HALIFAX, August 30, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (St. John's South-Mount Pearl), today announced more than $506,000 for Labrador communities.
"Canada's New Government is taking concrete action to foster the development of arts and culture in Canada," said Minister Verner. "With today's announcement, we are investing in the future of First Nation, Inuit and Métis organizations. This funding will help Newfoundland and Labrador's Aboriginal communities develop cultural programming that meets their particular needs."
"Aboriginal communities are a vibrant part of Canada," said Minister Hearn. "Our Government is committed to improving the quality of life for First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples by supporting projects like those announced today."
Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program (APP). This program supports the full participation and cultural revitalization of Aboriginal people in Canadian society. It enables them to address the social, cultural, economic and political issues affecting their lives.
Of the funding announced today, $116,622 will go to the Nunatsiavut Government for the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre (UMAYC), a part of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program. The UMAYC supports community and culturally-based projects for urban Aboriginal youth to improve their social, economic, and personal prospects, and to strengthen their cultural identity.
The Aboriginal Peoples' Program will also provide $389,705 to the Okalakatiget Communications Society for the production of radio and television programming in Inuktitut to give Inuit the opportunity to see their way of life and hear their language through radio and television.
Information:
Richard Walker
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 994-5978
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
