Feds give funds to Fall Festival
Rich cultures and histories exist across Canada, connecting communities under traditions and practices that inform, unite, and attract people from all over. The Government of Canada is investing in major cultural events to ensure that our heritage is shared and celebrated, creating opportunities to bring Canadians together while attracting tourists to help foster economic opportunities.
That is why Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma, has announced a FedNor investment of $35,000 in the 53rd Algoma Fall Festival. This funding will allow the Algoma Arts Festival Association to expand the Algoma Fall Festival through the addition of an Indigenous celebration, as well as expanded marketing resources in order to attract more tourists. This investment will help the festival feature multiple Indigenous and Metis Artists of national prominence. This project will produce concerts, a visual arts exhibition and other activities, in addition to traditional festival programming that includes approximately six ticketed and non ticketed events, concerts, speakers, and a range of performers.
The Government of Canada’s support for the Algoma Fall Festival will foster economic development by expanding a well-established community event that creates tourism industries for Sault Ste. Marie and area, while highlighting and supporting cultural identity, intergenerational connection, reconciliation, and community empowerment. The support for expanded Indigenous programming will have a significant impact on locals and tourists in Sault Ste. Marie, and strengthen continued efforts in working with Indigenous partners to help celebrate, raise awareness of, and preserve Indigenous arts, culture, and heritage.
QUOTES
“Algoma region is a place of boundless treasure—experiences of breathtaking wilderness, rich and enlightening history, and vibrant and inspiring cultures. The 52 years of the Algoma Fall Festival have been an important piece of that, and the Government of Canada is making sure it remains a valuable experience to both locals and tourists alike. Sault Ste. Marie, just like the rest of Algoma region, has a lot to offer, and I’m proud to say that the Algoma Fall Festival will continue to both contribute to and share that wealth of experience.”
– Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma
“Tourism is a critical industry in Northern Ontario because our region has so much history and culture to offer. Investments in events like the Algoma Fall Festival support local economies by supporting tourism opportunities, and help us find common ground, new or preexisting, with our friends and neighbours. The Algoma Fall Festival has a rich tradition of over half a century of success, and we are helping to carry that success into the future.”
– The Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Our northern community is home to incredibly talented artists with unique and important perspectives, stories and work. The Algoma Arts Festival Association is proud to enrich our community by bringing people together to experience excellence in the arts. With the support of FedNor, Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada, we are building on the 54-year legacy of the Algoma Fall Festival while expanding in exciting new ways. This includes Maada’ookiidaa – Let’s Share Our Gifts, our programming guided by our Indigenous Advisory Group that celebrates Indigenous artists, voices and stories. Maada’ookiidaa creates space for truth-telling, listening and learning, and encourages all of us to better understand our collective responsibility to walk the path toward truth, reconciliation and healing. It is an important part of how our Festival continues to bring people together through the arts.”
– Donna Hilsinger, Executive Director, Algoma Arts Festival Association
