NationTalk: The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, today announced a contribution of over $115,000 to the Town of Botwood and the Botwood Mural Arts Society towards a commemoration project for the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Demasduit.
This commemoration project will involve the installation of a slightly larger than life bronze statue of Demasduit, Nonosabasut and their newborn child. The statue will be located on Botwood’s Blueberry Hill, overlooking the waterways on which the Beothuk travelled from their winter homes to their summer fishing grounds and upon which Demasduit’s life ended.
The statue will be surrounded by a healing garden, a place of quiet reflection for our shared journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. Demasduit died onboard the HMS Grasshopper in Botwood Harbour on January 8, 1820. The commemoration project to mark the 200th anniversary was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This provincial contribution is in addition to $356,000 the town has received through the Legacy Fund of the federal Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, also announced today.
In addition to the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, other funding partners include the Town of Botwood, Miawpukek First Nation, Botwood Heritage Society, Botwood Mural Arts Society and the United Church of Canada.
This project is supported by all five Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and by all neighbouring towns in the Exploits region.
Quotes
“Congratulations to the Town of Botwood and its community and Indigenous partners for coming together to bring forth a proposal to commemorate the tragic passing of a Beothuk woman, Demasduit. The Provincial Government is pleased to join with the Federal Government and other investors in a project that honours the history and legacy of the Beothuk people.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
“We are thrilled with the level of support the Town of Botwood has received for this important work. We are grateful to both the federal and provincial governments for recognizing the importance of the Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Demasduit and its place in the history of our community, our province and our country. The combined financial contributions from both levels of government will go a long way to ensuring this project leaves a legacy of honour to Demasduit, her family and the Beothuk people.”
James Sceviour
Mayor of Botwood
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Media contacts
Allan Bock
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca
Mike Shainline
Town of Botwood
709-290-1901
shainline.dm@gmail.com
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