Re‐animating Gros Morne's storyless space: From natural heritage to ecological heritage

Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, is often perceived as a 'storyless space' due to the dualistic separation of nature and culture in heritage classifications. However, new research challenges this narrative by highlighting the deep relational connections between Gros Morne's landscapes and its human inhabitants. Through ethnographic fieldwork and resident narratives—captured in both written and video formats—the study reveals how Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives intertwine with the park's ecological processes, arguing for a shift from 'natural heritage' to 'ecological heritage.' This approach recognizes the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of these spaces, rooted in human experiences and social life.

Vannini, P., & Vannini, A. (2019). Re‐animating Gros Morne’s storyless space: From natural heritage to ecological heritage. Area, 52(1), 213–222. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/area.12533