Minister Copps Announces Support for Aboriginal Youth in Alberta
EDMONTON, July 24, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced funding of over $2 million for the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres (UMAYC) Initiative in Alberta. The goal of the Initiative is to assist Aboriginal youth in enhancing their economic, social and personal prospects."The Government of Canada is committed to building an encouraging, supportive environment for Aboriginal youth in Alberta," said Minister Copps. "We are investing in the future of Aboriginal youth by helping them to grow, make strides and challenge themselves personally in important cultural activities and projects."
Aboriginal organizations in Edmonton and Calgary are receiving the funding from Canadian Heritage to deliver programs and activities that focus on a wide range of Aboriginal youth issues.
More than 3,000 Aboriginal youth in Alberta have already taken part in various programs that seek to: encourage young people to stay in school; develop employment strategies and offer career counselling; improve basic knowledge; further community outreach and intervention programs; and increase participation in health, cultural and recreational projects.
UMAYC is one of four key initiatives of Gathering Strength, a component of Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan. Management and administration of project funding are based on recommendations made by Aboriginal Youth Advisory Committees in Edmonton and Calgary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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