Investments in local arts and culture bring communities together, making them better places to live.
NICKEL BELT-GREATER SUDBURY – Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt has announced $14,900 in funding to support the 12thedition of the Festival of Peoples, organized by the French River Visitor Centre First Nation and Aboriginal Advisory Committee in Alban, Ontario. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Now in its 12thyear, the Festival of Peoples—also known as the French River Pow Wow— brings together communities surrounding the French River area to showcase and celebrate local Indigenous arts and culture.
Serré stated, “I am proud of our government’s continued support for the Festival of Peoples. Events like this play an important role in preserving local history and identity. Congratulations to the organizers and the volunteers who make this annual celebration of Indigenous heritage possible!”
Residents and visitors to the French River Visitor Centre will be able to enjoy a range of performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings right in the heart of their community.
The funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. This program provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists and heritage performers.
“The Advisory Committee is proud of the financial support provided by the Government of Canada. Each year brings the opportunity to revisit our heritage, cultural values and knowledge,” said Donna Longlade, Chairperson of the French River Visitor Centre’s First Nation and Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
“Our government knows that investments in arts and culture help build strong communities. We are proud to support the Festival of Peoples, an event that brings residents and visitors together to celebrate local Indigenous art and heritage. This investment is part of our government’s commitment to promoting our artists and artisans, and ensuring that Canadians can continue to learn about the rich local heritage of their communities,” shared Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Quick Facts
- Prior to being given its name because of its association with 17thcentury French explorers such as Samuel de Champlain and Étienne Brûlé, the French River was known as AMIK ZIIBII, in recognition of the beaver that were plentiful in the area. Amik means “beaver” and ziibi means “river” in
- The French River was the first river to receive a heritage designation under the Canadian Heritage Rivers System
