Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Transportation and Works
July 23, 2014
Province’s Culturally Diverse History Continues to be Celebrated
World Heritage Site Plaques Unveiled at Red Bay, Labrador
The Red Bay Basque Whaling Station was officially celebrated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site today, with the unveiling of three plaques – one in English, one in French and one in Basque. The site, designated by the World Heritage Committee in 2013, includes the remains of 16th century Basque whaling ships and shore stations which once supported a thriving whaling industry. The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, attended the ceremony on behalf of the Provincial Government.
“Our province certainly boasts a rich history and the significance of Red Bay as the largest and most important Basque whaling station in the world in the 16th-century is an important aspect of that history. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Red Bay has had a great honour bestowed upon it, along with a protection that will help ensure the site remains an integral part of the heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Tony Cornect, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
The approximately 600-hectare site contains archaeological evidence of all the major elements of Basque whaling and associated activities.
“The people of Red Bay are to be commended for the tremendous amount of work they have done in helping the Basque whaling site gain world heritage status. This designation will help ensure the history and heritage of the area are preserved for future generations and the story of the 16th century operation continues to be told.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Red Bay is now Canada’s 17th world heritage site - the first in Labrador and the third in the province as a whole, after L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site and Gros Morne National Park.
“This is a monumental day for Red Bay and the unveiling of these plaques solidifies the importance of this site to the culture of our area. We are very pleased that the whaling station and the components that make up this site are now recognized on the world’s stage with the other UNESCO sites around the globe.”
- Wanita Stone, Mayor of Red Bay, Labrador
A world heritage site is a place listed by UNESCO as a location of special cultural or natural significance. The Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, managed by Parks Canada, is the most complete example of early industrial-scale whaling in the world.
QUICK FACTS
- The Basque Whaling Station in Red Bay, Labrador, has been officially declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
- Located on the Strait of Belle Isle, Red Bay was the largest and most important Basque whaling station in the world in the 16th century.
- The decision to inscribe the site on UNESCO’s list was made by the World Heritage Committee at its annual meeting in Cambodia in 2013.
- Red Bay is Canada’s 17th world heritage site - the first in Labrador and the third in the province as a whole, after L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site and Gros Morne National Park.
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Media contact:
| Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 690-6290 ScottBarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
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Wanita Stone Mayor of Red Bay 709-920-2197 redbaytowncouncil@nf.aibn.com |
2014 07 23 12:05 p.m.