IFC’s Maamwi Kindaaswin Festival gets help from the province

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Ontario is helping a festival in North Bay to increase tourism, generate economic activity, and welcome new visitors to the region.

The Cultural Strategic Investment Fund is helping the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre with a $26,000 grant to continue to develop this signature Aboriginal event in North Bay. This event celebrates the variety of Aboriginal cultures living within the Nipissing area, and provides the opportunity for non-Aboriginal peoples to experience these cultures. With the expertise that the planning committee brings, a toolkit is being developed that can assist any First Nation or Friendship Centre across Ontario to develop and implement an Aboriginal event. This comprehensive toolkit will also outline the various tourism strategies that were employed by the planning committee through the development of the June 2011 festival.

Funding is provided through the Cultural Strategic Investment Fund, which supports projects that enhance Ontario’s cultural sector, including arts education, cultural diversity and engagement, and heritage preservation. This support helps not-for-profit organizations working in the culture, heritage and public library sectors to undertake projects that stimulate job growth, support new, dynamic content and encourages cultural tourism.

The North Bay Indian Friendship Centre also received a $21,600 grant from the Minister of Tourism and Culture’s Celebrate Ontario Fund to assist in making this festival a reality.

Supporting culture is part of the Open Ontario Plan to strengthen our economy and create new opportunities for jobs and growth.

“Our local cultural organizations help to enrich our community,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “These grants will assist the Indian Friendship Centre to grow and its Spring Celebration Festival to attract new visitors and encourage further tourism in our region.”

“The McGuinty government is continuing to support programs and services that help communities achieve economic and creative growth. Supporting our cultural sector is about building the health and vitality of our communities and its residents,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture.

“We are grateful for the financial support provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for our Maamwi Kindaaswin Festival,” stated Peter Ferris, Executive Director of the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre. “These celebrations provide an important opportunity to promote awareness and respect for Aboriginal culture. By bringing people together in a spirit of sharing and learning, our festival supports the social, cultural and economic health and vibrancy of North Bay.”

QUICK FACTS

 This year, the Cultural Strategic Investment Fund will provide $1.3 million to support 45 creative projects across Ontario.

 Celebrate Ontario 2011 is providing $20 million to over 230 festivals and events. Since 2007, the province has invested $57 million through Celebrate Ontario to enhance almost 800 festivals and events.

 Culture is one of Ontario’s fastest growing sectors, employing over 200,000 people and contributing approximately $20 billion annually to Ontario’s economy.

 Since 2003, creative-industry jobs have increased by 12 per cent – representing 23,000 new jobs.

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