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this was perceived in this manner by members ofthe community. This may have been
made evcn morc attractive by the absence ofany other seasonal activity during this time:
There was nothin' else to do. only fish. I mean. that's all there was to do. Twas a
matter ofsur\'i\'ing. You had to go to the fishery and that was combined \\;th
gardeninfiand logging in the \\;nter and that \\ould supplement lour earnings for
the year. 1
In this way. the annual migration to Labrador to fish can tx: secn as an important
component in the economic matrix. This importance was transferred to the social aspcclS
ofthc culture making itselfevident within the folldife ofthe community ofColliers
through song. story. and group identification.
Another factor which contributed to Ihe importance oflhe Labrador fishery in rich
cultural expression was the participation ofboth men and \\omen. The men outnumbered
Ihe \\omen fivc to one. Because Ihe men traditionally started 31 around age twelve and the
women at age elevcn to fifteen depending on whelher or not they were cooking for their
own families. Ihey Iilcrally grew up on the Labrador. as is nOled in my falher's narratives
in Ihc previous chapters.
As summarized by Ravenstcin (sec Chnplcr I). those who pnrtieipn(ed in the
Labrador fishery procceded a short dislance in response to an economic demand for fish.
Thcre was a significant role played by women. While there was a demand for fish and
fish to supply Ihe demand. there was also a reservc anny of skilled workers who learned
(heir trode by living the fishing and the related tasks which basically had not changed
'" MU FLA. ms., 79-256, p. 8.
174