Government of Canada Announces Financial Support for the Spirit Lake Corporation
VILLEMONTEL, October 9, 2003 -- Guy Saint-Julien, Member of Parliament (Abitibi--Baie-James--Nunavik), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $200,000 for the Spirit Lake Corporation to help the group preserve and raise awareness of the history of a First World War internment camp."Throughout history, Canada has played an active role in numerous events that have shaped the world, particularly in the last century. However, many aspects of that history remain unknown, such as events at Camp Spirit Lake," said Mr. Saint-Julien. "Through this new interpretation centre, the experiences of those who stayed at Spirit Lake will be remembered and Canadians will further understand another facet of our national history."
During the First World War, prisoners of war, refugees, and others were held within Canada in internment camps such as the one at Spirit Lake. To better explore and expose this aspect of our history, the Spirit Lake Corporation will build and develop an interpretation centre on the original camp site and present museum exhibitions. The project will also preserve the structures and remnants of the camp and make them accessible to the public.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Cultural Spaces Canada Program. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, and also improves physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. Funding is also provided for the construction and renovation of arts and heritage facilities, for the purchase of specialized equipment, and for feasibility studies and projects to transform buildings into arts or heritage facilities.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Naline Rampersad
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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