CALGARY, April 18, 2008 - The Asian community in southern Alberta will have the opportunity to participate in local festivals that highlight arts and culture as part of Asian Heritage Month, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Asian Heritage Foundation (Southern Alberta).
Funding of $10,126 will help the Asian Heritage Foundation present "Find the CanAsian in You." This Festival begins with weekly bus tours every Sunday in May beginning May 4, 2008. These tours through the city of Calgary will highlight the history, heritage, and local arts and culture of Calgary's Asian communities. The Foundation's activities will conclude with the "ImaginAsian Festival" from May 30 to June 1, 2008, at Calgary's Canada Olympic Park.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Asian Heritage Foundation," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"Local festivals such as this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities," said Mr. Richardson. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of 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
