Canadian Heritage

MASHTEUIATSH, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 16, 2009) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec) and Member of Parliament (Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean), today announced funding for the Societe d'histoire et d'archeologie de Mashteuiatsh.

With this support, the Government of Canada is contributing to a project to strengthen the financial independence of the Musee amerindien de Mashteuiatsh and the sustainability of the organization's sources of funding. The project aims to implement an integrated support strategy in order to offer its corporate partners a variety of funding options. In addition, it will allow for the design and creation of reservation software to improve services for its corporate clientele.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Societe d'histoire et d'archeologie de Mashteuiatsh, which is renowned for its work to preserve Ilnu cultural heritage," said Minister Moore. "We are proud to partner with this organization, which is taking the necessary measures to improve its financial independence. Investing in culture, as we are doing today, is also a way to ensure the social and economic vitality of Canadian communities."

"I am proud to join Minister Moore in congratulating the Societe d'histoire et d'archeologie de Mashteuiatsh on the steps they have taken toward ongoing improvement and financial independence," said Minister of State Lebel. "In order to ensure development that is cohesive and respectful of our past, it is essential to preserve this ancient historical heritage. This partnership will guarantee that our heritage will be successfully protected."

"The Societe d'histoire et d'archeologie de Mashteuiatsh is pleased to be able to count on the financial support of the Government of Canada for this project," said Maryse Boily, Executive Director of the organization. "This grant will allow our organization to consolidate its financial situation by improving our management tools and the quality of service offered to our corporate partners and clients."

The Societe d'histoire et d'archeologie de Mashteuiatsh is an important player in Aboriginal cultural development. It manages the Fondation de l'heritage culturel autochtone, as well as the Musee amerindien de Mashteuiatsh, whose mission is to preserve and promote Ilnu culture and make it more accessible.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $19,272 under the Capacity Building component of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. This program aims to strengthen organizational effectiveness and build capacity of arts and heritage organizations.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.