OTTAWA, October 15, 2004-- Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament (Ottawa--Vanier), Mauril Bélanger, on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today announced funding of $73,181 for the Tungasuvvingat Inuit to continue delivering projects through their Teen Drop-In program for Inuit young people in the Ottawa-Carleton area."We must give Aboriginal young people a chance to reach their full potential and to participate in the development of their communities," said Mr. Bélanger. "Organizations like the Tungasuvvingat Inuit provide young people with opportunities to meet and socialize with others, speak their own language, and participate in familiar social and cultural activities.""The Government of Canada is committed to removing barriers that prevent Canadians--and particularly Aboriginal people--from participating in our society," said Minister Frulla. "I am proud to support this organization that provides social, cultural, and economic programming and services to empower Inuit people in Ontario and improve their quality of life."The Teen Drop-In program has been running for four years. The funding will enable the organization to provide projects and activities for urban Inuit young people and to hire a full time Youth Coordinator. Activities will include a Stay in School Program, Computer Club, Cultural Connections Program, and a Nutritional Sustenance Program.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres (UMAYC) Initiative. The UMAYC Initiative provides Aboriginal youth, aged 15 to 24 and living in urban settings, with projects that are culturally relevant and based in the Aboriginal community, allowing them to enhance their economic, social, and personal prospects.Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Donald BoulangerPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788Orli NamianDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Deputy Leader of the Government(819) 952-4971 Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
