Saturday, August 25, 2007

Federal funding aids in Tsimshian bowls return


A federal government cheque for 21,000 dollars has assisted the Museum of Northern British Columbia in recovering two Tsimshian bowls from the Dundas Collection for exhibit at the Prince Rupert museum.

The bowls will have made quite a journey in their time, from original settlements along the North coast to a private collection in England to their return home, reclaimed after the Thomson family and Canadian museum officials took part in a New York auction earlier this year to bring back some of the West coasts heritage.

The bowls won’t be back just yet however, as part of the Dundas Collection they are currently part of an exhibit that is crossing the nation.

The Daily News featured the developments in their Thursday edition.

FEDS FIND CASH FOR DUNDAS ITEMS
Money put toward Museum of Northern B. C.’s acquisitions
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Pages one and two

Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George Dick Harris was in Prince Rupert yesterday to present the Museum of Northern British Columbia with a cheque for $21,000.

The money comes from the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Movable Cultural Property Grants Program, part of a $20 million fund this year that will be divided between museums across Canada and used toward returning historical artifacts.

The money from the feds was matched by a private donor.

“On behalf of the Museum of Northern B. C., I’d like to thank Dick Harris and the Federal Conservative part for their contribution towards the purchase of two beautiful Tsimshian bowls through the Cultural Heritage Properties Program,” said Wes Baker on behalf of the museum.

“Thank you for your support.”

Harris presented the cheque on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Official Languages, Josee Verner, although he is no stranger to Prince Rupert, having grown up here.

“Those of you that are fortunate enough to live in this community, this is a special day to bring these historic artifiacts back to the area where they originated,” said Haris.

“Looking around this museum really shows us that everyone is so proud of what you accomplished here, putting this museum together displaying your First Nations heritage and other artifacts.”

The two Tsimshian bowls are part of the Dundas collection.

They will not be returning for a while because they are scheduled to tour the country along with the rest of a collection that has stops at the Toronto Art Exhibit, and The Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec.

“I’m proud on behalf of our government that we could do this, and I invite you to continue to make applications for funding to bring more pieces of culture back to Prince Rupert where they belong,” said Harris.

“So use the money well, and we’re glad to help you out when the need for more money arises from time to time.”

No comments: