I arrived in Nain Labrador early in the summer of 1976. I stayed with the Voisey family, George and Elsie and their son Henry. I had no idea what the deal was between the Voisey’s and Memorial University but it turned out to be an experience I’d never forget. As I entered their small modest home Henry went to his room and gathered up his belonging and said that this is where I’d be sleeping…. in his bed. I said no I wouldn’t have it and he dropped his belongings, relieved I think. In the evenings after tea I’d roll out my sleeping pad on the kitchen floor next to the oil and wood stove where Elsie spent most of her time, it was spotless. I usually awoke early as Elsie tip toed around me trying to get breakfast on the go, often I’d wake to the entire family sitting around the table having tea politely ignoring the elephant in the room.

During the days I would spend my time at the Craft Centers, Igloo, as it was known. The Newfoundland governments “LSD” (Labrador Services Division) department had designed and constructed a two story building in the shape of an igloo. It had  window that leaked constantly in very top of the roof , it was dark an had no insulation so it was only designed to greet tourists that arrived by ship during the spring, summer and fall. I was to use the downstairs to host a summer of creative workshops for the local children and it was a hit for the kids at least. The parents didn’t appreciate their children arriving home in the evening covered in paint. Upstairs was the Nain Craft Councils space where they bought crafts from the community and sold them to tourists.

Rosie Ford, Katie Decker, Mirium Fox and Gilbert Hay were the council, there were others but these were the core group. I spent a lot of time upstairs when things were slow downstairs and I got to know the group pretty well especially Rosie Ford who took her role as Chair Person very seriously. Rosie was obviously the driving force behind the craft group and the others were producers of traditional skin boots, mitts and duffle apparel. Gilbert sold carvings and was very skilled. Gilbert explained that he divided his life between hunting and carving providing for his family. As time went on the council approached me and asked me to stay in Nain to help them “get ahead” as Rosie would say. Rosie and her husband Joe Ford offered me a small cabin next to their house and meals if I’d stay for a year and I said I’d love to. It was time to “buck up” as my father would say.