From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
NationTalk: Fredericton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) – Strong, vibrant cultural connections empower strong, vibrant communities. Investments in public spaces where people can gather, learn, share and celebrate their culture and knowledge are key to promote a more equitable, more inclusive Canada, and to build communities where everyone is empowered to succeed.
Investments support new community centre
Today, Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, announced an investment of $500,000 through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program for the establishment of the Awitgati Longhouse Cultural Centre. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The Honourable Jill Green, Minister of Service New Brunswick, and Minister responsible for Housing, also announced a contribution of $500,000 on behalf of the Province of New Brunswick through the Regional Development Corporation (RDC).
This investment will support the construction of a 20,000 square foot community facility that will provide programs in four main areas including wellness, culture, Indigenous knowledge and skills and training. The Centre will be a net-zero carbon facility, and will be a welcoming and inclusive space where people can gather in the spirit of community.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and working with Indigenous organizations to empower strong economically diversified communities, and a sustainable future for all Atlantic Canadians.
Quotes
“We are committed to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. We are proud to support the Awitgati Longhouse and Cultural Centre, a facility that will provide a valuable place for the Indigenous community to connect and celebrate their culture.”
– The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Awitgati means ‘gathering place’ and is a fitting name for a Centre that will be accessible, and inclusive to all Indigenous Peoples. I am so proud that the Government of Canada, through ACOA, is a partner of this crucial project, as it will have a transformative impact on Indigenous communities, not only here in Fredericton, but across Atlantic Canada.”
– Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton
“Our government is pleased to partner in this important project to build a strong and vibrant Indigenous community. Having a space dedicated to coming together, learning and sharing culture contributes to everyone’s wellbeing and provides opportunities to flourish.”
– The Honourable Jill Green, Minister of Service New Brunswick, and Minister responsible for Housing, on behalf of Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation (RDC)
“Under One Sky’s vision for this project is to build a world class Net-Zero community facility which is vibrant, welcoming, and accessible. We are very grateful to the Government of Canada through ACOA, and the Province of New Brunswick, through RDC for supporting our dream for a place that provides a safe space that offers health, social, and cultural services for all ages. Our vision also involves creating spaces and opportunities for intercultural dialogue and relationship building. Ultimately, this will be a space that brings people together to celebrate and build community.”
– Patsy McKinney, Executive Director of Under One Sky
Quick facts
- Under One Sky is an Indigenous led, not for profit and a member of the National Association of Friendship Centres. Under One Sky has been in operation for over 15 years and is the only Friendship Centre in New Brunswick, home to over 29,000 Indigenous people.
- The Awitgati Longhouse and Cultural Centre exemplifies the kind of green infrastructure that creates environmentally friendly and healthier communities and helps the Government of Canada reach its reduction targets by 2030 and its net-zero objectives by 2050.
- On July 14, 2022, Infrastructure Canada announced its investment of $18.5 million to the project.
Associated links
Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
ann.kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Director of Communications
Regional Development Corporation (RDC)
Mary-Anne.Hurley-Corbyn@gnb.ca
Alyse Duffney
Communications
Under One Sky
alyse@uosfc.ca