With only a $10 bill

By: Joanne Loton, Executive Producer of SESQUI

Sesqui quoi? Sesqui who? What does Sesquicentennial mean? All questions we often get asked when it comes to the Latin word for “a 150th anniversary of a significant event.” Very few were aware of our country’s upcoming anniversary, especially when Andrea and I first started out on this project three years ago with only a $10 bill we found on a parking garage floor (our first angel investor!) and no funding in sight.

So when Canadian Heritage announced it was launching the 150th Signature Initiative Fund in 2015, we finally felt like the time had come, after several trips to and from Ottawa, countless pitches to Corporate Canada and various institutions, after years of development.

It is a producer’s dream to be able to work on this scale of a project that fits with such a significant funding opportunity. But what this truly is, is an opportunity to be inspired and to inspire others to see and feel Canada with new eyes and open hearts. We want Canadians to participate in SESQUI, to discuss and to bring new ideas to the fore about our connection to this gorgeous place we have the privilege to call home. This is about how we share and connect our experiences with each other at home, with our friends and neighbors, our workmates or strangers on the bus, and even while abroad.

blog-1We are so young as a country – it’s extremely exciting to be a part of her cultural development and story. The scale of such an undertaking in this journey towards a better Canada is shared by us all…let’s work together to make this the best 2017 celebration it can be.