Government of Canada Provides Funding to Help Keep a Collection of Bill Reid's Works in Canada |
| VANCOUVER, November 14, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced that the federal government has provided $400,000 from existing funds to help the Bill Reid Foundation keep a collection of the artist's works in Canada. "Bill Reid was an artist of great talent and influence. His works, known worldwide, are a valuable part of our cultural heritage and an inspiration to a new generation of Aboriginal artists," said Minister Copps. "We will make every effort to help ensure that this collection stays in Canada and can be seen by Canadians." A large part of the collection has been donated to the Foundation by Dr. Martine Reid, Bill Reid's wife. The Department of Canadian Heritage, with the assistance of Western Economic Diversification Canada, added to the funds already raised by the Bill Reid Foundation to help buy the rest of the collection. The 107 pieces are valued at $3.4 million. "Bill Reid's visionary and meaningful artistic creations convey to the world the spirit of Haida culture, representing a treasured contribution to our shared Canadian Heritage," said Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development). "Today's announcement helps ensure that Bill Reid's collection will remain in Canada, a legacy for generations to come." "I am delighted that we were able as the Federal Government to accommodate the Bill Reid Collection so that it could remain in British Columbia," said Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament (Vancouver Centre). "We are proud of Bill Reid and pleased to showcase his work where it belongs." Over the next three years, the Bill Reid Foundation will exhibit the collection in a tour of Canada and major international cities. During this time, the Foundation plans to establish a permanent home for the exhibit in British Columbia. Bill Reid, a Haida artist, died in 1998. His works include carvings, sculptures, drawings and jewellery. His sculpture, the Spirit of Haida Gwaii, graces the entrance to the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C, with the second casting at the Vancouver International Airport, and depictions of his work will be displayed on the new $20 bill. Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. Information: Sonya-Kim St-Julien Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (819) 997-7788 |
