Backgrounder - Canada Celebrates First Nations Arts and Culture in Yukon

CanNor funding: $290,000 ($160,000 2012-13 & $130,000 2013-14)
Canada Council for the Arts funding: $30,000
Yukon government funding: $50,000

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has invested $290,000 over two years for the Adäka Cultural Festival to take place in 2012 and 2013. This year, the festival will kick off June 22 and run until June 28. It will take place at the newly opened Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse and feature over 150 performing and visual First Nation artists from across the Canadian North and Alaska.

CanNor funding is being provided through its Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.

The Canada Council for the Arts has provided $30,000 through the Aboriginal People's Collaborative Exchange program, with the aim to transfer indigenous artistic knowledge, build cross regional networks and further develop Aboriginal artistic practice. As Canada’s national arts funder, the Council's grants to artists and organizations contribute to a vibrant arts scene.

The Yukon Lottery Commission approved $15,000 in funding for the Adäka Cultural Festival through the Recreational Projects Program, which assists organizations that contribute to the growth of art, sport and recreation in Yukon. Yukon's Department of Tourism and Culture provided $35,000 through the Arts Fund, which supports community group projects such as festivals, events and training that advance the development of the arts in Yukon.

Yukon First Nations Tourism Association

The Yukon First Nations Tourism Association (YFNTA) is an industry-driven not-for-profit association. It was created in 1994 to promote the development, improvement, and broadening of tourism, business, and cultural opportunities for Yukon First Nations.