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/

Speaker Introduction - Carole Spicer of the Pasadena Heritage Society

Carole Spicer will be speaking in the Amplifying Craft panel on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

A descendant of Midland’s original settlers, Carole is deeply committed to preserving the community’s rich heritage. The Pasadena Heritage Society – NL began in 2014 as an advisory committee to the Town of Pasadena; Carole has served as its sole Chairperson. Under her leadership, the organization was incorporated in 2022 and has since developed a strategic plan, implemented governance policies, and built a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

Carole is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), Certified Service Manager (CSM), and holds a Global Certificate in Public Participation. Her professional expertise spans facilitation, strategic planning, project management, community engagement, and meeting management. As the founder of Spicer Facilitation, she empowers individuals, governments, and organizations through customized training and collaborative solutions. A certified master trainer, Carole excels in creating dynamic learning environments that foster meaningful connections and lasting impact.

Known for her storytelling and relationship-building skills, Carole brings warmth, clarity, and vision to every initiative she leads. She also serves as Secretary of the Pasadena Public Library Board and is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and civic involvement.

Residing in Pasadena with her husband Tim and their cats, Patches and Pepper, Carole enjoys snowshoeing, reading, swimming, and researching her family tree. Her dedication to heritage, community, and continuous growth makes her an invaluable leader within the Society and beyond.

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 - Sherry House of NONIA

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

Sherry House is the Business Manager/Executive Director of NONIA. She has worked for many years in
the arts and cultural sector, and is very passionate about sharing our traditions.

Founded in 1920, the Newfoundland Outport Nursing and Industrial Association (NONIA) was established to assist Newfoundland outport communities to access health services, by raising money from the sale of handknit garments to pay the salaries of public health nurses. In 1934 the Government decided to take over paying the nurses salaries but NONIA continued on as a cottage industry, proving an outlet for knitters to supplement their family income through this traditional method. Today, NONIA is still a social enterprise with over 100 knitters throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and we continue our work to celebrate and preserve the craft.

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 - Courtney Abbott and MentorAbility

Courtney Abbott will be speaking on the "Training Opportunities for Inclusion and Diversity" panel on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Courtney is the Regional Coordinator for MentorAbility Newfoundland and Labrador, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusive mentorship opportunities that bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. Courtney works closely with businesses to share how to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that benefit all workers. Her work is driven by a commitment to cultivating meaningful relationships, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or ability, have access to valuable employment opportunities.

Courtney has previous experience working as a job coach and as community connector, where she was responsible for implementing Avalon Employment’s brand-new program for neurodiverse clients. She is passionate about making meaningful connections that benefit both job seekers and the business community. Courtney has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and recently graduated with her diploma in Human Resource Management. She is also a big believer in giving back to the community and has been a volunteer with her local hospital since 2013 and Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2018. In her spare time, she can be found exploring Newfoundland with her camera in hand or playing with her cats.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about opportunities for your organization to grow with diversity and Inclusion.

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 Megan Marshall, Avalon Employment

Megan Marshall will be speaking on the "Training Opportunities for Inclusion and Diversity" panel on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Megan Marshall is a committed advocate with extensive experience in disability advocacy, program development and implementation, and case management. In 2020, she joined Avalon Employment Inc. (AEI), where she played a key role in developing and launching the Autism Employment Pilot Project. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Megan began her involvement with the disability community at a young age while working in her family’s business, where she provided essential services in therapeutic recreation and adapted physical education for individuals with complex physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Holding certifications in Developmental Services and Horticulture Therapy, and having completed training in Auticon’s NeuroPositive Ambassador Program, her career includes leadership positions focused on supporting and advocating for individuals with Autism. Megan has experience in reaching individuals from early childhood through senior years. Since 2000, Megan has had a substantial impact on those in residential care, the education system, and pre-employment settings. Upon her move to St. John’s, Newfoundland, she began a decade-long leadership role at the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. She was nominated for the YWCA Woman of the Year for Social and Community Development in 2019, which reflects her influential advocacy efforts. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Megan has actively contributed to her community by serving on the Board of Directors for Bridges to Hope Food Bank in St. John’s from 2016-2021, where she held the positions of Secretary and Program Chair. Furthermore, she contributed to AEI’s recognition for best practices in diversity and inclusion by the Zero Project (United Nations, 2021) through her leadership in the Autism Employment Project. Megan employs a person-centred, holistic, and skills-focused approach to her work, seeking to connect qualified Autistic job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. She also guides employers on best practices for inclusion, fostering supportive workplace environments. Megan is a strong proponent of diligent work, collaboration, and mutual accountability, which she considers essential for achieving true inclusion within the Autistic community.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about opportunities for your organization to grow with diversity and Inclusion.

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 - Rebecca Ralph, Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society

Rebecca Ralph will be speaking in the Peer Share Panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Rebecca Ralph, who is from Traytown, NL, completed her BAH (2011) and MA (2014) at Memorial and PhD (2020) at the University of Calgary. She has served on the board of the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society since 2022 and is the current President. Her research has focused on the history of education in Newfoundland and Labrador, and she has published articles in Acadensis, Historical Studies in Education, Newfoundland and Labrador Studies, and the Newfoundland Quarterly.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear other organizations' projects, plans and accomplishments.

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 - Governor General’s History Award winner Jo Anne Broders

Jo Anne Broders will be speaking in the Peer Share Panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Joanne Broders is a secondary English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Smallwood Academy in Gambo, Newfoundland and Labrador who has thirty years teaching experience. She was born and raised in Tilting, Fogo Island and began her teaching career at Hopedale, NL, where she taught from 1995 to 1999. She is currently teaching at Smallwood Academy in Gambo and has been there since 2001. Joanne also worked as an assistant principal and as an ELA program specialist for grades 7, 8, and 9 with the Department of Education in Newfoundland and Labrador. Joanne received the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Innovative Teaching in 2023 and the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching in Canada in 2024. 

Joanne enjoys focusing on people, history, culture and heritage in her classes working on such collaborative projects such as 9/11 visual art which hung at the Come From Away show in New York for five years. Another project in 2023 encouraged signage and rediscovered the people-history of the Mi’kmaq Cemetery in Gambo with students, the town council of Gambo, and Chief Mi’sel Joe. This project was featured on CBC’s Land and Sea. In the spring of 2025, Joanne, high school students, Colleen Fox, and members of the Mi’kmaq Cultural Foundation spent many months working on Patty Boy’s Project honouring the life of Mi'kmaq RCMP officer, Patrick Gehue and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation through canvases, art quilt, a digital book, and hoodies. Joanne also interviews people from Tilting and beyond during their annual Irish celebration, Feile Tilting, capturing and preserving the heritage and history of the people. Her passion is listening to and honouring the stories of all people.


Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear other organizations' projects, plans and accomplishments.

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/