PENTICTON, British Columbia, May 21, 2008 - Aboriginal young people in the Okanagan region will have continued access to professional arts training, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament (Okanagan-Coquihalla), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Okanagan Indian Educational Resources Society to support the En'owkin Centre, located on the Okanagan Indian Reserve, close to Penticton.
The En'owkin Centre will receive funding of $240,000 for its National Aboriginal Professional Arts Training program. Under this program, Aboriginal arts professionals provide the Aboriginal student body with a two-year, in-depth opportunity to explore, strengthen, and perfect traditional arts practices. Training emphasizes traditional arts techniques and creative processes.
"I am proud to support the En'owkin Centre in its unique arts training and its commitment to maintaining and perpetuating indigenous knowledge," said Minister Verner. "Quality arts training is essential to sustain the vitality of our culture and ensure the future of the arts in Canada."
"Our Government continues to provide support for high-calibre programming for Aboriginal students," said Minister Day. "This funding will not only allow the Centre to continue its activities, but also to promote the richness and diversity of cultures right here in the heart of the Okanagan."
"We are deeply appreciative that the Department of Canadian Heritage recognizes the critical importance of supporting traditional Aboriginal arts practices. Their assistance in helping us restore such a vibrant part of our cultural heritage--a critical aspect of Canada's legacy--makes programs like the National Aboriginal Professional Artists Training Program here at En'owkin Centre possible," said Jeannette Armstrong, the Centre's Executive Director.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the National Arts Training Contribution Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program supports independent, non-profit, incorporated Canadian organizations that train Canadians for professional national and international careers in the arts.
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
