NAIN, April 13, 2004 -- The Government of Canada has strengthened its commitment to working with the Labrador Inuit Association to help it serve the interests of the Inuit population of Labrador. The announcement was made today by Lawrence O'Brien, Member of Parliament (Labrador), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage."One of the key priorities of the Government of Canada is to create opportunities for Aboriginal people to influence governmental decision-making processes in order to improve their lives," said Mr. O'Brien. "I am pleased to announce this support for the Labrador Inuit Association, and I encourage the organization to continue its important motivational work among its members, enabling each of them to play an active role in the political life of their community, and of Canada.""In the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to helping Aboriginal communities improve their future prospects," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "Our partnership with the Labrador Inuit Association works toward this goal by ensuring that the Inuit in Labrador are able to promote their region's political, social, cultural, and economic development, voice their concerns, and make their own valuable contribution to Canadian society." Funding of $182,027, provided through the Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP), will allow the Labrador Inuit Association to operate as the representative organization for its membership. As a result of this contribution, the association will be able to more effectively develop and expand its relationships with governments and other agencies, and communicate with its members. One of the key goals of the Labrador Inuit Association is to provide crucial information to the Inuit people on the Land Claim Agreement process and determine what must be accomplished prior to a final agreement. Under this agreement, a new Inuit territory to be called Nunatsiavut, which means "our beautiful land" in Inuktitut, would be established. The area, which covers approximately 75,100 square kilometres, would be governed by Labrador's Inuit people. The objective of AROP is to maintain a consultative framework of Inuit, Métis, and Non-Status Indian representative organizations through which governments can address the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aboriginal Affairs Branch. The Department encourages participation in and contribution to Canadian society by means of support to Aboriginal representative organizations, Aboriginal women's groups, Aboriginal youth, Friendship Centres, and the preservation of Aboriginal languages.Funding for this program was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Wallance McLean Legislative Assistant Office of Lawrence O'Brien (613) 996-4630 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
