Cultural organizations play a key role in bringing communities together, strengthening local economies, and preserving Canadian identity. Recognizing this, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced an investment of over $50,000 for three cultural groups in the Okanagan to support festivals, community events, and Canadian-authored publications that have both local and national impact.
Éditions de la montagne verte will receive $30,860 to support the production, marketing, and distribution of Canadian-authored books. Its Overtime Books imprint focuses on sports-themed titles, particularly hockey, while the Practical Gourmet imprint provides accessible recipes for home cooks.
Global Citizen Events Society has been allocated $12,300 to support the 22nd edition of its Think Global – Act Local festival, scheduled for February and March 2026 in Kelowna. The festival will feature music and dance performances, visual arts, and storytelling, celebrating local and international humanitarian efforts through art.
The Centre culturel francophone de l’Okanagan will receive $10,500 to support the 47th Festival de l’Érable in April 2026 in Kelowna. The festival will showcase a variety of programming, including live music, dance, circus arts, Indigenous storytelling, and artistic workshops.
Minister Miller emphasized that cultural institutions are vital for enriching community life, supporting creativity, and preserving heritage, noting that this funding will help these organizations continue to inspire, educate, and connect people throughout the Okanagan while boosting the local economy. Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr highlighted the role of arts and culture in building strong communities and showcasing Canadian talent. Joyce Brinkerhoff, President of Global Citizen Events Society, expressed gratitude for the funding, noting that it enables accessible, socially responsible events that give local artists a platform to address pressing social issues.
The funding is provided through federal programs including the Canada Book Fund, which supports the production, marketing, and distribution of Canadian-authored books, and the Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, which funds recurring local festivals that present the work of artists, heritage performers, and Indigenous cultural carriers.
