The people of Cupids, NL will have the opportunity to stage a larger celebration marking the 400th anniversary of English settlement in Canada thanks to new funding announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper today.
"2010 will be a historic yea ar for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It will mark the 400th anniversary of what we now know to be the oldest English settlement in all of Canada," said the Prime Minister. "Cupids' 400th birthday is an important milestone not only for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador but also for all Canadians."
The funding for the Cupids 400th anniversary celebration announced by Prime Minister Harper builds upon the Government's previously announced support for a cultural centre and interpretat ion complex in the community. This new funding will be used to support an array of cultural projects and programs including:
- historical re-enactments, including staging of John Guy's landing at Cupers Cove,
- educational materials to imp art Cupids' historical significance to school children,
- a series of festivals that will feature artists, theatre performers, and folk singers,
- and an international conference devoted to Cupids' archaeological treasures.
"Our Government supports events like this because we believe it's important for all Canadians to know and appreciate the rich history of the people who founded our great nation," said the Prime Minister. "So much of the English language and culture that we c ould easily take for granted can be traced back to the hardiness and perseverance of those original Newfoundlanders who settled right here. This is a cause to celebrate and we're happy to do our part to make Cupids 400th anniversary a celebration to reme mber."
