Harper Government Supports The Roots of Africville War of 1812 Play in Halifax

HALIFAX, Feb. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Senator Donald H. Oliver, Q.C., on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the Africville Heritage Trust Society to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812. This investment will allow the organization to partner with Eastern Front Theatre to create a play that tells a story about the group historically known as the Black Refugees of Africville.

"During Black History Month, Canadians can gain insight into the experiences of Black Canadians and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history," said Senator Oliver. "Our Government is pleased to support this play, which will give Canadians a deeper understanding of the history of Africville, the courageous stories of our ancestors, and their contribution in shaping our country's history."

"Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians," said Minister Moore. "On the road to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today."

"The War of 1812 had a monumental impact on establishing a Black presence in Nova Scotia after the influx of the Black Loyalists," said Sunday Miller, Executive Director, Africville Heritage Trust Society. "It is with great excitement that the Africville Heritage Trust partners with the Eastern Front Theatre to create a two-act play that will give insight into the hopes and dreams of African-descent men who chose to fight in the War of 1812."

The Africville Heritage Trust Society is a provincially incorporated not-for-profit charitable organization that was created to realize a living memorial to Africville, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

A pre-production reading will take place during the 30^th Anniversary of the Africville Reunion Festival from July 28 to August 1, 2013. The play will be presented at the Eastern Front 2014 SuperNova Theatre Festival and at the Africville Church Museum throughout the summer of 2014. More than 3,000 Canadians are expected to attend the play.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $75,000 to the Africville Heritage Trust Society through Canadian Heritage's 1812 Commemoration Fund. The Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding of the importance of this conflict.

Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812.

Senator Oliver is the Speaker pro tempore of the Senate of Canada.

 

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

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Sébastien Gariépy
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Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)