HALIFAX, September 9, 2004 -- The Government of Canada has renewed its commitment to Aboriginal communities in Nova Scotia. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (Halifax West) Geoff Regan, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today announced $146,065 in funding for the Native Council of Nova Scotia to support its efforts to encourage the development of Aboriginal and Mi'kmaq people not living on reserves."The Native Council of Nova Scotia (NCNS) manages a range of important programs for Mi'kmaq and other Aboriginal people in our province," said Minister Regan. "I am proud that the Government of Canada is continuing to work closely with them to provide all Aboriginal people with the resources and tools they need to build a brighter future." "For almost 30 years, the NCNS has worked hard to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal people in Nova Scotia," said Minister Frulla. "Today, our Government is demonstrating its firm commitment to help Aboriginal people strengthen their communities' foundations and participate in all sectors of Canadian society."Founded in 1975, the Native Council of Nova Scotia works with all levels of government, public and private agencies, private industry, and citizens to improve the social, educational, economic, employment and political situation for off-reserve Mi'kmaq and other Aboriginal people in Nova Scotia. It also promotes and defends Aboriginal and Treaty Rights for all Mi'kmaq and other Aboriginal people in Nova Scotia.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP). The goal of this program 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 people in Canada.The Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP) is managed by the Aboriginal Affairs Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Branch encourages contribution to Canadian society by supporting Aboriginal representative organizations, Aboriginal women's groups, Aboriginal youth, Friendship Centres and programs to preserve Aboriginal languages.Funding for this initiative was provided in the March 2004 federal budget.Information:Donald BoulangerPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788 Brian UnderhillDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans (613) 992-3474
