The provincial government, along with Indigenous leadership, commemorated the culture and historical significance of the Beothuk with the unveiling of a statue and artwork at Confederation Building on Friday.
The bronze statue of Demasduit, her husband and their infant son is situated near the stairs leading to the main entrance of Confederation Building.
The statue, created by artist Morgan MacDonald, is in addition to a painting by Craig Goudie, depicting a Beothuk family, in the main lobby of the building.
Chief Mi’sel Joe, Premier Furey, Minister Scott Reid and Chief Brendan Mitchell. (VOCM News)
The province acquired six pieces of artwork in total, including the painting and five pieces of art from each of the five Indigenous governments and organizations in the province.
Premier Andrew Furey, along with the province’s Indigenous leaders, unveiled a bronze statue honoring the Beothuk alongside the entrance to Confederation Building today. The statue, by artist Morgan MacDonald, is in addition to artwork by Craig Goudie inside the building. pic.twitter.com/Opb77kZu9v
— VOCM News (@VOCMNEWS) October 11, 2024
Premier Andrew Furey told the gathering that the path to reconciliation continues to be long, winding and complex.
“It is not a straight path, but may this statue today serve for lawmakers in this building as a constant and permanent reminder of the impact of our actions,” he said.
“For citizens, may this statue serve as a source of education and enlightenment, and for Indigenous peoples everywhere may it serve as a memorial of wrongs of the past, but equally important as a beacon of hope for the future and a strong path to reconciliation.”
Chief Mi’sel Joe from the Miawpukek First Nation says the statue serves as a reminder of the tragedies among indigenous peoples here at home and across the country.
“It’s remembering not only the murdered and missing women of this country but remembering a nation of people that went from this land,” he said.
“This statue will remind us every day of what we lost.”
Also in attendance for Friday’s ceremonies were:
- Minister David Dicker, Jr. and Minister Terry Vincent, Nunatsiavut Government
- Jodie Ashini, Innu Nation
- Chief Brad Benoit, Miawpukek First Nation
- Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation
- Todd Russell, NunatuKavut Community Council
- Brendan Mitchell, Regional Chief for Newfoundland, Assembly of First Nations
The additional artwork will be displayed as part of a permanent exhibit in the east block lobby of Confederation Building.
Ceremonies to unveil them will be held at later dates.
The Beothuck were declared extinct as a people in the mid-1800s, although some family histories indicate a few individuals survived and inter-married into local populations.
