From boatbuilding to bark tanning, traditional skills at risk of being lost in Newfoundland and Labrador just got a boost from Heritage NL.
Heritage NL
Safeguarding the historic places and living heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador since 1984.
Nine projects from all across the province that pair a learner with an experienced craftsperson have been given the green light by Heritage NL, the provincial agency that deals with historic places and living heritage.?
The Heritage NL Mentor-Apprentice Program is a one-on-one immersion program that provides funding up to $10,000 to support the teaching of endangered crafts and skills from an established mentor to an apprentice craftsperson or tradesperson.?
“The traditional craft sector is an important part of our contemporary economy, especially in rural areas,” says folklorist Dale Jarvis, Executive Director of Heritage NL. “We are excited to support these tradition bearers and entrepreneurs in learning and promoting skills and crafts that otherwise might fade away.”
The participants will have a year to work together, teaching and learning a variety of skills including weaving, making traditional Labrador clothing, and manufacturing Uilleann (Irish) bagpipes. There are two more opportunities for people interested in traditional skills to apply to the program, February 10 and April 10, 2022, with more information online at heritagenl.ca.?
This program is supported by the Labour Market Partnerships program, Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The approved mentor/apprentice projects are as follows:
Labrador duffle work, (a pure wool fabric originally used for blankets and coats). Mentor Joyce Lee, Red Bay,? with apprentice Miranda Rumbolt, Mary’s Harbour. ?
Rodney punt design and construction. Mentor Jerome Canning, St. John’s, with apprentice Chris Hogan, St. John’s.
Bark tanning. Mentor Susan Furneaux, Conception Harbour, with apprentice Nicole Travers, Lark Harbour.
Uilleann (Irish) bagpipe making. Mentor Neil O'Grady, Carbonear, with apprentice Robert Brown.?
Wild food processing and preserving. Mentor Lori McCarthy, St. John’s with apprentice Tina White, Mount Pearl.
Labrador cossack (dickie) making. Mentor Charlene Rumbolt, Mary’s Harbour, with apprentice Katie Lee, Red Bay.
Weaving skills. Mentor Stephanie Stoker, St. John’s, with apprentice Chantelle Evans, Makkovik; Mentor Megan Samms, Katalisk / Codroy Valley, with apprentice Jane Walker, Bonavista; Mentor Jessica McDonald, St. John’s, with apprentice Christian Dauble, St. John’s.
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For more information or photos, contact:
Dale Jarvis