MIRAMICHI, New Brunswick, August 6, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today informed six community and arts organizations in New Brunswick during a roundtable discussion that they will be receiving funding for a range of festivals and pow-wows that will take place in the Miramichi area.
"Our Government is proud to partner with these organizations to celebrate local history, arts, and heritage," said Minister Moore. "And In Miramichi, there is something for everyone--a number of these Acadian, Irish, and Aboriginal events have been delighting Miramichiers and visitors for more than a decade."
"The financial support that the Miramichi Rock 'N' Roll Festival receives from the Government of Canada is an essential part of our efforts to maintain strong community spirit and family participation from all age groups," said Nick Pitre, Chair of the Rock 'N' Roll Festival. "Our annual festival is now in its 17th year, and this continued support will enable us to maintain this event, which has now become a family tradition."
"The funding that the Eel Ground First Nation Annual Pow-wow receives from the Government of Canada is essential to the success of our event," said Chief George H. Ginnish. "A traditional pow-wow is a reflection of the generosity of the community hosting it; we charge no admittance fee and the participants and spectators are treated as guests would be treated in our homes. The community contributes enormously towards the costs, but without the financial assistance received from the Government of Canada, we probably could not continue to host this event."
"The Miramichi Folksong Festival was very pleased to receive financial assistance from the Government of Canada," said Susan Butler, Volunteer Director of the Miramichi Folksong Festival for 27 years. "We are Canada's longest standing folksong festival, and it is our right and privilege to preserve such a tradition .This financial support allows us to do so."
"For the second year in a row, we are pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting our initiatives. Their support will allow us to increase the vitality of the French language and celebrate Acadian culture in Miramichi," said Line Thibodeau, Director of Programming, Conseil communautaire Beausoleil. "It's inspiring, in this year of the World Acadian Congress, to have a great community project that brings together Francophones, Anglophones, Acadians, local residents, and tourist in celebration!"
"The support we received from the Government of Canada has helped immensely in the execution of our 26th annual celebration," said Elaine Jimmo, President of Canada's Irish Festival on the Miramichi. "With the grant we received, and the support of many others, we were able to host another hugely successful Irish Festival. A host of entertainers, workshops, and other cultural events make the Miramcihi the place to be each July, thanks to the generosity of agencies and sponsors like the Government of Canada."
"The Esgenoôpetitj Annual Pow-wow 2009 cultural gathering received funding from the Government of Canada. This funding made it possible to share our Mi'kmaq culture and provide the general public activities through traditional song, dance, arts, and crafts," said Rhonda Somerville, Event Coordinator.
The Government of Canada has provided a total of $52,800 to these organizations through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
An information sheet listing the organizations receiving funding is attached.
Information:
Stephanie Rea
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
stephanie.rea@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
Fact Sheet
Organization: Rock 'N' Roll Festival Miramichi NB Inc.
Contribution: $7,800
Activity: Rock 'N' Roll Festival 2009
Organization: Eel Ground First Nation Pow-wow Committee
Contribution: $7,600
Activity: 12th Annual Eel Ground First Nation Pow-wow
Organization: Miramichi Folksong Festival
Contribution: $9,300
Activity: Miramichi Folksong Festival
Organization: Conseil communautaire Beausoleil inc.
Contribution: $4,300
Activity: Fêtons l'Acadie
Organization: Irish Festival Inc.
Contribution: $17,100
Activity: Miramichi Irish Festival
Organization: Esgenoôpetitj Pow-wow Committee
Contribution: $6,700
Activity: 15th Annual Esgenoôpetitj Pow-wow
