NAIN, October 4, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Labrador) Todd Norman Russell, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $146,363 in funding for the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA). The funds will enable this organization to continue to provide cultural, recreational, and educational activities for Inuit youth in Labrador. It is crucial that we provide the young Inuit of Labrador with every opportunity to create a bright future for themselves, said Mr. Russell. The efforts of the Labrador Inuit Association have helped to increase self-esteem, pride, and community involvement among Inuit youth. Our government is committed to helping Canada's Aboriginal peoples improve the well-being of their communities, said Minister Frulla. Our strong partnership with the LIA brings us closer to achieving this goal by helping Inuit youth reconnect with their history and cultural traditions. The funding will enable the LIA to provide a number of programs and activities for Inuit youth, such as Youth Symposium 2006, a Suicide Prevention Conference, throat singing and drum dancing workshops, and Inuit sport. The Youth Symposium will bring together some 60 Inuit young people to examine the structure of the new Nunatsiavut Government and to work on skills and career development. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres Initiative, which provides Aboriginal youth aged 15 to 24, living in urban settings, with projects and activities that are culturally relevant and based in the Aboriginal community. The Initiative helps Aboriginal youth improve their economic, social, and personal prospects.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.Information:Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Wally MclainSpecial AssistantOffice of Todd Norman Russell,Member of Parliament (Labrador)(613) 996-4632
