Welcome

The aim of this website is to improve the awareness of, access to, and participation in cultural activities in the Pembina Valley.

What is culture?

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Culture (from the Latin cultura stemming from colere, meaning "to cultivate") is difficult to define.

When the concept emerged in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Europe, it meant a process of cultivation or improvement, as in agriculture or horticulture. In the nineteenth century, it came to referred, first to betterment or refinement of individuals, especially through education, and then to the fulfillment of national aspirations or ideals. In the mid-nineteenth century, scientists used the term "culture" to refer to a universal human capacity.

In the twentieth century, "culture" emerged as a key to anthropology, encompassing human phenomena that are not purely human genetics. Specifically, "culture" in American anthropology had two meanings:

• the evolved capacity to classify and represent experiences with symbols, and to act imaginatively and creatively; and
• the distinct ways that people living in different parts of the world classified and represented their experiences, and acted creatively.

Why do we need culture?

• Culture has a profound effect on personal development.
• Culture plays an important role in the economic development of the area.
• Multiculturalism stimulates new ideas and challenges us to view life in other ways.

Why Chautauqua Spirit?

In 2008 Morden was designated a Cultural Capital of Canada. This website is one of the legacies from that award. If you go to the “About” tab you will find the information.