News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswick’s history will be on display through a high-tech presentation that will be projected upon the legislature assembly building this summer.

The 30-minute presentation, entitled MALA, which means “where I’m from” in Mi’kmaq, will highlight the New Brunswick’s history through stories of key people and events.

“New Brunswick has a deep history that is rooted in how Canada is shaped today,” said deputy premier Stephen Horsman. “New Brunswickers are proud of who they are, where they are and where they come from.’’

MALA is being led by Dialogue New Brunswick. The provincial government has committed $214,000 to the project, the federal government is contributing $200,000 and the City of Fredericton is providing $25,000.

MALA has two components:

• A large-format multimedia presentation with special effects that will showcase the stories of New Brunswick using the facade of the legislative assembly; and

• A mobile application accessible to all New Brunswickers and people throughout the world that will tell New Brunswick’s stories in an interactive way.

The presentation will showcase the major cultural events, partners, characters and stories of New Brunswick, focusing on the cultural diversity of First Nations, anglophones, francophones, and immigrants. It will begin June 21 and run multiple nights per week until New Brunswick Day.

“Throughout this important year, we will be celebrating what it means to be ‘NB Proud,’” said Horsman. “We will continue to celebrate our rich history, the diversity of our people, and our beautiful landscapes.”

The multimedia show has the potential to bring significant tourism to the Fredericton region.

“Canada 150 provides an opportunity to engage and inspire Canadians in their communities and to proudly celebrate their cultural and linguistic diversity,” said Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly. “The MALA project will allow New Brunswickers and visitors alike to discover the rich heritage of our country onsite and online, thanks to the mobile application specially created for the occasion. Come and celebrate, no reason to miss it!”

"We are very excited for this great addition of summer programming for residents and visitors to enjoy in downtown Fredericton this summer,” said Fredericton Mayor Mike O’Brien. “The architectural splendour of the New Brunswick legislature will make the perfect backdrop to this special event.”

“We are very excited to see MALA come to life,” said Mirelle Cyr and Patrick O’Brien, co-chairs of the board of directors of Dialogue New Brunswick. “We believe that by sharing our stories, we can celebrate who we are as New Brunswickers and get to know each other better. With this project, our goal is to foster mutual understanding and pride in our province’s rich linguistic and cultural history. The sharing of our diverse narratives truly demonstrates the potential of our province’s social cohesion.”

The public is encouraged to visit the Canada 150 NB website, Canada.ca/150 website, use the hashtag #NBProud, and follow @Canada150NB and on social media and share why they are proud to be New Brunswickers. Individuals can also follow @Canada150 to learn more about the various activities happening in the province this year.