ARCHERWILL, Saskatchewan, August 5, 2008 - Aboriginal young people in Archerwill will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, workshops, and tutorials, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament (Yorkton-Melville), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for Archerwill Métis Local #58.
Funding of $79,729 will help support the Melfort Youth Empowerment Centre, which provides a safe environment where young people can participate in recreational activities and engage in community life. The centre, which operates on a dr op-in basis, gives Aboriginal young people the opportunity to access information on topics such as substance abuse, racism, stereotyping, teen pregnancy, and violence.
"Our Government is committed to helping urban Aboriginal young peop le reach their full potential and fully participate in the social, political, economic, and cultural life of the country," said Minister Verner. "This organization recognizes the importance of investing in Aboriginal young people and providing a place for them to engage in activities while maintaining their cultural identity."
"The Melfort Youth Empowerment Centre is committed to sharing information, recreation, and social activities with its participants," said Mr. B reitkreuz. "This project will provide a location for young people to participate in positive activities that would otherwise be unavailable to them."
Client Quote
The Government of Canada has provided this fun ding through the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre (UMAYC) component of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program. This program supports community and culturally-based projects for urban Aboriginal young people to improve their social, economic, and personal prospects and to strengthen their cultural identity.
Information:
Kassandra Albert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister of La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
Angela Cassie
Director of Communications and Executive Services
Prairies and Northe rn Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
