Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Native Council of Nova Scotia
HALIFAX, September 29, 2003 -- Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (West Nova), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $146,065 for the Native Council of Nova Scotia."The Government of Canada is proud to support the Native Council of Nova Scotia," said Minister Thibault. "This funding is an example of our commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal peoples and communities. It will assist the organization to address a wide range of Aboriginal issues, needs, and goals."
The Native Council of Nova Scotia is a Congress of Aboriginal Peoples affiliate. Since 1975, it has received funding under the Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP) as the representative organization for the Mi'kmaq/Aboriginal peoples of Nova Scotia living off-reserve. Its mandate and objectives are to work with all levels of government, public and private agencies, and private industry to improve social, educational, and employment opportunities for native Aboriginal Peoples of Nova Scotia. It also promotes, advocates, and fosters Aboriginal and treaty rights for the benefit of all off-reserve Mi'kmaq/Aboriginal peoples.
The objective of AROP is to maintain a consultative framework of Inuit, Métis, and Non-Status Indian representative organizations through which governments can address the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Aboriginal Affairs Branch. 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; preservation of Aboriginal languages; and advancement of cultural diversity.
Funding for this organization was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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