Wendake First Nation selected a 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada
From Heritage Canada press release (for more information about applying to become a Cultural Capital of Canada visit http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/ccc/index_e.cfm)
Wendake Designated a 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada
OTTAWA, December 18, 2006 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that the Huron-Wendat Nation of Wendake, Quebec, has been designated a 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada, in the less than 50,000 population category. Comox Valley, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan have also been named Cultural Capitals for 2007.
"Canada's New Government is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians by supporting projects that increase their access to the arts and culture," said Minister Oda. "The Cultural Capitals of Canada Program celebrates the unique character of Canadian municipalities and recognizes the important role they play in highlighting the richness and diversity of our culture."
"I'm proud that this community has been recognized for its commitment to nurturing arts and culture as a part of life here in Wendake," said Minister Verner.
Located 10 kilometres north of the city of Québec, Wendake has a strong sense of place, and this is reflected in its cultural programming. Carrefour des Nations, a festival of contemporary Aboriginal arts and culture, will showcase the First Nations artists and their unique culture. There will also be theatrical productions, exhibitions, literary readings, musical performances, and a traditional pow-wow, which will include exchanges with First Nations from around the world. These initiatives will leave a lasting legacy as a testimony to Wendake's commitment to the arts and culture.
The Cultural Capitals of Canada awards recognize the achievements of communities that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. Funding is awarded for special projects that celebrate arts and culture and create a cultural legacy for the community. The Huron-Wendat Nation of Wendake could receive a contribution of up to $500,000.
An independent advisory committee, composed of the mayors of the 2006 Cultural Capitals of Canada and experts in the arts and culture fields, unanimously recommended the communities to be designated to Minister Oda.
Canadian municipalities and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities can apply to this program. The Department is currently evaluating applications for the 2008 and 2009 awards. The application deadline for the 2010 Cultural Capitals of Canada awards is October 15, 2007.
A list of all applicant communities, a summary of the projects of the designated communities, and the maximum possible funding they can receive can be found on the Department of Canadian Heritage website at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.
Fact Sheet 1 - 2007 Cultural Capitals of Canada
Edmonton, Alberta - Category: Population over 125 000
Maximum contribution: $2 million
"Building Connections" emerges from Edmonton's recognition of the contribution made by culture to quality of life. In keeping with this vision, 2007 will set the scene for a series of projects, which includes a year-long poetry festival. "Nightworks," a series of performances and light displays, will highlight the city's urban landscape. "Edmonton Explorations" will feature visual and media arts productions and exhibits by local artists. The year 2007 will truly be dedicated to "building connections" as Edmonton showcases its cultural vitality and the diversity of its population and strengthens ties between citizens and artists.
Comox Valley, British Columbia - Category: Population between 50 000 and 125 000
Maximum contribution: $750,000
"Land of Plenty" brings together five communities in the Comox Valley, whose name comes from the First Nation word k'omoks, which means "a celebration of creative abundance." From the creation of an original musical theatre production immortalizing local legends to the preservation of Aboriginal cultural traditions and public art installations and performances, "Land of Plenty" celebrates the cultural history and vitality of all five communities and involves residents and visitors in exploring and celebrating the links between these communities' landscape, heritage industries, and creative sector.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan - Category: Population under 50 000
Maximum contribution: $500,000
Moose Jaw's commitment to the arts and culture shines through in its "Year of the Creative Person." Celebrations include an art project and workshops to introduce the public to works and techniques of an Aboriginal painter and a sidewalk artist, a summer play exploring Moose Jaw's colourful reputation as the "Chicago of the Prairies," drama camps for children, and song-writing workshops. Moose Jaw's strong sense of community spirit will be highlighted throughout the year as a 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada.
Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec - Category: Population under 50 000
Maximum contribution: $500,000
"Célébrer le passé, construire l'avenir" features cultural heritage and its place in contemporary times. Among the many projects planned are a contemporary symphonic work based on The Lord of the Rings, screenings of documentaries about the region in store windows, and a publication of quotes by local residents. This community has demonstrated a strong commitment to celebrating the past while focusing on the future. Pride in its achievements is a theme reflected throughout its proposal and a concept embraced by the entire community.
Wendake, Quebec - Category: Population under 50 000
Maximum contribution: $500,000
Located 10 kilometres north of the city of Québec, Wendake has a strong sense of place, which is reflected in its programming. Its artists and unique culture will be at the forefront, with "Carrefour des Nations," a festival of contemporary Aboriginal arts and culture. There will also be theatrical productions, exhibitions, literary readings, musical performances, and a traditional pow wow, which will include exchanges with First Nations from around the world. These initiatives will leave a lasting legacy as a testimony to Wendake's commitment to the arts and culture.