Executive Council
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
December 2, 2011

Home from the Sea Campaign to Receive up to $500,000 from the Provincial Government

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, participated in the launch of the Home from the Sea Campaign today, an initiative which will see the creation of a permanent memorial site in the Town of Elliston to commemorate those who have lost their lives in the seal fishery. Premier Dunderdale presented a cheque for $365,000 at the launch event, adding to the $730,000 already raised by campaign organizers. The Provincial Government has committed to matching one dollar for every two dollars raised by the Home from the Sea Campaign, up to a maximum of $500,000.

"Sealing has been a way of life in Newfoundland and Labrador for hundreds of years and has contributed significantly to our economy, society, and culture,” said Premier Dunderdale. “I commend the Home from the Sea Campaign Committee and the Elliston Heritage Foundation for its vision and dedication in initiating this project. This memorial will provide an important opportunity for both residents and visitors to commemorate the lives of sealers lost as they worked to earn a living from the sea, particularly the 251 men who lost their lives in the tragic sealing disasters of 1914.”

The Town of Elliston will be home to the memorial site. The plans are for the site to include a memorial sculpture, and an interpretative centre and walk. The site is expected to be open to the public in spring 2014.

“The proposed location of the memorial in Elliston is quite fitting considering that the town lost eight men in the sealing disasters of 1914,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “This project is one of many the people of Elliston have undertaken to preserve our heritage and culture. Their efforts are to be commended.”

Glen Little, MHA for Bonavista South, agrees that Elliston is an ideal location for the memorial.

“Elliston is a community that is steeped in sealing history,” said Mr. Little. “Residents in Elliston who are involved with the memorial project understand the significance of the sealing industry and its affects on the many families and communities throughout the province. Their commitment to this memorial will help to preserve an important part of our heritage.”

Joining Premier Dunderdale and Minister Dalley for today's launch were the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, His Honour, the Honourable John C. Crosbie, and Chris Collingwood and Leo Power, Co-Chairs of the Home from the Sea Campaign Committee.

“The Provincial Government’s leadership in supporting this project will further our mission to recognize the importance of the seal fishery to Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Chris Collingwood, Co-Chair, Home from the Sea Campaign. “The tragic sealing disasters of 1914 must not go unmarked. We must continue to educate present and future generations about those whose sacrifices laid the foundation for our present prosperity.”

The goal of the campaign is to raise a total of $2 million. For more information about the Home from the Sea Sealers Memorial and Interpretation Centre, visit www.homefromthesea.ca

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Media contacts:

Glenda Power Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 glendapower@gov.nl.ca	Milly Brown Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 631-8477 millybrown@gov.nl.ca
Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca	Michelle Cannizzaro Sealers Memorial Campaign Coordinator Home from the Sea Memorial Campaign 709-753-0794 ext. 29 mcannizzaro@homefromthesea.ca
Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-0898, 697-1424 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca

2011 12 02             10:45 a.m.