#newfoundland

A statue of one of the last Beothuk families now overlooks their traditional land, after the Town of Botwood unveiled a bronze sculpture in their likeness on Monday.

The tribute to Demasduit, her husband Nonosabasut and their infant child was formally recognized by provincial and town officials and First Nations leaders, who gathered on one of the highest points in the Exploits Valley region to honour the family.

The site overlooks the area where Demasduit is believed to have died, says Botwood Mayor James Sceviour — "a traditional home" for Beothuk.

The monument is made up of three figures looking out to the harbour, one of them being Demasduit, who was one of the last of the Beothuk. She died as a captive to European settlers just over 200 years ago, on board the HMS Grasshopper, which was moored in Botwood's harbour at the time.