THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM INDUSTRY AT MASHTEUIATSH

Mashteuiatsh, Quebec, November 9, 2004 - Senator Aurélien Gill today announced a contribution of $755 000 by the Government of Canada to the Société de Développement Économique Ilnu for its Carrefour d'Accueil Ilnu project. With total investments topping the million-dollar mark, this tourism development project will serve to structure and catalyze the tourism sector of Mashteuiatsh. It will create eight jobs, including four full-time positions, and will generate economic benefits of up to $4 million as of 2006.

Senator Gill took part in the official inauguration of the tourism complex on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister of Canada Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Francophonie, and the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry. This financial assistance made it possible to build and outfit the new building as well as showcase Ilnu cultural heritage through a number of artistic works.

"The Government of Canada's investment in the Carrefour d'Accueil Ilnu demonstrates its commitment to expand the economic prospects of Aboriginal people and communities by growing a vigorous, sustainable economy, particularly through the development and marketing of regional assets. This tourism project will have a structuring impact on the regional economy, in keeping with a principle clearly identified in the recent Speech from the Throne, which stressed the importance of supporting regional and rural economic development," asserted Senator Gill.

The purpose of the Carrefour d'Accueil Ilnu is to increase visitor traffic at Mashteuiatsh's tourist businesses and, in the long term, to stimulate the creation of Aboriginal-owned tourist businesses. The Carrefour is home to numerous services, including: a tourist information office, which will also operate in the capacity of reservation centre; an office of tourism projects, a centre dedicated to promoting Aboriginal tourism businesses and activities, lounge areas and restrooms for visitors, and conference rooms. Ilnu cultural heritage is prominently on display in the Carrefour's architecture and décor. The artistic works are structured around themes relating to the seasons, as perceived by the Ilnus, and are designed to build awareness among visitors through an introduction to the main aspects of the Mashteuiatsh Ilnu community's way of life.

The Government of Canada funding has been provided by: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada ($375,000), via its Regional Partnerships Fund; Economic Development Canada ($280,000), thanks to the Softwood Industry and Community Economic Adjustment Initiative contribution program; and Industry Canada ($100,000), through the Aboriginal Business Canada program. For additional information about these programs and funds, please visit the following websites:

www.dec-ced.gc.ca
www.abc-eac.ic.gc.ca

The Ilnu community of Mashteuiatsh is located near the city of Roberval, in the Lac-Saint-Jean region, and with nearly 4 700 members living inside or outside of the community.

For further information, please contact:

Hélène Philippe
Regional Communications Manager
Quebec Regional Office
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(418) 648-7675

Guylaine Beaudoin
Communications
Canada Economic Development
(514) 283-0368

Industry Canada
Media Relations
(613) 943-2502

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Andy Scott,
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
(819) 997-0002

Daniel Dezainde
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jacques Saada
Minister of Canada Economic Development
(514) 496-1282

Stéphanie Leblanc
Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson
Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001

Back to News Release Index