Author: Paul Dunne

Confederation Correspondents: Letters to Joey Smallwood 1948 – 1951

Terry Bishop-Stirling, Sonja Boon, Andreae Callanan, Heidi Coombs, Joanne Harris, Sheila Hallett and Vicki Hallet.

March 28, 2024

In this roundtable, we look at Confederation through the words of those who lived it.  Drawing on letters written to J.R. Smallwood between 1948 and 1951, we consider how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians understood themselves and their world at the time of Confederation, and what these understandings might mean for us today. Watch the Lecture at:… Read More

“A Handful of Precious Rebels”: Queer Organizing in 20th Century Newfoundland and Labrador

Rhea Rollman

February 29, 2024

Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich history of queer community-building and activism. Organizing kicked into high-gear 50 years ago with the establishment of the Community Homophile Association of Newfoundland (CHAN), the province’s first formally organized queer activist group. In the ensuing two decades a succession of community groups would form to carry on a bold,… Read More

ONE MAN’S JOURNEY: The Mi’kmaw Revival in Ktaqmkuk

Elder Calvin White

January 25, 2024

In this online lecture, Mi’kmaw Activist, Chief, and Elder, Calvin White, provides a snapshot of his beliefs and how he was mentored by many people on Indigenous history, responsibilities, philosophy, and world view of his community. Elder White considers this a gift from his ancestors. His experience has allowed him to be able to contribute… Read More

MENTIONED IN SONG: Songs and Stories of Early Twentieth Century Woods Workers of Newfoundland & Labrador

Ursula Kelly & Meghan Forsyth with live performances by Darrel Brenton & Jim Payne

November 30, 2023

This presentation recalls and celebrates NL’s rich history of lumbering and logging as told through the songs, tunes, stories, and photos of our early woods workers. Drawing on archival and new recordings, and including live performances by a local actor and musician, this presentation will highlight various aspects of woods culture on the island and… Read More

Teaching Out of Bounds

Marie-Beth Wright

October 26, 2023

From 1940 to 1969, hundreds of young people in Newfoundland taught in multi-graded classrooms or sole-charge schools in small, isolated communities. Although training, infrastructure, and equipment were sparse, these teachers established heart-to-heart connections in communities which led parents and students to trust their efforts, resulting in much success. This presentation profiles these teachers and highlights… Read More