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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO COMMEMORATE MÉTIS VETERANS OF NORTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN

Beauval, SASKATCHEWAN (November 10, 2004) - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Wascana, today announced an investment of $50,000 to establish a memorial and commemorative monument to honour Métis veterans, as well as current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Minister Goodale made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

"I am proud to make this announcement on behalf of the Government of Canada," said Minister Goodale. "Residents of northern Saskatchewan have a long history of supporting Canada and its role in world conflicts and peacekeeping. This monument will help to honour their contribution and to remind us all of the sacrifices made by many of them."

This funding, through the Recognizing Métis Contributions to Canada portion of the Federal Interlocutor Contribution Program, builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to Aboriginal peoples. It will enable area residents to plan, consult, design and build a monument in the northwest Saskatchewan village of Beauval to honour Métis veterans of World Wars I and II and the Korean War, as well as their contributions to peacetime efforts around the world.

The role of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians was created in 1985, to provide a direct liaison between the Government of Canada and organizations representing these groups. The Honourable Andy Scott, as the Interlocutor, advocates for the benefit of Métis and Non-Status Indians (MNSI) as well as all urban Aboriginal people in Cabinet, with other levels of government, with partners and other stakeholders to improve the life chances of MNSI and urban Aboriginal peoples.

For further information contact:

Diane Laursen
Media Relations Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 994-2044

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