Statue creator speaks at Interpretation Centre

The statue known as Spirit of the Beothuk sits overlooking the Beothuk Site at Boyd's Cove. Recently statue creator and well-known Newfoundland artist Gerald Squires was at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre talking about the evolution of the statue.

"It was a honour and a great privilege to offer the slide presentation and lecture by Gerald Squires," said Karen LeDrew-Day, museum technician/site manager at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre. "Gerald has a special connection with the Boyd's Cove site since the making of the Spirit of The Beothuk statue that stands on our trail. Much of his remarkable artwork is also depicted in various Beothuk text."

Mr. Squires said he was originally taken back by the request from Ms. LeDrew-Day.

"I knew she would want me to talk about the Beothuk because you don't feel like talking about anything else in here because it is almost like a holy place, almost like a little church dedicated to these people," said Mr. Squires. "The Beothuk part of my output has been relatively small in comparison to my other interests."

A modest Mr. Squires describes his contribution as small and insignificant in relation to the Beothuk Interpretation Centre and the establishment of the Beothuk Institute, Ingeborg Marshall's book and Ralph Pastore's dig at Boyd's Cove.

"My contribution is just a little statue," he said. "It adds to it, I realize that, but it is hard for me to take any real credit in that sense."

But Mr. Squires did agree to visit the centre and schedule presentations to school groups as well as one for the public.

Ms. LeDrew-Day had school groups lining up for the opportunity to hear Mr. Squires. He said that the students had some really interesting questions. In fact he said it was more of a discussion than a question and answer session.

Ms. LeDrew-Day was pleased with the program offered to visitors by Mr. Squires.

"The program was truly a success. The feedback from teachers, students and the public was quite positive," she said. "I wanted to offer a program to schools and the public that was of a different perspective. When Gerry agreed Lisa (Fudge) and I were elated."

Those taking in Mr. Squires presentation were equally a impressed. One of those present was Horace Lane who sits on the Central Newfoundland Beothuk Institute Board.

Mr. Lane was a member of the board when they fundraised for the statue.

"I was on that original board back around 1999 or 2000, "said Mr. Lane. "That board basically is now based in Central."

He said he was pleased to have had the opportunity to take in Mr. Squires presentation.

"It is an opportunity to celebrate the Beothuk and to honour them and having someone of Gerald's stature promote that has been really, really good," said Mr. Lane. "I had the good fortune of meeting Gerald personally about 10 years ago but what I didn't know is how varied of an interest he had in art, the different aspects - oil, sculpturing - a great artist."

Doctor John Sheldon has a great interest in the Beothuk. He also sat in on Mr. Squires presentation.

"I thought it was absolutely marvelous," said Dr. Sheldon. "I heard him before here once but this was all encompassing. I am really thrilled to be here."

Dr. Sheldon was at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre at the unveiling of the statue back in 2000.

"He spoke on (how the statue came to being) at that time but to hear him go over it all again, it was wonderful," said Dr. Sheldon. "I have always longed, but have never done it, to come out and see her (the statue) covered in snow. I don't know if anybody does walk out there in the snow but I've often thought that she must look absolutely beautiful."

Fran Burry lives in Boyd's Cove and is a frequent walker of the trail. She said the opportunity to finally get to meet the Spirit of the Beothuk creator "made my year."

"I walk down and see the statue quite often and it touches your soul, it really touches your soul," said Mr. Burry.

With the Beothuk Interpretation Centre and the statue, Ms. Burry said it is a real pleasure to call Boyd's Cove home.

André Richard is a teacher at Riverwood Academy. He was one of two teachers who accompanied the junior high students at Riverwood Academy to the Beothuk Interpretation Centre for Mr. Squires presentation. Mr. Richard said it was quite the opportunity for his students to have the opportunity to meet Gerald Squires.

"I thought it was very informative. I wanted to take more students to it because Gerald Squires is one of Newfoundland's best artists," said Mr. Richard. "All of my students always go down there when we are doing the Beothuk and they always take in the statue."

Mr. Richard said this group of students were able to get a better appreciation of how the statue came about.

"What I really like is how he took it from one simple idea, how he got inspired and how he developed it over the five to 10 years to took to put it there," said Mr. Richard.

Mr. Richard said a lot of the students didn't realize who Gerald Squires was, but had heard of him. He said they couldn't believe the works that Mr. Squires had done.

Over the last five years Mr. Richard has been bringing students to the Beothuk Interpretation Centre.

"It gives a lot of realistic interpretation of who the Beothuk were, it gives students a real appreciation that yeah these people were actually here at this site," said Mr. Richard. "The staff over there (Beothuk Interpretation Centre) are really supportive."

Ms. LeDrew-Day said the staff at the centre would like to be able to have more guests like Mr. Squires visit the facility and speak to the public.

"It is truly an honour to be able to focus on special programs and the history of the Beothuk, thus heightening their awareness of our unique and beautiful culture," she said. "There are many schools in this area that support us each year. Their visits are a highlight of the season and we appreciate this interest immensely."