Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 1
Before making a nomination,
1. Check the program website (www.seethesites.ca/commemorations) to ensure
that what you want to nominate meets the program eligibility criteria. The
evaluation criteria that the Board uses in evaluating nominations is also
available here.
2. For more information and guidance, contact the program administrator before
you make a nomination:
Kate Wolforth
Provincial Historic Sites Officer
T: 709 729-6901
E: katewolforth@gov.nl.ca
3. Nominations are accepted any time of year, but will be reviewed following two
annual deadlines: February 15 and June 15. Note that processing a
successful nomination can take up to 18 months.
4. Complete the following sections of the nomination form (contact the program
administrator for an MS Word version of the form). All nominations must be
typewritten, and in narrative (sentence) form.
 SECTION 1: Your Contact Information (Nominator)
 SECTION 2: Identification of Nominated Subject – tick only one
category
 SECTION 3: General Statement of Significance
 SECTION 4: Complete ONE NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
depending on the category you have selected in Section 2:

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

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A: Person –orB: Place –orC: Event –orD: Cultural Traditions and Practices –orE: Tradition Bearer
 SECTION 5: Supporting information: Existing Recognition,
Documentation, Suggestions for Research, and Proponents
 SECTION 6: Proposed legacy activity
5. Check the nomination form checklist before sending in the nomination.
Emailed nominations are welcome.
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 2
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
SECTION 1. Your Contact Information (Nominator)
Contact
Name
Organization
(if applicable)
Mailing
Address
Phone
Fax
Email
Website
Date of
Nomination
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 3
SECTION 2. Identification of Nominated Subject
ex: Kelly Russell, Dildo Island, the Tsunami of 1929
What/who
are you
nominating?
A. Person
Includes individuals, or groups of people such as institutions
and organizations. Note that 10 or more years must have
passed since the subject’s death (in the case of a person) or
the end of their period of activity (in the case of a group).
B. Place
Includes archeological sites, structures, groups of buildings,
districts and cultural landscapes.
What category
are you
making the
nomination
under?
PLEASE TICK
ONLY ONE
CATEGORY
C. Event
An action that occurred at a specific time and place at least 40
years ago, or a happening that expresses the province’s
culture, tradition, or heritage.
D. Cultural Traditions and Practices
Includes traditional skills, knowledge, customs, art forms,
rituals, social practices, festive events, craftsmanship, and
expressions.
E. Tradition Bearer
A person or group of people, living or deceased, with a high
degree of knowledge and the skills required to perform or
recreate specific elements of Newfoundland and Labrador’s
intangible cultural heritage.
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 4
SECTION 3. General Statement of Significance
In order to be deemed provincially significant, nominated subjects MUST generally be
singularly outstanding and/or exceptional in the province of Newfoundland and
Labrador AND have historic or cultural importance to the province of Newfoundland
and Labrador as a whole AND be an outstanding example of an enduring theme,
pattern, or tradition in the history and heritage of the province of Newfoundland and
Labrador.
(Please answer each question that applies. Attach as a separate sheet if necessary)
Why do you think the
nominated subject is
singularly outstanding,
and/or exceptional in
the history and/or
culture of the province?
Outline the long-lasting
impact the nominated
subject had on the
province as a whole.
Explain how the
nominated subject is
an outstanding
example of an enduring
theme, pattern*, or
tradition in the
province’s history and
heritage.
* Themes and patterns are types of events, people, places, etc that reoccur in our past and present,
and that we identify as distinctly characteristic of our culture and history. Examples of themes and
patterns expressed through current commemorations include heroic rescues at sea, the Island of
Newfoundland’s strategic location in the North Atlantic, and the destruction wrought by the natural
forces of the ocean.
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 5
Complete this sheet ONLY if you selected “Person” in SECTION 2.
SECTION 4: NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
CATEGORY A: Person
“Person” includes individuals and groups such as organizations and institutions.
Who/what are you
nominating?
Dates
Birth & death for a
person or period of
activity/influence
for a group
Note that 10 or more years must have passed since the
subject’s death (in the case of a person) or the end of their
period of activity (in the case of a group).
Where in
Newfoundland and
Labrador did they
live/work (for a
person) or were
most active (for a
group)?
Describe in detail why you think the nominated “person” is worthy of provincial
recognition. (Please answer any question that applies and attach as a separate
document.)
1. Describe the person/group and their significant achievements in detail.
Please include photographs if possible.
2. What events, ideas, cultural traditions, or beliefs of provincial significance is
this person/group directly associated with?
3. How did the achievements of this person/group have a long-lasting impact on
the province as a whole?
4. To what extent do the achievements of this person/group contribute to our
view of our province as a distinctive place?
5. To what extent was the person/group involved in an important phase in the
development of the province, or in a major event that marked a turning point
in our history?
6. To what extent did the nominated person/group’s technical, creative, artistic,
or social achievement contribute to the development of the province?
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 6
Complete this sheet ONLY if you selected “Place” in SECTION 2.
SECTION 4: NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
CATEGORY B: Place (page 1/2)
“Place” refers to any site that has an historic or indigenous connection to Newfoundland and
Labrador. “Places” can include archeological sites, structures, groups of buildings, districts
and cultural landscapes.
Note: historic structures or districts that would normally be considered for designation by the
Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador will not be considered for designation by
the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program.
A place outside of Newfoundland and Labrador may be considered if it has a direct and
unequivocal connection to the province, and can be considered an integral part of the
province’s history and/or culture.
What are you nominating?
Where is it?
List geographic coordinates,
or the civic address if a
building.
If applicable, provide contact
information for property
owner(s) if different from
nominator contact
information.
Note this information is only needed
if nominating specific properties,
groups of buildings, etc. It is not
required for cultural landscapes,
extensive districts, etc.
Attach additional sheets for
additional property owners.
Property
owner
name
Address
Telephone
Email
YES, I have included (a) signed letter(s) indicating the property owner’s consent to
have their property nominated. (Please tick if applicable)
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 7
SECTION 4: NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
CATEGORY B: Place (page 2/2)
YES, I have included the following documentation (tick any that apply)
Current photographs of the significant buildings, structures and/or geographic
features on the site
Current photographs of significant artifacts associated with the site (if applicable)
For a building/structure: Interior/exterior details, if relevant
Building plan(s) and elevation(s), if relevant and available
Site plan(s) and/or photograph(s) of the site
For cultural landscapes, an aerial view, if available
Describe in detail why you think the nominated place is worthy of provincial
recognition. (Please answer any question that applies and attach as a separate
document.)
1. Describe the place in detail. What are its most significant features or
characteristics? What is the nature of its significance: cultural, historical,
spiritual, etc.? Please include photographs/building plans if possible – see
above list.
2. Does this place illustrate or represent a significant stage in the development
of the province as a whole? If so, please elaborate.
3. If this place is explicitly and meaningfully associated with the life/work of an
individual or group of people of provincial significance, describe the extent
and nature of this association.
4. If this place is explicitly and meaningfully associated with an event of
provincial significance, describe the extent and nature of this association.
5. If this place is explicitly and meaningfully associated with a custom, belief,
way of life, cultural tradition, or ideas of provincial significance, describe the
extent and nature of this association.
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 8
Complete this sheet ONLY if you selected “Event” in SECTION 2.
SECTION 4: NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
CATEGORY C: Event
“Events” can include an action that occurred at a specific time and place at least 40
years ago and/or a happening that expresses the province’s culture, tradition, or
heritage.
What are you
nominating?
When did this event
take place?
In what part of
Newfoundland and
Labrador did this
event take place?
Describe in detail why you think the nominated event is worthy of provincial
recognition. (Please answer any question that applies and attach as a separate
document.)
1. Describe the event in detail. What led up to the event? What took place during
the event? What individuals, groups, or communities participated, were
involved in, or affected by the event? How were they involved or affected?
Please include photographs if possible.
2. How does this event contribute to the development of our provincial identity?
3. How does this event illustrate a significant phase in the development of the
province, or a major change or turning point in the province’s history?
4. What were the lasting impacts of this event on the province as a whole (ex:
changes to law or policy, changes to the way we see ourselves, changes to the
economy, etc)?
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 9
Complete this sheet ONLY if you selected
“Cultural Tradition and Practice” in SECTION 2.
SECTION 4: NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
CATEGORY D: Cultural Tradition and Practice (page 1/2)
“Cultural traditions and practices”, also referred to as “intangible cultural heritage,”
can include any traditional cultural practice, skill, knowledge, custom, or expression
that broadly portrays the unique identities of the peoples of Newfoundland and
Labrador, including and particularly those that are in danger of being lost.
“Traditions and practices” can include:





Oral traditions and expressions: the language that is used as a vehicle for
intangible cultural heritage
Performing arts, such as traditional music, dance, and theatre
Social practices, rituals and festive events
Knowledge and practices that involve or concern nature and the universe
Skills involved in traditional craftsmanship
What are you
nominating?
What type of
tradition/practice is it
(see list above)?
What (if any) area of
Newfoundland and
Labrador is this
tradition/practice
most closely
associated with?
What (if any) cultural
group is this
tradition/practice
most closely
associated with?
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 10
SECTION 4: NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
CATEGORY D: Cultural Tradition and Practice (page 2/2)
Describe in detail why you think the nominated cultural tradition/practice is worthy of
provincial recognition. (Please answer any question that applies and attach as a
separate document.)
1. Describe the cultural tradition/practice in detail. What are its characteristics?
What are its origins? What materials are used? Where is it practiced? Who are
its practitioners? How long has the tradition/practice been practiced? What
are its uses? When does this tradition/practice take place? Please include
photographs if possible.
2. How does this cultural tradition/practice contribute to the development a
unique and separate identity for the province or the cultural group it is most
closely associated with?
3. Elaborate on how this a tradition/practice that is of exceptional interest or is
in danger of being lost. For example, how many practitioners are there in the
province? What efforts have been made to preserve this tradition?
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 11
Complete this sheet ONLY if you selected
“Tradition Bearer” in SECTION 2.
SECTION 4: NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
CATEGORY E: Tradition Bearer (page 1/2)
Under this program, a “tradition bearer” is a person or group of people (living or
deceased) with a high degree of knowledge of - and the skills required to perform or
re-create-specific aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador’s intangible cultural
heritage, especially aspects that may be rare or in danger of being lost. To be eligible,
a tradition bearer must be recognized as an expert in one of the following areas:






Oral traditions and expressions
Performing arts, such as traditional music, dance, and theatre
Social practices, rituals and festive events
Knowledge and practices that involve or concern nature and the universe
Traditional craftsmanship
Knowledge of traditional activities related to living off the land and to
household economy
Who are you
nominating?
What tradition are
they
knowledgeable
about?
For living/active
tradition bearers,
please provide
their contact
information.
Address
Telephone
Email
Yes/No
YES, I have included a signed letter indicating the tradition bearer’s
consent to be nominated. (Please tick if applicable)
Are they interested sharing their knowledge/training others?
(Indicate yes or no)
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 12
SECTION 4: NOMINATION INFORMATION SHEET
CATEGORY E: Tradition Bearer (page 2/2)
For tradition bearers who are no longer living (person)/active (group), complete the
following:
Dates
Birth & death for a
person or period of
activity/ influence for
a group
Where in
Newfoundland and
Labrador did they
live/work (for a
person) or were most
active (for a group)?
Describe in detail why you think the nominated tradition bearer is worthy of provincial
recognition. (Please answer any question that applies and attach as a separate
document.)
1. Describe the tradition bearer in detail. What tradition do/did they practice?
Where did they learn the tradition? For those who are living, how long have
they been practicing it? Please include photographs if possible.
2. How has this person/group’s knowledge contributed to the cultural identity of
Newfoundland and Labrador?
3. Is their knowledge rare, or do they have knowledge of traditions that are in
danger of being lost, or are the traditions they have knowledge about of
exceptional interest to the province as a whole? If so, elaborate and provide
evidence.
4. How do/did they pass their knowledge on to others? How have they been
recognized for their knowledge?
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 13
SECTION 5: Supporting Information (page 1/2)
In order to be deemed provincially significant, claims to “historical significance” must
be supported by external references and other supporting material.
(Attach additional sheets if needed)
Existing recognition
(if any)
List any existing
heritage designations,
awards, etc.
For heritage
designations, include
any text on existing
plaques and/or the
reason for
designation.*
Designation title and date
Designating
Organization
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
* Note: historic structures or districts that have been commemorated or would normally be
considered for designation by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador will not be
considered for designation by the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program.
Documentation
1.
To support your claim
to historic/cultural
significance to
Newfoundland and
Labrador, cite
references to academic
papers, articles, books,
websites, oral
traditions, artistic
works, films, audio
recordings, etc. that.
2.
It is not necessary to
include copies of the
actual references
unless requested.
7.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8.
9.
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 14
SECTION 5: Supporting Information (page 2/2)
Suggestions for further
research
Including historical
sources not cited
above, museum and
archival collections,
subject experts, etc.
For subject experts,
please include contact
information
(email/phone).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Name
Proponents, interested
parties and those
affected by the
nomination
Organization
Telephone
Email
Yes, their support letter is included
Name
All nominations need to Organization
demonstrate
Telephone
community support.
Email
List names and contact
information for people
or groups that support
or will be affected by
this nomination:
individuals,
businesses,
municipalities, band
councils, organizations,
service groups,
heritage groups,
academics, etc.
Include a letter of
support from each
person or group
named.
Yes, their support letter is included
Name
Organization
Telephone
Email
Yes, their support letter is included
Name
Organization
Telephone
Email
Yes, their support letter is included
Name
Organization
Telephone
Email
Yes, their support letter is included
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 15
SECTION 6: Proposed Legacy Activity
If your nomination is successful, you may apply for up to $2500 in funding towards
completing activities that raise awareness about the commemoration. Some
suggestions are included below:
1. School programs (including school tours, development of courses,
talks/presentations, scholarships, contests, online educational resources)
2. Commissioned research
3. Commissioned publication (book, article, CD, video)
4. Professionally developed interpretation (panels, exhibit elements, banners,
online exhibit)
5. Design of multi-media presentations
6. Development of promotional brochures
7. Stipends (for Tradition Bearers, for example)
8. Workshops (with Tradition Bearers, for example)
9. Development of audio/video recordings (of traditional skills, for example)
10. Community event
11. Professional development opportunity, followed by a public presentation
12. Commissioned creative piece (artwork, poetry, song, etc)
If funding is awarded, designates are responsible for the
development, administration, and maintenance of their project.
At this point in the process, nominees are asked to BRIEFLY (max. 100 words)
describe what they would like to do if their nomination is successful. Note, that this is
not a formal application for funds. If the nomination is successful, you will still need
to submit a formal proposal following direction from the program administrator.
Note: when living tradition bearers are commemorated, they have first access to any
legacy funds available.
If your nomination is successful, briefly describe what you would do as a legacy
activity. (100 words or less)
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program Nomination Form – Page 16
Nomination Form Checklist
Yes, I have checked the program guidelines to make sure that what I want to nominate
meets the program criteria (www.seethesites.ca/commemorations).
Yes, I have clearly indicated my contact information (see Section 1).
Yes, I have clearly indicated what/who I am nominating (see Section 2).
Yes, I have indicated the category that I am making the nomination under (see Section 2).
Yes, I have stated why I think this nomination is historically/culturally significant to the
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole (see Section 3).
Yes, I have completed ONLY ONE nomination information sheet (see form A,B,C,D or E in
Section 4).
Yes, I have included photographs, plans, maps and other relevant background information
to support my nomination (see Section 4).
Yes, I have included contact information and consent letters from anyone directly affected
by this nomination (ex: living tradition bearers, owners of nominated property, etc) (see
Section 4).
Yes, I have cited research by others that supports my nomination (see Section 5).
Yes, I have included letters of support from organizations, municipalities, heritage groups,
band councils, etc. that support or will be affected by this nomination (see Section 5).
Yes, I have described the kind of legacy activity that I would do if my nomination is
successful (see Section 6).
Yes, I have checked the program deadlines and know that processing a nomination may
take up to 18 months.
Signature
Date
Your nomination form is now completed!
Email it to katewolforth@gov.nl.ca
or mail it to:
Provincial Historic Commemorations Program
Rm 323, Arts & Culture Centre
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
PO Box 8700, St. John’s, NL, A1B 4J6