EDMONTON, November 5, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Laurie Hawn, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), today announced funding for the Métis Nation of Alberta Association.
Funding of $315,000 will go toward activities that preserve and promote Métis language, culture, and heritage. It will fund a three-year project that includes the publication of a book called Michif in Alberta, the organization of linguistic immersion camps, and support for a provincial conference about the Michif language.
"The Métis people have a rich cultural heritage," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to support this organization to ensure that they continue to have a voice in Alberta and in Canada."
"Our Government is committed to enabling Aboriginal people to fully participate in the social, political, economic, and cultural life of the country," said Mr. Hawn. "We are pleased to support the Métis Nation of Alberta."
"Unfortunately, as many of our Elders pass away without sharing their language with the next generation, a part of our history is slipping away,"' said Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta Association. "It is up to us to protect this important part of our heritage, and this funding from Canadian Heritage will assist us in doing exactly that."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Aboriginal Peoples Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, 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:
Richard Walker
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and
Official Languages
819 997-7788
Oula Sanduga
Constituency Assistant
Office of Laurrie Hawn, MP
Edmonton Centre
780 442-1888
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
