Mark David Turner

Background

About Mark David Turner

I work within the field of cultural studies with emphasis on documentary heritage and expressive culture in the Northwest Atlantic and, increasingly, the Circumpolar North. Working with Arctic and Sub-arctic communities has given me insight into the creative ways that recorded materials can be used to enhance current cultural practices and generate new expressive forms. My experiences in supporting the development of Indigenous archives, in engaging with communities to develop policies and protocols to safeguard heritage, in the revival of community brass bands and in supporting tradition-bearers in preserving a threatened dialect has allowed me to participate and witness what is possible when people, records and tradition are given a space to work together. I work to create more of these spaces; to help discover and promote ways for cultures of the Northwest Atlantic and Circumpolar North to express themselves with their documentation. Since 2013, I have worked closely with people, heritage organizations and communities of Nunatsiavut in northern Labrador on projects relating to culture and heritage mobilization, cultural production and community engagement. Often, I do this in partnership with academic institutions, regional and local governments as well as the broader galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) sector. On this platform and beyond, I am keen to connect with record-keepers and people working in and with documentary heritage in the Northwest Atlantic and Circumpolar North.