REGINA, July 30, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament (Palliser), today announced funding to the Canadian Red Cross Society - Regina Office for its project "Skills, Leadership and Injury Prevention for Aboriginal Youth" in Regina.
The Canadian Red Cross Society - Regina Office, in partnership with the Treaty Four Education Centre, Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP), and community schools, will deliver skills and leadership development programs and courses for Aboriginal young people in Regina. The programs and certificate courses will include first aid/CPR courses, child care, first aid and babysitting courses, as well as educational sessions on bullying prevention, and life skills.
"Our Government is proud to support projects that help provide Aboriginal young people with opportunities to reach their full potential," said Minister Moore. "Today's investment will help them in shaping their future and contributing to the growth of their community and Canada."
"This is a smart investment that will help support our First Nations people here in Saskatchewan," said Mr. Boughen. "It's important to recognize the value and importance or the Skills, Leadership and Injury Prevention for Aboriginal Youth project in Regina, and I am pleased that our Government is providing this funding."
"We are grateful for the Government of Canada's support of this project," said Cindy Fuchs, Provincial Director, Canadian Red Cross. "Working in partnership with the Treaty Four Education Centre and SUNTEP, we will be able to help hundreds of local Aboriginal youth to improve their leadership abilities, personal safety, and life skills."
The Canadian Red Cross Society is a national non-profit organization with local outreach in Regina that provides programs and services to the community.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $41,770 under the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program. This initiative supports community, culturally-based projects for urban Aboriginal young people to improve their social, economic, and personal prospects and to strengthen their cultural identity.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Roxanne Carrière
A/Manager
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-984-8700
Cell: 204-228-8866
roxanne.carriere@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
