The Government of Canada Funds Labrador Inuit Association
NAIN, November 8, 2002 -- Lawrence O'Brien, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced $146,363 in funding for the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA), under the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre (UMAYC) Initiative. The funds will enable the LIA to continue to offer projects to help Labrador Inuit youth develop pride and self-sufficiency by becoming more involved in their culture and their communities."The Government of Canada is committed to work with Aboriginal people to promote and enhance Aboriginal cultures," said Mr. O'Brien.
The LIA hopes to build on the success of previous years' efforts. It will develop a workshop to train 10 young people in the art of throat singing so that they will be able to revive this traditional art form in their communities. LIA believes that the participating young people will improve their self-esteem and develop pride in their home communities.
Following the success of last year's Youth Symposium, the LIA is planning another one this year. Labrador Inuit Youth will gather to attend educational workshops on topics such as education, land claims, self-government, and programs offered by LIA.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program. The Program encourages participation in and contribution to Canadian society through support to Aboriginal representative organizations, Aboriginal women's groups, Aboriginal youth, and friendship centres, and the preservation of Aboriginal languages.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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