The following statement was made today by Culture, Recreation and Tourism Minister Jim Lyall.
Labrador Inuit were saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Jim Tuck, a pioneer of modern professional archaeological research in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. Tuck, who passed away on May 10, founded the archaeology program at Memorial University, and the department there is now considered to be one of the best in the country.
Dr. Tuck received numerous honors over the years for his efforts, including being elected to the Royal Society of Canada in 1982 for his contributions to archaeological research. He was also the recipient of the Manning Award from the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society’s Heritage Award for significant contributions to “the preservation and/or dissemination of the written record of the history of Newfoundland and Labrador.” He was a recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Smith-Wintemberg Award from the Canadian Archaeological Association – the highest award given by the national body.
Dr. Tuck’s work was used by the Labrador Inuit Association leading up to the signing of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and the formation of the Nunatsiavut Government in 2005. His work continues to be important resource material for the Nunatsiavut Government as manages the region’s rich historic resources.
As Minister of Culture, Recreation of Tourism, I would like to extend sincere condolences to Dr. Tuck’s family and friends. He will be warmly remembered in northern Labrador.