Dr. Shannon Conway

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Email: shannon.conway@uottawa.ca

Dr. Shannon Conway is currently a Research Associate with the Gorsebrook Research Institute for Atlantic Canadian Studies at Saint Mary’s University (2021-2023). She received her PhD in History from the University of Ottawa in 2020 and her MA in History from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2014. Her doctoral thesis examined constructions of Canadian and Newfoundland identities since 1949, which employed a regional (Newfoundland) perspective to inquiries of national significance. Shannon’s research interests include identity(ies), nationalism(s), regionalism, Canadiana, and post-confederation Newfoundland (and Labrador). Her interdisciplinary background in history, political science, policy studies, philosophy, and anthropology heavily influence her research. Shannon’s current research is on perceptions of Newfoundland culture, identity, and nationalism in Newfoundland children’s literature from 1990-2015 and post-Cod Moratorium Newfoundland culture and identity more generally. Though currently residing in Ottawa, Shannon is from outport Newfoundland and returns to her home as often as possible.

My current research project, More than ABCs and 123s: Culture, Identity, and Nationalism in Newfoundland and Labrador Children’s Literature, 1990-2015, is focused on perceptions of Newfoundland culture, identity, and nationalism in Newfoundland children’s literature from 1990-2015. This project will involve a systematic close reading of children’s literature published in Newfoundland between 1990-2015 to ascertain levels of cultural nationalism and self-promoted ‘otherness’ for the continuation of a Newfoundlander identity in the children of the province, as well as those who move to Newfoundland and call it home. The 1990 start date provides a base of what can be understood from the literature prior to the 1992 Cod Moratorium, after which saw socio-economic (and consequent cultural) upheaval in the province. The 2015 end date coincides with the end of a 12-year reign of Progressive-Conservative provincial governments in Newfoundland, beginning with Premier Danny Williams in 2003. The rationale lies in Williams’ vocal Newfoundland nationalism and the rise in cultural, political, and economic nationalism during his premiership, displaying a period to examine the literature for a mirroring shift. The critical analysis of the children’s literature will be contextualized through particular historical events such as the 1992 Cod Moratorium, the 1997 Cabot 500 celebrations, the 50th anniversary of Newfoundland’s union with Canada, Gander’s response during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Williams’ government’s tensions with Ottawa and the resulting increase in nationalism in the province. This research contributes to the understanding of Newfoundland, Newfoundlanders, and Newfoundland(er) identity and society, by identifying and clarifying both what and who are Newfoundlanders.