MP Vic Toews taking part in some winter activities.
The 2012 St. Malo Festival of Friends, held over the Louis Riel long weekend, gives residents and visitors to St. Malo a chance to enjoy traditional cultural entertainment performed by local musicians and dancers, as well as participate in many family-friendly activities. Some of the winter activities include snowshoeing, ice fishing and sleigh rides.
On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Vic Toews, Member of Parliament for Provencher, announced funding for the Friends of Saint-Malo Provincial Park, which will be used to support the Festival of Friends.
“Arts and culture are essential to our communities, our economy, and our Canadian identity,” said Minister Moore. “Through our Government’s support for the Festival of Friends, we are demonstrating our commitment to strengthening the economy and celebrating Canada’s unique cultural diversity.”
“Celebrations like the Festival of Friends provide an opportunity to celebrate the history and culture we share as Canadians,” added M.P. Toews. “The family-friendly environment encourages friends and neighbours to participate in activities that not only celebrate our national identity but support the local economy.”
The St. Malo Festival of Friends, established in 2008, is dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the Francophone and Métis culture of the region. The festival takes place at the Parc Provincial de St-Malo and includes winter activities as well as demonstrations of the local historical Francophone and Métis heritage.
“We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Government of Canada, and particularly from our Member of Parliament, Vic Toews. Without their ongoing commitment to the cultural vitality of our communities, this festival would not be possible,” said Léo Roch, President of Friends of Saint-Malo Provincial Park. “We invite everyone in the region to come visit the park from February 16-19, 2012.”
Funding of $23,000 is provided through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which 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 various community events and historic celebrations in Canada this year and in years to come.
