For Release
June 15, 2006
Osoyoos, British Columbia – Visitors from
around the world will have the opportunity to learn about Canada’s
only desert with the opening of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural
Centre. Embedded in beautiful South Okanagan, the new Centre boasts
interactive hands-on exhibits, an 80-seat multi-media theatre, a
water garden, interpretive programs and on-site tours.
Financial support for the project was made available through the
Western Economic Partnership Agreement. Western Economic Diversification
Canada provided $988,628 and the BC Ministry of Economic Development
gave an additional $1.5 million. Other funders include Industry
Canada, Canadian Heritage, Infrastructure Canada, Indian and Northern
Affairs Canada and the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment
Initiative.
“This new desert cultural centre will provide residents and
visitors with the opportunity to learn about the culture, history
and land of the Osoyoos First Nations,” said the Honourable
Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National
Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “The
variety of exhibits will make the facility a major tourist attraction,
which will help to develop new economic opportunities in the Okanagan
region.”
“The Nik’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a shining example
of the contribution Aboriginal enterprise is making to Canada’s
multi-billion dollar tourism sector and to our country’s overall
economic strength and growth,” said the Honourable Maxime
Bernier, Minister of Industry. “Industry Canada is pleased
to have played a role in the development of this Centre, which will
bring economic benefits to the community and showcase the rich history
of the Okanagan First Nations People.”
“Our new desert cultural centre and the ongoing development
of our Nk’Mip Resort resonates with the aspirations of a community
wishing to share with visitors its rich heritage and the lands upon
which it has lived for thousands of years,” said Osoyoos Indian
Band Chief Clarence Louie at the official opening of the new centre
today.
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre will showcase the history,
culture and ecology of the Osoyoos First Nations living in Canada’s
Great Basin Desert. The desert lands are one of Canada's three most
endangered ecosystems and the home of many endangered plant and
animal species. The Centre is part of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s
larger Nk’Mip Resort that includes the development of the
South Okanagan’s only four-star hotel and spa, Golf Course,
Vineyard, Winery and lakefront RV Park and Campground.
For additional information, contact:
Jinny Wu
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Tel: (604) 666-2445
Fiona MacLeod
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National
Revenue and Minister of Western
Economic Diversification Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Tel: (613) 995-2960
