Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site

We are so grateful to Adventure Central Newfoundland and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism for making this adventure possible. As always, all opinions are our own.

Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada

Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada

We followed the Exploits River downstream, north beyond The Bay of Exploits where it meets the sea, and stopped in at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site on the shores of Boyd’s Cove.

The site marks the spot of one of the last settlements of the Beothuk people, and most of what little is known about them can be found here.

Talismans are hung in the Spirit Garden at Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada
Materials for talisman creation.
Talismans are hung in the Spirit Garden at Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada
Talismans are hung in the Spirit Garden.

Talismans are hung in the Spirit Garden at Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada

They were known as the Red Indians to the early European settlers, not for their skin color but for their practice of covering themselves with red ochre, a dye made from the iron colored soil.

Click here for more to do in Central Newfoundland

Arrowheads at Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada

The Beothuk did their best to avoid contact with the new arrivals, just as they had done with the Mi’kmaq who would frequently cross over to Newfoundland from the mainland, so much of their background remains a mystery.

Tools at Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada

Shanawdithit's drawings at Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada

It is likely that they were the people the Vikings encountered at L’Anse aux Meadows and named skraelings, or barbarians, but we may never know for sure.

What we did learn came mostly from Shanawdithit, who was the last known Beothuk survivor before she passed away in 1829.

Shanawdithit's drawings at Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada

Click here for more to do in Central Newfoundland

Shanawdithit's drawings at Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland, Canada
The design of the Centre is a tribute to the Beothuk.

The drawings and interviews she provided during the last years of her life are by far the best resource for information on her people’s lives, and seeing them was without a doubt the highlight of our visit to the centre.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Visit the Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site website

Delve deeper:
More to do in Central Newfoundland
Rafting Down the Exploits River
The Prime Berth Interpretative Fishing Center

See all of our Newfoundland adventures!

We are so grateful to Adventure Central Newfoundland and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism for making this adventure possible. As always, all opinions are our own.


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