This past summer, Perry’s Point here in Newtown, Newfoundland & Labrador received a new addition. A project of the Cape Freels Development Association, this information display is a reminder and a history lesson to all about the first people who inhabited this area: the Beothuks.
I will let the display speak for itself.
Please read to learn more about this fascinating First Nation.
Thank you to the Cape Freels Association, Winston Perry, and to anyone else involved in this worthy initiative.
As it happened, earlier this year I read The Last Beothuk, the newest release by local author Gary Collins. I wholly recommend this historical novel to anyone interested in learning more about the way of life of these indigenous people and what ultimately became of them.
Inspired by True Events:
“Long after Demasduit’s skull has been stolen from her grave, and years after Shanawdithit has died, one Beothuk and his family survive.
Bursting out of the pages of Newfoundland history appears Kop, the last true Beothuk.
When all the other members of his tribe are exterminated by the Europeans, Kop seeks revenge against the Unwanted Ones.
Hidden among the Bear Clan of the Mi’kmaq, the Beothuk strikes back.
Follow Kop on his trail of defiance against the European marauders upon his Island. See what becomes of a man who has nothing to lose or live for.
Stay with him on a hundred trails and sit with him across the smoke of a hundred campfires. You will not only weep for the last Beothuk—you will cheer him on as he pushes back against the Unwanted Ones.”
Fascinating history Jennifer, it’s good that they are being remembered.
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It is important that they are being remembered, Andrea. After all, this was their homeland first.
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There are so few original tribes left anywhere in the world. Progress seems to equate with their destruction. What a wonderful reminder–and that book looks excellent. I’m clicking over to check it out.
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Progress, or our definition of it, comes at a great price for many of our indigenous peoples.
I really enjoyed the book, Jacqui. Your latest reminded me of it too!
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Thanks for sharing, Jennifer. Of course, now I need to read his book.
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Well worth your time, Connie. 😊
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Sounds fascinating!
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I find it a fascinating piece of history, though another sad commentary in the treatment of indigenous peoples by the Europeans.
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