Funding to Support Metis BC150 Celebrations
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2008TCA0103-001464
Sept. 26, 2008
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
VICTORIA – The Province is providing $150,000 funding to Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) to support projects and events in celebration of B.C.’s 150th anniversary, Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Bill Bennett and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong announced today.“The Métis people are an important part of B.C.’s rich Aboriginal history. This funding agreement will help celebrate their contributions to our province,” said Bennett. “B.C.’s 150th anniversary is an opportunity to showcase our Aboriginal heritage, our rich cultural diversity, our shared history and our many achievements since the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858.”
The agreement with MNBC will support:
o Publication of The Métis in British Columbia: From Fur Trade Outposts to Colony, a book about the Métis peoples’ contributions to the building of the province.
o Re-enactment of the Sinclair expedition, the historic voyage of 120 Métis who crossed the Rockies into B.C. in 1841.
o Métis cultural festivals across B.C., culminating in the Louis Riel provincial celebration on November 16, 2008.
o A CD and corresponding DVD highlighting the significance of Métis music in B.C.
o Publication of an illustrated guidebook about the Métis Nation in B.C. today.
“It is only right that we recognize and salute the Métis for their valuable contributions to British Columbia over the last 150 years,” said de Jong from the MNBC annual general meeting in Kelowna, where the announcement was made. “We will continue to learn and work with all Aboriginal people to preserve and celebrate a fundamental part of our province’s history and present identity.”
BC150 projects and events encompass the pillars of heritage, communities, multiculturalism, Aboriginal people, and arts and culture, and reflect the unique nature of each British Columbia community.
“The Métis in B.C. played a significant role in the formation of this province, and it is inspiring to have the province’s recognition and support in this important initiative,” said Bruce Dumont, MNBC president. “Métis citizens will have the opportunity to celebrate their unique culture and share it with other Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal residents of B.C.”
In May 2006, the Province and MNBC signed the Métis Nation Relationship Accord, creating a government-to-government relationship between the two parties. MNBC’s mandate is to develop and enhance opportunities for the Métis community by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services.
This project is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage Celebration and Commemoration Program’s contribution to the BC 150 celebrations, as announced on Aug. 1, 2008.
BC150 is a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. Every community in B.C. is invited to participate in this year-long celebration of the province’s cultural diversity, community strength and widespread achievement. For more information on BC150 programs and events, visit www.BC150.ca.
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Contact:
David Greer
Communications Manager
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
250 387-2799
Colleen Hodgson
Director of Education and Culture
Métis Nation British Columbia
604 801-5853
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