Government of Canada Invests in the Peoples of the North Saskatchewan Festival

FORT SASKATCEHWAN, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 24, 2011) - The Fort Saskatchewan Historical Society will be able to present its Peoples of the North Saskatchewan Festival thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Funding was announced today by Tim Uppal, Member of Parliament (Edmonton–Sherwood Park), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

This funding will support the annual festival, which will be held at the Fort Saskatchewan Historical Site on May 27 and 28, 2011. Activities will celebrate and commemorate early settlers in the Fort Saskatchewan region. Aboriginal, Métis, and pioneer life will be showcased through dance and historic storytelling. Local residents will also experience interactive demonstrations of sawing, weaving, spinning, and butter and bannock making, as well as Red River cart rides.

"Our Government is committed to providing all Canadians with opportunities to celebrate the vitality of their communities," said Minister Moore. "We are proud to partner with organizations that support local history and heritage."

"The Peoples of the North Saskatchewan Festival is a wonderful celebration for the region," said Mr. Uppal. "Local events like this bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and strengthen community engagement. We are pleased that this funding will support the festival's continued success."

"Seeing the smiles and enthusiasm of the many local schoolchildren attending our festival makes the Historical Society very proud of achieving such a worthwhile event," said Ray Thurston, President, Fort Saskatchewan Historical Society. "This event could not grow without the continued support from the Government of Canada, which allows the Society to improve and increase the interactive activities associated with this festival."

The Peoples of the North Saskatchewan Festival is now in its third year. The Fort Saskatchewan Historical Society was incorporated in 1970 and aims to promote interest in the history of the region and support the Fort Saskatchewan Museum and historic sites.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $2,500 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)