Residential Schools in Labrador and NF: A Unique History
Date: Oct 14
7:00 pm
- 8:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium
Engaging Evening
Our province's experience with Indigenous residential schools is not often included in the national conversation. But almost 2000 children attended six boarding schools in Labrador and an orphanage in St. Anthony from the early 1900s until the last one closed in 1980. Based on her work with the NL Healing and Commemoration project, Andrea Procter will outline the unique history of these colonial institutions and the role of Indigenous leaders in changing the system to create better educational options for their children.
Capcity is limited, get your ticket early to secure your spot. You can reserve your ticket online, at the front desk or by calling visitor services at 757-8000.
Image credit: From Them Days Archive. Bella Winters Voisey Leo with children at Nain boarding school, 1930s: Josasi Fox, Edward Sillett, Marcus __, ”Oma" Freitag, Amos Fox, and Marcus Hunter (courtesy of Them Days)
Today's Events & Programs
Get hands-on with our province’s plants, animals, and wild spaces at The Rooms with Nature NL!
Nature Nook is a monthly session where you can interact with real specimens like seal pelts, skulls, whale baleen, antlers, moose fur, and a variety of rocks and minerals. Learn more about nature and ask volunteers all your questions about Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife.
Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).
Step into a world of family fun at The Rooms! Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and connection for the whole family. This month’s activity: ornament making.
Feeling festive? Create two ornaments — one to take home, and one to add to a special holiday tree at The Rooms, on display throughout the season.
Explore The Rooms Giftshop for holiday shopping, grab a treat at the café, and enjoy the building's beautiful decorations.
Don’t miss the Bishop Field School Choir performing in the atrium at 2 pm!
Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).
Let your kids dive into a world of creativity while you tackle your holiday to-do list. In this fun and festive workshop, children aged 8–11 will explore the magic of printmaking and craft up to 12 one-of-a-kind holiday cards to share with family and friends.
Highlights include:
- A special visit to the Wooden Santas and The Rooms’ dazzling holiday decorations
- Hands-on printmaking activities—no experience needed
- A cozy hot chocolate break to warm up and recharge
Just bring your holiday spirit—we’ll take care of the rest!
Cost: $40 per person plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
All workshop materials are included in the cost, but this workshop may get messy—appropriate clothing is recommended.
The Rooms Gift Shop will be open for your holiday shopping experience.
Join the Bishop Feild Elementary Choir as they sing in the season with your favourite holiday songs.
Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).
Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador
Stroll across land and sea, and through time, to meet the peoples who have made Newfoundland and Labrador home for the past 9,000 years.
Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
Please note: this program has been rescheduled from December 3, 2025. To attend this new date, kindly reserve a new ticket. Tickets from December 3 cannot be used.
The 2025 Mummers Festival features a tradition from Christmas’ long past.
Actors, folklorists, dancers, musicians, and community members join forces in “The Spirit of Mummering,” a collective project presenting the traditional Newfoundland Mummers Play.
Come for the play, learn some traditional Newfoundland dances, and enjoy music by local musicians. Join us as we explore a whole other side of Newfoundland mummering!
Cost: Free. A ticket is required. Reserve your seat online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
This program is presented in partnership with the 2025 Mummers Festival. For more information about festival events, visit www.mummersfestival.ca.