REGINA, September 27, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Tom Lukiwski, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament (Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre), today announced funding for All Nations Healin' Thru Artz (ANHTA). With this support, this organization will realize its Multi Media Artz After School Project, which is designed to offer alternative arts activities in a culturally supportive environment and improve the personal, social, cultural, and economic prospects of Aboriginal young people.
Under the guidance of professional artists, elders, and the leadership of ANHTA, Aboriginal young people in Regina will have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities such as smudges, elder teachings, talking circles, and workshops on topics such as role modeling, relationship skills, and advocacy and effective authority. Community engagement activities-which include a dance and musical theatre performance that will be captured on CD and the creation of a book of participants' stories-will also be an integral part of the project. The participants will also be taught how to use production equipment like cameras, sound recording devices, and lighting.
"The Government of Canada is committed to helping Aboriginal young people gain the skills they need to achieve their goals," said Minister Moore. "We are proud to invest in activities that connect Aboriginal youth with their culture, motivate them to make positive life choices, and facilitate their full participation in Canadian society."
"Our Government is working hard to provide Aboriginal young people with community-based and culturally relevant activities," said Mr. Lukiwski. "This project is a wonderful opportunity for young people in Regina to develop their artistic and technical skills and to share their talents."
"I am pleased that Canadian Heritage is funding our project; without this important contribution, our programs would not likely take place," said Chuck Jordan, President of ANHTA. "Thanks to this support, we can offer arts programming to inner-city children at no cost to them and put them in touch with professional artists in the cultural community."
All Nations Healin' Thru Artz, incorporated in 2008, is a volunteer-supported community arts organization whose programming focuses on theatre for young people aged 12 to 20. Participants collaborate with the professional arts community to build skills; develop confidence, pride, and self-esteem; achieve success; and become positive role models in the community.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $45,000 through the Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth initiative (formerly known as the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre Initiative) of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program. This initiative provides Aboriginal young people aged 10 to 24, living in urban settings across Canada, with programming that incorporates Aboriginal values, cultures, and traditional practices in projects and activities designed to improve their social, economic, and personal prospects and to strengthen their cultural identity.
Jean-Luc Benoît
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
jean-luc.benoit@pch.gc.ca
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-899-8611
francine.lefebvre@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
