April 2, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Minister in Oslo, Norway to build relationships for the Viking Millennium

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is meeting today in Norway with representatives of cultural and business groups to discuss opportunities for the Viking Millennium.

"The Viking Millennium is an internationally significant event," Kelly said. "It's also a great opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to build upon the international awareness generated during our 500th aniversary celebrations last year."

Kelly noted that with the only authenticated Viking site in North America at L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site in northern Newfoundland, the province has a truly unique milestone in the history of human kind to celebrate in the Year 2000.

While in Norway, Kelly and representatives of her department's Culture and Heritage Division are meeting with Norwegian museum and cultural representatives to discuss plans for an exhibition to showcase the Viking story in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We anticipate this project will help build stronger relationships among the societies in the North Atlantic, as well as enhance economic and cultural connections," the minister said.

The minister said she will discuss ideas for the Viking Millennium with Norwegian cultural and business interests with modern-day links to Newfoundland, and those with an interest in commemorating the epic achievements of the Viking voyages to North America.

Kelly noted the Viking Millennium presents exciting opportunities to forge new international partnerships, adding she has already met with representatives of the Government of Iceland who are also preparing plans to celebrate the anniversary.

In planning for the Viking Millennium, the provincial Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is working in partnership with the federal Department of Canadian Heritage and the Viking Trail Tourism Association, which represents private sector tourism operators, municipalities and non-profit groups on the Northern Peninsula.

Additionally, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Canada-Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal, have provided funding for market research. A final event plan and marketing strategy are now being developed, with planning scheduled to be completed by June 1998.

Contact: Doug Burgess, (709) 729-0928.