Edmonton, Alberta — Laurie Hawn, M.P. for
Edmonton Centre on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister
of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification,
today announced an investment of $125,000 to the Heritage Community
Foundation’s Information Technology/Animation Aboriginal Project.
The project will benefit Aboriginal students with training in interactive
media and will teach the skills required to launch their high-tech
careers.
Western Economic Diversification Canada’s contribution to
the Heritage Community Foundation enabled the Aboriginal students
to develop two production projects. One project focused on creating
animated vignettes based on Aboriginal legends and significant moments
in history. The second project was the development of a documentary
called “Finding the Voice” which highlights the Aboriginal
students’ training and graduation.
“A good education is the key to a great future for our young
Canadians,” said Mr. Hawn on behalf of Minister Skelton. “The
Government of Canada is proud to partner with the Heritage Community
Foundation’s innovative training model as it provides for
hands-on work experience in a learning environment.”
“The Heritage Community Foundation is delighted to have been
able to create an on-the-job training and work experience project
that prepares Aboriginal youth for careers in information technology,”
said Adriana Davies, Executive Director of the Heritage Community
Foundation. “What makes the project unique is that the students
are able to explore aspects of their rich history, culture and traditions
in a dynamic learning environment.”
Through the Heritage Community Foundation’s partnership with
the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), the Aboriginal
students were able to gain certificates for their course work and
hands-on experience in the interactive media field, enhancing their
knowledge of animation programming and web research/development.
“Canada needs to develop the talents of our Aboriginal youth
and address the severe skills shortage,” said NAIT President
Dr. Sam Shaw. “This project demonstrates how partners like
WD, HCF, and NAIT can preserve culture, develop tomorrow’s
leaders and help Aboriginal youth gain skills in an industry that
is clamouring for talent.”
The outcomes for the IT/Animation Aboriginal Project were twofold:
the students benefited from the knowledge transferred by the Foundation
and played an instrumental role in preserving Alberta’s Aboriginal
heritage using digital technologies.
For additional information, contact:
Fiona MacLeod
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National
Revenue and Minister of Western
Economic Diversification Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Tel: (613) 995-2960
Adriana Davies
Executive Director
Heritage Community Foundation
Telephone: (780) 424-6512, ext. 222
Donna Kinley
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Raquel Maurier
NAIT Media Relations
Telephone: (780) 471-8447
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at
www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Backgrounder
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
Western Economic Diversification Canada works in partnership
with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate
and diversify Western Canada’s economy, as well as to represent
the interests of the West in national economic policy.
WD is announcing a contribution of $125,000 to the Heritage
Community Foundation for the IT/Animation Aboriginal Project.
This investment is directed towards the web design and animation
training of Aboriginal students in regards to the two production
products: animated vignettes and the documentary.
WD’s investment, made through its Western Diversification
Program (WDP), supports the Government of Canada’s commitments
to facilitate innovation, promote a competitive and expanded business
sector and develop vibrant communities.
The underlying objective of the WDP is to create a stronger
West and a stronger Canada. Several guiding principles are used
to help assess how initiatives contribute to this objective,
including:
increased economic activity that improves the viability,
prosperity, and quality of life for individuals and communities
across Western Canada.
increased economic research in the areas of sustainable
communities, innovation and entrepreneurship to provide a
sound base for economic development in areas of importance
to Western Canada.
Other elements that are considered when determining the relative
merit of proposals include: the measurable impact on the western
Canadian economy, viability and sustainability, long-term benefits,
and the participation of other stakeholders.
Heritage Community Foundation (HCF)
The Heritage Community Foundation is a registered charitable
organization governed by volunteer trustees working together on
accomplishing a number of goals:
To bring the evolution of Alberta as a dynamic province
to life;
To create an abundant source of facts, stories and images;
To forge forward as pioneers in using the Internet;
To provide a strong public voice for heritage; and
To build individual and community identity and pride.
The Heritage Community Foundation promotes learning opportunities
for all with special emphasis on young people. Through the use
of educational websites, easy access is made to a range of institutions
and organizations involved in Alberta’s historical, natural
and cultural heritage.
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
NAIT is one of the largest institutes of technology in Canada
and serves approximately 67,500 students annually at eight campuses
in Alberta. The Institute is the largest apprenticeship trainer
in Canada, providing training to 50 percent of tradespeople in
Alberta and 17 percent nationally. NAIT also delivers 34 different
apprenticeship programs and is the sole provider in Alberta of
13 of these trades.
