PRINCE ALBERT TO HOST 2007 SHOWCASE OF ABORIGINAL ARTS

Another major music event will be held in Saskatchewan in 2007, this one a gala showcase of Aboriginal music and arts in Prince Albert.

“Waniskâ”, which translates in English as “awaken”, provides opportunity to increase understanding of the Aboriginal culture, to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal artists and to support new and emerging artists.

“Our province leads the nation in volunteerism and we welcome the opportunity to once again extend our hospitality to singers, songwriters, musicians, producers and promoters who are contributing to a vibrant industry in Saskatchewan and across Canada,” Premier Lorne Calvert said.  “This is the first time one province has hosted four major music events in the same year, which speaks volumes about our commitment to build a better future for those involved in our cultural sectors.”

“Waniskâ” will be held October 5 as part of the annual Prince Albert Powwow, which is being expanded to include this celebration of the arts.  The province will provide $72,500 to support the event.

“Aboriginal people have contributed significantly to Prince Albert’s economic and cultural success,” Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Ron Michel said.  “Music has played an important role in our culture.  Waniskâ provides opportunity to showcase the many talented Aboriginal artists who are choosing to pursue a musical career in Saskatchewan and to introduce positive role models to our young people.”

“Prince Albert is home to internationally recognized Aboriginal people, especially in areas of music and arts,” Prince Albert Mayor Jim Scarrow said.  “This gala event is a natural progression of what our community has always exhibited – the embracing of culture, the working together to achieve success, the organizing and showcasing of Aboriginal talent.  On behalf of City Council, we welcome the opportunity to open our doors to the national stage and celebrate the best in Aboriginal music.”

This is the fourth major music event to be announced for Saskatchewan in 2007.  The province will also host the Juno Awards in Saskatoon, the Canadian Country Music Awards in Regina and the Western Canadian Music Awards in Moose Jaw.

“Saskatchewan has been very successful at demonstrating to Canada that we are a centre of creativity, vibrancy and innovation by hosting this series of major music events,” Saskatchewan Creative Music 2007 Inc., president JP Ellson said.  “Not only will our province benefit from the economic spin-offs that these events bring, we are also earning a reputation for being the place to come for major cultural activities.”

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For more information, contact:

Richard Fink
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: rfink@cyr.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-0754