Minister Geoffrey Kelley Participates in the inauguration ceremony for the Ashukan Cultural Space

QUEBEC CITY, May 25, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Kelley, will be in Montréal today to participate in the inauguration of the Ashukan Cultural Space. Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, will also be present.

Presented by Sacred Fire Productions, the Ashukan Cultural Space will have a permanent home at 431 Place Jacques-­Cartier and will be open year-round. It will amalgamate under one roof, an exhibition space, sales centre and a training centre.

"The Ashukan Cultural Space will not only allow native artists to showcase their work, but also contribute to their economic, personal, professional, artistic, and social development. Above all, it will be a place to share experiences and to exchange ideas in order to celebrate Aboriginal culture. It will appeal to adults and children, Montrealers and tourists, and to both Native and non-Native people," stated Minister Kelley.

"The Ashukan Cultural Space will contribute to the cultural, social and economic development of Native artists as well as Native communities. The cultural sector is an important part of our economy and an economic driver for natives in urban cities. On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), I wish much success to the Ashukan Cultural Space," said Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard.

"The development of cultural assets in a sustainable fashion will play a pivotal role in the social, economic and cultural development of Aboriginal people today, in fact, it must be understood as part of our collective responsibility," added Nadine St-Louis, Executive Director for Sacred Fire Productions.

About Sacred Fire Productions

Sacred Fire Productions is a non-for-profit Aboriginal Arts Organization whose mission is to generate exposure for Aboriginal artists through providing opportunities for increased market exposure and the hosting of artistic and cultural events that support the professional, economic, personal and social development of artists. Their vision is to become an organization of reference, distribution, cultural exchange and professional and economic development for Aboriginal artists.

SOURCE Conseil exécutif

Information : Kimberly Labar, Attachée de presse, Cabinet du ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones, 418 646-9131, [email protected]; Mélanie Vincent, Adjointe au Chef, Bureau du Chef de l'Assemblée des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador, 418 580-4442, [email protected]; Mèlina Tsigounis, Adjointe à la direction, Les Productions Feux Sacrés, 514 875-2772, [email protected]