SIOUX LOOKOUT – Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, was joined by Minister Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board, to announce Heritage Canada funding for three organizations in Sioux Lookout: the Blueberry Festival, the Sioux Mountain Festival, and the Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series.
“The Government of Canada is taking steps to strengthen communities through celebrations of their local arts and heritage. The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program brings neighbours and visitors alike together to take part in activities that showcase culture, history, and celebrate our shared Canadian identity,” stated Rickford.
In Sioux Lookout three organizations have received funding to hold festivals and entertainment series locally. The organizers of these groups create family-friendly events that draw together the people of Sioux Lookout and the surrounding area. These events also encourage tourism, and benefit local businesses.
On behalf of James Moore, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Rickford announced that the Government is providing $4,700 for this year’s Blueberry Festival, $6,000 for the Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series and $17,600 for the Sioux Mountain Festival.
The Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival and Special Events is a local incorporated not-for-profit organization. The 28th Annual Festival will run from July 30 to August 8, in Sioux Lookout. Festival activities include musical performances by local artists, exhibitions of work by local artisans, storytelling and historical walking tours.
The Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series for the Performing Arts holds presentations in the gymnasium of the Sacred Heart School here in Sioux Lookout. This year’s multi-disciplinary series will be comprised of five individual performances as well as one outreach activity at a local elementary school.
The Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee is a local incorporated volunteer-run organization. August 14 and 15, it will present the 20th annual edition of Sioux Mountain Festival. Activities will include performances by local musicians and demonstrations of local historical heritage.
This Government is helping to build stronger communities across our great country. We recognize that many Canadians from coast to coast do their part to ensure the vitality of their communities. And we acknowledge and applaud the efforts of citizens who volunteer their time to organize events that enrich the fabric of community life.
“Our Government is proud to support these local festivals,” said Minister Moore. “By partnering with communities to support activities that celebrate our shared history and our rich cultural diversity, we are fulfilling our commitment to strengthen our communities and support arts, culture and heritage.”
“Canadians have every reason to be proud of their communities and to celebrate their collective sense of belonging to a unique place in this country,” said MP Rickford. “We want to encourage the stories and the celebrations.”
The Government of Canada created the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program in September 2007. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations throughout Canada this year.