Mi’kmaw artisans to build sales, showcase work
News release
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design to help Indigenous arts and craft producers grow their businesses
May 7, 2021 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The success of Indigenous businesses is essential to building a strong, innovative and inclusive Atlantic Canadian economy. That is why the Government of Canada is investing to create economic and artistic development opportunities for Mi’kmaw craft producers in Cape Breton – Unama’ki.
Federal government helping spotlight work of Mi’kmaw crafts producers
Today, Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced a non-repayable contribution of $177,900 to the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design to support business training, mentoring and pathfinding services for emerging and established artisans in the five Mi'kmaw communities in Cape Breton – Unama’ki. The funding will enable the Centre to hire an Indigenous Arts Coordinator and an Indigenous Craft Development Coordinator.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
The Province of Nova Scotia also provided a grant of $51,338 toward the project.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping Indigenous entrepreneurs access the tools they need to grow their business. Strategic investments like this one help build vibrant communities, strengthen cultural connections and grow local economies.
Quotes
“To build a vibrant future for Atlantic Canada, everyone must have equal opportunity to participate in the economy. Helping Mi’kmaw artisans and entrepreneurs develop their skills, showcase their products and increase sales will create jobs and promote the rich Mi’kmaw history and culture.”
- Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Supporting initiatives to build business skills among Mi’kmaw crafts people and passing cultural knowledge and creative practices between generations, will better equip Indigenous artisans to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities to reach new markets.”
- Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso
“Our funding is designed to foster Mi’kmaw artistic and community cultural development. We are pleased to play a part in helping to promote and preserve Mi’kmaw culture and heritage through support for the community’s artisans and entrepreneurs.”
- Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage
“Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design strives to honour reconciliation by celebrating the ongoing tradition of beautiful and creative craftsmanship of Indigenous Peoples. This project will be Indigenous led and will be responsive to the needs of Mi’kmaw artisans in Unama’ki by increasing awareness and showcasing their work.”
- Lori Burke, Executive Director, Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
Quick facts
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The non-profit Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design was established in 1972 and has a membership of more than 300 individuals and organizations throughout Cape Breton Island.
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The Centre promotes and markets Cape Breton contemporary and traditional crafts through exhibitions, special events and a variety of media platforms. Its storefront gallery opened in 2007 and shows the work of more than 90 Cape Breton crafters.
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ACOA’s contribution is provided through its Business Development Program.
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The Province of Nova Scotia’s investment is through its Creative Industries Fund.
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca
Chris Brooks
Communications Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Brett Loney
Communities, Culture and Heritage
902-497-0269
bretton.loney@novascotia.ca
Lori Burke
Executive Director
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
902-539-7491 (ext. 113)
lori@capebretoncraft.com
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