Harper Government Invests in U’Mista Cultural Centre
ALERT BAY, British Columbia, September 10, 2012 - The U’mista Cultural Society will add to their ability to preserve and present First Nations culture and heritage, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will allow the U’mista Cultural Centre, located in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, to purchase specialized museum storage and shelving units and complete a re-organization of its historic Potlatch Collection. The project will improve the preservation of a unique and important part of the Kwakwaka’wakw people’s cultural traditions and provide greater public access to First Nations language, culture, and heritage.
“This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today.”
“This project will enhance the opportunity for Canadians to learn about the history and cultural traditions of this area and its people,” said Minister Duncan. “Our Government is committed to the preservation of the Kwakwaka’wakw culture and continues to support Aboriginal organizations in their efforts to preserve and protect historically significant artifacts.”
“It is our fundamental priority to preserve U’mista’s historic, world-renowned Potlatch Collection, which is a powerful catalyst for cultural learning and major source of pride in this community,” said Sarah Holland, Executive Director, U’Mista Cultural Centre. “We are very grateful for the crucial support from the Government of Canada, which will allow us to improve the care of our collection, ensuring that our Potlatch Collection will be able tell the powerful stories of the Kwakwaka’wakw for generations to come.”
The U’mista Cultural Society was founded in 1974 with a mandate to ensure the survival of the cultural heritage and language of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. The U’mista Cultural Centre is a leader in the repatriation of items of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance to First Nations. The Centre houses a world-famous Potlatch Collection of elaborately carved masks and regalia depicting the potlatch ceremony of the Kwakwaka’wakw.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $49,850 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Perry Boldt
Regional Manager Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca