SASKATOON, March 6, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar), announced that Canada's New Government is providing funding of $10,000 to the John Arcand Fiddle Fest, Inc. The funds will be used for the presentation of the John Arcand Fiddle Fest in August 2007."Canada's New Government is pleased to support events such as the John Arcand Fiddle Fest," said Minister Oda. "The festival not only presents high-quality performances and workshops, but also celebrates Métis culture and builds bridges between many cultural groups.""Our Government is proud to invest in this growing Saskatchewan festival," said Minister Skelton. "I know that audiences will enjoy the variety of excellent performances to be presented over the four days of the festival.""Our festival is inclusive and family-like, with participants who are largely a mix of seniors, families with younger children, and Métis people," said Festival Director Vicki Arcand. "The funding assistance from Canadian Heritage not only contributes to the development of cultural activities that unite Canadians, but helps us to empower and enrich the lives of people in our community who might not otherwise have the means to attend."The 10th anniversary of the John Arcand Fiddle Fest will feature fiddle music, dance and demonstrations of Métis culture at 'Windy Acres', an acreage southwest of Saskatoon. It will also include instructional workshops, concerts and performances that feature emerging and professional artists.Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The program seeks to give Canadians more access to direct experiences of the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentation of professional performances, and other artistic experiences.Information: Véronique BruneauPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women819 997-7788Danielle MaierCommunications AdvisorOffice of the Minister of National Revenue306 531-4872Angela CassieA/Director of CommunicationsPrairies and Northern RegionCanadian Heritage204 983-4367
