2-02212

INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA FUNDS AN ABORIGINAL TRADITIONAL HEALING CENTRE PROJECT

Maliotenam (Québec), October 28, 2002 -

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) today announced a financial contribution to the Centre de guérison Kutikuniu. The Centre officially opens today in Moisie, in the Côte-Nord region, near the Aboriginal community of Maliotenam. Total costs to operate the Centre are $257,040. As the main financial partner, INAC will contribute a maximum of $218,484, and Health Canada will contribute up to $38,556. The funding will be granted on a per diem basis for each person getting services from the Centre.

The Centre Kutikuniu will use traditional Aboriginal healing methods to victims of physical and sexual abuse. The Centre will also serve clients who seek personal development services.

"This project shows how the Government of Canada and First Nations work together to build institutions which meet the needs of First Nations and foster socio-economic development in Aboriginal communities," said Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

"The Centre de guérison will give people the opportunity to reconnect with their core values. Centre employees will use ancestral methods known as Minuinniu Innu, including traditional cedar baths (bains de cèdre), to help clients gain self-confidence and identify problems while following a process to heal physical and psychological injuries," said Mrs. Manishan Kapesh (Marie-Jeanne André), founder of the Centre Kutikuniu.

Mrs. Michèle Audette, president of the Quebec Native Women's Association, said "With the Centre de guérison Kutikuniu, my brothers and sisters from all nations will have the opportunity to recover from a difficult past and gain the willingness to live, and, I hope, the will to renew our traditions. I congratulate Manishan's team, and most of all, her family, who has always put trust in her."

During the 17-day healing program, clients explore botanical medicine and participate in healing circles and the sweat lodge. First Nations ancestral rituals are used throughout the process.

The Centre de guérison Kutikuniu is the only facility of its kind in Québec. It will create 5 jobs for Aboriginal people and can accommodate a total of 20 clients.

For further information, contact :

Marie-Jeanne André
Centre de guérison Kutikuniu
(418) 927-3151

Hélène Philippe
Regional Communications Manager
INAC
(418) 648-7675

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