Canada’s heritage and culture of the Yukon region

Jonathan Miles, Managing Editor of Open Access Government, charts the Canadian Government’s recent efforts to bolster the country’s heritage, with a focus on supporting arts and culture of the Yukon region and more

The Government of Canada in November 2023 reached an important milestone in new legislation that supports Canadian and Indigenous music and stories. Through the Online Streaming Act, Canadians will have access to stories and music that reflect the new reality of the online age and will be reinvested in Canada’s next generation of artists.

This editorial will focus on the Online Streaming Act, plus government support for the arts and culture of the Yukon region, the Imperial Cinema Centre, breaking down barriers through dance, and so much more.

The Online Streaming Act

We’re hearing online streamers are being asked to be part of the long-term success of the Canadian cultural industry and help its creative and media industries to follow so they have a fair shot at success now and for years to come. The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, said the Online Streaming Act marks a game-changer and the culmination of years of hard work and partnership between government and the cultural industry.

“It’s about levelling the playing field and making sure we can share our stories and see ourselves on screens. Canadian artists and musicians have a unique perspective. Their creations inspire our imaginations, help us understand each other and shed light on important issues in our country. We are proud when we see and hear homegrown Canadian talent and stories, both because it’s amazing and because it’s Canadian,” Minister Pascale St-Onge continued. (1)

The arts and culture of the Yukon region

On February 23rd, 2024, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, heralded funding for the 60th Yukon Rendezvous Festival on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge.

Funded through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, this year’s festival celebrates the arts and culture of the Yukon region. The Yukon Rendezvous Festival is one of Canada’s famous heritage and history festivals. The festival is also a great place to see local artists and performers. It is a unique event that celebrates the winter life in Yukon.

Rendezvous is also an important tourist destination for locals and visitors, and 2024 marks 60 years of connecting people through dynamic and creative programming. The Yukon Rendezvous Festival is “a much-loved winter tradition that celebrates the rich history and diversity of the territory’s people, customs and culture,” Minister Pascale St-Onge noted. Activities include live music, theatrical performances, Indigenous programming, dance, visual displays, circus arts and snow sculptures.

“There is truly something for everyone, from dance to music to artisanal crafts. The Government of Canada is proud to support Rendezvous’ continued legacy and its efforts in promoting the unique character of the north,” Minister Pascale St-Onge continued. (2)

Imperial Cinema Centre gets Canadian Government support

In February 2024, Minister Pascale St-Onge said that the Imperial Cinema Centre would receive money to renovate the building’s historical elements and modernize its theatres.

The Imperial Cinema is one of Montréal’s most iconic landmarks. It’s been playing host to film premiers, galas, and festivals for many years, to the great delight of the city’s inhabitants. The Imperial presents various professional artistic productions (music, theatre, circus, comedy, and more).

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund is how the assistance is provided. As well as keeping the audience and performers safe, this significant project enables the organization to purchase specialized equipment such as stage, multimedia and audio.

“We’re delighted to be able to help the Imperial Cinema, a century-old institution with an outstanding reputation. The Government of Canada supports this project that aims to sustain an important venue for creators, artists and audiences from the region and beyond. Long live this unique cultural space!” Minister Pascale St-Onge exclaimed. (3)

Break down barriers through dance

In other news, Minister Pascale St-Onge, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and Member of Parliament (Toronto Centre) on February 21st, 2024, detailed investment to support KasheDance’s training program. The two Ministers visited the premises and interacted with staff members, demonstrating their skills and creativity. In Canada, Black History Month was held in February. It is a celebration of Black excellence, particularly for organizations that are at the forefront of their fields, such as KasheDance.

KasheDance is an example of how we can share cultures through art, said Minister Pascale St-Onge. It’s inspiring to see so many different types of dance being explored and taught. “Its training program will help teach new dancers these styles and provide opportunities for communities to experience it. It’s wonderful to be here and to see firsthand how much our investments really mean for people and communities. Our government is proud to support groups like KasheDance,” the Minister continued.

Founded in 2009 in Toronto, Canada, KasheDance is a professional Afro Contemporary dance firm. It provides a professional dance education program that elevates dancers’ careers while breaking down systemic obstacles in the performing arts industry. Did you know that KasheDanceTek’s dance technique was developed by the company’s Artistic Director, Kevin Ormsby, and includes Afro-Caribbean and contemporary music, movements, philosophies, plus training techniques? (4)

More on culture and heritage priorities in Canada

The Government of Canada supports Indigenous Peoples in reclaiming, revitalizing, preserving and strengthening their languages and cultures. On February 26th, 2024, it was announced investment over five years will help
restore the language of Kaska, the Liard First Nation. (5)

In the same month, the Canadian Government announced funding for the travelling exhibit project of the Africville Museum. (6) In addition, 21 innovative businesses and organizations were supported to take their business to the next level financially on the global stage, we learn. (7,8)

Plus, the government supports Canadian motion pictures and television productions because they tell their stories and reflect their reality. This brings us back to how the government modernizes its support for the audiovisual sector to better connect with the people of Canada, including through measures such as the Online Streaming Act that assist the sector in adapting to the evolving creation ecosystem. (9)

References

1. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2023/11/minister-st-onge-releases-direction-to-support-more-canadian-stories-and-music.html
2. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-invests-in-a-time-honoured-yukon-tradition.html
3. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/02/the-government-of-canada-supports-the-imperial-cinema-centre.html
4. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-supporting-efforts-to-break-down-barriers-through-dance.html
5. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-supports-the-revitalization-of-the-kaska-language-in-the-liard-first-nation.html
6. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-announces-funding-for-the-africville-museums-travelling-exhibit-project.html
7. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/02/backgrounder-21-creative-businesses-and-organizations-receive-support-to-achieve-financial-success-on-the-world-stage.html
8. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/02/helping-canadian-creative-businesses-and-organizations-achieve-financial-success-on-the-world-stage.html
9. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/01/supporting-the- audiovisual-sector-through-telefilm-canada.html