Government of Canada funds the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network to promote literacy in Saskatchewan

December 10, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN- Ralph Goodale, Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Member of Parliament for Wascana, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, today announced funding of $150,000 for the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network (SALN) Resource and Support Initiatives 2003-2006 in Saskatoon. The Government of Canada is funding this project through the National Literacy Secretariat.

The SALN will establish partnerships to expand and maintain the current Aboriginal Literacy Resource Centre and provide guidance and support to Aboriginal communities and organizations working in literacy programming.

Under this project, the SALN will foster public awareness of Aboriginal literacy and its role in providing Aboriginal literacy programming, services and resources to the Aboriginal population. The SALN will build and nurture strong partnerships with all levels of government as well as with communities and Aboriginal literacy groups and organizations to ensure that Aboriginal people are provided with community-based literacy programming that meets their needs. The SALN will also be a strong voice in exploring and accessing funding opportunities for both existing and future Aboriginal literacy programs.

"Literacy is a priority of the Government of Canada," said Minister Goodale. "We are proud to support this organization in a project that ensures that Aboriginal needs and values are considered in developing resources and services, and that recognizes the importance of informing the Aboriginal population of the literacy programs available to it."

Literacy skills are linked to work skills, health and self-esteem. Higher literacy skills among Canadians enable them to participate more fully in our economy and our society. For instance, literacy skills help determine the kinds of jobs we find, enable parents to read to their children and help us understand technical jargon, allowing us to use tools and equipment safely.

The National Literacy Secretariat works in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, business, labour and the volunteer community. The goal of these partnerships is to increase public awareness of literacy, help people share information, improve access to literacy programs, develop learning materials and advance research on literacy.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.

This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs.

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For more information :

Media Relations Office
Human Resources Development Canada
(819) 994-5559