VANCOUVER, November 10, 2005 -- Senator Jacob Austin, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $340,466 in funding for the United Native Nations Society (UNNS). The funds will help the organization encourage the participation of its members in Canada's political, social, and economic life."For more than 30 years, the United Native Nations Society has worked to ensure that the concerns of its member communities are heard and that they participate in the decision-making processes that effect their daily lives," said Senator Austin. "It is important that the Society gets the resources it needs to continue representing these communities.""The Government of Canada is committed to helping Aboriginal peoples build healthy communities for themselves," said Minister Frulla. "I am pleased that we are able to continue our partnership with the United Native Nations Society, which works to promote the contributions and aspirations of Aboriginal people in British Columbia."The UNNS was founded in 1969. Its mandate is to preserve the culture and values of Aboriginal people living in British Columbia while advancing their quality of life. Funding announced today will help the organization develop and expand its relations with governments and other agencies.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP). The goal of the AROP is to maintain a consultative framework of Inuit, Métis, and Non-Status Indian representative organizations through which governments can address the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The AROP is managed by the Aboriginal Affairs Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage.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) 997-7788Bill CunninghamSenior AdvisorRegional Office, Vancouver(604) 666-4500Jean-Guy BeaupréChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
