The Government of Canada Announces Funding for the En'owkin Centre
PENTICTON, August 6, 2002 -- Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada and Member of Parliament (South-Vancouver Burnaby), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $318,000 for the Okanagan Indian Educational Resources Society (also known as the En'owkin Centre), to finance its professional training activities in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004."It is important that Aboriginal arts flourish, so that Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians can appreciate and enjoy them. This is why the Government of Canada is pleased to support training in Aboriginal arts through the National Arts Training Contribution Program," said Mr. Dhaliwal.
The En'owkin Centre provides professional training programs in the arts, including writing, storytelling, and visual arts. Delivered by Aboriginal arts professionals, the training offers Aboriginal students an opportunity to explore, strengthen and perfect traditional and contemporary arts practices.
The launch of Tomorrow Starts Today, on May 2nd 2001, when an additional $13 million was added to the National Arts Training Contribution Program, expanded the ability of the Program to support new clients in more diverse art forms. Greater support for training in Aboriginal arts and in artistic practices based on non-European cultural traditions better reflects the cultural diversity of Canada. The Program supports independent, non-profit organizations which prepare Canadians to become artistic leaders, trained to the highest level for a national or international career.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
[ Media Room ]
