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At age 69, Inuk artist Shirley Moorhouse is having a moment
At age 69, Inuk artist Shirley Moorhouse is having a moment

CBC

time5 days ago

  • Lifestyle
  • CBC

At age 69, Inuk artist Shirley Moorhouse is having a moment

"This is the ensemble of the lady who has everything," Shirley Moorhouse says, reaching for an opulent seal skin apron, which is pinned to the wall of her Happy Valley-Goose Bay studio. The 69-year-old Inuk artist is one of 30 artists on the long list for the 2025 Sobey Art Award. With a top prize of $100,000, it's among the most prestigious art awards in the country. "It's a full seal skin cut out in ulu shapes on the bottom. It's lined on the top with rabbit skin," she explains. "I made a seal skin oven glove that was lined with rabbit. And a little silver claw, which is absolutely useless." A handbag, a wine goblet and a pair of high heels — adorned with seal and rabbit skin — complete the look, Moorhouse says, along with the "most useless crown in the whole wide world." Lined with seal skin, this crown bears spikes made of barbecue skewers, all dipped in blue, black and silver beads. "I like lushness, you know," said Moorhouse. "Lushness and fullness and happiness and sparkles." In fact, Moorhouse seems to sparkle with joy — especially as her art career continues to take off. Moorhouse's solo exhibition, "ᐃᔨ -Eyes" is opening at The Rooms in St. John's on Tuesday. The exhibition is a retrospective, celebrating 30 years of her work. "To have one of your pieces shown at The Rooms is, you know, marvellous enough for me, but to have a solo exhibition in the main hall over the summer season when it's going to be busiest, and then to have publication after that, it's unreal," she said. That publication, Moorhouse explains, is an upcoming book showcasing her art, which is geared toward general and academic audiences. Her piece Canadian Sovereignty of the Northern Lights is also slated for display at the National Gallery of Canada this October. Moorhouse said she's blown away by all of the recognition. "The Sobey long list is just like a pot of gold a leprechaun left for me," she said. And although she's surprised by the sudden momentum of her art career, Moorhouse said that as an artist in Nunatsiavut, who worked for years to make inroads with artistic institutions, this also feels like a true moment of reconciliation. "Through this path, I'm coming up to 70 years old now," Moorhouse said. "A whole lot of streams, a whole lot of rivulets, [are] all finely braided into this particular time." Back to school at 65 Moorhouse was just a baby, blinking in her crib, when the first seed of her upcoming exhibition was planted. She said her grandmother took one look at her and called her ijiik, the Inuktitut word for "eyes." "I thought it meant originally about the shape of my eyes, but later I came to know it meant more," she said. "My eyes are grabbing the history around me, recording it, and I try to record it in any way possible that I can." As a child, Moorhouse said she kept busy creating, colouring and reading. But school was a challenge, and she ultimately dropped out of high school. Later, Moorhouse completed her high school diploma. Opportunity knocked in 1995, when the Labrador College — now known as the College of the North Atlantic in Happy Valley-Goose Bay — ran a two-year diploma course in heritage crafts. For her first project, Moorhouse created her very first wall hanging. That piece caught the eye of Mi'kmaq artist Jerry Evans, who was working on a book about Indigenous artists in the province at the time. Over the years, Moorhouse continued creating, writing poetry, producing more of her distinctive, renowned wall hangings, and occasionally exhibiting her work. But her career kicked into high gear a couple of years ago, when she pursued her master's degree in fine arts at Memorial University's Grenfell campus in Corner Brook. "I figured, well, I got to do something different. It was just my 65th birthday," she said. Heading back to school in her 60s wasn't exactly easy. Moorhouse had to get used to all the latest technology. But the inclusive Grenfell fine arts program was "just amazing," she said. "If I can do it, so can you," she said. Recognition a 'sign of reconciliation' for Indigenous artists Moorhouse looks around her studio, full of gratitude. This space is a recent development, secured through a grant from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. A ledge beneath her window holds enough space for "the acres and the mileage and the poundable of beads" used in her work. The windows are draped in shimmering, sheer tulle, resembling "gossamer thoughts, or gossamer colours caught in thoughts." Moorhouse said things have certainly changed for Nunatsiavut artists during her lifetime. When she began creating art, there was no recognition or help from the provincial and federal governments. She also says Inuit history was "basically ignored" in school curriculums, and Indigenous artists had to fight for space in artistic institutions. "Coming into The Rooms now as an Indigenous artist at my age, you know, it's a very satisfying period in my life. I'm more than satisfied. I'm grateful every day," she said. "The Indigenous people of Newfoundland and Labrador are finally getting recognition within the institutions that should have included us in the first place." With each new piece, Moorhouse said, she's also carrying on Inuit traditions her own family practiced for survival. "Now, you know, a couple of generations later, here I am doing it as art," she said. "Which is absolutely wonderful."

Rigolet: The place that stays with you
Rigolet: The place that stays with you

CBC

time6 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • CBC

Rigolet: The place that stays with you

There's just something about Rigolet. It's hard to explain if you haven't been. But it's easy to feel once you're there. It's in the stories told, the songs sung, and the way the community welcomes you in. Written by Amy Joy Jun. 1, 2025 Growing up in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Jamie Jackman and Matthew Barrett remember what it felt like when visiting artists came into their classroom. If you're from a rural place, you know that those experiences can stay with you. It can inspire you to dream about the places you'll go and the opportunities that are out there. But it can also give you a deeper appreciation of where you're from. Jackman and Barrett are best friends, and two of four members of Silver Wolf Band, whose folk rock songs are shaped by their home in Labrador; the land, the stories and the way of life. 'I know the world through writing music. Because it challenges me to look into my history, into geography, into social issues. It's the vessel that I've used to broaden my understanding of the world,' said Jackman. But their songwriting isn't only about exploring what it means to be a part of Labrador, it's about helping young people do the same. Part of their time on the road is spent in schools in coastal Labrador communities, working with students to co-create songs from scratch. They walk in with no lyrics, no melody, no plan — just a simple question: What's important to you? And in those answers, a song starts to take shape. 'Art is a way of expressing yourself, but it's also a way of making yourself known, making your presence felt in the world. Especially in Indigenous communities, art is such a spiritual thing, and we're spiritual people. It's a great way to connect yourself to the land,' said Jackman. Rigolet Magic Silver Wolf Band first visited Rigolet in 2019 to play at the Salmon Festival, an annual summer community celebration. Something about the place stayed with the group. It was more than a good show. Five years later, Jackman and Barrett returned to Rigolet to lead a songwriting workshop with students in kindergarten to Grade 3 at Northern Lights Academy. What started out as a single verse and chorus became something much bigger. The kids kept writing after the band left, adding new lines, performing it for the community and turning it into a local anthem, something that truly belonged to Rigolet. They called it Rigolet Magic. Rigolet Magic is a song co-written by Matthew Barrett, Jamie Jackman and students in kindergarten to Grade 3 from Northern Lights Academy. The experience left an impression on Jackman and Barrett. When an opportunity came up to work with a new group of students, they were all in. The magic wasn't just in the music — the magic was in Rigolet itself and the community members that welcomed them with open arms and hearts. The Sounds of Rigolet Part of understanding Rigolet is listening to it. That could be the sound of a snow mobile passing by, the crunch of the snow under your feet, the barks of a sled dog team in the distance, the wind coming off of the water. It could also sound like the buzz of a basketball or volleyball game in the school gym, or the cheers and chatter from a game of 120s at the community centre. But sometimes it's what you can't hear that stays with you. 'Everything was peaceful. Everything was quiet,' said elder Jack Shiwak, who has lived in Rigolet his whole life. Shiwak learned to trap with his father and brother, and although he has fond memories of time spent in the woods with them, he also cherishes the time he spends in the woods alone. He always makes time for a solo trip, just him and the land with no distractions or noise. I used to tell people — they'd ask what I was doing — and I'd say 'I'm listening to the snow.' I've never got that feeling anywhere else. There's something special about this place. Jack Shiwak The stillness in Rigolet is something even the younger generations in the community recognize and appreciate. 'It's good because you can't hear the cars going,' said 11-year-old Tristan Williams. 'It's peaceful. It's a nice recharge for your mind, so you don't get mad at everyone.' Out in the sandpit, as the locals call it, Williams, his 10-year-old brother Brayden, and their 12-year-old friend Elinor Shiwak are having a boil up. They've got all the essentials; marshmallows, hot dogs, snow boiled for tea. And the most important things: good conversation and a few laughs. Today they're giving each other advice on lighting fires, and more importantly how one should stay safe if ever in the presence of a lynx. 'They won't hunt anything bigger than them, but if you're a kid, they might try,' said Williams. In between their chatter, laughter and the stoking of the fire, it's clear to see what this really means to them. This isn't part of a school project, or a special occasion. It's just what their life looks like here and it's something they don't ever want to lose. 'Being on the land is important,' Williams said. 'So our culture don't get forgotten.' Hop on a spring snowmobile ride for an immersive journey through life on the northern coast of Labrador. Time at the cabin, throat singers, kids messing around and building a fire is part of the experience. Our tour guide in and out of the community of Rigolet, in Nunatsiavut, is CBC Labrador's John Gaudi. His documentary is called A Rigolet Ridealong. Not everyone in Rigolet was born here. Chelsea Flowers is originally from Cartwright, a small town on the south coast of Labrador. She came to Rigolet 10 years ago to teach at Northern Lights Academy, unaware that she'd fall head over heels for the place. 'I think I fell in love with Rigolet the very first day I got here. It felt like home instantly,' she said. She also fell in love with a person. Her now husband, Franklin Flowers. 'I met him playing volleyball,' Flowers laughed. 'Then he asked me to go for a ride after the game.' The couple left Rigolet briefly to explore life elsewhere, but just eight months later they realized they needed to get back. 'The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Or, I like to say, 'we don't even need grass up here. It's just all freedom,'' she said It's been ten years since they returned, and these days the sounds Flowers hears most is the non-stop chatter of two-year-old Kayden, full of questions and energy, along with the soft cooing of her baby, Jesse, the newest voice in town. There's comfort in knowing that her kids will grow up in this place, knowing that they're safe, and knowing that the whole community supports each other. And the lessons that she'll teach them are simple. 'That their community matters. That helping others matters. That respecting their elders and culture matters. That being around the land isn't just important, it makes you feel better. And that everything they need is right here,' she said. New voices, a new song Some places just have a way of pulling you back. So,when the opportunity came to return, it was an easy decision. 'Usually, in our workshops we have about 50 minutes to write a full song,' Barrett said, 'We always promise we'll have something by the end, and so far, we always have.' But this time, Barrett and Jackman stayed longer. And spent days, not minutes, in the classroom with the older students in Grades 7 to 12. And like any situation where you're getting to know people — let alone a couple of musicians who are kind of a big deal in these parts, things started out a little quiet. Everyone was a little shy. But then, the stories start to come out. About chopping wood, and sledding and skidooing. About laughing and being together. The little things that feel a little ordinary, until you start putting them into words. 'I hope they remember that they made something meaningful — something that came from them. And I hope they feel proud of it, because we sure are,' said Barrett. For Grade 11 student Misty Flowers-Sheppard, she hopes others who live on the coast will connect with their song. 'I feel like people will be inspired and people that live on the coast will like listening to it and especially people that moved away and don't live here anymore.' 'This song came together from a group of people being in a room together,' Jackman said. 'And now they have this memory. They're probably never going to forget it. And honestly, it's a beautiful memory for us, too.' Credits Writer and producer: Amy Joy Videography and photography: Mike Simms and Curtis Hicks Production editor: Mike Simms Copy editor: Mike Moore Audio documentary: John Gaudi Header image design: Brooke Schreiber About the Author Footer Links My Account Profile CBC Gem Newsletters Connect with CBC Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Mobile RSS Podcasts Contact CBC Submit Feedback Help Centre Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6 Toll-free (Canada only): 1-866-306-4636 TTY/Teletype writer: 1-866-220-6045 About CBC Corporate Info Sitemap Reuse & Permission Terms of Use Privacy Jobs Our Unions Independent Producers Political Ads Registry AdChoices Services Ombudsman Public Appearances Commercial Services CBC Shop Doing Business with Us Renting Facilities Accessibility It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. About CBC Accessibility Accessibility Feedback © 2025 CBC/Radio-Canada. All rights reserved. Visitez

Putting a face on the fight for search and rescue in Labrador
Putting a face on the fight for search and rescue in Labrador

CBC

time19-05-2025

  • General
  • CBC

Putting a face on the fight for search and rescue in Labrador

Advocacy groups and residents of Labrador are pleading for improved search and rescue off the coast of the Big Land in a new safety campaign called Faces of Fish Harvesters. Among them include a recreational boater whose grandson just started fishing offshore, the daughter of a fish harvester whose father's boat went missing in 1990, fish harvesters from both Labrador and the island of Newfoundland and the mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, who managed Labrador and St. Anthony coast guard radio services for twenty years. The Labrador Coalition for Search and Rescue coordinator Jeanette Russell started the campaign on April 23. Over 150 people have added their voice to the cause since, whether as a featured fish harvester of the day, or as someone with ties and connections to the Labrador coast. The root of the issue, Russell says, is the "Labrador SAR black zone." While Newfoundland has seven primary search and rescue stations and three in-shore rescue craft stations, Labrador has zero, she said. "When it comes down to the mandate of a primary search and rescue station … their only job is to do search and rescue. They're not required to do anything else," Russell told CBC News. Solely relying on secondary search and rescue resources, on the other hand, "comes down to being fortunate," she added. "You have to be lucky enough for the coast guard auxiliary vessel to be nearby," she said, referring to the volunteer-run arm of the Canadian Coast Guard. "Or possibly, if you're very lucky for a search and rescue lifeboat to be patrolling the area or for another vessel of opportunity to be in your vicinity to respond to a marine incident." As the mother of Marc Russell — a fish harvester who, alongside his crew mate Joey Jenkins, was lost at sea in 2021 — Jeanette Russell's fight for search and rescue resources in Labrador is personal. Since the death of her son, Russell has been lobbying politicians, advocating for change. So far, she said she doesn't feel she's being heard. But by highlighting the people connected to the Labrador coast, Russell aims to put more of a face on the issue. "Ottawa and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans have lost sight of who we're lobbying for," Russell said. "My effort today doesn't change what happened to Marc and Joey, but it can save future lives." Call for long-range, air-rescue helicopter in Labrador Jennifer Horsman, a former employee with the Canadian Coast Guard, is among those standing behind the campaign. "Labradorians are taxpayers. They deserve better service," said Horsman. "You know, it's a huge, vast region." Now based in New Brunswick, Horsman worked as a maritime search and rescue coordinator at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax between 2011 and 2021. Overseeing responses in Labrador was very tricky, she said, thanks to the region's remote terrain, challenging weather conditions and limited communications systems. Horsman's number one recommendation for the Canadian Coast Guard is to bring a Cormorant helicopter to Labrador. "Labrador is a huge coast, and to have a vessel that could cover the entirety of the coast, logistically, that might not be possible," Horsman said. "Whereas, you know, a helicopter can get on scene a lot faster." Horsman explained that Cormorants are long-range helicopters, capable of hoisting people from ships and remote locations on the coast. She said during her time with the coast guard, the provincial government often requested Cormorants for medical evacuations in Labrador, saying it could take 10 to 12 hours for the air-rescue helicopters to arrive. Horsman added that since the military oversees search and rescue in the country, she believes 5 Wing Goose Bay would be the ideal site for a permanent search and rescue station in Labrador. "They have existing infrastructure there in Goose Bay, there already is a squadron there. So it would just make sense," she said. 'They don't care about Labrador lives' Liberal MP Joanne Thompson, who is continuing her role as the federal minister of fisheries, declined CBC's interview request. But in a statement, the department said the safety of mariners and the protection of the marine environment are the top priorities of the Canadian Coast Guard. "Recognizing there are always improvements to be made, we are working collaboratively with our search and rescue partners, including Indigenous and coastal communities, to bolster marine emergency response capacity in Labrador," the statement reads. The department said the Canadian Coast Guard evaluated its search and rescue delivery on the Labrador coast in 2024, though a report is still being drafted. As well, the department pointed to the expansion of the volunteer-run Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in Labrador, the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Program, and the 24/7 marine radio communication service. With a new federal government in power, Russell hopes to secure meetings with federal MPs about the issue. But so far, she said, she's been met with a "lack of appetite" in Ottawa. "I don't know if I got to go up to Ottawa and chain myself onto the gates, or I don't know what it's going to take. But, to date, we're not getting anywhere," she said. "They don't care about Labrador lives, but our lives do matter. And we are going to have another catastrophe if they don't get something started." St. Lewis fish harvester Chad Strugnell, who's taken an active role in the campaign, agrees this is a matter of life and death. Without primary search and rescue, Strugnell said he worries about the response time to marine incidents, especially during winter when there are less vessels on the water. On top, he said, he's seeing more and more recreational boats on the Labrador coast lately. "It's very concerning. Every year that we go on the water, you know, it's in our minds," said Strugnell.

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