Meet Chantelle Evans, Nunatsiavut

Chantelle Evans will be speaking at the Amplifying Craft panel and the Coffee and Crafts Break at the upcoming heritage conference.

Chantelle Evans is the Arts Services Manager with the Nunatsiavut Government, where she plays a key role in supporting Inuit artists, preserving traditional art forms, and growing creative opportunities across Nunatsiavut. Based in her home community of Makkovik, Labrador, Chantelle brings a strong connection to Inuit culture, hands-on artistic experience, and a deep commitment to community-led arts development. With a background in Visual Arts and textile, Craft & Apparel Design, Chantelle has worked as both an artist and educator, specializing in contemporary garment design based on traditional wear. Her work has been featured in exhibitions such as SakKijâjuk: Art and Craft from Nunatsiavut, and she was selected to participate in Canada Goose’s Project Atigi, highlighting Indigenous designers. In her role as Arts Services Manager, Chantelle supports artists across the five Nunatsiavut communities working to preserve and grow Inuit artistic practices by fostering intergenerational knowledge sharing, coordinating arts funding, and building partnerships that increase visibility and support for Labrador Inuit artists. Her work is grounded in the belief that the arts are essential to cultural strength, community identity, and self-determination.

Working primarily with traditional materials and patterns, Chantelle blends cultural heritage with contemporary design, creating one-of-a- kind garments that reflect her personal style while honoring Inuit traditions. Her work is vibrant, process-driven, and deeply rooted in both community and craft. She holds a certificate in Textiles: Craft and Apparel Design from the Anna Templeton Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and has recently completed a weaving apprenticeship, further expanding her skills and creative approach. Her continued exploration of textile techniques allows her to design and produce contemporary garments that bridge traditional and modern aesthetics. Chantelle’s work has been featured in several high-profile projects, including commissioned pieces for Inuk Opera Singer Deantha Edmunds-Ramsay, Canada Goose’s Project Atigi, MMIWG initiatives, the Canada 150 Choir, the Ullugiagatsuk Choir, and the Inuktut Speak-Off. She also participated in the nationally touring exhibition SakKijâjuk: Art and Craft from Nunatsiavut and Dynamic Connections: Threads of Living Memory Exhibition. Chantelle continues to develop her practice, staying committed to creative expression that celebrates Inuit culture through evolving forms of textile art and fashion. Her most current works can be found on social media under Tautulle by Chantelle Evans

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about the Newfoundland and Labrador craft scene and its part in heritage.

For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/

Job Posting: Education and Training Coordinator

 Job Posting: Education and Training Coordinator

42 week position, 35hrs/wk, $20/hr

Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (Heritage NL) is seeking an Education and Training Coordinator to help develop and deliver a series of modules and mentorships targeted to: a) individuals involved in the architectural field who are interested in developing their knowledge of traditional building practices and restoration and; b) members of the public interested in developing knowledge and practice of traditional craft skills that are at risk of disappearing in the province.  The latter will include a business development component.  

Heritage NL is a provincial crown agency with a mandate to support the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s built heritage/historic places and the safeguarding of its Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).  It undertakes this mandate through designation and commemoration programs; funding programs for heritage preservation; the provision of technical expertise on conservation; research; community and public outreach, and support for a wide variety of ICH initiatives.  The agency will be developing and delivering a year-long program of training in traditional building skills along with traditional craft skills and knowledge at risk .

Qualifications for this position include a post-secondary degree in an appropriate field with a minimum of 3 years of experience in training/program delivery or a combination of education and experience of at least 5 years.  Knowledge of and experience in an arts administration field is an asset. Excellent computer skills required, including ability to do online research, manage social media accounts, power point presentations, and word processing.  A driver's license and occasional access to a car are assets.

Eligibility: 

• Must reside in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

• Must be unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours per week or in a field unrelated to their training). 

• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Newfoundland and Labrador. Temporary residents may be eligible if they are international graduates with a Post-graduate Work Permit or have an Open Work Permit. 

• Recent post-secondary graduates who have not found employment in their field. 

• Must not be receiving federal or provincial pensions, Workplace NL benefits, or other benefits. 

To apply, send cover letter and CV to:

Dale Jarvis, Executive Director, Heritage NL

dale@heritagenl.ca

DEADLINE: Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Meet Felicia Somolu, Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives

Felicia Somolu will be speaking in the Getting the Stories Out panel on Saturday, October 18th. 

Felicia Somolu is the Professional Development and Outreach Officer at ANLA. She holds a BA in Social Sciences from Glasgow Caledonia University and an MA in Folklore from Memorial University. With a particular interest in crafting traditions, material culture, folk and textile art were a primary focus of her adventures and research. These interests were further explored through her work with Heritage NL, where she helped design a comprehensive inventory of craft practitioners in the Humber Valley region and collaborations with knowledge keepers in Newfoundland and Labrador’s outport communities. Felicia brings experience in program coordination and graphic design and has past experience working at MUNFLA, First Light, and The Rooms.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about cost effective online resources available to institutions.

Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.

To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5

For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/

Meet Kate Wolforth, The Rooms

Kate Wolforth will be moderating the Women in Heritage keynote panel on Friday, Oct 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Kate Wolforth (she/her) holds a BFA from Concordia University and Masters in Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. Since 2019, she has been the Director of the Art Gallery, Museums and Visitor Experience Dept at The Rooms, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest cultural facility. She has worked in the cultural sector for over 25 years. With a background in exhibition development, interpretive planning and museum and arts education, Kate’s professional passion is ensuring that museums and art galleries are welcoming, inclusive spaces. She has facilitated numerous new partnerships for The Rooms, working collaboratively with her wonderful team of museum professionals to build new initiatives and audiences.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear the insights of many prominent figures in the heritage community.

Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.

To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5

For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/

Meet Melissa Tarrant, Craft Council NL

Melissa Tarrant will be speaking at the Bringing People In panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Melissa Tarrant is the Executive Director of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador where she is dedicated to advancing the province’s craft sector and supporting its vibrant community of craftspeople. With over 20 years of experience in arts, culture, and community engagement, she brings both strategic insight and creative passion to her role. A textile artist herself, Melissa has built a career that bridges artistic practice with arts leadership. She has extensive expertise in business development, strategic planning, partnership building, and program design. Committed to celebrating and strengthening the rich history of craft in Newfoundland and Labrador, Melissa also champions innovation and growth for the future. Her leadership is guided by the belief that craft strengthens communities, is integral to cultural identity, and is a vital economic driver in rural parts of the province.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about how organizations can open themselves up to a more diverse audience.

Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.

To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5

For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/

Meet Kim Shipp, Johnson Geo Centre

Kim Shipp will be speaking at the Bringing People In panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Over 30 years, Kim has dedicated herself to work in the cultural sector in both Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. She has held leadership roles in historic sites and museums and now serves as Director of Memorial’s Botanical Garden and Johnson Geo Centre, while also overseeing operations of Memorial’s Conference and Events Services and the Newfoundland Quarterly. Kim is filled with gratitude to work with these passionate teams who spark curiosity about science, who create a sense of wonder about the natural world, and who craft amazing guest experiences that connect us all. Kim received her BA from the University of Toronto, and her MA from Western University. She lives in St. John’s with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and two cats.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about how organizations can open themselves up to a more diverse audience.

Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.

To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5

For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/

Speaker Introduction- Victoria Mathews, Heritage NL

Victoria Mathews will be speaking in the Getting the Stories Out panel on Saturday, October 18th. 

Victoria Mathews is a member of Heritage NL’s team working on the Heritage Conference. She handles communications, research, and Heritage NL’s promotion for the event. 

 She is a recent graduate from Algonquin College’s Applied Museum Studies program in Ottawa and moved to Newfoundland in December. Having worked in multiple museums in Ontario, she is happy to be a part of the vibrant heritage scene in Newfoundland and Labrador. Throughout school and her career, she has worked with a variety of useful online resources and tools, with a focus on budget-friendly options.  

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about cost-effective online resources available to institutions.

Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.

To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5

For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/

Speaker Introduction - Bruno Vinhas on Amplifying Craft

Bruno Vinhas will be speaking at the Amplifying Craft panel on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Originally from the unceded stolen land of the Tupinambá people, culturally influenced by Africans from the Bight of Benin or Central Africa who were robbed of their rights and enslaved in the country known as Brazil (Pindotetama), Bruno Vinhas’s journey as a curator, arts administrator, and cultural connector has always been shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and care. With a background in Cultural Tourism and Textile Craft & Apparel Design, he has found purpose in using creative work to bridge communities, spark conversations, and shift narratives. He brings to his practice a combination of resilience, curiosity, and care—qualities shaped by his experiences as a queer, Latin immigrant living and working in Atlantic Canada. He learned to turn difference into strength, using his positions to elevate others and to question who has access to cultural spaces.

From 2017 to 2024, Bruno served in progressive roles at the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, including as Gallery Director (2017-2022) and later Director of Events and Outreach (2022-2024). He has installed and curated over 60 exhibitions at the Craft Council of NL, The Rooms, Eastern Edge Gallery and the Quidi Vidi Artisan Village. One of his projects to develop emerging craft voices was the creation a partnership between the Craft Council Gallery and the College of the North Atlantic Textile’s program, in 2018, to exhibit their graduation show in a professional gallery space with mentorship components to the students and was a consultant on the development of the Emerging Curators Program for the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, 2025. He also implemented large-scale programming such as the Craft Conversation series during the pandemic, and worked on national initiatives such as the Northern Lights, in Ottawa, Made in Canada: Sustainable Fibre Arts Conference 2024, hosted in Gros Morne, the Baffin Chamber trade Show (Iqualuit, Nunavut) and Labrador Expo (Happy Valley Goose Bay, NL). He developed new programs for accessibility during his time at the Craft Council of NL, such as the Whisper Program, a dedicated program for blind and visually impaired patrons to enjoy the gallery exhibitions; dedicated sensory aware time for patrons in the spectrum; SENSORIUS—the first local exhibition focusing on work created for the disabled-identified community with their support along the curatorial process.

 
At the heart of his work is the belief that craft can be a tool for empowerment, healing, and cultural continuity - especially in underrepresented or rural communities. Much of his practice has centered around creating accessible, collaborative spaces for artists to grow, share knowledge, and celebrate identity. His practice focuses on the promotion and development of the craft community and makes room for diverse cultural narratives.

 
His curatorial work expanded internationally with Collect Art Fair’s exhibitions Here + Now: Collected Works from Canada’s Atlantic Coast and Connecting Culture + Landscape Through Water, held at Somerset House, London in 2024/2025, respectively, showcasing Atlantic Canadian craft on a global stage through Craft Alliance Atlantic Association. In 2024, he was appointed Manager of the Export Program at Craft Alliance, where he continues to support craft artists in accessing international markets.
He has also contributed to the craft sector development through Canada Council peer assessments and authored articles in Studio Magazine (Canada) and Unsustainable Magazine (Australia). Recognition such as the 2023 Mary MacDonald Award from VANL/CARFAC affirms his impact in championing craft practices and cultural equity.

 
Receiving the Mary MacDonald Award was a powerful affirmation, but what matters most to him is the network of artists, cultural workers, and communities that he has supported and learned from. Their trust and collaboration are the real rewards—and they are what fuel my continued commitment to work in the cultural craft sector.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about the Newfoundland and Labrador craft scene and its part in heritage.

Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.

To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5

For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/

Speaker Introduction - Neddal Ayad on Bringing People In

Neddal Ayad will be speaking at the Bringing People In panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Neddal Ayad (He/Him) is the Settlement Services Coordinator at the Association For New Canadians, where he assists and supports newcomers to Canada in their first months post-arrival and beyond. He has longstanding ties to the GLAM sector, having worked in libraries in New Zealand and Newfoundland, served as co-chair of the board of directors for Eastern Edge Artist Run Centre, and as a photographer and editor with a small heritage consulting firm.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about how organizations can open themselves up to a more diverse audience.

Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.

To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5

For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/