WHITEHORSE, YT, Aug. 2, 2024
/CNW/ - The cultural industries play a vital role in the
Yukon's economy. They contribute
to employment, retail sales and the territory's cultural tourism
offerings. This important sector also supports community
development and the preservation of cultural identity.
Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member
of Parliament for the Yukon, on
behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs,
Minister of PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced that the Government
of Canada is investing over
$114,000 in the Northern Cultural
Expressions Society (NCES). NCES's three-year Market and Export
Readiness project will provide business-related training to First
Nations artists in the Yukon. This
training includes developing a marketing plan and website, and
creating a framework for artists to successfully scale-up and
launch domestic and international marketing and sales.
Through investments like this, the government of Canada is supporting the expansion and
diversification of the Yukon's
cultural industries. Opening new markets to Yukon First Nations
artists brings economic benefits to the communities they operate
in, and contributes to a more diversified and inclusive
economy.
Quotes
"Our government supports the development of a vibrant and
thriving visual arts industry in the Yukon. Through this project, young First
Nations artists will build their careers in the arts industry,
contributing to cultural tourism, retail sales, and community
engagement. Their creative contributions will enrich the cultural
landscape and further stimulate economic activity."
- The
Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan
and CanNor
"The Yukon is home to many
talented and innovative artists. To help artists build their
platforms and to help enrich our territory's diverse cultural
industries, we are investing in Northern Cultural Expressions
Society. NCE's project will allow young artists to build key
marketing skills, bringing their art to new markets, enhancing
economic prosperity and enriching the cultural fabric of the
territory."
- Dr.
Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament
for the Yukon
"The Northern Cultural Expressions Society has proudly supported
First Nation artists and traditional knowledge holders for 20
years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Canadian Northern
Economic Development Agency for recognizing and valuing the vital
contributions these artists make in shaping and enriching our
cultural landscape. Shäw Nítän (Thank you) for your commitment
to preserving and celebrating First Nation artistic and cultural
expressions."
-
Naomi Crey, Executive Director,
Northern Cultural Expressions Society
Quick facts
- Funding for this project is provided through the Canadian
Northern Economic Development Agency's Inclusive Diversification
and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) Program.
IDEANorth makes foundational investments in economic
infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help
position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of
Canada's innovation economy.
- NCES is a Whitehorse-based
non-profit society that supports young Indigenous artists to
develop their artistic skills and build careers in the arts. The
society offers training, wellness programming and other supports.
It also operates a retail store featuring work from artists in its
programs.
Associated Links
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
- Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North
(IDEANorth)
- Northern Cultural Expressions Society
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SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
(CanNor)