SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, July 6, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment by the Government of Canada will boost local tourism and encourage people in Northern Ontario to participate in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. The Funding to Algoma 1812 was announced today by Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament (Sault Ste. Marie), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
From July 17 to 21, more than 20,000 tourists and residents of the region are expected to take part in the five days of festivities, which will feature historical re-enactments and a re-enactors encampment to mark the arrival of reinforcements to Fort Michilimackinac during the War of 1812. The event will also feature the work of 182 local artists, artisans, and performers.
"The War of 1812 was the fight for Canada, paving the way to Confederation in 1867 and creating the country we cherish today," said Minister Moore. "It was a defining moment in our country's history, and the 200th anniversary is an unprecedented opportunity for all Canadians to take pride in our traditions and our shared history."
"Thanks to this investment, we will have an opportunity to appreciate our local talents and commemorate an important aspect of our collective past during the 1812 HistoryFest," said Mr. Hayes. "This is a great way for our community to celebrate its heritage and share it with everyone visiting our region."
"The Algoma 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812 is about encouraging people to have pride of place," said Cindy Ellen Crawford, Regional Project Manager, Algoma 1812. "This valued funding from the Government of Canada will enable us to hire historical re-enactors and performers to portray the stories of the people, and the importance of our region, in the War of 1812."
Algoma 1812 is a local, incorporated, non-profit organization established as the area's War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee. Its activities include planning and conducting signature events that commemorate the role of the Algoma region in the 1812 conflict.
The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $146,850 to Algoma 1812 through Canadian Heritage's Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program ($96,900) and War of 1812 Commemoration Fund ($49,950).
(media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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