PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan, October 9, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Brian Fitzpatrick, Member of Parliament (Prince Albert), today announced funding for two projects aimed at Aboriginal young people in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Funding of up to $124,000 will be provided to the Prince Albert Métis Women's Association and the YWCA of Prince Albert.
"Canada's New Government is committed to improving the quality of life of people in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada," said Minister Verner. "Today's investment will support projects that enable young people to reach their full potential."
"I congratulate both of these organizations on providing valuable resources to Aboriginal young people," said Mr. Fitzpatrick. "Opportunities to learn more about their culture is important to their personal development as they become more active participants in our province's social, political, and cultural life," said Mr. Fitzpatrick.
"The funding provided by the federal government will greatly improve the YWCA's ability to work with Aboriginal young people in our community," said Donna Brooks, Executive Director of the YWCA of Prince Albert. "The program will provide young people with skills, knowledge, and support to help them reach their goals. A strong cultural component and a youth advisory committee will allow the participants to develop their Aboriginal culture in ways meaningful to them."
Up to $80,000 will go to the Prince Albert Métis Women's Association for a project entitled Just Workers. This project will help provide young people who commit property crimes with constructive opportunities to take responsibility for their actions and make amends for their wrongdoings.
The YWCA of Prince Albert will receive up to $44,000 for its Integrative Case Management with Complex Youth (ICM) Program. These funds will help the YWCA develop innovative and culturally appropriate solutions to challenges facing Aboriginal young people.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre programming element of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program. This element provides Aboriginal young people, aged 15 to 24, living in urban settings, with projects and activities that are culturally relevant and based in the Aboriginal community. It also helps Aboriginal young people improve their economic, social, and personal prospects.
Information: Richard Walker
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and
Official Languages
819 994-5978
Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
