Government of Canada funding for Horsefly River Salmon Festival in Horsefly, British Columbia
August 6, 2014 – Horsefly, British Columbia – Department of Canadian Heritage
The Horsefly River Roundtable will celebrate the return of sockeye salmon to their spawning grounds on the Horsefly River, thanks to $2,000 in funding from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program.
Festival activities include musical performances, a variety of interactive centres with hands‑on displays about water quality and marine invertebrates, poetry readings, gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) demonstrations and presentations by the Northern Shuswap Nation.
Richard Harris, Member of Parliament (Cariboo–Prince George), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
“Local festivals bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and help build strong communities. I am proud that our Government has taken action to strengthen our shared sense of heritage. This festival is not only educating residents, students and tourists; it is showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the region and its people.”
—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
“Thanks to the Horsefly River Roundtable’s ongoing dedication, visitors and residents can learn about the importance of the salmon run and aquatic life in the Horsefly River. We are pleased to invest in these kinds of celebrations that strengthen our communities.”
—Richard Harris, Member of Parliament (Cariboo–Prince George)
“The Horsefly River plays an important role in British Columbia’s cultural heritage. The area was part of a north–south travel route used by First Nations prior to the arrival of Euro-Canadian settlers and later by all inhabitants of the area. In 1859, the first gold discovery in the upper Cariboo region was on the Horsefly River. The Horsefly River Salmon Festival showcases the connection between cultural celebrations and the natural world around us.”
—Maureen LeBourdais, Manager, Cariboo Chilcotin Region, Fraser Basin Council and Director, Horsefly River Roundtable
Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Communications Manager
Canadian Heritage
Western Region
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
