NB 753
May 22, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The public is invited to Metepenagiag Heritage Park on May 25 for the official launch of the annual Heritage Fair Provincial Showcase. Details were released today by Wellness, Culture and Sport Minister Hédard Albert, who is also minister responsible for the Francophonie.
The event will assemble in one large exhibit the projects of 170 young people from throughout the province who have been involved since February in educational activities related to heritage.
"This provincial showcase is a wonderful opportunity for young people from all over New Brunswick to exhibit their heritage creations, and to explain to visitors their understanding of their heritage and history," Albert said. "It is encouraging to see that our students are interested in our heritage, and that they share it with their friends and parents through fun activities. We can be proud of our dynamic, energetic youth."
The works of the young winners will be exhibited in the Interpretation Centre of Metepenagiag Heritage Park from May 21 to June 11. After that, 15 works will be sent to Victoria, British Columbia for the National Histor!ca Fair, which will take place from July 7-14, 2008.
This is the first time that this event has taken place at Metepenagiag Heritage Park.
"Metepenagiag Heritage Park is thrilled and honoured to host the fair and to celebrate the heritage of all New Brunswickers," said Madeline Augustine, president of Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. "We hope that when the public visits the part that they feel, see, hear and experience the rich and beautiful Mi'kmaq heritage that has existed here, at our life source, for more than 3,000 years."
The May 25 event will begin at noon on the grounds of Metepenagiag Heritage Park. Joining the minister at the event will be Lt.-Gov. Herménégilde Chiasson, Chief Noah Augustine of Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation, Madeline Augustine, and other dignitaries of the Aboriginal community. They will have the opportunity to hand out medals to the young exhibitors.
"I invite the people of New Brunswick to visit this exhibit at the Heritage Park and to discover the many talents of our students," Albert said. "I also want to congratulate the parents, teachers, sponsors, and many volunteers who each year are involved in the Heritage Fair Program and are responsible for its success."
For more information on Heritage Week and the Heritage Fair Program, visit the Heritage Fairs 2008 website at http://www.gnb.ca/0131/index-e.asp.
08/05/22
MEDIA CONTACT : Vicky Deschênes, Communications, Wellness, Culture and Sport, 506-457-6445.
08/05/22