EDMONTON, July 27, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament (Edmonton East), today announced funding for the Ben Calf Robe Society to support the Amiskos project, which will provide urban Aboriginal youth age 10 to 24 with the opportunity to experience year-round after-school activities.
These activities will allow them to follow the cultural teachings of the medicine wheel. More than 100 urban Aboriginal young people will learn more about their culture through arts and crafts, teachings from Elders, field trips, dancing and drumming, and basics of the Cree language.
"Our Government is proud to support Aboriginal young people in gaining knowledge about their culture and developing their own identity," said Mr. Goldring. "Aboriginal cultures are an integral part of our Canadian heritage, and we are pleased to help an organization that promotes their richness and their values."
"The ongoing support of the Government of Canada enables us to offer our Amiskos project to the Aboriginal youth residing in Edmonton," said Pat Dellaire, Executive Director for the Ben Calf Robe Society. "This project helps our youth experience their culture in a positive and safe environment."
The Ben Calf Robe Society has been a support system for the Ben Calf Robe School in Edmonton since 1981 and provides counselling programs and general assistance for young people. The Society's mandate is to strive to protect and enhance the sacredness of children by providing Aboriginal children and their families with holistic education, supportive social services, and high-quality culturally relevant programs.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $50,000 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
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
