New Indigenous exhibition at TheMuseum attracts audience and federal dollars

TheMuseum will receivemore than$20,000 in federal funding towards a newexhibition showcasingIndigenous artistsin Kitchener, Ont.

"It's important that we reflect on our history," RajSaini, MP forKitchenerCentre,told CBC NewsSunday. "Especially over the last 150 years, and what we can learn from it, from some challenging and difficult times, and use this as a way to start a process or continue theprocess ofreconciliation."

Sainiannounced Saturday during the opening of TheMuseum'sA Cause for Celebration? First Things First exhibitionthat the project will get $20,460 for its efforts to bridge cultural understanding.

The exhibitionis showing work fromfour artists, includingAnongBeam and Ann Beam.

Their work speaks to present day issues that emphasize the "universality of human experiences,"according to David Marksell, TheMuseum's CEO.

"TheMuseum has built a reputation on provoking dialogue with its exhibitions and Cause fo Celebration? First things Firstwill continue that tradition in a positive way," Marskell said in a statement.

Saini was representingMlanieJoly,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism.

The money will come from the Canadian government's Inter-Action multiculturalismfunding program, which supports community-based events that promote a socially-cohesive society.