Two Groups Organize Activities for the 400th Anniversary of Acadia
BERTRAND, May 12, 2004 -- The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of State (Infrastructure) and Member of Parliament (Fredericton), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced support for the Centre d'action artistique and the Festival des deux rivières for activities focussing on the heritage and cultural diversity of New Brunswick to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia."The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of commemorating historical events that have shaped our country and our identity," said Minister Scott. "The 400th anniversary of Acadia allows us to celebrate the legacy of the first French settlers to North America. Thousands of individuals will take part in artistic and cultural events across New Brunswick, highlighting the accomplishments of Acadians throughout the last four centuries."
"Acadians took part in the initial development of Canada. They helped establish the French language and culture as part of the soul of our country," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "Acadians are a model of perseverance and determination and I am proud to support these celebrations, which will highlight an important chapter in our history, as well as the exceptional contributions of the Acadian people to our country's evolution."
"Atlantic Canada's rich culture and heritage are strong vehicles for economic development," said Minister McGuire. "This funding will generate important economic benefits for the region whose rich culture is a calling card for tourism and discovery."
The Centre d'action artistique will receive funding of $75,000. With this support, the Centre in Bertrand will organize a show in which musicians, dancers, and singers will perform period music in a setting reminiscent of the splendor of Versailles.
The Festival des deux rivières will receive funding of $12,000 to develop a festival in Tracadie-Sheila that focusses on the Aboriginal, cultural, craft, historical, and religious heritage of New Brunswick, and more specifically the Acadian Peninsula. The Festival will present a series of historical conferences on the cultural, historic and linguistic diversity of New Brunswick.
Funding is provided under the Atlantic Canada Cultural and Economic Partnership, a $10-million, three-year initiative that is funded jointly by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the ACOA. The Partnership will stimulate economic development in the cultural sector and serve to celebrate the history and the cultural diversity of Atlantic Canada.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Mary Johnson
Communications
Office of the Honourable
Andy Scott
(613) 952-1684
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
(613) 941-7241
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