Three-year strategic plan will focus on product development and marketing
News Release
August 26, 2017 – Red Bank, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Strategic investments in community infrastructure help enhance growth and economic development across New Brunswick. Thanks to federal and provincial government investments of $300,000, the Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. will develop and implement a plan to ensure the continued vibrancy of this important regional and cultural icon.
The funding was announced by Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament Miramichi-Grand Lake, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). He was joined by the Honourable Lisa Harris, Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care, on behalf of the Honourable John Ames, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, and Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. officials for the announcement.
This investment will allow the development and implementation of a three-year plan that will outline a strategic direction, as well as new product development, marketing and operations. The Government of Canada is providing the Metepenagiag Heritage Park with a non-repayable contribution of $225,000 through ACOA's Business Development Program for this initiative, while the Government of New Brunswick is investing $75,000.
This investment will help ensure the park’s future is protected and preserved, and will draw new visitors to the region. This builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports investments in initiatives that build on our regional advantages, strengths and resources.
Quotes
“We know the tremendous value of the heritage and history contained in sites like the Metepenagiag Heritage Park, and what its continued vibrancy means to the region. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is making strategic investments to help our communities flourish by building on our regional advantages, strengths and resources. Facilities like this park enhance our communities, draw visitors, and improve the quality of life for local residents.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Metepenagiag Heritage Park is an invaluable cultural icon. Its beauty and value cannot be overstated. We are very fortunate to have such a site in our region, and the opportunity to be enriched by sharing in Mi’kmaq culture, story, and song. I would like to congratulate the Metepenagiag Heritage Park and its partners for their dedication to making this site the very best it can be and ensuring that its future is protected and preserved.”
- Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi-Grand Lake
“Repatriating these artifacts and investing in the Metepenagiag Heritage Park not only recognizes that Indigenous people have been in this land for millennia, but also the important role the Park plays as a primary Indigenous tourism, heritage and culture attraction for our province. It is key to our new Tourism Growth Strategy and Tourism Product Development Strategy.”
- The Honourable John Ames, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
“As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, the Board of Directors of Metepenagiag Heritage Park and the Province of New Brunswick decided the time was right to repatriate the rich cultural heritage of Metepenagiag to the community. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank both the federal and provincial governments for their significant financial support. Coupled with the significant contribution of the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation, this funding will contribute to the sustainable operation of the Park.”
- Claude DeGrâce, Chair of the Board, Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc.
Contacts
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3687
Valerie Kilfoil
Director Communications
Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
Province of New Brunswick
506-444-5185
Claude DeGrâce
Chair
Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc.
902-698-7855