SOUTHAMPTON, Ontario, June 15, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament (Huron-Bruce), today announced funding for the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre.
The funding will support the Capturing Oral Histories Project, whose goal is to document histories of First Nations families from several Bruce County Aboriginal communities, including the Chippewas of Nawash, the Cape Croker First Nation, and the Augean First Nation. With the services of a First Nations education worker and a videographer, the project findings will be used to help develop educational material for the Museum's First Nations Gallery.
"Museums play a role in building strong communities and documenting our country's rich cultural heritage," said Minister Moore. "With its diverse programming and high-quality exhibitions, the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre makes a valuable contribution to this region, and our Government is proud to be a partner."
"The Bruce County Museum and Culture Centre is an extraordinary facility, and I am pleased that our Government is committed to supporting it and arts and culture in Huron-Bruce," said Mr. Lobb. "This is an exciting opportunity for the local Aboriginal community to explore and exhibit their contribution to the area."
"It's great news that the Government of Canada will contribute to the Bruce County Museum!" said Barbara Ribey, Director-Curator, Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre. "This will allow education and program staff to begin work on the 'Capturing Oral Histories' project, creating new public and curriculum-linked programming for the Museum's First Peoples' Gallery."
The Government of Canada has provided $15,100 in funding through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
