En'owkin Centre in Penticton receives $960,000 federal investment to support Indigenous artists

The federal government is providing $960,000 over three years to the En'owkin Centre through the Canada Arts Training Fund to support its National Indigenous Professional Artist Training Program, which offers two-year certificates and mentorship for First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists.

The En'owkin Centre in Penticton has been awarded federal funding to continue supporting Indigenous artists across Canada. Kelowna MP Stephen Fuhr announced $960,000 in funding over three years through the Canada Arts Training Fund on behalf of Minister Marc Miller. The investment is designated for the Centre’s National Indigenous Professional Artist Training Program (NIPAT), a two-year certificate program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists. The program combines online learning, in-person training and mentorship and has roots in a 2002 pilot. Known details: - The funding totals $960,000, delivered as $230,000 annually over three years, and was announced at the En'owkin Centre. - The announcement was made by MP Stephen Fuhr on behalf of Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. - The money supports the National Indigenous Professional Artist Training Program, a two-year certificate program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists. - About 20 students each year receive scholarships for interdisciplinary training and mentorship in storytelling, visual arts, music and performance. - Students and graduates of the program were nominated for Juno Awards last year, including Kym Gouchie, Tia Wood and the Cree Confederation with Fawn Wood among its members. - The En'owkin Centre also raises additional funds for its programming and holds an annual exhibition each February to showcase student work. Summary: The investment supports continued professional development and mentorship for Indigenous artists through the NIPAT program and recognizes the Centre’s longstanding role in Indigenous arts training. The program will continue training students and holding its annual February exhibition; longer-term outcomes are undetermined at this time.