LOWER WEST PUBNICO, Nova Scotia, June 26, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova), today announced funding for the Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia.
This funding will enable the Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia to offer a greater number of cultural activities in the summer 2010 season. There will be more opportunities for visitors to experience Acadian dance, theatre, and song.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia, which gives thousands of people from Nova Scotia and beyond an opportunity to be immersed in Acadian culture," said Minister Moore. "Enhancing heritage is a way to strengthen Francophone minority communities, and the Historic Acadian Village is contributing to this key objective."
"Every year since its creation in 1999, the Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia has attracted thousands of tourists to Lower West Pubnico, cradle of the province's oldest Acadian colony," said Mr. Kerr. "In this capacity, the Village also plays a key role in Nova Scotia's economic development."
"Support from the Government of Canada enables us to offer the Acadian community in Nova Scotia the opportunity to live in French, to celebrate its survival, and–as citizens of this country–to partake in activities where their language and culture are valued," said Roger d'Entremont, Executive Director of the Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia. "These activities strengthen the Acadian community and its sense of pride, and increase their capacity to undertake collective action."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $12,500 through the Cultural Development Fund of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. The objectives of this program include supporting and strengthening the cultural and artistic activities and cultural expression of official-language minority communities, as well as promoting the arts, culture, and heritage of these communities to Canadian society.
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
