CALGARY, August 5, 2008 - Aboriginal young people in Albertan cities will have a way to share positive stories and messages, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, has announced funding for the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth.
Funding of $ 150,950 will allow the Society to produce ten issues of New Tribe, a magazine containing articles, artwork, poems, and short stories written for and by urban Aboriginal young people. It also provides a medium for the non-Aboriginal community to learn abou t Aboriginal culture, values, and events.
"The Government of Canada is committed to enabling Aboriginal young people to access community-based, culturally relevant projects that facilitate their successful participation in community li fe," said Minister Verner. "I am proud to support this project, which will provide a unique opportunity for the urban young people of Alberta, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, to share experiences and learn from one another."
"I am pleased that our Government is supporting the New Tribe magazine initiative," said Mr. Richardson. "It will encourage young people throughout our province to honour Aboriginal culture as an integral part of Canadian society."
"With the funding received from the Department of Canadian Heritage we will be able to have continued success with our magazine, New Tribe," said LeeAnne Sicker, Executive Director for the Urban Society For Aboriginal Youth. "This pu blication provides youth with a safe space to share their voices and thoughts, giving them confidence, a sense of identity, and a feeling of pride in the ability to put their creativity into print."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres Program. This program is designed to improve the skills, knowledge, and leadership of urban Aboriginal young people and to improve their cultural, socia l, economic, and personal prospects.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
