Government of Canada Announces Financial Support for the Okalakatiget Society
NAIN, July 2, 2003 -- Lawrence O'Brien, Member of Parliament (Labrador), on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced a $389,705 contribution to the Okalakatiget Society. The $389,705 contribution will help the Society to continue to produce radio and television programming in Inuktitut."The Government of Canada is committed to the promotion and enhancement of Aboriginal languages and cultures and to the production and distribution of radio programs that meet the cultural, linguistic and information needs of Aboriginal people," said Mr. O'Brien.
The Okalakatiget Society has been producing and broadcasting radio and television programming since 1983. The Society produces 20 hours of radio programming per week, for a target audience of 6,000 Inuit in Labrador. Additionally, it reaches a secondary audience of 10,000 non-Aboriginal people in Labrador, including Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The Society also produces television programming which is broadcast on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Affairs Branch through its Northern Native Broadcast Access Program. The Branch encourages participation in and contribution to Canadian society through support to Aboriginal representative organizations, Aboriginal women's groups, Aboriginal youth, and friendship centres; and through the promotion of Aboriginal languages, and cultural diversity.
Funding for this project was provided for within the 2003 federal budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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