IQALUIT, October 22, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Nunavut) Nancy Karetak-Lindell, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $219,546 in funding for the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) to help support projects for Aboriginal youth. I am very pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is continuing its partnership with the Kivalliq Inuit Association, said Mrs.Karetak-Lindell. Organizations like the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) provide young Inuit with a place where they can learn new skills, work on various projects, speak Inuktitut, and contribute to their communities. The Government of Canada is committed to providing resources so that Aboriginal people, particularly those in northern communities, can prosper and share in Canada's bright future, said Minister Frulla. I am confident that this funding will help young people in the region make a positive difference in their communities. The funds will provide the KIA with the resources it needs to better serve the Aboriginal young people of Arviat, Baker Lake, and Rankin Inlet. The organization will hire an Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres coordinator, organize the Pijunnaqsiniq Culture Camp, and offer hockey, community development, and whale hunting workshops. This funding will support the Arviat Youth Action Group, the Qamanit'uaq Sivuniksangit Youth Committee, the Alaittuq High Student Body, and the KIA's social development department.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Aboriginal Affairs Branch. The Branch encourages participation in and contribution to Canadian society through support for Aboriginal representative organizations, Aboriginal women's groups, Aboriginal youth, friendship centres, and Aboriginal languages.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.Information:Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Susan ScullionExecutive AssistantOffice of Nancy Karetak-Lindell, M.P.(613) 992-2848Jean-Guy BeaupréChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
