Université de Moncton Celebrates Acadian Music
MONCTON, April 6, 2004 -- The Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament (Moncton--Riverview--Dieppe), 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 the Government of Canada's collaboration with the Université de Moncton to stage the Fête de la musique en Acadie 2004. This event is part of the celebrations to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia."The year 2004 marks 400 years of French presence in North America," said Minister Bradshaw. "French explorers Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons and Samuel de Champlain were the first to make contact with Aboriginal peoples, and this relationship led to the creation of a country based on dialogue, respect, and understanding. I invite all Acadians to celebrate their pride in being Francophone and to promote the cultural legacy our ancestors have passed on to us."
"Throughout their history, Acadians have demonstrated an extraordinary vitality and a determination to grow and prosper," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "They form a community that is both proud of its origins and forward-looking. The 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their contribution to Canada's evolution and to the richness of our collective heritage. There could be no better way to highlight the vitality and originality of the Acadian culture than with a music festival."
"These celebrations will have positive social, economic, and cultural impacts for both New Brunswick and Canada," said Minister McGuire. "Cultural activities and celebrations taking place in Acadian and Francophone communities, including the Fête de la musique en Acadie 2004, will create stronger bonds between citizens, and foster long-term economic development in the region."
The Fête de la musique en Acadie 2004 is a celebration to highlight the importance of music in the development of Acadia. This event takes place on June 21, the summer solstice, and joins other Fête de la Musique events occurring around the world on the same day. Partners in this project include the Université de Moncton, a consortium of groups and institutions from the southeast region of New Brunswick, First Nations communities, and the governments of France and Canada. The Université de Moncton will receive $40,000 to support this initiative.
Funding is provided under the Atlantic Canada Cultural and Economic Partnership, a $10-million, three-year initiative 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 this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Denis D'Amour
Director of Communications
Office of Claudette Bradshaw
(506) 851-7093
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
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