November 16, 1998
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Minister Tulk proclaims Crafts Week

The week of November 16 to 22 has been declared Crafts Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. The announcement was made today by Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal and Anne Manuel, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Crafts Development Association.

"The people of Newfoundland and Labrador have always been capable crafts people who take pride in their skills. What many people may not realize is that crafts production today is a $25 million a year industry employing over 2,000 people in this province," said Minister Tulk.

The Department of Development and Rural Renewal's Craft's Division has for years assisted crafts people turn their hobbies into skills. And it assists production crafts people, those who have reached the necessary levels of competence and production, to market their goods at trade shows in Halifax, Toronto, Edmonton and in the United States.

"Our members are carving niche markets for themselves at national and international shows, particularly in clothing and giftware" said NLCDA Executive Director Anne Manuel. "Some of our members are making significant fashion statements. Others are producing jewelry and pottery pieces that are unique in North America."

"Crafts is a growing industry that can be practiced in rural Newfoundland and Labrador using local skills to produce goods for export markets," said Minister Tulk. "Building on those skills is an important step in developing entrepreneurial abilities. That is why I believe we should be more aware of the valuable contribution that crafts people bring to this province, creating jobs, creating self confidence, and creating fine products that are second to none."

The NLCDA opens its annual Christmas Craft Fair on November 19 at St. John's Memorial Stadium where craft products from across Newfoundland and Labrador will be on sale to the public.

Contact:

Scott Reid, Development and Rural Renewal (709) 729-4570

Anne Manuel, NLCDA, (709) 753-2749

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PROVINCIAL PROCLAMATION

Whereas the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud of its crafts industry that contributes over $25 million annually to the economy of the province.

Whereas the crafts industry is a growing industry that provides year-round work for 2,000 people in both rural and urban Newfoundland and Labrador.

Whereas the crafts industry allows rural Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to practice time honoured skills in their communities in the pursuit of a fulfilling career.

Whereas the crafts industry provides opportunity for the crafts people of this province to practice skills handed down to them by their parents and grandparents.

Whereas the crafts industry makes a valuable and growing contribution to the export trade of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Whereas the crafts industry allows Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to express their unique culture in an enduring manner to the betterment of themselves and the enlightenment of people within and beyond our province.

Whereas I Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, do hereby proclaim the week of November 16th to 22nd to be

CRAFT'S WEEK

and urge all citizens to recognize the benefits that crafts bring to our province and support the industry by purchasing craft products made in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Hon. Beaton Tulk
Minister of Development and Rural Renewal

1998 11 16                       12:45 p.m.