo! Humour, Anxiety and the Body

The inaugural Lunchtime Seminar of the semester will take place on Tuesday 5th October from 12.30-1.30pm in Education Building Room ED-4036, Memorial University, St. John's.

Folklore PhD student Laura Sanchini will present a paper entitled "Taboo!: Humour, Anxiety and the Body."

"The talk is about fart-lore and relationships," says Sanchini. "It should be a lighthearted and funny look at taboos."

Everyone is most welcome to attend. Feel free to bring your lunch.

Future seminars are scheduled for 2nd November (Janice Tulk) and 16th November (Ginny Fugarino). Mark your diaries now! Further details will be available nearer the time.

Organizers are still looking for more presenters for this semester, and for Winter 2011. If you are interested in presenting, or would like more information, please contact Joy on jfraser@mun.ca or Ian on ian.hayes@mun.ca.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

ICH Culture Days Podcast - Come All Ye, Second Verse


As part of Culture Days 2010, folklorist Dale Jarvis leads an artist's talk about "Come All Ye - Second Verse", a light-hearted portrait of Newfoundland folk music. Interview is with printmaker and musician Caroline Clarke, and woodwork and mixed media artist Pam Dorey. Recorded in front of a live audience on Friday, September 24, 2010 at the Devon House, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, 59 Duckworth Street, St. John's.

Download the podcast as a MP3 at:
http://www.archive.org/download/ComeAllYe-SecondVerse/ComeAllYe_podcast.mp3

Listen to streaming audio or download other formats at:
http://www.archive.org/details/ComeAllYe-SecondVerse

Residents Encouraged to Participate in Culture Days

Culture Days, a collaborative pan-Canadian volunteer movement, will be celebrated this year across Newfoundland and Labrador September 24-26.

“Many communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will celebrate Culture Days through inclusive partnerships that showcase and celebrate our pride and respect for all cultures,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism. “Our government is pleased to participate in various events related to Culture Days since they capture the spirit of the provincial Policy on Multiculturalism. It is only though such collaborative partnerships and efforts that our province continues to be a vibrant, dynamic and welcoming home for all our residents. I encourage everyone to attend an event in their region.”

Since the launch of the Policy on Multiculturalism in 2007, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has worked with many partners to ensure cultural diversity is seen as a strength and to promote cross-cultural understanding where the cultural diversity of all people is valued, supported and enhanced.

“Cultural diversity is not only celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is experienced and celebrated every day around our country,” said Amy House, member of the national committee and Chair of the Provincial Task Force for Culture Days. “Our own cultural heritage is eclectic, colorful and distinctive. Newfoundland and Labrador is like one big homemade patchwork quilt and each piece is a different culture.”

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Culture Days activities are supported through a $20,000 investment provided through the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Many of the activities for Culture Days focus on celebrating cultural diversity and include, specifically, a dance performance in St. John’s, international cooking classes in Grand Falls -Windsor, a talent show in Corner Brook and guided outdoor hikes at the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club and Hiking Trails in Labrador.

Since the launch of the province’s cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture in 2006, the Provincial Government has invested more than $44 million into the arts, culture and heritage sectors.

For more information on Culture Days and how to get involved, visit www.culturedays.ca.

As part of Culture Days, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is running Doors Open St. John's and Doors Open Petty Harbour. For more information, visit www.doorsopendays.com.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

CultureDays talk Friday, Sept 24 with Caroline Clarke, Cara Kansala & Pam Dorey


As part of Culture Days 2010, join folklorist Dale Jarvis as he leads an artist’s talk about “Come All Ye – Second Verse”, a light-hearted portrait of Newfoundland folk music through the prints of Caroline Clarke and the woodwork and mixed media creations of Cara Kansala and Pam Dorey.

Caroline Clarke is a St. John's based printmaker and musician who draws much of her inspiration from the local community, especially the camaraderie that develops around the sharing of music. Clarke has shown her work in solo and group exhibits in the Craft Council Gallery. In 2008 she had an exhibition of prints—with a musical theme—in the Main Gallery with Cara Kansala and Pam Dorey – “Come All Ye”. In 2010, these three artists are revisiting this theme in “Come All Ye – Second Verse” continuing to have fun with their art and the music that inspires them.

Cara Kansala and Pam Dorey founded Cara’s Joy in St. John’s in 2003, and relocated to Upper Island Cove, Conception Bay, in 2005. The pair work full time from their home studio/workshop, where they fashion their colourful, humorous pictures/collages from a variety of materials including wood, wire, and twine, hand-painted fabric, and crocheted clothing.

Artist talk begins at 6pm Friday, September 24, at the Devon House, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, 59 Duckworth Street, St. John’s. For more information call (709) 753-2749 or email info@craftcouncil.nl.ca

Image shown: “St. John’s Waltz”, hand tinted linocut by Caroline Clarke.

ICH Podcast - Mira Hunter on Turkish Whirling


Mira Hunter is a visual artist and second-generation sufi mevlevi whirling dervish. She began her traditional training at the age of 16 with her father Raqib Burke and Sheikh Jelaladdin Loras. In this edition of the ICH Podcast, folklorist Dale Jarvis chats with Mira about the origins of whirling, how the tradition has changed, whirling as a form of moving meditation, and her work as an artist and dancer. Recorded on Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 as part of the 20th Anniversary of the Festival of New Dance.

Download the podcast as a MP3 at:
http://www.archive.org/download/MiraHunterOnTurkishWhirling/MiraHunter23Sept2010.MP3

For other formats or to listen to a streaming version, visit:
http://www.archive.org/details/MiraHunterOnTurkishWhirling

Photos of the interview and workshop on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=318582&id=509323297

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Traditional Turkish Whirling - Live ICH Podcast recording with Mira Hunter


Mira Hunter is a visual artist and second-generation sufi mevlevi whirling dervish, and this week she is in St. John's as part of the 20th anniversary of the Festival of New Dance.

Mira began her traditional training at the age of 16 with her father Raqib Burke and Sheikh Jelaladdin Loras, and is nudging the tradition into the 21st century. According to her website, "Mira continues to challenge the fundamental forms of whirling by incorporating innovative movements and concepts, gently coaxing the 13th century practice into a contemporary context."

This Thursday, September 23rd, folklorist Dale Jarvis will interview Mira about the tradition and art of whirling, just before a free community workshop. The live recording will then be podcast and archived online as part of ongoing work to document dance and dance traditions in the province.

The interview will take place at 12:30pm at Cochrane Street United Church, Thursday, Sept 23. All are welcome to come listen to the discussion.

Immediately following the interview, Mira will be giving a workshop on Turkish whirling. Please contact Neighbourhood Dance Works to register: 709-722-3663 or ndw@nfld.net. If you wish to participate in the workshop, please wear comfortable clothes, bring an assortment of extra socks and an open mind.

Links:

Mira Hunter - Whirling
http://www.mirahunter.com/whirling.html

Festival of New Dance
http://www.neighbourhooddanceworks.com

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Help identify the 1937 Bay Roberts Roverines Hockey Team


Does anyone know the names of the ladies on the Bay Roberts Roverines Hockey Team, who were provincial champions in 1937? Margaret Ayad is looking for these women's names for the interpretive panels for Bay Roberts Railway Station.

Got any thoughts? Comment here, or email me at ich@heritagefoundation.ca