Image
Image Caption
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is one of 15 not-for-profit organizations to receive one of the largest charitable donations ever in Canada aimed at Indigenous communities.
On March 7, the Slaight Family Foundation announced $12 million in donations to organizations working to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of Canada’s Indigenous populations.
The Slaight Family Foundation’s funding to the Banff Centre will support scholarships for up to 40 emerging Indigenous artists annually across all artistic disciplines.
“The Slaight Family Foundation’s generous gift will provide critical financial support for emerging Indigenous artists to develop their skills under the guidance of nationally and internationally-renowned faculty,” said Janice Price, Banff Centre president and CEO.
“With this gift, Banff Centre can continue to provide Indigenous artists with the vital opportunity to advance their careers and contribute to a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape,'' she added.
“Indigenous people throughout Canada need support – from within their communities and without – in order to thrive, and I believe we all have a responsibility to offer that support, both privately and through government funding,” said Gary Slaight, president and CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation.
Slaight said the foundation received advice from Indigenous leaders across Canada on how best to invest their charitable dollars.
Also receiving funding through the Slaight Family Foundation are the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund; the Moosehide Campaign, Indspire, the 4Rs Youth Movement, the ArtsCan Circle, Camp Onakawana, the Child Development Institute, the National Arts Centre, Outward Bound Canada, Right to Play, the Royal Ontario Museum, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, Teach for Canada and WE (Free the Children).