REGINA, March 7, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament (Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre), today announced $73,000 in funding for the Street Worker's Advocacy Project. These funds, which supplement a contribution of $110,256 in September 2006, will enable the organization to provide additional programs and activities for Aboriginal youth facing challenges."Canada's New Government is proud to support the efforts of the Street Worker's Advocacy Project to reach Aboriginal youth facing challenges," said Minister Oda. "Our support will help them build positive relationships and improve their quality of life.""Our Government is proud to support the Aboriginal youth in Regina," said Mr. Lukiwski. "The winter season is one of the most difficult for youth involved in street life. This project will help Aboriginal young people access counseling, cultural activities and alternatives to street life, providing them with a stronger support system.""This funding allows us to provide outreach services, life skills, and cultural and recreational programming to an extremely vulnerable and high-risk population of sexually exploited youth and young adults in Regina," said Barb Lawrence, Executive Director of the Street Worker's Advocacy Project. "Our experience has shown that with support, positive alternatives, and a greater appreciation of their cultural identity, sexually exploited youth are able to develop the strength, self-confidence and skills to successfully manage the transition off the street to a healthier, more productive life."The Street Worker's Advocacy Project youth program provides support and resources for Aboriginal youth in Regina involved in street life. The program enables the group to connect with youth in a culturally relevant manner, provide support for daily living problems, and offer positive activities as alternatives to being on the street. The program enables youth to build positive relationships, foster leadership skills and increase their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and traditions. Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Aboriginal people aged 15 to 24, living in urban settings, with projects and activities which are culturally relevant and based in the Aboriginal community. The program helps Aboriginal young people improve their economic, social, and personal prospects.Information: Véronique BruneauPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women819 997-7788Amos DowlerChief of StaffOffice of the Member of Parliament for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre306 790-4747 Angela CassieA/Director of CommunicationsPrairies and Northern RegionCanadian Heritage204 983-4367
