SIOUX LOOKOUT, November 10, 2004 -- Member of Parliament (Kenora), Roger Valley, on behalf of Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Raymond Chan, today announced $164,905 in funding for the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee. The funds will allow the organization to design, develop, test and implement an appropriate tool to assist with dispute resolution related to discrimination, racism and cultural misunderstanding."This project emphasizes the Government's partnership with community groups for the well-being of Sioux Lookout," said Mr. Valley. "By working together, community members can identify, and ultimately break down, the systemic barriers that exist in our society.""I am proud to support a project that studies the root cause and effects of racism, and aims to eliminate them," said Minister of State Chan. "Residents of the Sioux Lookout Area can use projects like this one to build a healthy, safer and stronger community."The Resolve Project will be carried out over a three-year period and will increase awareness of issues related to racism and discrimination against First Nations people. Extensive research and community consultations will take place to ensure that the Project is appropriate and meets the needs of community groups, individuals, government agencies and the private sector in this small Northern community. Information gathered and lessons learned will be shared with other communities in Northwestern Ontario. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes the full and equitable participation in Canadian society by people of all origins and encourages interaction between communities of different ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.Funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.Information:Roy BornmannOffice of the Minister of State (Multiculturalism)(819) 997-9900
