(L-R): Larry Frost, Exec. Dir., Native Canadian Friendship Centre of Toronto; Jeffery Cyr, Exec. Dir.
March 2, 2015 – Toronto, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, in partnership with the National Association of Friendship Centres, today announced support to two urban Aboriginal organizations: Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Today's announcement will assist with addressing barriers to employment urban Aboriginal youth face in Toronto so they can secure jobs and participate fully in the local economy.
A number of organizations across Canada are receiving support for projects that aim to promote skills and training, entrepreneurship, and supporting Aboriginal women, children and families.
This support will help them build improved partnerships that understand the issues facing urban Aboriginal populations, while working to encourage growth in numbers of Aboriginal people in the workforce and increase support for trained, skilled workers.
The improved Urban Aboriginal Strategy results in more dollars being available to support community organizations and projects. This new approach recognizes the important role urban Aboriginal organizations play, and further helps to promote community engagement, planning and partnerships with the goal of increasing the participation of urban Aboriginal people in the Canadian economy.
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Alysha Akoodie
Communications and Social Media Officer
National Association of Friendship Centres
613-563-4844
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