Yellowknife, N.W.T. - The Federal Government announced on Thursday that they will be investing over $140,000 into three programs through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The funding is geared towards supporting organizations and projects that provide cultural experiences.

The groups receiving support include Folk on the Rocks, the Aurora Arts Society, and The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Vic Toews, explained why the government believes making this commitment to NWT culture is so important.

"Culture is important for its own sake as well, in terms of unifying us a country. But aside from some of those types of values, it's also very important from an economic point of view, from tourism."

Toews said he believes this will help draw more attention to what's happening in the North.

"Many people don't understand what the North has to offer, and sometimes by providing support to festivals, or institutions like [the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre], we attract new tourists to this area, and allow people to appreciate some of the things that are going on up here."

The announcement was great news for Folk on the Rocks, as they will be receiving $80,000 of the funding through 2014.

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