CORNER BROOK, November 2, 2005 -- Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Member of Parliament (Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte) Gerry Byrne, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for the Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $115,389 in funding for the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI). Funding will enable the organization to promote the participation of its membership in Canada's political, social, and economic institutions. "It is important that organizations like the Federation of Newfoundland Indians have the resources they need to properly represent their membership's interests," said Mr. Byrne. "When decisions are made at various levels of government, Aboriginal people's lives are affected. This funding will help to ensure that our policies, programs, and services reflect their needs and perspectives.""The Government of Canada is committed to enabling Aboriginal people to share more fully in Canada's wealth and success," said Minister Frulla. "Having a voice in the political, social, cultural, and economic life of this country helps ensure the well?being of their communities."The FNI is recognized as the representative organization of the Non-status Indian population of Newfoundland. Founded in 1972 and made up of nine member Band Councils, the FNI promotes Aboriginal culture and language and addresses issues such as childcare, justice, health, housing, and status-recognition.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage though its Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program. The Program's goal is to maintain a consultative framework of organizations that represent Inuit, Métis, Non-Status Indian, and off-reserve First Nations people, through which governments can address the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal people in Canada.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) 997-7788 Bonita CostelloExecutive AssistantOffice of Gerry Byrne, Member of Parliament(709) 637-4540 Jean-Guy BeaupréChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
