Cupids Cove Chatter

On the final day of the Cupids Cove Soiree, the memory of the Beothuk People was evoked. In the afternoon, the Se’t A’newey Choir of Youth from the Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River performed as part of  Spirit of the Land, Sea and People Celebration.  They received  a long standing ovation from the audience.

Standing Ovation from the Audience!!

More photos of the Se’t A’newey Choir of Youth on Flickr > >

They honoured the Beothuk people with a special tribute, reminding us that John Guy and his settlers met and traded with the Beothuk in peace and friendship. Bill Gilbert, chief archaeolist with the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation, also spoke. He has researched the Beothuk caribou hunting grouds at Russell’s Point in Trinity Bay, and retrieved the passages dealing with the Beothuk from journals and other documents written by the Cupids colonists. During the closing performance of “Seeds of Settlement,” on the evening of August 22nd, there was a reenactment of the settlers trading with the Beothuk in Trinity Bay, where the settlers had sailed in the Indeavour.

“Seeds of Settlement” – Meeting the Beothuk in Trinity Bay

More photos from “Seeds of Settlement” on Flickr > >

A portrait of Demasduit, one of the last of the Beothuk People, is part of “Portraits in the Street.” It is the only known portrait of a Beothuk, the last of whom died in 1829.

More photos of “Portraits in the Street”  on Flickr >>

When we look over the 400 years of settlement, it is appropriate to celebrate the lives of the Beothuk People, Squanto, and other native people people and remember “where once they stood, we stand.” We will never know their total story, just as we will never know the stories of many of the other people who have inhabited our land over the centuries. With modern technology, we hope that four hundred years in the future, people will care and know how we celebrated in 2010.

The magnificent celebrations over the weekend paid suitable tribute to all, from the aboriginal Beothuk People to the people of all religions, races, and cultures who reside in this beautiful place today.

Opening Ceremonies Cupids Cove Soiree with Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean were held on August 17th, 2010.

Lieutenant Governor  the Honourable John Crosbie charmed and entertained the very large audience for the opening ceremony.  Following the official opening, “Seeds of Settlement” was presented.  The evening ended with fireworks over Spectacle Head.

More photos of the Opening Ceremonies > >

“Seeds of Settlement” is an original production written and directed by Ged Blackmore. Main Stage on Pointe Beach Free Admission. It traces the history of the Cupids Settlement. It will be shown again on Sunday night at the closing of the Cupids Cove Soiree.

Photos from “Seeds of Settlement” > >

Opening Fireworks, Cupids Cove Soiree – 2010

More photos of fireworks on Flickr > >

The new Cupids Legacy Centre is state of the art facility offering an innovative and interactive museum experience.

See Flickr for many, many more photos! > >

The Centre is a place “Where the Present Meets the Past” – a place where visitors are encouraged to explore the exotic nature of our landscapes, our waterscapes, our cultural heritage and our people – a place where visitors are encouraged to pause and reflect on their heritage…. our common heritage and perhaps…. in the process of reflection …discover something about themselves. Those who visit this place will be invited to explore the legacies left by their ancestors and will be motivated to ponder their own legacies.

Illuminating the rich tapestry of history and culture that has defined Cupids’ place at the nexus of Canadian history, the Cupids Legacy Centre represents a permanent home to a vast heritage that echoes in every field and cove of this remarkable place.

Jean-Daniel Lafond; Her Excellency The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean; Rowena Smith, and Sharon Jackson Archaeology Lab

(l-r) Lloyd Kane, vice-chair, Cupids 400; Mayor Ron Laracy, town of Cupids; Harold Akerman, Cupids Heritage Society; the Hon. Keith Ashfield, ACOA; the Hon.Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; the Hon. Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, the Hon. Tom Hedderson, MHA; and Roy Dawe, Chair, Cupids 400.