PORT ROYAL, Nova Scotia, April 21, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Kji Saqamaw Membertou in Port Royal, Nova Scotia.
This funding will allow the Mi'kmaq Association of Cultural Studies, on behalf of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council, to commemorate the baptism of Grand Chief Membertou by organizing a series of events and producing educational materials that highlight the 400th anniversary of the start of peaceful relations between the Mi'kmaq Nation and the nations of Europe.
"Our Government is proud to support events commemorating the 400th anniversary of Membertou's baptism, as it represents an important milestone in Canada's history," said Minister Moore. "These events will unite Aboriginal people and Canadians across Canada in celebrating our common history."
This anniversary will provide an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Grand Chief Membertou and the culture and contributions of the Mi'kmaq people to Canada's history," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Central Nova). "I am pleased that this historic moment will be shared and celebrated with all Canadians."
"The Mi'kmaq Association of Cultural Studies (MACS) is deeply grateful to the Government of Canada for its generous support of the Grand Chief Membertou 400 Celebrations," said Deborah Ginnish, Executive Director of MACS. "The funding provided will not only allow us to appropriately recognize the life and legacy of a great Mi'kmaq leader, it will help us build bridges of cultural understanding between the Native and non-Native community."
Celebrations of the 400th anniversary will be launched on June 24, 2010, at Parks Canada's Port?Royal National Historic Site. A documentary about cooperation between the Mi'kmaq and the French will be produced and distributed to schools across Canada. Events planned include a Kji Puqtuq (also known as a powwow) that will bring together members of the Mi'kmaq Nation and other Aboriginal peoples from across North America. This cultural event will showcase the Mi'kmaq culture to Canadians, international dignitaries, and other Aboriginal peoples.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $600,000 for the 400th anniversary celebration events through the Commemorate Canada component of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Celebration and Commemoration Program. This component provides financial support to initiatives of national significance that commemorate various aspects of the history of Canada.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
