Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 20, 2007

Minister Announces $2 million for Cupids400 Celebrations

As preparations to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Canada's first English colony continue, the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, provided details of the Provincial Government's commitment of more than $2 million towards the Cupids400 celebrations and called on the federal government to assist in the celebration and preservation of a national historic treasure.

"We want to bring Canada and the world to Cupids in 2010," said Minister Hedderson, speaking at the United Church Hall in Cupids this morning. "This substantial funding demonstrates our government�s commitment to see Cupids celebrated and recognized as one of North America's premier archaeological sites. Our cultural plan Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture outlines policies and directions to preserve and develop cultural resources. This site is a perfect example of the Williams Government support of heritage organizations and core cultural attractions that not only protect and celebrate our cultural heritage but also enhance our tourism industry."

In August 1610, Cupids became the site of the first English colony in what is now Canada. 2010 marks the 400th anniversary of that historic event. The history of Cupids, or Cuper�s Cove as it was originally known, is well-documented through letters, diaries and the discovery of the remains of four 17th century buildings and over 120,000 artefacts. The John Guy 1610 plantation site has been identified by The Beaver: Canada�s History Magazine as one of the 10 most important archaeology sites in Canada.

"This is a very significant milestone in the development of the Cupids400 celebrations," said Cupids400 President Roy Dawe. "Minister Hedderson, on behalf of the Provincial Government, has clearly demonstrated support for this project through the allocation of this funding. Now we await a decision by the federal government to determine if this will truly be an event of national significance."

The funding announced today is contingent upon participation by the federal government and builds on previous Provincial Government support for Cupids400 celebrations. This includes providing $300,000 in Budget 2006 to the Cuper's Cove Heritage Foundation to assist with planning. In May, the foundation received $13,000 from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development to develop an initial interpretation and marketing plan.

Minister Hedderson noted that he is seeking to meet with the federal minister responsible for heritage, Bev Oda, to discuss support for Cupids400 celebrations. "We have made representation to the federal government with the goal to partner in support of this 17th century archaeological treasure," said Minister Hedderson. "We look forward to partnering with the federal government, the Cuper's Cove Heritage Foundation and others to celebrate this exciting piece of Canadian history."

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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 20                                                  11:15 a.m.

 


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