Kashechewan, host of CreeFest 2007, receiving funding support from government
Government press release ...
Federal Government Supports CreeFest 2007
KASHECHEWAN, Ontario, May 8, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Federal Economic Development Initiatives for Northern Ontario, today announced funding of $50,000 for CreeFest 2007, the Mushkegowuk Treaty Council's 5th annual outdoor summer festival.
"Since its creation, the Mushkegowuk Treaty Council has felt strongly about promoting traditional and contemporary arts and enhancing the cultural vitality of Kashechewan and the surrounding region," said Minister Oda. "This is why our Government is proud to support this year's CreeFest."
"The government is pleased to support projects that offer the people of northern Ontario access to rich, cultural experiences," added Minister Clement. "We are committed to ensuring that all Canadians are able to celebrate the talents of our artists and enjoy the diversity of our culture."
"We are thankful for the continued funding assistance from Canadian Heritage through the Arts Presentation Canada program," said Terry Metatawabin, Executive Director of the Mushkegowuk Treaty Council. "This funding will assist Mushkegowuk Council in hosting the 5th annual 2007 summer CreeFest in Kashechewan First Nation. Without this funding, the festival would not be able to showcase performances by regional talent and professional First Nations artists that make CreeFest successful year to year."
Presented annually by the Mushkegowuk Treaty Council, CreeFest 2007 (Inininew Makoshwein) will take place in Kashwchewan, a remote fly-in community, 480 kilometres from the nearest urban centre of Timmins, Ontario. The summer festival will take place in July, and performances will be held outdoors at the Kashechewan arena and community school. Programming will include Swampy Cree (Omushkego) artists in traditional and contemporary art forms, including storytelling, visual arts, music, and dance.
The government has provided this financial assistance through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to give Canadians more access to direct experiences of the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Eric Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
613 957-0200
Jaime Burke
A/Manager
Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 973-2050