Government Of Canada Supports Aboriginal Arts Training

PENTICTON, British Columbia, – September 2, 2009 – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Member of Parliament (Okanagan-Coquihalla), today announced funding for the Okanagan Indian Educational Resources Society for its En’owkin Centre, located on the Okanagan Indian Reserve near Penticton.”With this funding, our Government is confirming its commitment to supporting advanced training programs for Aboriginal students,” said Minister Moore. “The En’owkin Centre offers high-quality arts programs and demonstrates determination when it comes to preserving and sustaining Aboriginal cultures and arts.”

“It is important for our Government to support high-quality training programs for Aboriginal students,” said Minister Day.” This support over three years will ensure stability for the En’owkin Centre in planning its activities and help it promote the wealth and diversity of cultures right here in the heart of the Okanagan Valley.”

Over the next three years, the En’owkin Centre will receive a total of $720,000 for its National Aboriginal Professional Arts Training Program. Under the program, Aboriginal arts professionals provide the Aboriginal student body with a two-year, in-depth opportunity to explore, strengthen, and perfect traditional arts practices. Training emphasizes traditional arts techniques and creative processes.

“Having the program funded over three years will give greater stabiltiy for the En’owkin Centre’s National Aboriginal Professional Artist Training Program,” said Jeannette C. Armstrong, Executive Director of the En’owkin Centre. “This program provides tuition and training allowance subsidies for qualifying Aboriginal artists from all across Canada engaged in traditional Aboriginal arts practice. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for their support through this important program.”

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Canada Arts Training Fund, formerly known as the National Arts Training Contribution Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage supports independent, non-profit, incorporated Canadian organizations that train Canadians for professional national and international careers in the arts.

Under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has increased its support for the Canada Arts Training Fund by $7 million a year. This ongoing funding has raised the program’s annual budget 41 percent, from $17.1 million to $24.1 million.

Further, the Government recently announced renewal of arts funding for the next five years. This represents funding of $504 million and is in addition to measures called for in Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Information:

Stephanie Rea
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
stephanie.rea[at]pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155