William Epps Cormack.

Credited as being the first white man to walk the entire length of the Island of Newfoundland, Cormack sought out to establish friendly contact with the native Beothuk Indians> He commenced his journey with a Mic mac guide named Joseph Sylvester at Random Barr, near the bridge to Random Island. He failed in his mission largely due to the uncooperativeness of his mic mac guide

John August

In August of 1768, a young Beothuk boy was spotted by fishermen along with his mother near Red Indian lake. The woman was killed and the boy was taken captive. Records show the boy was around the age of four at the time of his capture. He was given the English name of John August, because he was captured in August. Records also show that in 1785, Ausgust was employed with a Mr. Child who was an agent for Jeffrey and Street in Catalina. He went on to become Master of a fishing vessel in Trinity, and it is believed that every fall he would travel to the interior to visit his people. August died October 29th 1788 and was interned at the Anglican cemetary in Trinity.
In 1771, another child of the Beothuk tribe came to reside in trinity. A young girl named Oubee was 12 when she was taken by fishermen near Charles Brook. It was alleged that she was taken in a confrontation over the theft of salmon nets. A Beothuk man was apparently killed, a young boy was also injured. She was taken to live with Thomas Stone of Trinity. In 1793, Stone moved back to England, and brought Oubee with them. Oubee Died and was buried in England

Home away from Home

Last year I had the pleasure of staying at Blueberry Hills B&B in Cavendish Newfoundland. The Resort is owned by Jim and Barb Jackson. During my stay, my wife and I were treated with hospitality that was second to nothing that I have seen. As a special treat we enjoyed the company of Fifi which is the couples Newfoundland Dog. She is as friendly and charming as she is large. We stayed at the honeymoon suite which has a large luxurious heart shaped jakuzzi. The home cooked breakfast that we were given was a pure delight. My wife and I look forward to the day when we will return to cavendish and spend another few days at Blueberry hills B&B

The Best of Newfoundland on the web

After I discovered www.nl4u.ca, I can saftly say that this is Newfoundland & Labrador's most useful website. I have often struggled to find government websites, Highway cams, Road reports, School reports, Newfoundland recipes, and other topics related to this province. This site offers insightful articles plus all of the things I just mentioned. I have set it as my homepage because you can do everything you need right from that page. You can even do a Google search, or get to your email. Finally someones has had the insight to put all the resources of the web where they can be found easily.

The Newfoundland Seal Harvest

Since 1723, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have been going to the ice in search of seals. Five countries take part in the hunt, of which Canada is the largest participant. Seals are harvested for their pelts, meat and blubber. However, probably the most important reason for the hunt is to ensure that populations do not reach levels which will threaten the already fragile cod stocks. Several groups have successfully managed to fuel the “ant sealing campaign”. They do so by spreading outdated and ambiguous information. Today the harp seal population has reached an estimated 9.5 million animals. The department of fisheries and oceans last year therefore, set the anual quota at 270,000. Despite propaganda to the contrary, the harp seal is not now, nor has it ever been, an endangered species. Also, under the marine mamals act, the harvest and trade of white coat “baby seals” have not been allowed since 1987. Yet, some groups continue to mislead the public by propogating this story. Another unnoticed fact is that sealers today, use rifles, not clubs to harvest seals. Regardless of all the emotions, not to mention money that the anti sealing campaign manages to stir up, the fact remains, it is no more barbaric than the harvest of any other animal, be it chickens, pigs, or cows.

1949, the Sunset of a nation

On March 31, 1949, the sun when down on the proud but struggling Nation of Newfoundland and Labrador. With the dawning of the next day, the early settlers awakened to the realization that they were a part of a much larger picture. Overnight they had become Canadian. Joseph R Smallwood was the first premier of the new Canada’s newest province. He soon realized that it took more than a stroke of a pen to change the hearts and minds of these proud people. Many recognized that with Confederation came the promise of a greater prosperity. They also recognized that this prosperity would not come without a price. No other circumstance in this provinces history has been more divisive than that of Confederation. This issue has destroyed friendships, and torn families apart in a debate continues today.

On August 5 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert formally claimed Newfoundland on behalf of Great Britain. After that the fishing admirals looked after the colonies affairs. However, by the 1860’s, Newfoundland’s population had expanded to 140, 000. A strong argument was made for a Responsible government. Eventually Britain gave into pressure and awarded the colony a full responsible government in 1855.

The first attempt at Confederation came in August of 1864, at the Charlettetown conference. However, it was assumed that Newfoundland would not be interested, and therefore not invited to attend. Another conference was held in October that same year. This time two Newfoundlanders were present, but as observers only. Several attempts were made after that, but little benefits could be seen from having to pay Canada’s high taxes.

World War I took its toll on Newfoundland’s economy and population and by the 1930’s it had acquired a 100 million dollar debt. Times were hard and some considered it time to take a more serious look at either joining with Canada, or the United States. Peter Cashin made the argument to continue with a Responsible government, while a young journalist named Joseph (Joey) Smallwood led the cause for Confederation. A bitter debate ensued
And after the two referendums in 1948, the decision was made to become Canada’s youngest province. Just before midnight on March 31 1949 negotiations were finalized. A day later we were officially welcomed into the Canadian family.



"I say to you, that there is in operation at the present time a conspiracy to sell,
and I use the word sell advisedly, this country to the Dominion of Canada. Watch in
particular the attractive bait which will be held out to lure our country into the
Canadian mousetrap. Listen to their flowery sales talk which will be offered to you;
telling Newfoundlanders they’re a lost people, that our only hope, our only
salvation, lies in following a new Moses into the promise land across the Cabot
Strait."
- Major Peter Cashin, May 19, 1947

The Newfoundland Pony

Since Cabot's arrival on the rugged coast of Newfoundland in 1497, this Island has become home to several breeds of animals, which have become unique to this neck of the woods. There is of course the Newfoundland dog, the not so well known Newfoundland sheep, and the beautiful and Majestic Newfoundland pony. Early settlers to this land had a strong connection to this animal. It proved to be very rugged and well suited to the Islands harsh environment. This particular animal resulted from the breeding of the welsh pony and the New forest pony. The result was a strong hardy animal, that served as a beast of burden for the early settlers. Today there a few of these animals still around. Some have taken the initiative to try and bring these animals back from extinction. Otherwise this province will suffer great loss

Contact the Newfoundland Pony Society for more information