New Designates Announced to the Provincial Historic Commemorations Programm
Published on October 18, 2013
News Releases
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
October 18, 2013
New Designates Announced to the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program
Five new designates of the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program were announced by the Provincial Government today during a ceremony held in Black Duck Brook. Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port, officiated the ceremony to honour the designations under the program.
“The Provincial Historic Commemorations Program recognizes Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural and historic treasures,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “We continue to welcome individuals or groups to nominate people, places, events and traditions they feel are provincially significant and worthy of official commemoration. I commend the work of the board and all those that put forth nominations in recognition of our truly unique province and people.”
This year’s designates under Events of Provincial Significance are the establishment of formal schooling in Newfoundland and Labrador in Bonavista in 1727, the introduction of moose to the Island of Newfoundland, and the resettlement of Bar Haven. Root cellar construction was recognized as a Distinctive Cultural Tradition and Practice, while Emile Benoit was recognized as a Person of Provincial Significance.
Mr. Cornect said the historic commemorations program is an important initiative which highlights events, individuals and traditions and the significant impression each has made on the province.
“Newfoundland and Labrador boasts a history and culture that is second to none, and the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program is an important means for acknowledging the people, places and practices that have helped shape it,” said Mr. Cornect.
The Provincial Historic Commemorations Program is a citizen-driven program administered by a six-member board.
“Since the first ceremony in 2010, the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program has recognized over 20 nominations in every category and from every corner of the province,” said Françoise Enguehard, Chair of the Provincial Historic Commemorations Board. “Every ceremony is a chance for more people to find out about the program and to consider nominating a person, place, event or tradition that they think is historically significant. The program offers everyone in the province a chance to contribute to a list of what makes this province unique.”
For more information on the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program, including nomination criteria, visit www.seethesites.ca/commemorations-program.aspx or contact the Commemorations Office at 709-729-6901.
Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides more than $17 million to support cultural and heritage sectors. Since the launch of Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture in 2006, the Provincial Government has invested $87 million through the plan to promote culture and heritage in the province.
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Media contact:
- Melony O'Neil
Directrice des communications
Ministère du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Loisirs
709-729-0928, 689-0928
moneil@gov.nl.ca - Tess Burke
Gestionnaire des communications
Bureau des députés
709-729-3551
tessburke@gov.nl.ca
