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An increase in heritage funding is a step by the provincial government in the right direction, the CEO of Heritage Saskatchewan says. Last week, the province announced plans to increase funding for heritage-related initiatives within the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport. This includes a 57 per cent increase in funding -to $504,000 from $289,000 -to the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation. "It was welcome news to hear that (the foundation) was receiving some additional funding because it's so critical to the work that they do," Ingrid Cazakoff said. "They are doing all sorts of projects in the province." She said the foundation has a number of funding programs that people can tap for conservation work. It provides five grant programs to support numerous heritage activities throughout the province. "Their funding was in jeopardy," Cazakoff said about foundation's situation before the announcement. "Now, at least this will assist them. It's a good initial first step for heritage in general." Although Cazakoff is appreciative of the funding, she said there's still much more work to be done. "They have been chronically underfunded for some time," she said. "A significant increase was needed, but there's still again more that could be done." She said funding to the foundation had steadily decreased for the past few years to the point that the organization was in crisis. "It's very critical because it provides funding to the grassroots agencies, to small communities and larger communities," said Cazakoff. "It was great to see funding channelled in that direction -to help the folks in rural Saskatchewan with some of their heritage projects." She added heritage has a broad definition and is more than just buildings. "It's everything that you want to leave as a legacy," said Cazakoff. "We don't always think of languages and libraries (being) included under heritage." She said heritage is not just history. "It's our natural and cultural heritage, such as languages and landscapes," said Cazakoff. In addition to the increased funding, the foundation has begun a strategic review, which will assist it in planning for the future. © Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Heritage+group+applauds+funds/4519100/story.html#ixzz1I0KixABU