On behalf of the Nunatsiavut Government and Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, President Johannes Lampe extends his warmest and sincerest best wishes to Muriel Andersen who celebrates her 105th birthday today.
Born on Dunn’s Island in 1917, Mrs. Andersen left home to attend boarding school some 30 miles away in Makkovik. As a child she worked at splitting fish and cooked for Newfoundland fishing crews while they were “on the Labrador”.
At the age of 21, Mrs. Andersen fell in love with John Edgar Andersen, who was 11 years older than her, and the couple moved to Adlavik, just south of Makkovik. The couple had six children, two of whom are now members of the Nunatsiavut Assembly – Wilson “Wally” and Anthony “Tony”. Her husband passed away when Tony was three-years old, leaving her to raise the children on her own. Her grandson, Thomas Evans, is also a member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly, and her granddaughter, Lela Evans, is the legislative member for Torngat Mountains in the House of Assembly.
Mrs. Andersen was well known for her crochet work, and for making sealskin boots and other clothing to support her family. She also worked for the Moravian Mission, and provided interpretive and translation services for the medical clinic in Makkovik, as well as for the courts.
She has survived two world wars, two global pandemics and residential school. She has 21 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great grandchildren. She is currently residing at the long-term care facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Mrs. Andersen’s family will be gathering in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on September 3 to celebrate her birthday.
“Mrs. Andersen truly is an inspiration in every meaning of the word,” says President Lampe. “She has endured much during her life, yet persevered and continues to be a role model to many. Best wishes to her on her special day.”