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Tourism, Culture and Recreation
May 30, 2011

Historic Commemoration Deadline Approaching Fast

The Provincial Historic Commemorations Board is reminding individuals, communities and organizations of the deadline for nominations to designate people, places, events, and traditions of historical importance that have shaped the province.

The deadline for nominations is June 15, 2011, as publicized through direct mail-outs to heritage groups and other organizations over the winter of 2011. Recipients will be announced in 2012.

"Our customs, practices and traditions are the intangible cultural heritage that defines us as a people and makes us who we are," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “We have much to be proud of in this province. Through this program, our provincial treasures will be documented and showcased throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Provincial Historic Commemorations Program was launched in 2008 as a way to recognize noteworthy people, places and events, and the special characteristics of the province’s living heritage. This includes traditional knowledge, skills, and lifestyles, as well as tradition bearers who pass on their knowledge to a younger generation. Some past designations include Kelly Russell, Tradition Bearer; Dildo Island, Place of Provincial Significance; and, the Founding of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Event of Provincial Significance. The 2011 designations will be commemorated at an awards ceremony later this spring.

Terry Bishop-Stirling, Vice-chair of the Historic Commemorations Board, is excited about the potential for a broad range of nominations this year.

Nominations will be accepted by individuals, communities and organizations. For criteria, guidelines and nomination applications, visit: www.seethesites.ca/commemorations.

Through total funding of $5.1 million in Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government will build on investments made under its cultural strategy: Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, to further support opportunity in the arts and heritage sectors. Since the introduction of the cultural strategy in 2006, over $56 million in new funding has been invested in the cultural and heritage sectors.

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Media contacts:

Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca 
Terry Bishop-Stirling
Vice-chair
Provincial Historic Commemorations Board
709-737-7653/8363

2011 05 30                                                                          10:50 a.m.

 
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