FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR NATIVE EDUCATION CENTRE TRAINING PROGRAM

News Release

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 21, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, today announced a $10,000 contribution to the Native Education Centre in Vancouver. This contribution will support a training program for Aboriginal boat-tour guides being undertaken in association with Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada. "This initiative brings together the unique cultures of Aboriginal societies with the burgeoning tourism market to develop high-quality cultural experiences for visitors," said Minister Dion. "Today's contribution will go a long way toward helping Aboriginal tourism operators develop the necessary skills and business management expertise to create sustainable businesses." "Facilitating the development of these types of cultural tourism businesses is a key element of economic development for Aboriginal citizens," said Minister Dosanjh. "I am pleased to be able to announce the Government of Canada's support for this initiative." The Native Education Centre is a leading educational institution in British Columbia for training Aboriginal people. Participants in the tour-guide training program come from local First Nations who share a common vision for presenting their culture to visitors to this area in a way that is appropriate and which respects their traditions and values. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada was officially established in May 2003. This 40th national park of Canada is situated in the territory of many Coast Salish First Nations. The training program will help local Aboriginal people provide boat tours of the Gulf Islands, including the park reserve. The cultural component of their tours will offer visitors an exciting opportunity to learn about how Coast Salish people have lived in and managed this area for thousands of years, and how they will work in cooperation with the park reserve into the future to ensure the protection of their culture and their special places. - 30 - Information: André Lamarre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441 Jim Barlow Field Unit Superintendent Coastal BC Parks Canada (250) 363-8564

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Date modified:: 2005-03-21

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FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR NATIVE EDUCATION CENTRE TRAINING PROGRAM

News Release

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