Experience Our Culture
Central Newfoundland has a unique culture that reflects both our connection to the land and the sea.
Outport life can be explored with visits to our many museums, heritage homes and historic sites, or with a visit to any one of the multitude of tiny fishing villages that dot our coast line. Due to the areas relative isolation much of the unique character of the traditional Newfoundland outport continues to thrive in the coastal communities of central Newfoundland. There is no better way you can truly experience the culture of Newfoundland and its people than by exiting the Trans Canada Highway and taking part in one of the many outport community events and festivals taking place all throughout the year. A variety of dinner theaters and plays depict our lifestyle and the events that have helped shape our history.
Ongoing archaeological work to uncover the mysteries of Newfoundland's First Peoples show the first inhabitants of Newfoundland to be the Maritime Archaic Indians. Today, a glimpse into their presence can be experienced at the Burnside Interpretation Centre. The Dorset Eskimo followed and were much more marine oriented than their predecessors. Soapstone was used by the Dorset Eskimo to manufacture pots and lamps. A soapstone quarry has been discovered in Fleur De Lys, on the Baie Verte Peninsula, and is an exceptional example of ancient workmanship.
The Beothuks followed and were the inhabitants of Newfoundland at the time of European contact. The Exploits River, is known to have been one of their main modes of travel, taking them to the sea in the spring and into the interior in the fall. A variety of venues will provide you with a glance into the lives of these people, including, the Mary March Museum and the Boyd's Cove Interpretation Centre. The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia recognized Newfoundland as a hunting ground, and today there are several communities in Central Newfoundland with significant Mi'Kmaq populations including the Miawpukek Band of Conne River which is the only Aboriginal Reserve on the island portion of Newfoundland. A Powwow festival is held each year celebrating their unique culture and commitment to reviving their traditions.
Be sure to take a piece of Newfoundland home with you and visit one of the many unique gift shops in the Area.
|
B
