Dr. Hans Rollman, Department of Religious Studies, and Patty Way, a geneaological researcher from Labrador, participated in a Nunatsiavut Government-organized heritage forum recently. Both are team members of the Faculty of Arts’ CURA-funded project Understanding the Past to Build the Future. The project is directed by Dr. Lisa Rankin, the faculty's interim dean.

Convened under the theme Best Practices Through Partnerships, the forum was held May 7-10 in the coastal community of Makkovik. The event brought together community representatives, Nunatsiavut Government officials -- including David Lough, director, of the Torngasok Cultural Centre -- archaeologist Dr. Jamie Brake and members of the public.

During his presentation, Dr. Rollman discussed how historic Moravian maps and Inuit place names on these maps can contribute toward historical, archaeological and cultural research as well as language recovery and heritage development. He also examined the role graveyards played in the 18th and 19th centuries and how the unique Moravian burial traditions and locales can be featured in heritage and tourism.

Ms. Way’s presentation concerned the importance of genealogy for understanding and promoting Labrador’s heritage.

The forum was moderated by Jon Beale of the Nunatsiavut Government.

Forum members also participated in a lively “show and tell” session at the Johann Christian Erhardt School in Makkovik and enjoyed a musical afternoon and other heritage presentations.