The Government of Canada Supports Intercultural Society of Central Okanagan

February 15, 2009

KELOWNA, British Columbia, February 15, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament (Kelowna-Lake Country), today announced funding for the Think Globally, Act Locally Festival. This funding will be used to support a number of activities at the Festival, taking place from February 15 to March 14, 2009.

The Festival highlights cultural diversity and features local amateur and professional artists in a series of musical and dance performances, demonstrations, public workshops, and a variety of foods from around the world. Planned events include If the World were a Village, Global Music Fest 2009, Artists Eye on the World, and A Taste of Home.

"Our Government is pleased to support the Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan," said Minister Moore. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."

"Local festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and help build strong communities," said Mr. Cannan. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage."

"The Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan and its collaborating partners for Global Citizen Kelowna are very appreciative of the Canadian Heritage grant," said Joyce Brinkerhoff, Co-President of the Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan. "These funds are essential to our programming and will be used to help showcase local artists and artisans during numerous Global Citizen Kelowna activities."

Funding of $17,600 is provided through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, announced in September 2007, which provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in events and activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and anniversaries in Canada this year.