Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 5, 2007

Minister Announces Provincial Historic Commemorations Program

The historic events, places, people and traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador are highly regarded for their contribution to the province�s rich cultural fabric. To better raise the profile of many of these cultural and heritage treasures, the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced the creation of a Provincial Historic Commemorations Program.

"The Provincial Historic Commemorations Program will allow us to better recognize, honour and interpret our cultural and historic treasures," said Minister Hedderson. "We now have a means to commemorate persons, events, and cultural traditions of importance historical significance."

The development of a commemorations program meets a commitment by the Williams Government contained in the cultural plan Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, a $17.6 million three-year strategy to promote and preserve the province�s cultural resources. Through amendments to the Historic Resources Act passed in the House of Assembly during this sitting, the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program will complement existing designation programs such as the designation of provincial heritage structures and districts by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The designation through this new program is distinct for its recognition of the intangible aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador history and heritage � the customs, cultural practices, traditional skills and knowledge that define the province and its people. This could include commemorations of musical and literary traditions and the traditional knowledge and skills of the province�s aboriginal peoples.

Designations will be recommended by an advisory board consisting of individuals with knowledge in the history, heritage and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. The board is expected to be in place by fall. A call for nominations will follow soon after.

"The Provincial Historic Commemorations Program will help to make all of us more aware of the historic events, persons, places and traditions that have shaped Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Hedderson. "This enhanced recognition of our many historic and cultural treasures will also create still more opportunities in the growing tourism sector and further showcase our culture and history to the rest of Canada and the world."

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2007 06 05                                                    9:45 a.m.

 


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