NAVDEEP Bains, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and MP for Mississauga–Malton, on Thursday announced that the federal government is providing $380,000 to the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada for its project “Becoming Canadians Eh! The Sikhs.”
The project will aim to create a Canadian Sikh Heritage Trail and a travelling Canadian Sikh Timeline Exhibition, along with a web portal and interactive mobile application showcasing facts, figures and personalities that have shaped the civic life of Canada. The project will allow current and future generations of Canadians to learn more about the struggles, sacrifices and successes of Sikhs in Canada.
This funding is being provided through the Canada History Fund, administered by Canadian Heritage. The Canada History Fund encourages Canadians to learn about this country’s history, civics and public policy. The Fund supports the production of learning materials, the organization of learning activities and the creation or maintenance of networks.
“Our government is pleased to support projects like this one that provides all Canadians with opportunities to learn more about the people and events that have shaped the great country that we know today. As this year is the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, we are delighted to help create a tribute to the rich heritage of the Sikh community and to the achievements and contributions Sikh Canadians have made to this country’s growth and prosperity,” said Pablo Rodriguez, federal Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
“This project will create virtual spaces that will help the Museum to reach a broader national and international audience through dynamic, interactive exhibits and cultural programming. The Government of Canada is working hard to promote inclusion as a means of fostering innovation, social cohesion and economic prosperity. This funding is just one of the concrete steps we are taking to encourage Canadians to embrace their diversity,” said Bains.
The Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada is a provincially incorporated non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide a public amenity by establishing and operating a Sikh Heritage Museum to preserve, curate and exhibit artifacts, publications, photographs and documents of historical significance, and to advance education by creating and touring exhibits, and by providing educational lectures and seminars relating to Sikh history and culture.
The Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada has been approved for funding of $380,000 through the Canada History Fund over the two fiscal years 2018–19 and 2019–20. The total budget for this project is $593,000.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which recognizes and promotes multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity that provides invaluable resources in shaping Canada’s future.
