Government of Canada Supports the Urban Shaman Gallery and the White Buffalo Spiritual Society
WINNIPEG, February 2, 2005 -- President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South) Reg Alcock, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced $43,750 in funding for the Urban Shaman Gallery and $43,500 for the White Buffalo Spiritual Society. The funds will enable these organizations to develop their own Web sites."The Urban Shaman Web site will create online space to promote Winnipeg's Aboriginal contemporary artists, while the White Buffalo Spiritual Society's cultural electronic magazine will raise awareness of the traditional Aboriginal culture that flourishes and encourages cultural diversity here in Manitoba," said Minister Alcock.
"The Urban Shaman is the only Aboriginal-run artist centre in Manitoba," said Minister Frulla. "We must support it, and organizations like the White Buffalo Spiritual Society, to nurture the next generation of aspiring Aboriginal artists and leaders. Cultural content on the Internet is certainly one of the most effective ways to promote their activities and achievements."
The Urban Shaman Online Web site will offer Internet users an opportunity to experience Canadian Aboriginal contemporary artworks. The site will also feature a forum for online discussion and will contain a variety of new media productions. The White Buffalo Spiritual Society Web site will aim to encourage goodwill and understanding in Canadian society. It will feature a cultural electronic magazine and will also be used to promote the Indigenous Tribal Village at The Forks National Historic Site, in Winnipeg
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Gateway Fund of its Canadian Culture Online strategy, which encourages a uniquely Canadian presence on the Internet.
Funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
Information:
Jean-Philippe Côté
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Minister responsible for
Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Lise Jolicoeur
Press Secretary
Office of the President of
the Treasury Board
(613) 957-2666
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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