Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
August 2, 2007 

Ministers Announce Funding for Them Days Magazine and Archives

The ongoing efforts of Them Days Magazine and Archives to document the history and cultural heritage of Labrador was assisted today with an investment of  $150,000 towards ongoing operations and the construction of an archival facility to better conserve, preserve and promote its extensive collection of archival material.

�The Government of Newfoundland Labrador recognizes the inherent value and significance of this remarkable archival collection,� said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.  �Them Days Magazine and Archives is a vital Labrador institution and with this facility, will be better positioned to act as a custodian of Labrador history and heritage.  I am proud to make this commitment on such an important initiative.�

Two-thirds of the funding will be directed towards the initial design, specifications and detailed cost estimates of the Them Days Labrador Archives Project.  This $100,000 represents the first portion of a $200,000 commitment from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.  The remaining $50,000 will go towards the annual operational costs of Them Days Magazine and Archives.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, said this funding is another example of the wide-ranging impact of the Northern Strategic Plan (NSP), released in April.  �This investment in Them Days Magazine and Archives is included in the NSP for Labrador and illustrates how the plan helps create a path for our future while still maintaining essential links to our past,� said Minister Hickey.

Susan Felsberg, chair of the Board of Directors of Them Days Magazine and Archives said she is �thrilled� the province recognizes the importance of the collection.  �We have the best collection of Labrador photos and oral history in the world and this funding will mean they will be preserved for generations to come,� said Ms. Felsberg.

Them Days Magazine, which publishes quarterly, was established in 1973 to record, document, research and publish the oral, visual and written history of Labrador.  Over the years, an extensive research collection has grown, and continues to grow, containing diaries, letters, reports, audio and video recordings, photographs, slides, maps and a reference library.

Them Days Labrador Archives Project will include an upgrade to the existing building to create a modern archival facility for the proper storage of this material.  In preparation for this project, the Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives has worked closely with Them Days staff to organize its collection, and an archivist from the National Archives has assisted them with the proper digitization of the collection.

�Protecting and preserving our valuable cultural heritage is of great importance to our Provincial Government,� added Minister Hedderson.  �Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture provides in excess of $17 million for the sound preservation and management of our cultural resources and strategic support for the further development of the province�s cultural sector.  Today�s funding, in conjunction with the cultural plan, will further ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, now and in the future, receive the best possible benefits from our rich cultural resources.�

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Photo #1: The Honourable John Hickey, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, presents a cheque to Sue Felsburg, Chair of the Them Days Board.

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2007 08 02                                        11:30 a.m.