WHITEHORSE, February 18, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament (Provencher) today announced funding for the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society.
Funding of $9,658 will support theYukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival in Whitehorse. This winter festival will showcase local artists, artisans, and heritage. The festival will be held from February 22-24, 2008, and will include an Old Tyme Fiddle Show at the Yukon Arts Centre and a main stage tent that will feature military bands, dance groups, musicians, and children's entertainers.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival, one of the first festivals to receive funding under the new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"Local festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities," said Minister Toews. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage."
"The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society is pleased to have received funding from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program as it moves towards 50 years of having entertained Yukoners during the long, cold days of February," said Harold Sher, Executive Director of the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society. "This funding will help the Society orchestrate the recruitment of volunteers and the technical support required to set up and operate the venue. It will also enable the Society to publicize and promote this event throughout the Yukon."
The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society, a local not for profit organization, is celebrating its 44th anniversary in 2008. This year's Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival offers close to 100 events, activities, contests, shows, and displays. Festival events primarily showcase local artists and commemorate local Yukon history and heritage.
The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.
The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to get involved in their communities and in celebrating Canadian arts and heritage.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
