Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
March 14 2008

Them Days Inc. Receives Funding to
Ensure Protection of Unique Archival Collection

Them Days Inc., a non-profit organization which preserves and promotes the history, folklore and culture of Labrador, has received the final $100,000 installment of a Provincial Government commitment towards the protection of the group�s rich and varied archival collection.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said a total of $200,000 has now been provided to the organization to construct an archival unit that is fireproof, climate controlled, and wheelchair accessible.

"This provision was made to ensure Them Days� incredible archival material � genealogical records, maps, newspapers, personal stories, audiotapes, photographs, and more � will be preserved for generations to come," Minister Jackman said. "This unique collection serves as resource material to the quarterly Them Days magazine, and to people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, noted that the further development of Labrador tourism and culture is one of eight themes identified in the Provincial Government�s Northern Strategic Plan, released last year.

"Support for Them Days Inc. and the development of a Labrador-based archive is among the specific objectives noted in the plan," Minister Hickey said. "This investment in the preservation of the Them Days collection is an excellent example of how various Provincial Government departments are working together to maintain and strengthen the cultural integrity of Labrador."

Susan Felsberg, chair of the board of directors for Them Days Inc., said the funding is a significant factor in preserving and protecting the history, heritage and culture of Labrador.

"This collection of Labrador material is considered by some to be amongst the best in the world," Ms. Felsberg said. "This funding will help bring the archival unit to reality, with construction expected to start early in the summer."

Them Days operated under the Labrador Heritage Society until it was incorporated on November 10, 1980. Them Days Inc. has two staff members and is run by a volunteer board of nine directors.

The funding provided to Them Days is consistent with the strategic direction outlined in the Provincial Government�s cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture. The strategy includes a three-year commitment of $17.6 million to support cultural and heritage initiatives.

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Photo #1: On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, recently presented Them Days Inc. with the second installment of $100,000 to preserve and promote its archive collection. The funding was provided through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, as part of the Northern Strategic Plan. From left are: Bob Simms, Them Days board member and member of the building committee; Minister Hickey; Sue Felsberg, chair of the board of Them Days Inc.; Joe Goudie, founding member of Them Days, and Linda Andersen, Them Days board member. Them Days operated under the Labrador Heritage Society until it was incorporated on November 10, 1980. Them Days Inc. has two staff members and is run by a volunteer board of nine directors.

Media contacts:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca 

2008 03 14                                                    9:10 a.m.

 


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