Kickoff of Traditions: National Gatherings on Indigenous Knowledge
OTTAWA, May 3, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced that nine meetings would be held with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, as part of Traditions: National Gatherings on Indigenous Knowledge. The meetings will take place across the country between May 3 and July 2.Traditions is the last in a series of three national gatherings organized by the Department of Canadian Heritage since 2002. The purpose of these gatherings is to establish a respectful and appropriate dialogue with Aboriginal communities on artistic expression, culture and tourism, and Indigenous knowledge.
"These gatherings provide a unique opportunity to share with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada in order to better understand their needs and discuss the challenges they face," said Minister Frulla. "These meetings are crucial, as they allow us to better adapt our programs and initiatives to the experience of Aboriginal communities."
The meetings will take place in Aboriginal communities across Canada. Some 50 participants will be taking part in these three-day events. One of the events to be held is a virtual meeting, aimed mainly at young people. The gatherings will address topics such as artistic expression, intellectual property, cultural property, languages, and culture.
The Department of Canadian Heritage has called upon an advisory group made up of Aboriginal experts to provide advice on this undertaking. This group took part in previous gatherings, which were well-received by Aboriginal communities. Expressions, the first gathering, which focussed on artistic expression, was held in 2002. Destinations, which concerned culture and tourism, took place in 2003.
The dates and locations of individual gatherings are attached. Further information on Traditions can be found at www.traditions.gc.ca.
Information:
Jean-Philippe Côté
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Department of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
TRADITIONS -- DATES AND LOCATIONS
| GATHERINGS | LOCATIONS | DATES |
| Multimedia virtual meeting | www.culturescope.ca | May 3 to July 2, 2005 |
| Inuit | Rankin Inlet, Nunavut | May 3 to 5, 2005 |
| Métis | Edmonton, Alberta | May 10 to 12, 2005 |
| First Nations | Penticton, British Columbia | May 17 to 19, 2005 |
| First Nations | Wanuskewin, Saskatchewan | May 25 to 27, 2005 |
| First Nations (Remote Areas) | Yellowknife, Northwest Territories | May 31 and June 1 to 2, 2005 |
| First Nations | Wendake, Quebec | June 7 to 9, 2005 |
| First Nations | Eskasoni, Nova Scotia | June 14 to 16, 2005 |
| First Nations | Six Nations, Ontario | June 22 to 24, 2005 |
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