Today, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, announced federal funding of more than $8.9 million for the construction of a building that will be home to the Kebaowek First Nation Cultural Centre.
"What we are announcing today is more than an investment in brick and mortar. It's an investment in the future of a community that is coming together around its past and will benefit the entire community. The Kebaowek First Nation Cultural Centre plays a key role in ensuring that the Algonquin language, cultural traditions and practices are passed on to the youth of the community. These intergenerational connections give youth a stronger sense of identity and prepare them for success in adult life," said the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
"We were very encouraged to see a promise of federal funding to address critical infrastructure gaps in our communities. On behalf of the council and the citizens of Kebaowek we are extremely pleased to hear that the Government of Canada has now made a multi-million dollar commitment to advance the needs and interests of our families and community. The Green and Inclusive Building program will help to give the citizens and community an opportunity to build a solid base from which to continue the vital work needed to reinvigorate and revitalize our language, cultural practices, teachings and ceremonies. The construction of a building that is carbon neutral aligns well with our social responsibilities as First Nations to build the infrastructure needed for continued development as a community with little or no impact on the environment," stated Chief Lance Haymond.
Funding for this new carbon-neutral and cutting-edge building will provide members of the First Nation with a place to teach their history, develop their language skills and cultural understanding, celebrate their culture and offer recreational, extra-curricular and employment-related activities to the young people in the community.
This facility will also benefit members from neighbouring communities, visiting school groups and the public at large. Its proximity to the pier and the public dock will make the centre a key component of the surrounding tourist attractions and will be an important economic engine for the region.
The Government of Canada is allocating $8.9 million to this project.
