The Government of Canada Supports Indigenous Arts in Northern Ontario

Press Release

HAILEYBURY – June 20, 2019

The Government of Canada is committed to providing access to and promoting the exhibition of Indigenous artists in both rural and urban areas.

Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament (Nipissing–Timiskaming) yesterday announced that the Government of Canada is investing $97,200 in the Temiskaming Art Gallery to support its exhibit of the work of Ojibwa artist Benjamin Chee Chee. Mr. Rota made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.

This investment, made through the Access to Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program, will allow the “Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy Tour” to travel to communities throughout Northern Ontario over the next three years. This funding promotes collaboration in the preservation of Indigenous culture and helps support the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation.

Quotes

“The diverse stories of Indigenous Peoples deserve to be celebrated and shared across Canada and the world. Providing access to the works of artists like Benjamin Chee Chee helps bring communities together and promotes a better understanding of our shared histories.”

—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

“I am proud that our government is helping the Temiskaming Art Gallery showcase the work of Benjamin Chee Chee. This project will give communities across Northern Ontario the opportunity to learn more about an artist whose work has become iconic.”

–Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament (Nipissing–Timiskaming)

“The Temiskaming Art Gallery is excited that the Department of Canadian Heritage is continuing to support our Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy project.  This retrospective exhibition, comprising works from galleries across Ontario and private collections, as well as personal items and documents, honours the life and work of world-renowned, Temagami-born Ojibwa artist Benjamin Chee Chee. This new funding will facilitate a three-year tour of the exhibition to galleries across the province.”

–Melissa La Porte, Executive Director and Curator, Temiskaming Art Gallery

Quick facts

• The Museums Assistance Program supports heritage institutions and workers in the preservation and presentation of heritage collections. The program fosters the preservation of Indigenous culture and facilitates access to heritage collections for all Canadians. It also promotes professional knowledge, skills and practices related to key museum functions.
• The Access to Heritage component provides funding to heritage organizations for travelling exhibitions in Canada.
• Since 1980, the Temiskaming Art Gallery has been a magnet for showcasing the work of artists such as Ojibwa artist Benjamin Chee Chee (born 1944 in Temagami, Ontario; died 1977 in Ottawa), whose most recognizable works include curvilinear renditions of Canada geese.

Associated links

• Museums Assistance Program
• Temiskaming Art Gallery

Contacts

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

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