Friends of Beaubears Island to Celebrate Acadian and Mi'kmaq Cultures
MIRAMICHI, April 28, 2004 -- Charles Hubbard, Member of Parliament (Miramichi), 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), announced today financial support for the Friends of Beaubears Island on a project to celebrate Canada's history and culture by staging a re-enactment of early Acadian and Mi'kmaq trading activities. This activity is part of celebrations to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia.Funding of $50,000 will allow the Friends of Beaubears Island to construct a replica of a circa-1600 trading post, as well as information kiosks and explanatory signs on Beaubears Island. The group will also stage a re-enactment of early Acadian and Mi'kmaq trading activities, featuring bilingual students performing in historical costumes of both cultures. The project will encourage tourism and benefit the local economy.
"The history of Acadia is an essential part of the mosaic that makes up our collective identity," said Mr. Hubbard. "Acadians were among the first people to establish links with Aboriginal communities, which led to the creation of a country based on diversity and mutual respect. Our Government is committed to supporting groups and individuals who showcase the incredible accomplishments of both Acadian and First Nations people."
"By celebrating our heritage, we are better able to build our future," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "It is important to encourage Canadians to develop a better understanding how past generations have helped build our country. This is also an excellent occasion to reflect on what own generation will leave to those who will come after us. I believe that the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia will be an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the rich heritage of Acadians and First Nations peoples."
"Trading between the first European settlers and the Aboriginal communities played a key role in the economic development of our region and Canada," said Minister McGuire. "We are proud to be involved in a project such as this one which, along with the many other cultural activities and celebrations taking place throughout Acadian and Francophone communities, will create new business opportunities and promote Acadian and the First Nations culture."
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, in effect until March 31, 2005, will stimulate economic development in the cultural sector and celebrate the history and the cultural diversity of Atlantic Canada.
Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Keith Vickers
Special Assistant
Office of
Charles Hubbard
(613) 992-5335
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
of ACOA
(613) 941-7241
[ Media Room ]
