Minister of Canadian Heritage Announces Extension of the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres Initiative
OTTAWA, April 1, 2003 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps announced a two-year extension of the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres Initiative, (UMAYC). This announcement follows the Building on Achievements Conference, held at the Château Cartier in Aylmer, Quebec, from March 27-30."The Government of Canada is pleased to extend the UMAYC Initiative for two years and to continue to meet the objectives of its youth agenda and Aboriginal Action Plan," said Minister Copps. "The conference provided the Department of Canadian Heritage with the opportunity to consult with Aboriginal youth."
Building on Achievements was a four-day conference for Aboriginal youth and youth program managers from across Canada. The goals of the Conference are to build on UMAYC Initiative's achievements, to discuss issues that can contribute to the renewal of the Initiative, to actively engage youth in hands-on training and mentorship opportunities, and to provide training opportunities that will help support the management and administration of the UMAYC Initiative.
Among the keynote speakers were Audrey Poitras, Interim President of the Métis National Council; Mary Head, President of the National Association Friendship Centre, and José Kusugak, President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
The UMAYC Initiative is a five-year $100 million initiative (1998-2003). In 2002-2003, it provided $23 million to support the establishment of the network of projects and activities that address the needs of urban Aboriginal youth. The UMAYC Initiative provides First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth aged 15 to 24, living in urban settings, with projects and activities that are culturally relevant and based in the Aboriginal community. The Initiative supports and assists Aboriginal youth in enhancing their economic, social and personal prospects.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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