Media Release: Updated List of Endangered Crafts Released for Newfoundland and Labrador

Draught and sled dog equipment, the cobbling of shoes and boots, horseshoeing, and the making of elaborate ceremonial arches have all been placed on an updated list of endangered crafts for Newfoundland and Labrador.

St. John's, NL
For immediate release

Draught and sled dog equipment, the cobbling of shoes and boots, horseshoeing, and the making of elaborate ceremonial arches have all been placed on an updated list of endangered crafts for Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Heritage NL Craft at Risk List 2026 is designed to track changes in levels of local knowledge and to plan for the future. Concerned about the loss of traditional know-how, Heritage NL has been working to document crafts at risk and to encourage the sharing of heritage skills.

The Heritage NL Craft at Risk List 2026 features 82 crafts, 18 of which are listed as critically endangered. These include things such as draught and sled dog equipment, handbarrow and wheelbarrow making, and fish and seal oil pants. An additional 44 crafts are listed as endangered, while 16 crafts are listed as currently viable. Four crafts, including the recently listed celebratory arches, are listed as having become extinct in the last generation.

In 2026, The Rooms is showcasing Craft at Risk with a new exhibition in collaboration with Heritage NL. This exhibition runs from Fall 2026 to Fall 2027 and highlights some of the crafts from the Craft at Risk List. It shares items from the Rooms Collections, as well as the individuals keeping these traditions alive today. Throughout the fall, The Rooms and Heritage NL are also offering a series of three Craft at Risk workshops on basketmaking, rug hooking, and weaving.

“People in Newfoundland and Labrador have a long history of making with their hands,” says folklorist Dale Jarvis, Executive Director of Heritage NL. “But more than being just a part of our past, craft improves mental health, builds problem-solving skills, and connects us to authentic, sustainable skills for future community growth.”

“Heritage NL is dedicated to continuing this work, so future generations can continue to learn the crafts that shape our identity,” Jarvis adds.

Heritage NL Craft at Risk List 2026

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For more information or to arrange an interview contact:
Dale Jarvis, Executive Director 
dale@heritagenl.ca 
709-739-1892 x1 

Terra Barrett, ICH Program Planner
terra@heritagenl.ca
709-739-1892 x2

Heritage NL 
www.heritagecraft.ca

#CollectiveMemories Monday - Chip Bags and Memories

Photos of the framed chip bags and tickets. 

Photo courtesy of Kelly Jones.

On our trip out to Grand Falls-Windsor for the Memory Mug Up event back in July we were told the story behind the framed chip bags that hang in the Classic Theatre on High Street. Listen to the clip below to hear Shawn Feener, the owner/operator of the Classic Theatre, explain the story behind the tickets and chip bags.

What was the first movie you saw in theatres?
Or where was your first date?

~Terra Barrett

#CollectiveMemories Monday - Up-cycling Tin Cans

On our trip out to Grand Falls-Windsor for the Memory Mug Up we were told an interesting story about the slide projector in this photo. The event was held in July at the Classic Theatre as part of their Salmon Festival celebrations and there were six storytellers on stage. Shawn Feener, the owner/operator of the Classic Theatre and one of the story tellers, explained the story behind the slide projector. You may notice right away but it has been altered slightly with the addition of three tin cans. These were added so that the picture from the slide could reach the screen. Listen to the clip below to hear Shawn Feener and John Edwards explain the story of the tin can projector. What have you used tin cans for besides beans?!

~Terra Barrett

Share your heritage week story with #NLheritage

The third week of February is Heritage Week, and the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador wants you to share your local heritage stories on social media using #NLheritage.

“Social media is a great way to share what is happening with heritage in your community,” says Dale Jarvis, the province’s folklorist. “Tweet a heritage activity, Instagram a heritage building, share some aspect of local history that you love, and tag it using #NLheritage.”

The Heritage Week hashtag #NLheritage can be used by anyone to share stories, celebrate where you came from, and promote pride in the built heritage and intangible cultural heritage of the province.  The campaign starts Monday, February 20th, 2017, and continues all week.

Questions?  Call Dale Jarvis at 1-888-739-1892 x2 or email ich@heritagefoundation.ca