March 20, 2006
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Winnipeg’s Aboriginal community will benefit from $226,320 from the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA). This investment supports three community-based projects that promote Aboriginal culture, foster understanding for students and educators, and create learning and employment opportunities for Aboriginal youth.
Funding for these projects was announced today by the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, on behalf of the Government of Canada, and the Honourable Scott Smith, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, and his Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg.
The television program Tipi Tales produced by Winnipeg-based Eagle Vision Inc., Welcoming Schools: An Anti-Racism Video developed by Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc., and the Aboriginal Youth in Recreation Services II program created by the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) are the three projects benefiting from these funds.
“These projects are another excellent example of how the Government of Canada is committed to working with our community and our partners to support initiatives for our urban Aboriginal people. They mirror the priorities of our Government to promote stronger communities within a framework of accountability,” said Minister Skelton. “The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement and Canada’s Urban Aboriginal Strategy recognize that our Aboriginal community will play an important role in Canada’s future success.”
“Today we are helping our Aboriginal youth learn about their rich cultural heritage, feel comfortable in a new school and seek opportunities in the recreation field,” said Minister Smith. “The initiatives funded under WPA will provide valuable training opportunities that will help strengthen Aboriginal participation in the economy.”
“At the City of Winnipeg we are pleased to support the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development by providing practical job training and experience for aboriginal youth," said Mayor Sam Katz. "Both our Aquatic Youth Guard training program and recreation technician program provide young aboriginal people with the confidence and skill to seek employment either with the city or in the community.”
Each project demonstrates the WPA’s commitment to working with Aboriginal community groups and organizations to provide culturally relevant and skills development programs and tools.
Tipi Tales received $35,000 in WPA funding. It an awarding winning Aboriginal television program produced by Winnipeg-based production company, Eagle Vision Inc. Through Tipi Tales, pre-school children join four Ojibway cousins on their journeys. While visiting their great-grandparents the cousins are taught by the seven sacred animals the ancient aboriginal laws of love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. This program offers children a unique opportunity to hear the Ojibway language, learn important life lessons, and gain significant cultural understanding.
Welcoming Schools: An Anti-Racism Video received $74,000 in WPA funding. The video features middle year and senior year students who share their experiences about attending school in Winnipeg. The goal of Ka Ni Kanichihk's Anti-racism video is to help students explore and share the challenges faced by Aboriginal youth entering a Winnipeg school for the first time. Distribution of the video includes Winnipeg schools and various Aboriginal organizations. This video will also help teachers appreciate the impact moving has on Aboriginal youth who want to complete their education.
Aboriginal Youth in Recreation Services II received $117,320 in WPA funding. Through this program, created by CAHRD, up to 60 Aboriginal youth are given the opportunity to acquire important skills training in either the Youth Guard or Recreation Technician programs. Youth Guard provides participants with the chance to obtain the necessary qualifications to be employed by the City of Winnipeg as a lifeguard. The Recreation Technician program includes CPR and First Aid Certification training and offers recreation, planning and training courses, enabling youth to seek employment in the community as recreation programmers.
The funds announced today come from Component I—Aboriginal Participation of the WPA. This component supports economic development, training, employment, and health and wellness for Winnipeg’s Aboriginal citizens.
The WPA was signed in May 2004. WPA represents a five-year, $75 million commitment by the governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg to strengthen our neighbourhoods, promote economic development and enable Aboriginal citizens to fully enjoy Winnipeg’s economic and social opportunities. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the Web site, www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca, for program details.
Federal funding for these projects is included in the fiscal framework. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement, including the coordination of funding on behalf of the Government of Canada’s Urban Aboriginal Strategy.
For additional information, contact:
Amy Ringdahl
Office of the Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Tel: (613) 996-9331
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
Brad Salyn
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
City of Winnipeg
(204) 986-4003
