The passage to now Mapping the route from early Inuit occupation of southern Labrador through transformative contact with Europeans to the current Labrador Métis way of life is a multifaceted, million-dollar project—one expected to deliver widespread benefits. Understanding the Past to Build the Future received $999,935 from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada through its Community–University Research Alliances program. Led by Faculty of Arts researchers, the in-depth examination of archaeological, archival, genealogical and historical records will form a detailed contour map of a people’s history. Archaeologist Dr. Lisa Rankin and her team initiated the project at the request of the Labrador Métis Nation. Labrador town councils, school boards, organizations and researchers are partnering in the project. A website and touring exhibitions will showcase the findings as they emerge. In addition, Memorial’s Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Studies, Dr. Mario Blaser, will work with community members to produce documentaries.
Lisa Rankin & Mario Blaser Labrador
The project findings will augment educational resources. They could also stimulate a nascent heritage tourism industry in southern Labrador and help create experts who can develop this business. And because Métis community members will be trained in archaeological, archival, ethnographic and educational methods, local people and governments will gain the right skills to take over management of these archaeological sites.
P R E S I D E N T ’ S R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 WISH YOU WERE HERE |
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