Government of Canada Invests in Athabasca Centennial Celebrations

ATHABASCA, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 11, 2011) - The Athabasca Centennial Committee can count on support from the Government of Canada in staging celebrations to commemorate and celebrate Athabasca's 100^th anniversary. This was announced today by Brian Jean, Member of Parliament (Fort McMurray–Athabasca), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The celebration of this centennial anniversary will take place from April 1 to December 31, 2011, and will engage the public in activities that celebrate their history and highlight the community's milestones and achievements. The celebration of Athabasca's 100^th anniversary will include artists, musicians, dancers, and actors. Traditional Aboriginal dancing, drumming, and singing will also be featured.

In addition to performances and storytelling that celebrate Athabasca's centennial, local residents will also have opportunities to learn the town's history from tours and exhibits. In 1897, Athabasca was a trade hub for the Hudson's Bay Company and an important staging post for the Canadian water route to the Klondike. The original homesteaders and inhabitants of this small northern Alberta community established and continued to build this frontier outpost until the Town of Athabasca was incorporated in 1911.

"The Athabasca centennial celebrations will provide local residents with access to enriching cultural and artistic experiences, while strengthening community ties," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is pleased to invest in an organization that contributes to the community's sense of shared history."

"The Government of Canada is proud to support activities that increase citizens' participation in their communities," said Mr. Jean. "Athabasca's 100^th anniversary will celebrate our history and promote increased public exposure for local artists and performers."

"The Town of Athabasca extends its most sincere thanks to the Government of Canada for its support in celebrating our 100^th anniversary," said Mayor Roger Morrill. "Our community has flourished over the last century due to our citizens' vision and spirit."

The Athabasca Centennial Committee is a local organization that is planning and delivering commemorative events to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Athabasca, Alberta.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $32,200 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)