Fisheries and Aquaculture
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
September 8, 2014
Honouring the Fishery’s Place in Our Culture
Minister Participates in Seventh Annual Wooden Boat Conference
The cultural significance of wooden boat building was celebrated this past weekend at the seventh Annual Wooden Boat Conference held by the Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, joined participants in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove for the conference dinner and kitchen party, and spoke about the importance of celebrating this unique aspect of the province’s identity and history.
“Wooden boat building has played a central role in the development of the provincial fishery, and is a vital part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich heritage. As Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, I am very pleased to celebrate this aspect of our culture, and to emphasize this government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the province’s wooden boat history.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The conference was supported with a commitment of $2,000 through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation’s Cultural events fund.
"We are fortunate to have a rich and diverse culture in Newfoundland and Labrador, and wooden boat building traditions remain an important aspect of that culture. It is important that the techniques employed by our forefathers are kept alive for present and future generations. Support for this conference is another example of how our government continues to work with communities and organizations to preserve and celebrate such practices.”
- The Honourable Tony Cornect, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Over the last two years the Provincial Government has committed more than $177,000 to support the museum’s efforts to teach people about the craftsmanship associated with building wooden inshore fishing boats.
“On behalf of the Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador, I thank the Provincial Government for its ongoing support of our efforts to foster interest in the heritage of wooden boats, and in particular, I thank the Provincial Government for its financial support of our annual conference.”
- Beverley King, Project Manager, Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador
Additional information on the Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador, its exhibitions and programs can be found at: www.woodenboatmuseum.com
QUICK FACTS
- Minister Keith Hutchings participated in the 7th Annual Wooden Boat Conference held in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove on September 5 and 6.
- The Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador was established in 1997.
- Located in Winterton, the Wooden Boat Museum archives, conserves, and exhibits the province’s wooden boat history and its contribution to the province’s economy and way of life.
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| Media contact: Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
| Beverley King, Project Manager Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-583-2070 bkingheritage@gmail.com |
2014 09 08 1:50 p.m.