Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
Date: Jun 21
10:00 am
- 9:00 pm
Where: Everywhere
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at The Rooms
The Rooms celebrates the rich and diverse voices, experiences and histories of Inuit, Innu and Mi’kmaq and 9000 years of presence in this place – today and every day.
Free admission to exhibitions all day.
Check out self-guided family activities in the Level 4 museum exhibition: This Place: Our Lives on Land and Sea.
Make Inuit snow goggles, play traditional string games, or try your hand at a traditional Mi’kmaq game of Waltes.
2 pm – 2:30 pm –Celebrate with Kilautiup Songuning-Strength of the Drum. Performance outdoors in the Fortis Courtyard (note: if weather is not suitable, the performance will move to Level 3 atrium).
2 pm – 4 pm
The Rooms will share in the excitement and showcase the art car, Whale Family on its grounds. Come by for a photo opp!
A unique three-way partnership between a local business (MINI St. John’s), a local non-profit (Business and Arts NL), and a Newfoundland artist (Marcus Gosse) launched on Tuesday, June 13, to help celebrate and promote works of public art across the province.
Business and Arts and MINI received proposals from many artists across the province, interested in creating a unique artwork that could be printed and wrapped onto a 2023 MINI Countryman. The artist selected was Marcus Gosse. Not only is
it a moveable piece of art, but the back window entices passersby to check out Business and Arts’ Explore Art NL public art app, which features 111 pieces of public art across the province.
Marcus’ work is also available for purchase in The Rooms Giftshop. Check out the series of Colouring Mi’kma’ki: A Colouring Book of Mi’kmaq Territory.
About Marcus Gosse and “Whale Family”
Artist: Marcus Gosse (Mi’kmaq Name: “Ala’suinu” (“Traveller”))
Art Car Title: “Whale Family” (“Putup Ni’kmaq”) (Pronounced: Boo-doop Nee-gim-ock)
Description: This digital image wrap titled “Whale Family” (“Putup Ni’kmaq”) displays different families of humpback whales swimming and gathering together to display their love of Ktaqmkuk(Newfoundland). The designs featured on the SUV are Mi’kmaq Petroglyphs(Carvings in Stone), such as the Mi’kmaq Star, ancient appliqué patterns, double curve motifs, and the Mi’kmaq hieroglyphs(symbols which represent words) for “Forever In Peace”. Each double curve design symbolizes the life cycle of a person, or, living thing. The curve on the left represents youth; the centre middle age; and the curve on the right represents becoming a senior, or, an Elder. When each of these people, or, curves, are connected it symbolizes community connectedness, pride, unity, and support. It also symbolizes people holding hands, and connecting, not only physically, but, spiritually as well. The whale reminds us that it is not about the destination; it’s about the journey. We are all connected on this journey. As we travel, let us support each other spiritually, and have fun doing it. Msit No’kmaq(All My Relations-We Are All Connected).
Visit some of our new exhibitions, including Jerry Evans: Weljesi and Double Vision.
Events & Programs
Join us for a delightful morning at The Rooms!
Bring your little ones to our enchanting Harbour View Room for unguided playtime surrounded by an array of toys and books tailored for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4.
No prior registration is necessary; simply pay your admission at The Rooms front desk and drop in anytime between 10:30 am and 12:00 pm! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that caregivers must accompany their children throughout the session. While our program room can accommodate up to 20 adults with their little ones, if it reaches capacity, we kindly ask caregivers to momentarily step back to make room for others to join in the fun.
The Playdate is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms Members.
With support from Thomas and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.
Did you know the forget-me-not flower holds a special meaning in Newfoundland and Labrador? It is a proud symbol of remembrance for The Royal Newfoundland Regiment, particularly those lost at Beaumont-Hamel on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme.
What to Expect During This Workshop:
- Tour Level 2 Museum: Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou
- Embroider a bouquet of forget-me-nots to remember those who served
- All supplies, including hoops, threads, needles, and fabrics, will be provided
Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online!
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.
Sergeant Gander: A Soldier's Soldier – Film Screening and Q&A
US Army Vietnam Veteran JP Bear shares his research and presents a short film honoring Sergeant Gander, a Newfoundland Dog and mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada during World War II.
Sergeant Gander was a member of “C” Force during the Battle of Hong Kong and died in combat. In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal – often called the “animals’ Victoria Cross” – for bravery.
A Q&A will follow the screening of the 11-minute film SGT Gander: A Soldier's Soldier.
Cost: Free. A ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Join Newman Sound Choir for its annual Remembrance Day performance, a touching evening of music and reflection generously supported by The Elinor Gill Ratcliffe Foundation.
This cherished tradition offers a time of music and reflection as we honour all those who have served, and continue to serve, in times of conflict.
With special guest tenor Jeffrey Taylor, the concert features moving choral performances and thoughtful words of remembrance that pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who have defended peace and freedom.
Cost: $30 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.