The idea that folksong is an important source of national identity has been a tenant of cultural politics in Newfoundland for a century. During the years prior to Confederation this idea led to the creation of a national folksong canon by Gerald S. Doyle and others. Following Confederation, central Canadian researchers, educators, and entertainers drew upon this canon in celebrating Newfoundland folksong as Canadian folksong. Subsequently, Newfoundlanders have responded in a variety of ways to these acts of incorporation.