The 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017: The Diversity of Canada's North Takes Centre Stage!

WHITEHORSE, YUKON--(Marketwired - Sept. 30, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament (Yukon), today announced $900,000 in funding for Music Yukon's Signature project, Our North: A Pan-Territorial Celebration. Mr. Bagnell made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Government of Canada is providing this funding through the Canada 150 Fund. As part of its project, Music Yukon will organize workshops and shows that will bring together artists from Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Iqaluit, Ottawa and Vancouver. Outreach events will be held in each of these cities, including interactive workshops and demonstrations for schools, families and the general public by musicians, visual artists, and Inuit, Dene and Arctic sport athletes.

The 150^th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity for us all to get involved in our communities and to celebrate what makes us Canadian.

To make 2017 a memorable year for all Canadians, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in Canada-wide, regional and local projects to increase Canadians' awareness and invite them to participate in the many events taking place throughout the year.

Quotes

"Music Yukon's Signature Project will bring together artists from the territories to celebrate the art of Canada's North and share it with all Canadians. The 150^th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity to celebrate our Canadian identity and our ethnic, linguistic, cultural and regional diversity. Let's take advantage of these celebrations to strengthen the relationships that hold us together. Come and marvel at the artistic wealth of Canada's North in all its splendour. On with the show!"

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The 150^th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity for communities to acknowledge the many facets of Canada's diversity. Thanks to Music Yukon's pan-Canadian project, people all across the country will celebrate the rich and unique contributions of Canada's territories. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the wonderful culture of the North!"

- The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament (Yukon)

"The North is a region that many Canadians identify with and dream of, but few have a chance to experience. The people and the culture of the three territories are as distinct as they are northern. Music Yukon is thrilled to work with our partners in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut to celebrate our North in our capital cities, and then share our culture with our fellow Canadians south of 60. We thank Canadian Heritage for their support of this project, which will bring artists, athletes and presenters together from across our vast North in celebration of the 150^th anniversary of Confederation."

-Kim Winnicky, Executive Director of Music Yukon

Quick Facts

• Music Yukon is an incorporated non-profit society based in Whitehorse, Yukon. Its mandate is to support and promote Yukon's musicians and music industry. Established in 1998, it is an important resource for the territory's musicians.
• The countdown has begun-there are fewer than 100 days left until the official launch of celebrations for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation.
• We invite all Canadians to take part in countdown activities-in person and on social media with the hashtag #Canada150.
• The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation are diversity and inclusiveness, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment and youth.
• The Canada 150 Fund was established in April 2015. It has an overall budget of $210 million.
• Through the fund, the Government of Canada will continue to make strategic investments in activities that support the vision of the 150^th anniversary and encourage Canadians to participate directly.

Associated Links

Canada 150

Canada 150 Fund

Music Yukon

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