KELOWNA, British Columbia – On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament (Kelowna–Lake Country) today announced funding for the Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan (ISCO).

Funding of $15,527 will be used by ISCO for a festival to celebrate cultural diversity, which will take place from February 10 to March 8, 2008. The events include a children’s festival with storytelling and arts and crafts, a global-themed exhibition of art, and video projects by local artists, and “A Taste of Home,” an evening of multicultural dance, music, and a variety of foods from around the world.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for ISCO, one of the first organizations to receive funding under the new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program,” said Minister Verner. “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 contribute to a community’s quality of life,” said Mr. Cannan. I am proud that our Government is supporting such an important event for our community.”

“Thanks to Canadian Heritage funding, local artists and artisans performing at Global Citizen events, such as If the World was a Village Children’s Festival, will be recognized and appreciated for the contribution they make in promoting goodwill and mutual respect, globally and in our own community,” said Joyce Brinkerhoff, ISCO President.

Since 2002, ISCO has provided leadership in helping the Central Okanagan achieve intercultural harmony and respond to incidents of racism when they occur. Through events and awareness-raising activities, ISCO offers a wide range of diversity-themed events that benefit local citizens.

The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.

The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to get involved in their communities and in the celebration of Canadian arts and heritage.