Nova Scotians will have the opportunity to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation through dozens of great cultural activities across the province this year.
Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince announced today, Jan. 30, that 39 non-profit enterprises and co-operatives have been awarded a total of $841,000 through the first round of 150 Forward Fund grants.
“This year, Nova Scotians will celebrate our country’s 150th birthday by remembering our role in creating and shaping Confederation,” said Mr. Ince. “These wonderful activities will allow our communities to reflect on, and celebrate, our accomplishments and bright future.”
The Mulgrave Road Theatre will tour the province with their play, The West Woods. Set in 1968 in a rural black community in Guysborough County, the play focuses on the Clarke family and the challenges black women faced during a time of social change.
The Mi’kmaw Birch Bark Canoe Builder Live Exhibit and Youth Apprentice Program celebrates world-renowned Mi’kmaw artist Todd Labrador. Mr. Labrador is the only Mi’kmaw canoe builder today and through workshops with Mi’kmaw youth, his skills and artistry of canoe building will be taught to youth.
Celebrating Our Return is a project that celebrates the vitality of the Acadian people. Activities will include an unveiling ceremony, concert, visual arts exposition and the play Evangeline. These events will coincide with the commemoration of deportation on July 28.
Other successful grants will be recognized at community events in the coming months.
Canada 150 celebrations in Nova Scotia will also include Rendez-Vous 2017, which will see tall ships visit 11 communities across the province over the summer.
The 150 Forward Fund provides funding for organizations to plan activities that help Nova Scotians celebrate Canada 150. Events or programs will need to honour a significant Nova Scotian or achievement, celebrate our cultural identity and ethnic diversity, or promote innovation over the past 150 years.
The second round of applications under the 150 Forward Fund is open now and the deadline has been extended to Feb. 28.
More information on the program can be found at www.novascotia.ca/150.
Source: Release
