Several groups in the Hay River area have received new federal funding.
Northwest Territories MP Michael McLeod visited the visitor information centre on Feb. 3 to announce the federal largesse, both to Hay River and elsewhere in the territory.
The local organizations to benefit are the Arctic Winter Games (AWG), the Hay River Seniors' Society, Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre and K'atlodeeche First Nation on the Hay River Reserve.
The 2018 Arctic Winter Games Cultural Program received $184,750 from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
"I think it's really important to recognize that the money that we're announcing here is for the cultural component of the games and this is very important to all of us," said McLeod. "It's probably going to be one of the more dynamic and diverse arts and musical events in the region. This has always been a very important part of the Arctic Winter Games."
The funding comes from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund.
The cultural component of the South Slave AWG – set for March 18 to March 24 – will showcase performing and visual artists.
Presentations will include Dene drumming, Indigenous dance performances, folk music, Metis fiddling, jigging, and storytelling. The performances will showcase artists from Hay River, the Hay River Reserve and Fort Smith, as well as elsewhere in the NWT, the Yukon, Alaska, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, Nunavik, Greenland, Norway and Russia.
Greg Rowe, the president of the AWG's Host Society, offered thanks for the funding.
"I'm honoured to stand here on behalf of the host society to express our sincere appreciation to Canadian Heritage and the Canada Arts Presentation Fund for their generous support," he said. "The funding will assist with the delivery of a powerful and moving cultural program for the 2018 games."
McLeod also announced funding to the Hay River Seniors' Society, Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre and K'atlodeeche First Nation in support of activities for seniors.
In total, 15 organizations in the NWT are receiving $331,687 for projects from the New Horizons for Seniors Program – up to $25,000 per organization.
"Through this investment, groups throughout our territory will run programs that will enable seniors to take part in opportunities benefiting both themselves and their communities," said McLeod.
The Hay River Seniors' Society will receive $20,000 to upgrade its kitchen.
K'atlodeeche First Nation will get $25,000 to help elders get together for weekly meetings, activities and elder/youth nights.
Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre will receive $25,000 to provide social and educational opportunities for isolated seniors, such as learning technology, and guest speakers on financial management, health and wellness.
Tom Makepeace, president of the Hay River Seniors' Society, expressed thanks to the federal government for the funding for the group's kitchen.
"This is going to be a really big benefit for the seniors," he said.
Beatrice Lepine, board secretary of the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre, said its funding will help seniors, including in collaboration with the Hay River Seniors' Society.
"We'll work together on delivering services," she said. "We do currently, but that money is going to be an extra help for us to be able to do that."
McLeod also made an announcement on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources of $204,400 over two years to bring home energy efficiency to two local Indigenous communities as part of the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Arctic Energy Alliance will work with Jean Marie River this year, and a second community to be chosen next year.
The total project value is $420,500, including cash and in-kind contributions from the community and Arctic Energy Alliance.