Postville colouring book showcases life in Nunatsiavut

One university student's summer project invites people to get artistic, and learn more about the north coast of Labrador at the same time.

Book meant to appeal to children and adults alike

Jacob Barker · CBC News · Posted: Sep 17, 2016 2:58 PM EDT | Last Updated: September 17, 2016

Colouring book hopes to showcase Nunatsiavut to the world

8 years ago

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Kathryn Workman says she uses her experience growing up in Postville, Labrador as inspiration for her drawings in the colouring book which can be used in social studies classes or for Inuktitut instruction.

As far as summer breaks go, Kathryn Worthman says 2016 ranks high.

Armed with nothing but a pack of pencils, some paper and a smartphone for reference, she spent it doing what she loves most.

"I love drawing, so this is the best summer ever," Worthman said, from behind her work table at the community offices in Postville, Labrador.

Worthman's creation? A colouring book.

Worthman says creating the colouring book was the "best summer ever." (Jacob Barker/CBC)

The idea came through the economic and tourism office in Postville and was funded by the Nunatsiavut government.

The finished product is meant to be appeal to both children and adults.

It's basically what Labrador's all about.- Kathryn Worthman

The drawings portray snippets of life and culture on the north coast of Labrador, along with wildlife like seals and bears. The Northern Ranger ferry makes an appearance, as well as Inuit symbols like the ulu.

"I was thinking Labrador first, like lifestyle, clothing, food, the history of it. The best parts of it," she said.

"My favourite one would be a pattern piece of a whole bunch of berries all over the place."

'What Labrador's all about'

The plan is for the book to be used in classrooms as an extension to social studies classes, for Inuktitut instruction or art.

Worthman hopes it could also be used by people outside of Nunatsiavut and other cultural groups to teach about Inuit culture and life.

"It's basically what Labrador's all about," Worthman said.

"People in other parts of the world might even look at it and [say] like, wow, that's what Labrador is like, I want to come there."

Worthman said some of the drawings are made from photographs, others are from her own memories.

Now a second year university student, she said her pictures are inspired by growing up in Postville. She called the project "nostalgic."

The Northern Ranger, an easily recognizable slice of Labrador life, makes an appearance in the colouring book. (Jacob Barker/CBC)

"This is what I done, this is what I experienced in life. I actually did this for the community and people to look at."

Worthman used to draw anime, a Japanese art style, when she was younger. Now she describes her drawings as more cartoon-ish in a playful style, which shines through in the colouring book.

"I have to think, what do the people need before I put my own interpretation to it," Worthman said,

"They're fun to draw."