Jennifer Barnable: Storyteller, Disability Advocate

Diverse storytellers’ voices are absolutely essential to society. Mandy Ford from NunatuKavut is a fine example.

Brack and Brine kindly sent me an advanced copy of putlavamiut poet Mandy Ford’s first book “Cotton Gloves and Rusted Anchors.” The collection of poems introduces an intriguing new voice in Canadian women’s writing and, in partircular, a Labradorian’s perspective.

Mandy is putlavamiut from NunatuKavut (putlavamiut means “people from the place with the treacherous water” in Inuttitut, which in western terms is the Battle Harbour area of Southern Labrador. NunatuKavut is the homeland of the Southern Inuit of Labrador, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

She’s a writer and artist raised in Fox Harbour, NunatuKavut who now lives in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with her husband and dog. Mandy captures beautiful photographs of life in Labrador and shares her skill with words on her blog and social media. It’s a window on a special place in the world that more people should know about: The Big Land.

A Striking Voice

Cotton Gloves and Rusted Anchors captures emotional snapshots of the poet’s life from longing and loss to identity, belonging and the deep inner experience of womanhood. I suspect many readers will be touched by her strong sense of home and connectedness to past memories without being limited by them.

Mandy’s words flow smoothly and clearly, something important for reader accessibility and understanding, without sacrificing her artistry. Her stories and musings present alternatingly powerful and gentle expressions of complex thoughts and emotions.

This is an accomplishment and makes reading her work not only accessible but relatable and inviting. She doesn’t get caught up in the self-indulgence or showy-ness that some writers do, with hubris and wordiness that drowns the message in ego. Instead, the poet skilfully shows her craft and depth, unbothered by posturing or appearances. It’s refreshing to read honest poetry, sans smugness.

Anyone who has lived in coastal Labrador or outport Newfoundland will feel the pride and nostalgia of “Pop’s Wharf” – a poem that takes you for a walk alongside her younger self to her grandfather’s harbour-side stage. In regional vernacular, a stage is an elevated working shed built over water’s edge where fisherman landed, gutted and split fish). The message the poem leaves you with is poignant, and creeps up on you quickly with quiet, steady force. I was surprised to find myself suddenly breathless and choked up, viscerally remembering my own Poppy and home harbour. Mandy’s work transports you.

I particularly appreciated the poet’s ability to be both straightforward yet subtle with her words. This is a skill that takes years to cultivate — and Mandy’s years of writing and creating certainly show here. When reading Cotton Gloves and Rusted Anchors, it felt to me like this was the work of a mature, self-assured poet releasing her fifth book of poetry. I had to keep reminding myself that this was her very first published collection – and it excites me to imagine what will come after this.

Another element I appreciated was the ink artwork she built into her book’s design. Writing the words on a page and then adorning the page with her personal artistic mark was a double treat for me as a reader, giving me a greater sense of connectedness to her work – and to her as a writer.

Evoking “The Big Land”

I’ve worked hard to follow my passion for travel in pursuit of lifelong learning, perspective and personal growth. I’ve explored 60 countries so far and when people ask me which places stood out most, I tell them each time, without hesitation: Labrador.

If you ever have a chance to, visit Labrador. The scenes Mandy Ford evokes – the stunning Mealy Mountains, wild ocean coasts and the wooded passages along Trans-Labrador Highway – will make it an unforgettable experience. And the people and culture just might change you forever.

But if you can’t get there physically, let this book of poetry transport you there with her words and art.

Connected to Labrador

I have a deep, lifelong love for Labrador, since doing fieldwork research all along the coast from Mary’s Harbour to Nain in my 20s.

The people I met and Elders I learned from had a major impact on shaping me as a young adult. My time in Labrador felt like a coming of age in many ways that I’m grateful for.

After years if university study about Labrador, I got to learn hands on from both elders and youth about Labrador history, heritage, the preservation of art, traditions and languages, nature conservation, and the vital importance of reconciliation and deconolonzation. Labrador changed me over those months – and the experience stayed with me for the rest of my life.

I’ve been lucky to return several times over my career, often involved with arts and cultural initiatives, or other work as a photographer or educator. I would go back any day if I could!

Over the years, I met Mandy online and then in person, another Labrador connection. I’ve seen her grow – and glow. She’s truly talented and I’m delighted to see her first book published! We need voices like Mandy Ford’s. Supporting Labrador writers, artists, makers, storytellers and creators is important for so many reasons. I invite you to explore and see why for yourself.

Where to Buy Cotton Gloves and Rusted Anchors

Buy your copy of Mandy Ford’s Cotton Gloves and Rusted Anchors at publisher Brack and Brine who does great work with Northern spaces and Northern peoples. The book is also available through Memorial Unviersity Press or Indigo.

I hope you’ll pick up this wonderful tea book for yourself and as a gift for someone you know!

Cotton Gloves and Rusted Anchors made its debut at Word on the Street Festival in Fall 2025, ahead of its wider release this week. Thank you to the publishers for sending me an advance copy to review. And thank you to the poet, Mandy Ford – keep telling stories!

*this is an unpaid review by an independent lover of art, culture and storytelling and supporter of women’s works.