by Reisha Knott, Qalipu First Nation Manager of Communications

It has taken a community coming together to present this beautiful honour in the memory of what can be said to be for some, the unknown or forgotten Indigenous settlement, Crow Gulch, Newfoundland.

On the morning of Friday, August 20, 2021, a collaborative art piece by Mi’kmaw Artists Marcus Gosse and Jordan Bennett was installed and unveiled. The incredibly outstanding art mural can be seen at the parking lot for the trail leading to Crow Gulch – adjacent to the intersection of Griffin Drive and Lewin Parkway near the Corner Brook pulp and paper mill. Both artists, along with former Crow Gulch resident Margie Benoit Wheeler worked together, as Margie was able to share pictures and stories of her time growing up in the small community while unknowingly becoming an inspiration for the mural.

Margie Benoit Wheeler spoke during the unveiling, “We were the forgotten people between Corner Brook and Curling.” She then reflected on her memories for her relocated community, some heart-warming, and others very heart-breaking. While Mayor of Corner Brook Jim Parsons restated his recognition of Crow Gulch, “This was a community – Margie is a fountain of wealth – it’s time to reconcile.”

Gosse reflected on Bennett’s and his final artwork, both colleagues who were thankful to have such an opportunity to work together – how the mural commemorates 100 years since Crow Gulch was settled, the significance of the Indigenous rest spo ...