The 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017: A Rendezvous With History!

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Aug. 17, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, today announced funding of $624,000 to the Confluence Heritage Society for its Pan-Canadian Signature Project, Canada 150 Voyageurs Rendezvous. Minister Sohi made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

With this support from the Canada 150 Fund, the Confluence Heritage Society will inspire Canadians to celebrate the importance of their waterways as a means of exploration, transportation and development in Canada. In February 2017, a major celebration will take place to launch the Canada 150 Voyageurs Rendezvous project, including cultural games, shows and interactive and interpretive programs on Indigenous culture.

The major component of the project is a re-enactment of the Centennial Voyageur Canoe Pageant, a canoe race that took place in 1967. Teams representing the provinces and territories will embark on a one-month voyage on the North Saskatchewan River. The Rupert's Land Canoe Express activity will allow Canadians to register online and obtain a packet that will travel aboard one of the race canoes and get stamped at the different stops along the way.

To make 2017 a year that all Canadians will remember, the Government of Canada continues to invest in Canada-wide, regional and local projects to raise awareness and invite Canadians to participate in the many activities that will take place throughout the year.

The 150^th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate our common values, our achievements, our majestic environment and our place in the world. It is also an opportunity for Canadians to get involved in their community.

Quick Facts

• The Confluence Heritage Society, located at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, is a registered charity whose mission is to preserve, support and promote Western Canadian history, heritage and culture.
• The Canada 150 Voyageurs Rendezvous will offer Canadians activities and workshops that highlight Indigenous cultures.
• The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation are diversity and inclusion, national reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment and youth. Celebrations highlighting these themes will be held to bring people together and inspire them.
• The Canada 150 Fund was created in April 2015 and has a total budget of $210 million.
• The countdown has begun-there are less than 150 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.

Quotes

"In 1967, Canadians marked the first 100 years of Confederation with a major canoe race. Relive that incredible feat through the Signature project, Canada 150 Voyageurs Rendezvous. Celebrations for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation represent a unique opportunity to engage Canadians in their communities and celebrate their rich history and their majestic environment. Together, let's look to the future with optimism!"

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"As part of the 150^th anniversary of Confederation, the Canada 150 Voyageurs Rendezvous project will provide Canadians with many activities that highlight the importance of the country's invaluable waterways and raise a strong sense of pride and hope for the future. In 2017, I encourage you to take part in activities that will highlight the moments that marked the history of our communities."

-The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Our thanks to Canadian Heritage for this financial support, which will give all Canadians the opportunity to be part of Canada 150 Voyageurs Rendezvous 2017."

-Laura Andreas, President, Confluence Heritage Society

Associated Links

Canada 150

Canada 150 Fund

Confluence Heritage Society

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.