Government of Canada Helps Northern Canadians Share in Commemoration and Celebration of Inuit Culture
IQALUIT, May 3, 2004 -- The Government of Canada will work with the Inuit Heritage Trust to engage more Northerners in the recognition and celebration of Inuit heritage and identity. This announcement was made today by Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament (Nunavut), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage."The history of the Inuit is an important part of the Canadian story," said
Ms. Karetak-Lindell. "Sharing these stories with the communities of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Northern Manitoba and Greenland, in their language, will foster greater appreciation and understanding of Inuit heritage and identity."
"We have a duty to not only protect but to share the languages, cultures and traditions of the Inuit," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "We must provide the tools necessary to open up discussions across northern communities to enable the creation of new partnerships and collaborations."
The Inuit Heritage Trust is dedicated to the preservation, enrichment and protection of Inuit cultural heritage and identity embodied in Nunavut's archaeological sites, ethnographic resources and traditional place names. By circulating its Inuit History Travelling Exhibit, the rich heritage shared by these remote communities will be presented in their language, whether it be English, French, Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun.
Funding of $22,282 is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Museums Assistance Program's Aboriginal Museum Development component. This program seeks to tell the Canadian story and promote diverse perspectives using tools such as travelling exhibitions, outreach, collaborative initiatives and partnerships.
Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Susan Scullion
Executive Assistant
Office of Nancy-Karetak-Lindell
(613) 992-2848
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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