The B.C. government is providing new funding to support multicultural organizations in raising awareness and strengthening their capacity to promote and enhance B.C.'s multicultural identity.

$29,500 will help 14 community organizations throughout the province with a variety of multicultural projects ranging from arts projects and a family heritage camp to a seniors' appreciation day and a cross-cultural exchange program for children.

The new funding, provided through the Gaming Grant Program, means that a total of 140 multicultural organizations have been supported by just over $324,000 in the current fiscal year. The next round of grant applications is due to close on Feb. 15, 2013.

Quotes:

John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism -

"Community organizations are the heart of multicultural British Columbia. They nurture, promote and shape our appreciation of diversity and how it makes our society stronger. I am delighted that once again we are able to provide multiculturalism grant funding to communities so that they can continue their vital contribution to the rich social and cultural fabric of our province."

Quick Facts:

• The Multiculturalism Grant Program was established to honour and celebrate British Columbia's cultural diversity through two project streams, Cultural Expression and Capacity Building. The maximum Multiculturalism Grant funding per organization is $5,000.

• The Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Responsible for Multiculturalism's EmbraceBC program provides resources and tools that help citizens of British Columbia further understand the importance of diversity and increase their level of community engagement around multiculturalism and anti-racism. Since its launch in 2009 it has funded over 85 projects, engaging more than 12,000 participants throughout British Columbia and has provided almost $5 million in funding since the initiative was launched.

• In 2012-13, 34 organizations are benefiting from nearly $1.3 million in funding to support projects that celebrate diversity, address racism and help build inclusive communities through the provincial Arts Engagement and Interfaith Bridging programs.

• In October 2012, B.C. hosted the first ever Embracing Difference, Engaging Community symposium with 25 diverse sessions encouraging multiculturalism and challenging racism.

• B.C. celebrated Multiculturalism Week in November 2012 with Celebrate Your Roots, an interactive campaign at Robson Square in Vancouver. 2,700 people participated by recording their thoughts about multiculturalism.

Learn More:

Multiculturalism Grant Program:http://www.embracebc.ca/embracebc/funding/index.page?WT.svl=Centre

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Responsible for Multiculturalism
250 952-6400

BACKGROUNDER

More community organizations benefit from multiculturalism grants

Ucluelet and Area Historical Society, Ucluelet
$3,000 funding: Japanese Heritage Week

Chinese Christian Mission of Canada, Burnaby
$2,000 funding: Knitting Intercultural Understanding Bridge

Saint Cyril and Methodius Bulgarian Heritage Language School and Folklore Society,Burnaby
$2,000 funding: Bulgarian Folk Dance classes

New Pathways to Gold Society, Lytton
$2,000 funding: "Chasing the Golden Butterfly" geocaching program materials

Nanaimo African Heritage Society, Nanaimo
$3,000 funding: Black History Month ($2,000) and Cultural Days ($1,000)

Uganda Cultural Association of British Columbia, New Westminster
$2,000 funding: Children Cross-Cultural Exchange program

Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society, Queen Charlotte City
$2,000 funding: Open to the public events that are part of the Haida Gwaii Semester program

Saulteau First Nation, Chetwynd
$2,000 funding: Cree-Ative Wonders Headstart program

Hummingbird Ministries, Richmond
$2,000 funding: Peace Through Arts Festival and Art Projects

Richmond Food Security Society, Richmond
$2,500 funding: Developing training materials that focus on civic engagement and leadership to support building food resilience in Richmond's Chinese community

Armenian Students Association, Richmond
$2,000 funding: Rose Coloured Glasses art exhibit ($1,500) and Vatevar Water Fight ($500)

Tian-Pao Maitreya Buddha Missionary Institute, Richmond
$2,000 funding: Multiculturalism Seniors' Appreciation Day ($1,000) and Multicultural Contemporary Arts and Dance Competition ($1,000)

BC Métis Federation Society, Vancouver
$2,000 funding: Louis Riel celebration

Ethiopian-Canadian Families Association, Victoria
$2,000 funding: E Camp program

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Responsible for Multiculturalism
250 952-6400