WINNIPEG, March 15, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament (Provencher), today announced over $1,050,000 in funding for the Manitoba Métis Federation. This funding supports the Manitoba Métis Federation's day-to-day operations, programs for urban Aboriginal youth, and a Michif Languages Program.
"The Métis people have a rich cultural heritage," said Minister Oda. "We are proud to support this organization to ensure that the Métis people continue to have a voice in Manitoba and in Canada."
"Canada's New Government is committed to enabling Aboriginal people to fully participate in the social, political, economic and cultural life of the country," said Mr. Toews. "We are pleased to support the Manitoba Métis Federation."
As the representative organization for the Métis people of Manitoba, the Manitoba Métis Federation has received $440,725 in funding to support their day-to-day operations and enhance community input into policy and program development processes.
Funding of $481,611 is also being provided through the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres initiative for 14 community-based projects in the province of Manitoba. The funding supports community and culturally-based projects for urban Aboriginal youth to improve their social, economic and personal prospects, and to strengthen their cultural identity. These projects include youth leadership, cultural activities, community involvement, and social and health activities.
The Manitoba Métis Federation is also receiving $125,000 through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative for a Michif Languages Program. The funding is to identify Michif speakers who can teach the language to others, hold the annual Michif Speakers' Gathering for the province of Manitoba, develop terminology and create language learning resources for community Michif language classes, provide children's books in Michif, and promote the Michif language through presentations, opening prayers and other ceremonial roles.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program, which supports the full participation and cultural revitalization of Aboriginal people in Canadian society. It enables Aboriginal peoples to address the social, cultural, economic and political issues affecting their lives.
Information :
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
