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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO SUPPORT ABORIGINAL VETERANS

Ottawa (November 10, 2004) -

The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians announced a total of $100,000 in Government of Canada funding for Aboriginal veterans related to their service in the Canadian Forces.

"These funds are key to honouring the important contribution made by Aboriginal veterans and will help them access programs and services available to them," said Minister Scott. "I look forward to seeing the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument completed - it is a great tribute to the contributions of Canadian Aboriginal men and women throughout war and peace."

This funding, through the Federal Interlocutor Contribution Program, builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to Aboriginal peoples. The National Aboriginal Veterans Association Inc. will receive $50,000 for 2004-05 for each of its two projects. One of the projects will lead to the completion of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument with four bronze, high-relief panels depicting World War I, World War II, the Korean war and Peacekeeping being set into the granite stone plinth. The other project will establish a communications program to ensure that Aboriginal veterans and their spouses are aware of the full range of programs and services provided by Veterans Affairs Canada.

"This communications program will certainly complement work already underway by my Department on an Aboriginal Outreach Strategy," said the Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "As part of this strategy, a senior officer will serve as the focal point for coordinating VAC outreach efforts with those of the Aboriginal Veterans' organizations."

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 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 Métis and Non-Status Indians and urban Aboriginal peoples.

For further information contact:

Campbell Morrison
Office of the Minister
(819) 997-0002

Diane Laursen
INAC Media Relations
(819) 994-2044

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