WINNIPEG, January 22, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South), today announced funding for the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre.
Funding of $272,673 will allow the Centre to support a range of activities, including immersion classes, conference, workshops, and language camps. It will also support training and the development of a certification program for First Nations language teachers, as well as the creation of an inventory of language resources to help communities plan and implement immersion programs.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to provide this funding as part of its support for the preservation of Aboriginal languages," said Minister Verner. "By providing critical support for the teaching of First Nations languages, we are helping to safeguard an important part of Canada's heritage."
"Languages play an important role in community and culture," said Mr. Bruinooge. "These funds will help the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre continue the important work it is doing by giving teachers and students resources to learn and improve their First Nations language skills."
"Reclaiming and respecting First Nations languages and cultures is the foundation for teaching and learning that supports success in life and formal academic achievement," said MFNERC's Executive Director Lorne C. Keeper. "We thank the Government of Canada for its support for the ongoing efforts of the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre to assist First Nations based language immersion programs."
The Government of Canada is providing this funding 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
