WINNIPEG, December 19, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament (Provencher), today announced funding for the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF).
The Manitoba Métis Federation will receive two contributions totalling more than $980,000.
The $607,691 contribution for 2007-2008 will support 15 community-based projects for Aboriginal young people in all regions of Manitoba, centred on the themes of youth leadership, community involvement, and cultural, social, and health activities. The $375,000 contribution for 2007-2010 will go toward eight projects to preserve and promote the Michif language.
"The Government of Canada is committed to improving the participation of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis young people in Canadian society and to preserving and promoting Aboriginal languages," said Minister Verner.
"These projects will give young people new opportunities to enhance their economic, social, and personal prospects and help Métis communities to preserve their language," said Minister Toews.
"The Manitoba Métis Federation is dedicated to improving the lives of our people and is pleased to partner with Canadian Heritage on these important initiatives. The significant contribution of $982,691 will assist the MMF in revitalizing and strengthening our traditions and securing our future," said MMF President David Chartrand. "We are empowering our youth and the elderly with 15 essential community-based projects. We are inspiring hope with the preservation and revitalization of the Michif language of our ancestors. I thank Minister Verner and her colleagues for recognizing the need to preserve our culture as a part of a diverse Canada."
The Government of Canada is providing the $607,691 investment under the Aboriginal Peoples' Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program is aimed at increasing the participation of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canadian society and strengthening their cultural revitalization. The contribution of $375,000 over three years is provided under the Aboriginal Languages Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which is aimed at preserving and promoting Aboriginal languages and culture.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
