The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding that will help preserve and celebrate Nunavut’s heritage and will assist the arts and culture scene as well as the French language to continue thriving in the North.

Six Nunavut organizations are receiving support: the Hamlet of Kugluktuk (2013 Kugluktuk Nattiq Frolics), the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association (2013 Nunavut Arts Festival), the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay (2013 Omingmak Frolics), the Centre de la petite enfance les Petits Nanooks (Parents-enfants outillés project), the Alianait Entertainment Group (2013 Alianait Arts Festival and Concert Series), and the Nattilik Heritage Society (Nattilik Heritage Centre).

“Canada’s North has a rich cultural heritage that must be shared with residents and visitors alike,” said Minister Toews. “Today’s investment in community projects such as Gjoa Haven’s Nattilik Heritage Centre and celebrations including Cambridge Bay’s Omingmak Frolics and Iqaluit’s Alianait Arts Festival will help in achieving this and will have social and economic benefits for these northern communities and all Canadians.”

“Our Government is proud to support organizations that work to enhance the vitality of their communities and strengthen connections among Canadians,” said Minister Moore. “We recognize that arts and culture are important generators of economic growth, jobs, and wealth across Canada.”

“The support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, for the past eight years, has been a major factor in the success of the Alianait Arts Festival,” said Heather Daley, Executive Director, Alianait Entertainment Group.

The Government of Canada is providing total funding of $678, 223 through four programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, and the Development of Official-Language Communities Program.

http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1368559962356