Today Marks the 75th Anniversary of Confederation with Canada
On April 1, 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador officially joined Canada. That was 75 years ago.
To celebrate the anniversary, the provincial government has a series of commemorations planned over the coming months.
Beginning today, the Confederation 75 flag will fly on the courtesy pole outside the Confederation Building for 75 days.
All Provincial Historic Sites will offer free admission to Newfoundland and Labrador residents who are 75 years of age and older.
The Colonial Building will have special Confederation 75 programming this season, including:
Opera on the Avalon’s 75×75, which will feature a multimedia exhibit and programming.
Special performances of Confederation themed plays, including Last Living Father and The Vote (which will also be delivered at Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site in Bonavista).
A Confederation Speaker Series (which will also be featured at Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site in Bonavista).
A Confederation Film Evening (featuring movies such as The Little Fellow from Gambo).
A programming partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society – 52-48: Seventy-Five Years of Confederation, its Impact, and its Legacy.
A partnership with Heritage NL on a Confederation 75 oral history project featuring interviews with individuals who lived through the debates, votes and early years of Confederation.
The House of Assembly will also offer Confederation 75 programming, including a Teacher’s Institute offering professional development and learning opportunities for educators focused on democracy, governance and citizenship. Additionally, there will be a regional tour of the House of Assembly Mace, including visits to schools and broader community events.
The Provincial Government is offering educational opportunities for students in the province related to the 75th anniversary of Confederation. In partnership with the Department of Education, Confederation 75 educational resource packages will be offered to schools. As well, Confederation 75 scholarships will be presented to 75 Grade 12 students in the province.