A freelance journalist came face-to-face with the very issue she was covering while researching a story on the effects of coastal erosion on certain Newfoundland graveyards.
Monica Kidd was intrigued after learning that Jennifer Power had found a skull on the beach at Tors Cove eight years ago, and started working on a story for the Toronto Star.
She walked the same beach to get a few pictures for the article and made a discovery.
She ended up spotting what she initially thought was kelp in the shape of a skull.
On closer inspection, it turned out to be a skull.
(Photo via Monica Kidd.)
The most recent headstones in the cemetery in question date to about 150 years ago.
Kidd says coastal erosion is a serious issue and for communities with cemeteries near the coast line the threat is real and a piece of history is being lost.
While some communities are moving old graveyards and reinterring remains, others feel it’s nature taking its course.
She says some of the people she spoke with felt it was a natural process, and to let it go, while others were of the opposite mindset, indicating that the resting place of their ancestors must be preserved and respected.
My piece on the effects #coastalerosion is having on historic NL graveyards. #climatechange #Newfoundland https://t.co/a6BAhNFVdS
— Monica Kidd (@thatmonicakidd) February 27, 2022
