Support for Aboriginal Culture in Newfoundland/Labrador

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July 16, 2012

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Supported by Provincial Government

Aboriginal groups throughout the province are receiving $50,000 through the Provincial Government’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Program to support projects designed to safeguard Aboriginal practices and cultures.

“This program was designed to help preserve our province’s Aboriginal heritage,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “The Provincial Government is committed to assisting Aboriginal groups throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure their traditional culture is passed on to future generations.”

Projects eligible for funding include those which document and inventory Aboriginal cultural traditions, encourage cultural economic activity, and recognize, celebrate, and promote Aboriginal heritage in all its forms. Applications are reviewed by the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from Aboriginal groups throughout the province.

“Aboriginal people in our province continue to find new and creative ways to preserve and celebrate their origins and traditions,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. “I am honoured to be part of a government that is committed to preserving Aboriginal culture in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Organizations receiving funding under the 2012 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Program are listed in the backgrounder below.

For further information on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Program, including application guidelines and criteria, visit www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/heritage/aborigin ... ogram.html

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BACKGROUNDER
2012 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Program
Organizations Receiving Funding

St. John’s Native Friendship Centre, St. John’s – $10,000 to pass along Aboriginal knowledge and traditions from elders to youth through three rediscovery camps
Torngat Arts and Crafts Inc., Nain – $8,000 to deliver a sealskin workshop to revive the art and skill of cleaning and sewing sealskins
Miawpukek First Nation, Conne River – $7,500 to revive traditional dances by hosting a hoop and grass dancing workshop in June
Flat Bay Indian Band, Flat Bay – $6,500 to help safeguard the traditions and culture of the Mi’kmaq people by providing traditional craft and Living Circle teachings to youth
Exploits Native Women Drummers, Norris Arm – $6,000 to host a workshop to learn the history of regalia and how to make your own
Indian Head First Nations, Stephenville Crossing – $5,000 to revive the skill of ceremonial drum and buck skin clothing making by hosting a workshop
Northern Lights Dog Sledding, Happy Valley-Goose Bay – $5,000 to assist in the development of a cultural experimental business by working with an established dog sledding business
Department of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government, Makkovik – $1,000 to provide support for the 20th Annual Jamboree in March 2013
Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, Stephenville – $1,000 to feast a newly constructed wigwam at the Powwow in Flat Bay