Government of Canada Invests in Aboriginal Youth In the Northwest Territories
INUVIK, February 18, 2005 -- Minister of State (Northern Development) and Member of Parliament (Western Arctic) Ethel Blondin-Andrew, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $146,362 in funding for the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC). The funds will enable the IRC to continue to operate the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres (UMAYC) in Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk."Our Government recognizes the need to provide Aboriginal youth with a chance to contribute to their communities," said Minister Blondin-Andrew. "This investment will enable Aboriginal youth to reach their full potential, and help to build a bright future for the native community in the Northwest Territories."
"I am proud that the Government of Canada has renewed its partnership with the IRC," said Minister Frulla. "Organizations like this one provide Inuit youth with an opportunity to participate in cultural and recreational activities, learn from Elders, speak Inuktitut, and bring their own projects to fruition. They help them to strengthen their self-confidence, recognize the value of their culture and build the kind of society in which they want to live."
With this funding, the IRC will continue to offer programs at two youth centres, one in Inuvik and the other in Tuktoyaktuk. The programming will feature workshops on preparing and preserving traditional food, health living, making mukluks and storytelling. Currently, Inuit youth are involved in many aspects of operating the centres such as building maintenance, running the canteen, and volunteering at events. The IRC wants to introduce training and mentoring programs to further involve youth in the daily operation of the centres.
The Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres Initiative provides Aboriginal 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 also seeks to improve economic, social, and personal prospects for Aboriginal youth throughout Canada.
Funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
Information:
Jean-Philippe Côté
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Pierre Collin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Northern Development)
(613) 994-7626
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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