SOINTULA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 18, 2014) - Canadian Heritage

The 38^th annual Winterfestival will once again welcome visitors and patrons of the arts to the village of Sointula, thanks to an investment of $2,200 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program.

This festival will showcase the work of 40 local artists, as well as arts-based workshops, musical performances and a variety show.

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament (Vancouver Island North), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• This year's Sointula Winterfestival will take place from November 13 to 18, 2014.
• The festival is presented by the Sointula Recreation Association, a local non-profit organization that works to support the operation and maintenance of buildings, as well as the delivery of recreational programs on Malcolm Island.
• Sointula's Winterfestival began in the late 1970s as an opportunity for local residents to sell their arts and crafts. Almost four decades later, it has grown to be one of the North Island region's most anticipated winter events.
• Sointula means "place of harmony" in Finnish and takes its name from Finnish settlers to the area in the early 1900s.
• The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support festivals that promote the importance of the arts and culture in our communities. I commend the work of the Sointula Recreation Association for continuously strengthening the community by preserving and promoting the arts."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Sointula's Winterfestival has been educating and entertaining the community for 38 years, and has become a local tradition on the North Island. The countless volunteers who help make this event happen highlight the important role of arts and culture in bringing our communities together."

-The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament (Vancouver Island North)

"Sointula Winterfestival weaves the community's creative, social and economic threads together by offering a means for local artists to connect with their audience, by enhancing the quality of life for residents and by providing a unique cultural experience for visitors. Funds gratefully received from Canadian Heritage will further grow and enhance this unique cultural experience by continuing to increase the various ways of engaging people to the arts, artists and local culture."

-Carmen Burrows, Artistic Director, Sointula Recreation Association

Associated Links

Sointula Recreation Association

Sointula Winterfestival

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Flickr.