Summer 2008
Mark Turner, a PhD candidate with the
University of Toronto, is conducting research on Labrador Film
history. He will be digitizing the Labrador Institutes film/video
collection starting the week of August 18, 2008. Once completed the
material will be available for research and education purposes.
Thanks Mark!
Ossie Michelin, recent graduate of Concordia
University (Bachelor of Journalism), has been hired to digitize the
LI archival photo collection. Once completed the material will be
available for research and education purposes. Ossie will be
completed his work term at the end of August, and will then be
undertaking French Language Studies with CEGEP in Montreal. Good
Luck Ossie!
Mary Ellen Wright, Archivist with the Association
of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives, will be assisting Labrador
Institute staff with its archival collection (audio, reports, etc)
during the week of August 11 – 16th. Thanks Mary Ellen!
Damian Castro and Carolina Tytleman (PhD
candidates MUN Anthropology) will be returning to Labrador to
continue their research with the Innu of Sheshashiu. Both Carolina
and Damian have been working out of the LI office since January
2008. Damian and Carolina have 2 small children and are originally
from Argentina. Welcome back!
Andrea Procter (PhD candidate MUN anthropology)
and her husband Dr. Jamie Skidmore (MUN English)
will be ending their stay with the LI at the end of August, Andrea
will continue to conduct her research on co-management systems
arising from the Labrador Inuit Land claim agreement from St.
John’s. We will be sad to see Andrea, Jamie and their
daughter Layla go, you are all welcome back any time!
Chris Guindon, 5th year student in Bachelor Music
- Bachelor Music Education (MUN school of Music) is working out of
one of the Labrador Institute's offices this summer. He was hired
by the Moravian Church to catalogue their collection of Moravian
Church documents dating back at least to the early 20th century.
Chris will end his work term at the end of August. Chris hopes to
return to Labrador to teach music with the Labrador school board.
Good luck Chris!
The Labrador Institute has received funding from IPY to write
a children's book looking at Inuit mythology and
scientific explanations of creation and land formation, background
research will be commencing in August. Congratulations to Linda,
Martha and Derek on their successful proposal!
A number of researchers and graduate students from
MUN (and other Universities) are passing through our offices on
route to their field summer camps where they will be conduct
climate change research, these include study sites in the Torngat,
Meally and Red Wine mountains. Safe travels everyone!
Alumni Affairs are hoping to host an appreciation
event for first year Memorial students in Goose Bay mid-august.
Lets cross our fingers!
LI staff have been assisting Dr. Tom Gordon secure
funding for Memorial's School of Music Brass Band to do a Tour of
northern Labrador. If successful the tour will commence in
September. Go Tom!
The 10th annual Big Land Fair is scheduled for
September 11 - 13. Each year the harvest season is celebrated and
gardeners, farmers and cooks display the best produce grown in and
central Labrador. Drop by for a visit!
Labrador canoe regatta is scheduled to take place
August 2-4, in Goose Bay. Go Paddlers!
The re-drafted mission and mandate for the Labrador Institute was
approved by the Board of Regents on July 17, 2008. Thanks BoR!
Dr. Keith Chaulk was appointed as an adjunct
professor with MUN Biology, on July 23, 2008, the appointment is
for a 3 year period with possibility of extension. Congrats
Keith!
The Labrador Institute web page was recently
updated for the first time in many years! Thanks to Beth Ryan for
all her help and training! Thanks Also to Hasan Tretina, and the
Labrador Institute staff!!
Scott Neilsen, PhD candidate with Memorial's
Department of Archaeology has recently joined the ranks of the
Labrador Institute. This fall Scott will be teaching a college
university transfer course entitled: Labrador history and society
at the Goose Bay campus. This course will also be offered via
distance learning to Labrador West.
Long time Institute employee and valued member of the Institute
team Martha MacDonald will also be teaching a college university
transfer course in Folklore, this course is also delivered to
Labrador West using distance education technologies.
The Labrador Institute continues to provide logistical support to
Memorial School of Music proposed brass band tour. We are awaiting
announcements on external funding sources and we continue to be
optimistic this project will proceed this fall. Dr. Tom Gordon is
project lead.
In late October, Labrador Institute staff will once again attend
the annual general meeting of ACUNS (Association of Canadian Universities for
Northern Studies). LI continues to be the main contact for
Memorial on this file.
Labrador Institute staff will also participate in Memorial's
Knowledge Mobilization workshop to be held in St. John's in October
and hosted by the Harris Center.
The search for the Labrador Institute's Associate Director of
Education and Training continues, hopefully a candidate will be
selected by late fall.
