Nationtalk: A ceremony commemorating the culture and historical significance of the Beothuk was held today at the Confederation Building in St. John’s.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, participated in the unveiling of a bronze statue honouring Demasduit, her husband, Nonosabasut, and their infant son; and an unveiling of artwork depicting a Beothuk family.

The Premier and Minister were joined by Indigenous leaders or their designates from Newfoundland and Labrador, including:

• Minister David Dicker, Jr. and Minister Terry Vincent, Nunatsiavut Government
• Jodie Ashini, Innu Nation
• Chief Brad Benoit, Miawpukek First Nation
• Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation
• Todd Russell, NunatuKavut Community Council
• Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, Traditional Chief
• Brendan Mitchell, Regional Chief for Newfoundland, Assembly of First Nations

The Beothuk statue, which is situated at the base of the steps leading to the front entrance of Confederation Building, was created by Morgan MacDonald of the Newfoundland Bronze Foundry in St. John’s. A proposal submitted by the sculptor was selected following a call for Expressions of Interest issued by the Provincial Government. A design submitted by Brittany Wiseman of Conne River provided the inspiration for the bronze statue. The Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation collaborated with Indigenous Governments and Organizations and Mr. MacDonald to finalize the design for the life-size bronze statue.

The painting, which commemorates the Beothuk people who formerly lived in parts of the Island of Newfoundland, was created by artist Craig Goudie of Grand Falls-Windsor. The Provincial Government issued an Expression of Interest to acquire the Beothuk artwork.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has acquired six pieces of artwork. They include the Beothuk painting and five pieces of art from each of the five Indigenous Governments and Organizations in the province. The artwork will be displayed as part of a permanent exhibit in the East Block lobby of Confederation Building.

Ceremonies to unveil the artwork representative of the Nunatsiavut Government, Innu Nation, Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation and the NunatuKavut Community Council will be held at later dates.

The acquisition of a Beothuk statue and the Beothuk artwork is founded on a belief that actions which respect and honour the culture and heritage of Indigenous Peoples are an important step on the path towards Reconciliation. The statue and artwork are part of a broader objective of the Provincial Government to promote symbols that better reflect the diversity, resilience and history of the Indigenous Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador achieved in procuring a statue and artwork that commemorates the culture and history of the Beothuk. Finally, Indigenous peoples can see themselves represented at the seat of Government.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We have taken a big step towards our commitment to do a better job of recognizing the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Today’s events honouring the Beothuk and their history are significant because they were accomplished together with Indigenous leaders.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation