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THOMPSON, Manitoba (September 6, 2007) - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Rod Bruinooge, today congratulated the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre and the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy (TUAS) Steering Committee on the opening of a new Aboriginal student housing complex in Thompson, Manitoba.
"Housing insecurity has been repeatedly identified as a major obstacle for successful academic achievement, especially for Aboriginal post-secondary students with families," said Mr. Bruinooge on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Canada's New Government is proud to have contributed to this new eight-unit complex project that will help these families to get ahead."
Located at 19 Fox Bay, the new complex houses eight single-family housing units, one of which is fully wheelchair accessible. The units were created for the use of Aboriginal post-secondary students with families, while they are attending school. Some of the new tenants have already moved in, while others are in the process of doing so.
Funding was provided through the federal Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS), in partnership with the Province of Manitoba and the City of Thompson. The UAS provides opportunities for Aboriginal people living in urban areas to easily access services that will enhance economic well-being and quality of life.
Attending the unveiling ceremony along with Mr. Bruinooge were Freda Albert, Executive Director of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs - Thompson region, on behalf of the Honourable Oscar Lathlin, Provincial Minister for Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, as well as the Mayor of the City of Thompson, Tim Johnson. Families moving into the complex were also present, as were members of the TUAS Steering Committee and senior members of the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre. Since 1976, the Centre has offered support to Aboriginal people who are making the transition from life on the reserve or community to urban life in Thompson.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office INAC
Ted Yeomans
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl,
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development and Federal Interlocutor
For Métis and Non-Status Indians
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
(819) 953-1160
