Canadian Heritage

August 14, 2008 09:00 ET

The Government of Canada Supports Esgenoopetitj Pow-Wow

ESGENOOPETITJ, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - Aug. 14, 2008) - Residents and visitors to the Esgenoopetitj (Burnt Church) area will have the opportunity to take part in the Esgenoopetitj Pow-Wow, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament (New Brunswick Southwest), on behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Esgenoopetitj Pow-Wow.

Funding of $4,500 will help the Esgenoopetitj Pow-Wow Committee present its 14th annual Pow-Wow, which will take place from August 21 to 24, 2008. Visitors and residents to the area will be able to discover the Mi'kmaq culture through such activities as dance, drum, and native crafts demonstrations.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Esgenoopetitj Pow-Wow," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."

"Festivals like this one bring together people from all walks of life and they contribute to building stronger communities," said Minister Thompson. "This funding is another example of how our government is committed to strengthening our shared sense of heritage."

"This funding has provided us a great opportunity to work closely with First Nation artisans within Atlantic Canada," said Rhonda Somerville, Esgenoopetitj Pow-Wow Committee Chair. "This opportunity will provide Aboriginal artisans a venue in which to display, vocalize, and show pride in local artistry relative to the First Nation culture through art, song, and dance."

The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in events and activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and anniversaries throughout Canada this year.

Applications for funding for festivals to be held between January 1 and August 31, 2009, and for community historical commemorations between January 1 and December 31, 2009, must be received by September 1, 2008.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.