has supported many philanthropic endeavours. Macdonald Stewart Foundation This Montreal-based foundation has promoted and preserved a great deal of Canada's historical and cultural heritage. The Millennium Collection, Canada's Cultural Fabric L'Anse aux Meadows The oldest known European settlement in the New World, l'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, was established by Norse colonists a thousand years ago. Neptune Theatre Halifax is home to a cultural tradition that took root in the early 17th century, when the Neptune Theatre's predecessor, Le Théâtre de Neptune de la Nouvelle-France held its first performance at Port Royal, Nova Scotia. Pier 21 In the past century, some 1.5 million immigrants, refugees and displaced persons arrived on our shores at Halifax's Pier 21, which served as a symbol of hope, dreams and opportunity for newcomers to Canada. Stratford Festival Although its history spans just less than 50 years, Ontario's Stratford Festival has become the jewel of North American classical theatre, specialized in showcasing the works of William Shakespeare. The Millennium Collection, Canada's First Peoples Aboriginal Peoples Aboriginal peoples have always been a vital part of Canada's heritage. Believed to possess supernatural powers, the shaman plays an integral role in Aboriginal life, serving as a mystical guide who helps heal the sick, influence the weather, and interpret dreams. Shamans and elders take a holistic approach to health based on physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual balance. Inuit Shaman Believed to possess supernatural powers, the shaman plays an integral role in Aboriginal life, serving as a mystical guide who helps heal the sick, influence the weather, and interpret dreams. Shamans and elders take a holistic approach to health based on physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual balance. Pontiac A noble warrior and chief of the Odawa tribe during the 18th century, Pontiac persuaded the British crown to recognize the legal rights of Aboriginal tribes to claim title to the lands they occupied. Tom Longboat Nicknamed "Wildfire" for his amazing speed, Onondaga distance runner Tom Longboat was one of the most celebrated athletes of the early 1900s, and the fastest professional in the world over 15 miles. The Millennium Collection, Canada's Great Thinkers Hilda Marion Neatby Head of the history department at the University of Saskatchewan, Hilda Marion Neatby had a lifelong love of learning, and stressed the importance of challenging the human mind. Marshall McLuhan Edmonton-born Marshall McLuhan remains a cultural icon as Canada's pioneer pop philosopher and oracle of the electronic