"Golden Rules For Magdalen Islands Visitors"

In 1971, the Groupe CTMA ship Manic became the first 'roll-on-roll-off' car ferry to the Magdalen Islands, replacing the fondly remembered Lovat. It only took five hours to sail from Souris, PEI to Grindstone, Magdalen Islands, instead of the Lovat's two day sail from Pictou, Nova Scotia. With the Manic, there came an influx of visitors to the islands, at a time the islands was ill prepared to handle tourists. There were very little accommodations here and as the tourists were mostly the hippie backpacking who would spend as little as possible to have a nature holiday, there was little reason to put the expense into building accommodations.

Throughout the '70's, the visitors continued coming to the islands in greater numbers each summer. After only a couple of years, Groupe CTMA realized that the Manic was not going to be capable of transporting the inflated number of people wanting to come to the islands, so they purchased the larger drive-on - drive-off car ferry, the Lucy Maud Montgomery, from the Northumberland Strait Crossing to Prince Edward Island. It was during the late seventies, when the tourists far outnumbered the islanders.

The visitors tended to camp wherever they thought was a good place to put a tent. Sometimes it was on the beach where they neglected to take into account the August high tides or on top of the capes without account for the high southerly winds that took place. They would often end up stranded without shelter in the middle of the night in a raging rain storm or worse, a hurricane.

These people had no choice, they had to burden themselves on the nearest home for shelter, sometimes asking for room in the stable for the night. This was never the case, as Islanders are well know for their hospitality and their sheltered lives. They would take these people, complete strangers, into their homes, give them a hot meal and a warm bed, sometimes for days on end, because all the visitors belongings had blown away.

About this time, the Tourist Development Commission was created.

It was found that these hippie visitors would come without money, expecting to live off the land.... When they found that this was not that easy, they would swindle fishermen out of their days catches or housewives out of their pantry's. They would destroy entire wild berry patches, which were the only fruit available to islanders or dig up the clamming grounds indiscriminately, destroying much of the harvest and leaving the grounds worthless for many years. All of these foodstuffs were basic necessities to preserve for winter for the islanders existence.

Islanders were never used to people taking advantage of them. They never knew of people who could kill, murder at a thought. Islanders had been isolated from the world, until the Manic, entered their lives.

The Tourist Commission created a set of rules which they had printed out and given to tourists as they came to the island. The first day the 'Rules' were issued was March 12th, 1979. At the time, these rules made sense..., now they just seem hilarious.

Below is the translated version of the "Golden Rules for Visitors" as it was only wrote up in the French language. Below the translated version is the original French version of the rules.
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Golden Rules for Visitors of the Magdalen Islands

Good day visitor friends, you are here on the planet of “small princes” that are Magdalen Islanders on their Archipelago. You are staying in a place of people with great hearts, who have spent three centuries making the islands a place where they can spend their lives.

You certainly desired to come here and have an agreeable stay, if not, you would not have imposed on yourself, the fatigue of sailing and all the expense to come to our place.

You came to be welcomed, then it will be necessary to respect the “Gold Rules for Visitors” that we bring to your attention:

- go and stay only on property where someone of authority has given permission. All the wave terrains of the islands are the private property, except the dunes, which are public property. Take note, cependant that the automobile circulation is forbidden on the beaches and that beach fires must be authorized by the municipalities;

- fraternize with islanders which you will quickly discover likeableness and generosity. Cultivate these natural qualities of your hosts, don’t abuse it too much. The strawberries and clams don’t jump by themselves into bottles;

-you have reason to believe that the fish are abundant, but they don’t jump into the boats, just the same. A man must rise very early in the morning to make his living, by going fishing. Pay him a reasonable price, he is not Santa Claus!;

- you can observe the life habits of Magdalen Islanders, which seem particular, they are the heritage of three centuries of struggle, countering the natural elements impitoyables and countering the isolation; try to understand with reproach;

- you want to amuse yourself by staying in the large natural garden that are on the islands; enjoy yourself but, remember that everything that is here in place in nature has put many years to establish itself. If you intervene on the extremely fragile lands, it will take many generations to repair the damage that you will leave. A tree cut down for to warm yourself or to place your tent on will be an invitation to the wind to cut a furrow of destruction in the neighbouring forest;

- you find that the people here are slow to furnish you with services that you’re waiting for. Remember that the people here know still to wait for the tides. Cast anchor, calm your nerves, profit from the delays and contemplate what it is that you came to see.

With these conditions, and these conditions only, you are welcome to the islands, and your stay will be most agreeable.

If not, you will quickly be identified as a troubled holiday-maker, an importune and you will be treated with consequence. “You will be better then to take the next ferry or the next plane and return to where you came from. We don’t want that, but then truly not, that some days of abuse and of in conscience: pirates three centuries of heritage.

You are ready to play the game!... Welcome then and good stay...

Tourist Development Commission
of the Magdalen Islands
G. Carbonneau

03.12.79
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Régles d’or du visiteur aux Iles~de~la~Madeleine

Bonjour ami visiteur, tu es ici sur la planète des “petits princes” que sont les Madelinots sur leur archipel. Tu es en séjour chez des gens au grand coeur qui ont mis trois siècles a faire des Iles un milieu de vie qui leur convient.

Tu désires certainement vivre ice un séjour des plus AGREABLES, sinon tu ne te serais pas imposé toute cette fatigue et toutes ces dépenses pour venir chez nous.

Tu tiens à être le BIENVENU, alors il te faudra respecter les “REGLES D’OR DU VISITEUR” que nous portons à ton attention:

- tu passes et séjournees seulement sur les propriétées où on aura eu la gentillesse de t’autoriser à le faire. Tous les terrains vagues des Iles sont des propriétés privées sauf les dunes qui sont des propriétés publiques. Prends note cependant que la circulation automobile est interdite sur les plages et que les feux de plage doivent être autorisés par the municipalitiés;

- tu fraterniseras avec des Madinots don’t tu découvriras rapidement l’affabilité et la générosité. Cultive ces qualités naturelles de tes hôtes, n’en abuse pas trop. Les fraises et les palourdes ne sautent pas toutes seules dans les pots;

- tu as raison de croire que le poisson est abondant mais il ne saute pas dans les barques de lui-même. Un homme s’est levé tôt au petit matin pour gagner sa vie en allant le pêcher. Payer’le lui un prix raisonnable, il n’est pas le Père Noel!;

- tu pourras observer chez les Madelinots des habitudes de vie qui leur sont particulières, elles sont l’héritage de trois siècles de lutte contre des éléments naturels implitoyables et contre l’isolement; essaie de les comprends sons les leur reprocher;

- Tu veux t’amuser a vivre dans l’immense jardin nature que sont les Iles; régale- toi mais, rappelle-toi que tout ce qui est ici en place dans la nature a mis plusieurs années à s’établir. Si tu interviens sur ce milieu extrêmement fragile, il faudra plusieurs générations pour réparer la plaie que tu y auras laissée. Un abre coupé pour te réchauffer ou faire place a ta tente sera une invitation au vent à tracer un sillon de destruction dans la forêt voisine;

- tu trouves que les gens d’ici son lents a te fournir le services que tu attends. Rappelle-toi que les gens d’ici savent encore attendre la marée. Jette l’ancre, calme te nerfs, profite des délais pour contempler ce qui t’entoure et que tu es venu voir.

A ces conditions, et à ces conditions seulement, tu es te BIENVENU aux Iles, et to séjour sera des plus agréables.

Sinon tu seras vite identifié conne un trouble-fête, un importun et tu seras traité en consequence. Tu ferais meiux alors de reprendre le prochain traversier ou le prochain avion et retourner d’où tu viens. On ne veut pas, bas alors vraiment pas, qu’en quelques jours d’abus et d’inconscience : pirates trois siècles d’héritage.

Tu es prêt a jouer le jeu!... BIENVENUE alors, et bon séjour...

Commission de Développement Touristique
Des Iles-de-la-Madeleine
G. Charbonneau

79.12.03

Background to Issuing Seal Observation Permits

The Permitting Process as Seen Through the Seal Observers Eye:

» Though the commercial seal hunt occurs in public space (the northwest Atlantic Ocean), the Canadian government restricts observation of it by requiring observers to obtain permits that allow them to be within half a nautical mile of sealers engaged in hunting seals.
» The observation permits are issued by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which manages and promotes the commercial seal hunt.
» To obtain an observation permit, each observer must submit to a criminal background check and attend a personal interview with the DFO. The permits must be renewed daily.
» There are a number of conditions attached to the observation permits, including that observers must remain 10 metres away from seal hunters engaged in seal hunting.

Trial of Five Begins

On October 18th, 2007, the trial of five seal watchers began in the Amherst courtroom, on the Magdalen Islands. The trial was presided over by his Honour Judge Jean-Paul Dècoste. The government of Canada, through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) took five of seven seal observers to court after completing an investigating that took over six months to complete. The incident occurred when seven seal observers from the Humane Society of the Untied States (HSUS) were charged for allegedly coming too close to a sealing vessel, violating the conditions of their observer permits, on March 26th, 2006.

The trial began with the Crown witness, Officer Jean-François Sylvestre taking the stand to relate his observations of the incident. The prosecuting attorney, Denis Lavoie asked numerous questions pertaining to the activities of the day and to the eventual arrest of the seven individuals.

A call on March 26 was made by VHF radio from Sealer Captain Jeremy Cyr, to the DFO, saying that watchers were interfering with one of the sealers, his crew and his boat, the Marika Sandrine. An agent, Officer Sylvester from the department had been dispatched, along with another officer, to the sealer’s boat. They had carefully watched the proceedings from the cabin for a period of 40 to 50 minutes, that same afternoon.

Officer Sylvestre explained how he had met with the seal observers on the morning in question and had verified who they were and that they had the legal permits to observe the hunt. He also noted the two zodiacs that would be used in the activities, including taking note of their approximate size. Later, after receiving the call to investigate the complaint from Captain Cyr, Mr. Sylvestre and the other officer, donned life jackets, which hid their uniforms from view and boarded the sealers boat, which was southeast of Iles de la Madeleine in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

While on the stand, Officer Sylvestre explained that the two zodiacs, though constantly on the move because of a number of conditions, entered the area of the Marika Sandrine, within the allowed space of ten-meters according to the observers permits. The zodiacs were both approximately 20 feet long and at times water could not be seen between the zodiac and the Marika Sandrine. One zodiac, the black one was near the bow of the sealer boat and the red was at the just off the stern.

Crewman sealer, Ghislain Langford went on the ice, after the seal. Using a hakapik (traditional legal weapon of choice) to kill the seal, he then hauled the animal back to the Marika Sandrine. The observers had their zodiacs within the 10-meter range and were photographing the kill with still and video cameras. Once the seal was brought aboard the boat, Officer Sylvestre came to check to make certain it was a legal kill. With confirmation he waved to the seal observers to come and check the kill. Upon confirming a legal kill with the observers, the officer then proceeded to arrest four people from one zodiac and three others from the second zodiac. After reading them their rights, he cited that they were in violation of their permits.

Five of the seven accused are: Rebecca Aldworth, of Newfoundland, Andrew Plumbly (Canadian), Chad Sisneros (American), Pierre Grzybowski (American) and Mark Glover (British) were present in the courthouse to face the charges. The Crown attorney decided not to call on two other. His Honour Judge Dècoste fixed the next date of the trial to be continued on May 6th to 9th, 2008, when the defendants side will be heard. The defendant legal council, Clayton Ruby is expected to call two experts on video extracts, to the witness stand, to prove his clients innocence. The Crown attorney claimed that he had only received the new information from the defense, the evening before and had not had the time to examine the reports of these expert witnesses, thus delaying the conclusion of the trial. As of this time, it is uncertain whether or not these seal observers will be allowed to renew their observation permits for the 2008 seal hunt.

The Dancing to the Music of Hard Core Troubadours

Day Two of the Sand and Sun Festival

A message from Mayor Christopher Clark and Joy Davies President of the Grosse Isle Leisure Committee.

Texas Hold'em Poker tournament. The first place winner was Curtis Keating and the second place winner was Arthur Matthews. A Fenchman won third place prize.



Fun in the sun with the community children.

The Sand and Sun Festival - 2007

Grosse Isle's Sand and Sun Festival started on Old Harry Beach today. It will run from the 26th through to the 29th of July. This years activities are under the theme, "Come Have Fun in the Sand and Sun!"

This years festival committee decided to bring the Big Top tent back to the festival once again. This large, -- X -- foot tent with it's exterior trailer canteen, which is set up in the parking lot at the beach, will house some of the activities for the festival. For several years now the festival has been held in the center of Grosse Isle, at the Holy Trinity Family Center. "We sincerely hope that everyone has as much fun at the festival as we have had working together to make it a successful one for all to enjoy," said Joy Davies, President of the committee.

Thursday afternoon, the Amherst Equestrian Center, 'La P'tite Ferme Au Galop' provided horses and expertize for an exciting horse back ride on the islands largest beach. The enchanting ride used four horses and one with a double saddle for youngsters.

As the afternoon worn on, many people, residents and visitors alike came to the beach to enjoy the activities that they set out to play for themselves, where they were sponsored by the Sand and Sun Festival Committee or not. Sail boats dotted the azure blue, fantastically calm water of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Kites made colourful and spectacular scenes in the blue cloudless skies. Swimmers took advantage of the warm gulf waters.

A 'Reach for the Top' game with teams of four and a 'Survival' game was scheduled for the afternoon under the big top followed by a 'Happy Hour' and a 'Battle of the Sexes' with teams of three later on that evening. The evening was topped off by a spectacular beach fire for the community with a wiener roast.

Throughout the four day festival, canteen and bars service will be available and fresh boiled islands mussels and lobster rolls will be available all day and evenings. It turned out to be a successful and happy start to Grosse Isle's largest Annual Festival.

A Visit to the Magdalen Islands

Arriving on the Magdalen Islands, Iles-de-la-Madeleine in French, the dramatic change of scenery astounds the first time visitor. If arriving by plane, the lagoons with their azure and sandy coloring, stretching for miles, has a serene, calming effect on the senses. If arriving by ferry, the landmasses of the dozen or so islands that make up the Archipelago and the dunes connecting the majority of them blend, break apart and then stretch out of sight and into the horizon. Each island is enlivened by rich green valleys, spectacular cream sandy beaches, deep red cliffs and countless shades of blue from the lagoons, the sea and the sky.

The Archipelago is located in approximately the center of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, on the eastern coast of Canada. The islands have been pushed up out of the sea and into a half moon or fish hook shape, stretching approximately sixty-five kilometers, from end-to-end, as the crow flies. They are enjoyed by a mild maritime climate that is strikingly different from the mainland. The huge shallow water masses that encircle the islands, temper the weather and create milder temperatures, because it takes more time to warm or cool water than it does to change the temperature of air or land. The air is pure and invigorating.

Constant breezes greatly influence the climate of the islands. They keep the temperatures milder in the winter and cooler in the summer months. It is because of these winds that the islands have been attracting so many visitors. They come for a number of reasons of course, such as the beaches, swimming, clam-digging and all the extreme water sports that take place. They come for the culture and the seafood, all of which is enticing. They come for the magnificent scenery and to be with the seal. They come to learn about a quieter style of living.

The Magdalen Islands has seven islands that are inhabited and several other islands and islets that are inhabited by only the birds. Those islands which are easily accessible to motorists, cyclists and hikers are Grand Entry or Coffin Island, Grosse Isle, Pointe-aux-Loups, House Harbour, Grindstone and Amherst. Entry Island is an island populated by people of Irish and Scottish descent and is accessible only by boat. Of the uninhabited islands, Brion Island is the only one capable of sustaining human life. It is an ecological reserve owned by the Quebec government, who only allows a limited stay by visitors. The Bird Rocks, which were navigational hazards in the past, because of its strategic location in the shipping lanes between the Saint Lawrence River and the rest of the world, is now only inhabited by maritime bird life. Other islets are Deadman’s Rock, Seal Island and Shag Island all of which have their fair share of the shipwrecked history that surrounds the Magdalen Islands.

More Islands Photos

All of these photo are from different islands of the Magdalen Islands:

UL - The Island of House Harbour
UR - The Island of Grosse Isle
LL - Old Harry of Coffin Island








Uncommon winter fact - iced lobster trap

I Couldn't Let This Pass

NEVER ARGUE WITH A WOMAN

One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.

Although not familiar with the waters, the wife decides to take the boat out.

She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book.

Along comes a Department of Fisheries Officer in his boat.
He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"

"Reading a book," she replies thinking, Isn't that obvious?

"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading."

"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment.

"I'll have to take you in and write you up."

"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman.

"But I haven't even touched you," says the officer.

"That's true, but you have all the equipment.

For all I know you could start at any moment."

"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.

Island Photos

Islands in the Gulf

This Was A Whale OF A Project!

APRIL 5, 2007 - 10:30 ET

Canadian Museum of Nature/Winner of 2006 Museums and Schools Partnership Award: A Whale of a Project! The Tiny Magdalen Islands Win National Award

EDS NOTE: Of special interest for Quebec and Nunavut media

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - April 5, 2007) - An educational program that brought together 50 per cent of the youth on the Magdalen Islands with their local aquarium for a project on marine mammals has won the fourth annual Museums and Schools Partnership Award. This national award is co-sponsored by the Canadian College of Teachers and the Canadian Museum of Nature, in collaboration with the Canadian Museums Association. An honourable mention was awarded to a collaboration between a school and community museum in Sanikiluaq, located in Nunavut's Belcher Islands in the south-eastern area of Hudson Bay.

The idea for the marine mammal project was conceived in 2003 when a minke whale was found on the shore of one of these islands, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The community pulled together to remove it. Due to the amount of work involved, it was thought that the involvement of youth would greatly benefit the project. Out of this came a partnership between the Aquarium des Iles-de-la-Madeleine, the school board (la Commission scolaire des Iles-de-la-Madeleine) and the CÉGEP (le campus des Iles du CÉGEP de la Gaspésie-Iles de la Madeleine). It culminated three years later in an exhibition about the marine mammals they had collected. Every stage of the project depended on youth participation, even the flensing (cutting up) of the specimens and the mounting of skeletons.

The diverse range of activities included art contests, a competition to name new seals at the aquarium, a debate in Montreal on the seal hunt, visits to a CÉGEP biology class, drawing workshops, a lecture on marine mammals hosted by secondary students, the creation of interpretive panels for the exhibition, and the mounting of a harbour porpoise skeleton by biology students. The exceptional quality of these activities was noted by the selection committee.

"Another important facet was the participation of the community in enriching this project,"noted Mary Ellen Herbert, co-chair of the award committee, in summing up the comments of the judges. "Visitors benefit not only from a scientific exhibition on marine mammals but also from the perspectives of island youth about their natural heritage. The fact that the Aquarium gave the young people a chance to engage in activities that spoke to their reality and environment gave them ownership of these themes. Further, they could discuss these issues with their parents and friends and enhance community knowledge."

"We're very, very happy about this recognition", says Aquarium director Sophie Fortier, noting the great benefit for the community that results when museums and schools work together.

An honourable mention for the 2006 Museums and Schools Award was given to a partnership with the Najuqsivik Society Community Museum which is housed in Nuiyak School in Sanikiluaq, a community of 800 people.

Students were involved in projects as diverse as making archaeological castings, polar bear rugs and mounts, helping to finish a sod house, videoconferencing and more. As John Jamieson, principal of the Nuiyak School stated: "The foyer of the school is the static museum but the real action of the museum is the hands-on activities that produce these artifacts. Some of our programs will not be found in any other northern school."

The method of archaeological reproduction casting, which the students learned at the Archaeological Survey of Canada labs in Gatineau, Quebec, has resulted in over 160 moulds. The community has also produced videos on this casting process in both English and Inuktitut and has given workshops.

Submissions from across the country, involving more than 20 institutions, were entered for the 2006 award, which recognizes partnerships between schools and museums for educational programmes that enrich students' understanding and appreciation of Canada's cultural and natural heritage. Criteria for assessing projects include vision, participation of all partners from the outset, collaboration potential and relevance of the project to the community served.

The Museums and Schools Partnership Award is open to any Canadian school or school board that collaborates with any Canadian non-profit public museum, including zoos and science centres. The submission deadline for the 2007 award is Nov. 15, 2007. The Canadian Teachers' Federation has joined the sponsoring partnership and will be involved in the organization and selection processes for next year's award. For more information, visit the Web site of the Canadian College of Teachers at www.cct-cce.com.

Islands Tourist Association Holds Regional Grand Prize Awards

On Friday, March 30th, 2007, the Magdalen Islands Tourist Association unveiled the list of the winners for the Regional Grand Prize for Quebec Tourism, 2007 edition, to a large audience at the café/restaurant/bistro Aux Pas Perdu, in Grindstone. In the presence of the Director General for the administration of Quebec Tourism, Mrs. Clèmence Verret, the recipients were awarded their authentic certificates and plaques.

The winners for the 2007 edition of the Grand Prize were as follows:
Agrotoursim and Regional Products went to the company Le Barbocheux;
Touristic Attractions of less than 100,000 visitors went to Le Site d’Autrefois;
Eco and Adventure Tourism went to Vert et Mer, Expedition & Formation;
Festivals and Tourist Events for less than one million dollars went to Événement “Contes en Îles” Les Clameurs du Nordet;
Lodging, three star establishments or less went to Le Domaine du Vieux Couvent;
Restaurants for Tourist Develoment went to La Table des Roy;
Transportation and Trips went to Autobus Les Sillons.

These regional winners will go to the national competition on May 4th, at Quebec for the 22nd annual edition of the Grand Prizes for Quebec Tourism.

A Special Mention was made for the Boulangerie Fleur de Sable, by the members of the jury.

The Federation of the Golden Age 50+ Clubs for Eastern Quebec, of which Mrs Micheline Vigneau is president, in a joint collaboration with the Ambassadors Club, had been selected by the Magdalen Island Tourist Association and were awarded for their contribution of holding the Clubs Congressional Meetings on the Islands last June 3rd to 7th, 2006.

“The members of the Administrative Council and all the personnel of the Magdalen Islands tourist association warmly congratulate the businesses which have excelled, in their categories and wish them the best of luck during the National Gala in Quebec,” said Anne Bourgeois, person responsible for the Marketing and Communications for the Association.

The Magdalen Islands Tourist Association is the main working body for regional discussions, visitor welcomes, island information, promotion, development and tourist indicator on the Magdalen Islands territory. It has been actively working for the past 24 years presenting and contributing to the rapid development of our tourist industry and to the economic development of our region.

The tourist industry has become a dynamic economic motor and Magdalen Islands Tourism represents the strongest grouping of enterprises with almost 350 members. The touristic activity generated an annual economic value of near 50 million dollars and it contributes to the creation of more than 1400 employment positions in our region.

2007 Magdalen Islands Emergence Grant

On March 30th, 2007, the Islands Cultural Corporation, Arrimage with the aide of Islands Deputy to the National Assembly, Maxime Arseneau held the fourteenth annual commemoration of the Emergence Grant for artistic talent of the Magdalen Islands. This year, they were pleased to announce that the winner of the 2007 edition was Cabinet Maker and Sculpturer, Claude Cyr of Grand Entry. The amount of $2,500 was offered to Mr. Cyr by Mr. Arseneau for an internship to the International School of Kurt Koch Sculpture in Germany, to perfect his talents in ornamental sculpture.

Six projects had been submitted to the jury. Five of those were in the field of art and one was in the field of artistic scenery. The jury consisted of Martine Martin, a member of the CA Arrimage and French teacher; Sylvie Desroches, an artist in artistic scenery; and Claude Bourque, artist and winner of the 2004 grant.

The jury who had selected Claude Cyr for the project, adhered to the followed criteria:

- great interest of continuing training linked to his artistic work, mainly for the evolution of his progress and to allow him to follow his research;

- influence of the project on the discipline of the artistic trade of the region and on the islands cultural life;

- emphasizes on the perfection of the artistic technique for the artist, who wishes to develop an expertise in ornamentation;

- attachment to his first trade, the quality of his furniture production, the evolution of his ornamental work, the power and the quality of his creative work.

Claude Cyr has shown an particular attachment to the woodworking trade ever since his youth. From making willow whistles, to the toys made by his father, wood working is one of the first memories, which he clearly remembers. He first explored his artistic expressions with self-taught paintings and then courses in classical guitar for five years. Around the 1980's, he made his first piece of furniture. As a hobby, this activity would become a new means of expression for Claude. He constructed his own house, all while respecting the architectural style of the islands, an activity which gave him great satisfaction. The first armoire cupboard he made with ornamentation was inspired from the works of ‘Les meubles anciens du Canada français’, which he made in 2001. The result earned him many flattering comments which encouraged Claude to put his heart into the ornamentation side of his work. With the fabrication of house furniture, his friends were able confirmed the new passion of the artist. His creativity has taken on a new challenge - to make a contribution to the church of Grand Entry in the form of a door, a tabernacle, an alter, and other pieces. He has finished some of the pieces and will finish the tabernacle by Easter of this year. Claude has followed two separate courses in ornamental sculpture in Drummondville with Nicole Harvey, sculpturer. He has discovered his capacity to accomplish original works of art and has a desire to improve his techniques making unique ornamental creations.

The emergence grant allows Magdalen Islands artists to have access to resources for perfecting their talents and stimulate the evolution of their artistic careers. The grant has been offered by the islands Deputy, Maxime Arseneau since 1999, and has given the amount of $2,500 since 2006.

Islands Heritage Returns To Islands Hospital

On Tuesday, February 27th, 2007, the bell from the original Islands hospital, Hôpital Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde chapel was donated to the Islands Center for Health and Social Services (CSSS), by Gilbert Cormier. In a grand unveiling event, held at the reception area in the hospital, an audience of about fifty people, including the hospital administration, watched while the sheet fell, revealing the piece of work. The bell’s value was greatly increased by the exceptional work that had been done to restore it to it's original splendor.

The restoration work on the bell was a collaboration of three island artists. Jacques Charest, who conceived the idea. He is known for his work on the new, permanent exposition hall at the Museum de la Mer. Cabinet maker Germain Bourgeois has generiously donated his time and efforts to the project because, “if it is for the hospital, it’s free. I have had good health care at the Islands hospital.” Metal smith Henry Bourque is well known on the islands for his detailed work, in the ‘yellow’ metals.

This bell is a bronze instrument that weighs 225 pounds, has a diameter of 23 inches and is 19 inches tall. It rings clear, loud and resonating, in the musical “fa” note. Mr. Cormier rang the bell, which could be heard clearly at great distances. It has the raised number ‘225', near its crown and the words, ‘Hôpital, Notre Dame de la Garde, Cap aux Meules’, the figure of Mary and a crucifix placed on its shell. A brass plaque is attached to the frame work, explaining the donation by Mr. Cormier. "Cloche du premier hopital inaugure en 1939. Un don de Gilbert Cormier. Assiste de Jacques Charest, concept, Germain Bourgeois, ebenisterie, Henry Bourque, ferronnerie." ("Bell of the first hospital, inaugurated in 1939. A donation of Gilbert Cormier. Assisted by Jacques Charest, conception, Germain Bourgeois, cabinetmaker, Henry Bourque, metalsmith")

The bell also carries the mark of the company, Willis of Montreal and the stamp of the casting company, ‘Paccard d’Annecy-le-Vieux’ in France. This last company has been in existence since 1796, has been known to run the world’s largest bell, a piece that weighs 33 tons and has placed more than 100,000 bells world wide.

The recovery of the bell from the original hospital is accredited to Denis Laporte, who dug it out of the truck box, that was removing the scrap, after the old hospital was torn down, in 1993. He kept the bell in his basement until he decided to move his family to Montreal in 1995, at which time he offered the bell to his neighbour, Gilbert Cormier, on the condition that it never leaves the Magdalen Islands. Mr. Cormier accepted the bell, swearing that, “one day I will improve its value and return it to it’s rightful place, where everyone can admire it.”

“I have been interested in collecting utilitarian marine objects such as compasses, wheels, clocks, barometers and bronze bells, which hold a significance in navigation, whether they serve to determine direction or the changing of work shifts,” Mr. Cormier said. “When my neighbour offered me the bell, I said that a bell from the hospital or from a boat, it made no difference, because it was an object that was a sign of excellence.”

“A bell is a ‘sign’ which accompanies man in his daily life, in the birth of death, in joy and well and suffering.... It (the bell) is now without doubt in the hospital where it will have the greatest significance,” Mr. Cormier said.

“The day has finally arrived and I am proud to see that it (the bell) is welcomed,” concluded Gilbert Cormier, in his speech to the gathering.

“The CSSS Administration very sincerely and warmly thanks Mr. Cormier, who has permitted the invaluable return,” said Celine Lafrance.