Press Release:
Our Communities: At the Heart of Celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017
October 21, 2016- Whitehorse – Department of Canadian Heritage
The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament (Yukon), today announced $45,000 in funding to the Open Pit Theatre for their Yukon Verbatim project. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Open Pit Theatre has spent the last two years recording over sixty interviews with Yukon residents in the communities of Ross River, Teslin, Carcross, Keno, Dawson, Mayo, and Whitehorse for the Yukon Verbatim Project. Interviews focused at gathering the broadest and most accurate Yukon perspectives were conducted in all sorts of locations; wall tents, yurts, log cabins, outhouses, conference rooms, offices, and coffee shops. Playwright, Geneviève Doyon (co-artistic director of Open Pit Theatre), took the interviews (which ranged from thirty minutes to six hours in length) and wove together themes from individuals of various age, race, ethnicity, gender, location, and social background into a play. Thanks to the Canada 150 Fund, Open Pit Theatre will be able to present a full production of this exciting and unique play; showcasing both the harmonious and conflicting views existing in the Yukon today.
The Government of Canada is providing this funding through the Canada 150 Fund. To make 2017 a year that all Canadians will remember, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in local, regional, and Canada-wide projects.
The 150th anniversary of Confederation gives Canadians the opportunity to celebrate our shared values, our achievements, our majestic environment and our country’s place in the world. It is also an ideal opportunity for Canadians to get involved in their communities.
As we prepare for a year of celebration, the Government of Canada invites all Canadians to take part in activities surrounding the Canada 150 countdown. This is an opportunity for all of us to express what it means to be Canadian and how we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Quotes
“In 2017, Canada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that it means to be Canadian. The Government of Canada will create opportunities for Canadians to participate in local, regional, and national celebrations. Communities across the country will proudly take part in the festivities throughout the year to mark this significant anniversary in Canada’s history. Join the celebration—it’s happening in your community too!”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“In typical northern style, Yukoners are reminding all Canadians that we have a proud story and history of accomplishment to tell, demonstrating the Yukon is larger than life. The 150th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity for communities to acknowledge the many facets of Canada’s diversity.”
— The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament (Yukon)
“Open Pit Theatre's play is the very first verbatim play north of 60. It is an authentic and honest piece of theatre that portrays our community today and asks important questions about our future."
— Caili Steel, President, Open Pit Theatre
Quick Facts
· Open Pit Theatre is a professional theatre company dedicated to exploring new approaches to play development and focused on providing the Yukon with play development, public workshops, and co-productions.
· The Government of Canada’s vision for the 150th anniversary of Confederation includes four major themes: diversity and inclusiveness, the environment, young people, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
· The Canada 150 Fund, established in April 2015, has an overall budget of $210 million.
· Through this fund, the Government of Canada will continue to invest strategically in activities that support the 150th anniversary vision and promote the direct involvement of Canadians.
