SASKATOON MUSEUM TO RECEIVE $534,600 THROUGH THE BUILDING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

A major project celebrating an important component in Saskatchewan's rich multicultural heritage is getting a $534,625 boost from the province's Building Communities Program. The funding will go towards the construction of a new Musée Ukraina Museum in the core of Saskatoon's Ukrainian community.

"For over fifty years, the Museum has played a vital role in preserving and promoting the heritage of Saskatchewan's Ukrainian community for the benefit of the entire province," Premier Lorne Calvert said at the announcement of the funding in Saskatoon today. "This investment is one more way that we're making Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and raise a family."

The new facility will provide greater accessibility to the public, with increased room for displays, including a gallery focusing on the spiritual heritage of Ukrainian Canadians in Saskatchewan and a Multicultural Gallery celebrating the many cultures that contribute to the province. The museum will hold over 10,000 historical artifacts from Saskatchewan's Ukrainian heritage.

"Musée Ukraina Museum, Inc. is excited about this partnership opportunity with the Province of Saskatchewan in the construction of a new museum building in the heart of Saskatoon's historic core - a building that will continue to showcase the valuable history of the Ukrainian people, not only as a museum, but as a place of discovery, understanding and education," Musée Ukraina Museum Board of Directors President Patricia Mialkowsky said. "We as a Ukrainian community have been privileged to contribute to the growth of Saskatchewan, Canada and the world and it is important to leave an enduring and meaningful legacy for our children, grandchildren and all future generations."

The Building Communities Program is providing $100 million for cultural and recreational infrastructure over three years, beginning in 2006-07. The program seeks to ensure the sustainability of cultural and recreational infrastructure in communities throughout the province. It is the largest per capita cultural and recreational infrastructure program in Canada.

Information on the Building Communities Program can be found on the Culture, Youth and Recreation website at www.cyr.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: jpeters@cyr.gov.sk.ca