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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR UNION NATIONALE MÉTISSE SAINT-JOSEPH DU MANITOBA

St. Boniface (MANITOBA), December 21, 2004 - The Honourable Raymond Simard, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface, announced $43,250 in Government of Canada funding for Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba to further build the capacity of the organization. Mr. Simard 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 very pleased to announce this funding on behalf of the Government of Canada," said Mr. Simard. " Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba is an important organization in the St. Boniface region and these funds will help it to become stronger, which in turn will help preserve the unique Métis culture and its history."

This funding, through the Federal Interlocutor Contribution Program, builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to Aboriginal peoples. It will be used for consultations with constituents of the Union nationale; and then to develop a long-term vision and a strategic plan. The plan will address issues related to governance, accountability, as well as the future course of development of the Union nationale.

"I view this contribution as an important step by the Federal Government towards recognizing the Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba by building a partnership with the organization," said Gabriel Dufault, President of the Union. "This indicates a commitment to preserve the canadiens français Métis culture in Western Canada. We greatly appreciate this support."

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.

The Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba is the oldest Métis organization in the country. It was founded in St. Vital on July 17, 1887 by a group of Métis patriots. It traces its origins to 1884, where on September 24, the Association nationale des Métis was formed by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont at Batoche, later becoming the Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph.

For further information contact:

Diane Laursen
INAC Media Relations
(819) 994-2044

Gabriel Dufault
President
Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba
Tel: (204) 255-8422
Fax: (204) 257-2251

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