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Tourism, Culture and Recreation
February 16, 2009

Heritage Day Activities Focus on "Saving Places Built to Last"

Today is National Heritage Day, and in Newfoundland and Labrador, activities are focused on this year�s theme: Heritage and the Environment - Saving Places Built to Last.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, took the opportunity to note the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (HFNL) will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and commended the organization for its efforts over the years to protect this province�s built heritage, as well as its more recent work to preserve and promote the intangible elements of our culture and heritage.

"It is essential that we recognize the important work of those who are committed to safeguarding our unique architectural heritage, along with the customs and traditions which help define us Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," said Minister Jackman. "For 25 years, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador has raised awareness, fostered pride, and galvanized community support for heritage initiatives throughout the province."

The Heritage Foundation marked the occasion at an event held at the Basilica Episcopal Library in St. John�s, where the winners of the 2009 Heritage Day Poster Contest were announced.

George Chalker, Executive Director of HFNL, said 430 students from 34 schools submitted artwork for consideration in the Foundation�s annual poster contest this year. The winning submission is featured on HFNL's Heritage Day Poster, which promotes Heritage Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Once again, the judges had a very difficult time choosing the overall winner this year because of the quality of the submissions," said Mr. Chalker. "The teachers and students who participated have done an outstanding job of expressing their pride in the historic places found in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Melissa Taylor, a Grade 6 student at Templeton Academy in Meadows, was named the overall winner for her poster featuring the Blanchard Fishing Premises in McIvers. She was in St. John�s this morning, where she was presented with her original painting, professionally framed.

The winning submissions at each of the other grade levels were:

  • First Place, Senior High School � Jim O�Keefe of Placentia, Grade 12 (Laval High School);
  • First Place, Junior High School � Hannah Rumbolt of St. Anthony, Grade 8 (Harriot Curtis Collegiate); and,
  • First Place, Primary - Luc Strickland of Port Aux Basques, Grade 2 (St. James Elementary)
  • Poster contest judges were: Lesley-Ann Browne, Communications Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers� Association; Margaret Donavan, Tourism Industry Coordinator, City of St. John's; Janet McDonald, Communications Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Councill; Debbie O'Rielly, Acting Registrar, HFNL; and, Hilary Grant, Coordinator, Doors Open Newfoundland.

    Photos will be posted on the HFNL website at: www.heritagefoundation.ca.

    The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit Crown corporation which was established in 1984 to stimulate an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the architectural heritage of the province. The Heritage Canada Foundation promotes the third Monday in February each year as Heritage Day.

    In 2008-09, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation provided $550,000 to the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador; $200,000 for operations, $200,000 in restoration grants, $75,000 for fisheries heritage preservation and $75,000 for the province�s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) initiative.

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    Media contacts:

    Heather May
    Director of Communications
    Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
    709-729-0928, 697-5061
    heathermay@gov.nl.ca
    Peter Whittle
    Public Relations and Events Specialist
    Heritage Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador
    1-888-739-1892 ext. 6
    communications@heritagefoundation.ca 

    2009 02 16                                                      11:30 a.m.
     


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