Judgement time at a costume contest.

The Labrador Society is an association of Labrador expatriates and other "friends of Labrador", based in Ottawa, but with members and guests from across Ontario, Quebec, and beyond.

The Society was born from a get-together of the informal Labrador network in Ottawa in 1991 that everyone agreed should be an annual event. (See article.) A second successful dinner was held in 1992, and each April ever since. The Labrador Society Annual Reunion Dinner and Dance is our premier event. With Labrador Senator Bill Rompkey we co-host a Labrador Christmas Party each year, during the first week of December. The Society has helped bring Labrador entertainers such as Labrador Black Spruce, Shirley Montague, and Harry Martin to perform in Ottawa. We have also participated in special events such a lecture by Ron Rompkey (author of "Grenfell of Labrador"), a talk by the late Elliott Merrick (author of "Northern Nurse", "True North", and other works) and an exhibition of Labrador arts and crafts by The Birches Gallery.

Through our events we create a little bit of Labrador away from home, and enjoy some home-style fun. The annual Reunion and Christmas party feature auctions of traditional crafts and food and entertainment from our local talent. [PHOTO GALLERY]

But the Society has a serious side as well. Proceeds from the Reunion and other events are used for a variety of purposes back home in Labrador, with a focus on education and literacy.

The Society's objectives are:

1. carry on educational activities to promote an awareness and understanding of Labrador, its people and its culture amongst Canadians at large,

2. promote and assist in the development of Labrador artists and artisans and their work, and

3. In the furtherance of the foresaid, to encourage other Canadian Organizations with similar aims and objectives to do the same.

The Society's contributions to date include:

1995-1996: Them Days Magazine

1996-1997: School or community libraries in Hopedale, Mary's Harbour, and Rigolet.

1997-1998: School or community libraries in Davis Inlet, Nain, North West River, and Sheshatshit

1998-1999: School or community libraries in Postville, Black Tickle and Cartwright.

1999-2000: School or community libraries in Red Bay, Makkovik, and Forteau; and gift-in-kind to the North West River Heritage Museum.

2000-2001: School or community libraries in Port Hope Simpson, Charlottetown, and Mud Lake.

2001-2002: School or community libraries in William's Harbour, St. Lewis, West St. Modeste, and Pinsent's Arm.

2002-2003: School or community libraries in L'anse au Loup, Mary's Harbour, Norman Bay, and Lodge Bay, Labrador Christian Youth Camp, and gift-in-kind to the Labrador Straits Family Resource Centre.

Labrador Society Annual Reunion Dinner and Dance: May 11, 2002 (Coincides with the Ottawa Tulip Festival), Ottawa-Carleton Police Association Hall, 141 Catherine Street, Ottawa (between the YMCA and Bank Street.) Doors/cocktails at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00, program begins at 8:00. Great prizes, unique items from Labrador! Tickets required in advance, only $25. Call or email to order before they sell out!!!.

Barbeque/Picnic: September 2002, Ottawa, details TBA.

Labrador Christmas Party: Friday, December 6, 2002, Ottawa, details TBA.

Labrador Society AGM, Election of Officers, and Potluck Supper: February 2003, details TBA. Free admission.

TO CONTACT THE LABRADOR SOCIETY AND TO PURCHASE REUNION TICKETS:
Write: The Labrador Society, c/o 94-820 Cahill Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1V 9K4
Call: (613) 733-1624
Email: es131@ncf.ca