Canada’s 150^th is a big deal, and the Government of Canada is sparing no expense to help Canadians explore our country’s diverse culture and heritage.

The Department of Canadian Heritage announced at a press conference this morning that the Government of Canada will be providing $1,606,643 through the Canada 150 Fund to support 23 new community projects in the province.

“Our government is supporting projects that celebrate diversity and promote inclusion, that strengthen our connection with the natural environment, that focus on reconciliation with indigenous peoples, and projects that empower our young people,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament (North Vancouver), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Some of the initiatives that will receive funding include Asian-Canadian Special Events Association’s “We Are Canadians, Too!”—a large scale public festival that encourages intercultural exchange; South Asian Canadian Heritage Association’s “Trauma, Memory, and the Story of Canada”—A program that explores the South Asian Community in Canada; Federation of B.C. Youth in Care Networks’ “Truth and Reconciliation Tour”—a truth and reconciliation workshop tour to 12 rural and remote B.C. communities; and many more.

Other municipalities in Greater Vancouver, such as City of Abbotsford, City of Maple Ridge, City of Port Moody, and the City of Port Coquitlam will also receive support for different celebration activities and public art projects.

“Canada 150 is a unique opportunity to gather in our communities and to celebrate what it means to be Canadian,” said Joly, in a press statement. “Our government is please to support projects and activities that showcase the things that make our communities unique, diverse and dynamic, and leave a legacy for future generations.”

 The Canada 150 Fund was created in April 2015 with a total budget of $200 million.